BCSSSD Pioneer Press
September 2016, Edition #21
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
Thank you,
Laura Geltch
Dr. Christopher Nagy, Superintendent of Schools
September 2016
Welcome Back BCSSSD Parents and Students!
We here at the Burlington County Special Services School District have embraced a culture that supports a Core Four philosophy adopted from the Nokia Corporation that emphasizes:
- Customer satisfaction
- Respect for the individual
- Achievement
- Continuous learning
We believe:
A focus on data, educational needs, literacy and technology allows us to customize learning and improve achievement. Continuous learning entitles our students to grow and build upon skill sets to improve performance and independence. And what’s true for the individual is just as true for our school district and staff. An emphasis on staff development assures that our students are positioned for success.
Our mission is focused on your children to assure each child reaches his/her full potential to be a self-sufficient, productive member of the community.
BCSSSD offers a number of advantages for parents and students who are in need of a specialized setting with a well trained staff to address customized solutions. Parents, you have made a wise choice to send your children to BCSSSD. Here are some of the reasons why our district is a “go to” solution for students:
- Revamped vocational programs to provide 21st Century, real-world employment skills and experiences for students across campuses
- Training to support Department of Labor in demand career areas and ability to earn stackable industry credentials on the Lumberton Campus in automotive technology, building trades, business and computer applications, culinary and nail technology
- The pursuit of post-secondary academic goals while earning college credits at the Alternative and West campuses
- Exposure to American Sign Language to meet goals and objective requirements on the Westampton campus
- Dedicated and trained staff to work with students with autism across the spectrum
- A commitment to literacy development across all campuses
- The opportunity to participate in structured learning experiences and gain access to work with employers and development of work skill applications
- The opportunity to participate in special Olympics, respite and field trip experiences and other programs to promote socialization
- Immersion in a school culture that supports a focus on lifelong learning
- Engagement in a school culture that promotes flourishing, balance and wellbeing
- Exposure to a partnership with Bancroft at Burlington, an Adult Day and Employment Program and Occupational Training Centers (OTC) for post age 21 placement
- Support a comprehensive ages 3-21 program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
In the coming year, our primary focus will be on the critical work of data collection and analysis to inform curriculum, instruction, and assessment. With a commitment to intensive professional development and professional learning communities, we seek to provide the best differentiated instructional practices in all BCSS classrooms while supporting customized learning and technology applications.
We look forward to a great year and thank you for the gift of your children and opportunity to change their lives and position them for success. I look forward to reporting on our progress throughout the year and encourage you to follow my blog postings which provide more up to date changes.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher J. Nagy
Superintendent of Schools
Click HERE for Dr. Nagy's BCSSSD web page and blog.
September Greetings from Mr. Demidont, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education
Dear BCSSSD Community,
I want to personally thank all of you for contributing to a successful Back to School Night and Transition Fair.
Our staff put forth a tremendous effort in organizing the event. It is often said that the most precious gift an educator can give is the gift of time--the currency of learning. Please join me in recognizing our staff's contribution for a successful start to the school year.
During the Back To School Night presentation last week, I was encouraged to see all the parents who came out to support their children. At the end of the day, the most significant component to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents. At Burlington County Special Services School District we strive to live up to the expectations of our dedicated parents who entrust their children to us. Thank you for your support, we could not do what we do without you.
To quote the words of John F. Kennedy as they relate to the spirit of BCSSSD, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” I am fortunate to be surrounded by parents and colleagues who are wonderful examples of that sentiment.
Sincerely,
Andy Demidont
Assistant Superintendent for Special Education
Burlington County Special Services School District/BCIT
BCSSSD Westampton Campus Video on YouTube
BCSSSD Board of Education Policies & Regulations
Click HERE for the 2016-17 Board of Education Meeting Notes. Please review and reference pertinent policies as applicable.
Board of Education policies and regulations online link:
BCSSSD 2016-17 District School Calendar
September 2016 BCAS Update from BCAS Principal, Mrs. Joan Barbagiovanni
Student accomplishments, recognition, awards, activities, assemblies, programs, etc.
Students participated in opening day activities and were all given a “One School, Your Journey” T-shirt.
A’Jhon Gilbert was selected at the Principal’s Exemplary Citizen of the Month of September for his time spent mentoring younger students within the school and for his positive contributions to the school community.
BCAS hosted its annual Back to School Night. This year, Peter Foster, General Manager of the Olive Garden in Deptford, NJ generously donated a delicious warm meal through their community outreach program. In addition to the staff, there were 55 parents and family members in attendance. It was a wonderful night and great way to get to know our school families!
On September 23, 2016, 18 students led by counselor Pam Gessert visited Philadelphia to tour the Mural Arts exhibit and the Magic Gardens. Following the exhibit, the students will write reflections.
BCAS Recent Graduates
Shawn Brickner of the Lenape Regional High School District is the first graduate this year at BCAS.
Employee accomplishments, recognition, awards, professional development, etc.
Steve Fitzgerald, Program Specialist, continues to make progress towards his counseling degree at Georgian Court University.
Matias Campanini has started a Masters of Arts program for World Language at Rutgers University.
Michelle Delaney has started a Masters of Arts program for her principal certificate at Rowan University.
Joan Barbagiovanni continues to make progress towards her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Rowan University with Dr. Nagy as a committee member.
Matthew Hoffman has enrolled in the Driver’s Education Program at Rowan University.
October 18, 2016 Info Session "Financial Freedom" with Primerica.
BCSSSD Lumberton Campus September 2016 Newsletter
Click HERE
Letter from your BCSSSD Educational Foundation President
Dear BCSSSD Community,
As we begin another school year, I would like to reintroduce your school’s foundation. The BCSSSD Educational Foundation is here to link the community to the school with the mission to give back directly to the students. Over the years, we’ve raised money to upgrade technology, provide respites, award graduation gifts, among other things. Most recently, we’ve donated $5,000 toward the newest FLC (Functional Living Center), a facility that promotes work on learning every day life skills such as sorting laundry and putting groceries away. The Foundation is excited to be part of providing opportunities for our students’ future life success.
As we continue to look toward the best way to maximize the student experience, The Foundation is proud to provide the “Funding the Future” program. Through this program, parents, teachers, and students may submit a request, which directly benefits the students. If any of you have a request, please submit your name, email address, and detailed request to PetrizziR@yahoo.com. Submissions will be reviewed during the Foundation's Board of Trustees next meeting.
Best of luck in the new school year!
Regards,
Ryan J. Petrizzi
President, BCSSSD Educational Foundation
Westampton Campus
First day of school on our Westampton Campus
First day of school for BCAS in Mt. Laurel
Back to School Night & Transition Fair - Westampton Campus
Floriculture Classroom
BCAS Back To School Night, Mt. Laurel Campus
Back To School Night AND Dinner!
Thank you to Peter Foster, Deptford Olive Garden Manager, for providing dinner for everyone in attendance via Olive Garden's Community Outreach Program. Representatives were also on hand from RCBC to answer questions.
Click HERE for the 2016-17 BCPDI Online Brochure. Register today!
BCSSSD In The News! The Burlington County Times
Jake's RUN4PLAY
Save the date: BCSSSD Holiday Craft Fair & Show
BCSSSD Westampton Campus
20 Pioneer Blvd.
Westampton, NJ 08060
Craft Fair: 6 p.m.
Holiday Show: 7 p.m.
Like us on Facebook!
BCSSSD is on Facebook! Follow us today! Click HERE for link to our Facebook page.
Follow us on Twitter!
Burlington County Health Department Information: School-Aged Children Immunization Clinics
Click HERE for the link to the Burlington County Burlington County Health Department (BCHD) / School-Age Children Immunization Clinic.
Emergency Closing/Delayed Opening Procedures:
In the event of a campus emergency or inclement weather, staff members will be contacted via email, phone message, and text message. In addition, we will post a Special Alert Message on our website.
Staff Members, Help us Contact You.
Have you moved? Have you changed your phone number or email address? Please make sure to update your information with BCSSSD Personnel. Contact person: Peggy Heller, pheller@bcsssd.k12.nj.us
Employee Data Change Form: EMPLOYEE DATA CHANGE FORM 12.2.14 EDCF.pdf
Note: Staff are required to submit a signed EDCF when requesting changes to their personnel profile.
EDCF should be sent to personnel: bcsssdpersonnel@bcsssd.k12.nj.us or BCITPersonnel@bcit.cc
Students will be contacted using information stored in Genesis, our electronic student database. Parents should be reminded to ensure their contact information is up-to-date. Any changes should be reported to the main office of the student's school.