BCIT Brief Newsletter
Winter 2018, Edition #30
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
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Thank you,
Laura Geltch
Instagram - @bcit_burlington
A Message from your Superintendent
February 2018
Dear BCIT Families:
This past week, school districts across the nation and residents of the US hold heavy hearts after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Fourteen students lost their lives, along with three brave staff. Lives were snuffed out due to a senseless act that cut short the bright futures of talented and vibrant young men and women as well as accomplished staff. We hold these families in our thoughts and give gratitude for the gift of our children and staff. We can only ask the question 'why?' This is the 19th school shooting within the past year. This begs the question, what are school districts doing across the county to assure the safety of our students, staff and visitors?
To this end, I wanted to take this time to share what both the BCIT and BCSS School Districts have done over the past 4 years to address the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors. The Board of Education has committed over $2 million to address building upgrades, procedures and the hire of security personnel to assure that there is a safe learning environment. The following is a list of some of key actions that have been taken over the past four years:
- Purchase of a visitor management system – kiosks at the entrance of the buildings
- Purchase of a comprehensive camera system in all buildings
- Hire of building security teams inclusive of former law enforcement officers and correctional staff
- We are fortunate to have school resource officers through a partnership with local law enforcement in each of the BCIT high schools and seasoned security in BCSS buildings
- All outside doors have been replaced and are part of a buzz-in identification and keyless entry system
- All outside windows near entrances have been equipped with 3M protective coating to absorb impact of any projectiles
- All classroom and other inside doors have had locks changed to keyless entry, which now allows those inside the room to lock the doors in the event of an emergency (not the case in Parkland, FL)
- All staff and students have been issued ID cards and staff issued proximity fobs to enter building and classrooms
- Administration engage at the beginning of each school year in security training for staff, inclusive of online exercises.
- Administration updated the student code of conduct
- Administration updated the emergency evacuation/response procedures in each building
- Administration runs monthly emergency drills including intruder and shelter in place
- As one of the 30 career majors at BCIT, the Law and Public Safety program includes as part of the curriculum a deep respect for the law and law enforcement while promoting appropriate training on personal and public safety
Though not an exhaustive list, the administration is constantly looking at upgrades to procedures or facilities based on what is learned from each unfortunate school tragedy. One thing is certain: we are grateful for our Board of Education, the students entrusted to us whose bright futures await them, the staff who are dedicated to their profession and our administration who assure the safety and physical and educational wellbeing of all in the buildings over which they have oversight.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Nagy
Superintendent of Schools
Click HERE for Dr. Nagy's BCIT web page & blog
BCIT 2017-18 School Calendar
BCIT Board of Education Policies & Regulations
Click HERE for Board of Education Meeting Notes. Please review and reference pertinent policies as applicable.
Board of Education policies and regulations online link:
Celebrating CTE with Senator Troy Singleton on our Westampton Campus
Senator Singleton visited our Westampton Campus on February 13, 2018 in honor of CTE Month.
Discovery Night!
Facebook Discovery Night photo galleries:
Congratulations to our 2017-18 Teachers of the Year!
Westampton Campus:
Teacher of the Year - Colleen Callaghan
Education Services Provider of the Year - Vicki Malsbury
Teacher Assistant of the Year - Brittany Rabinowitz
Medford Campus:
Teacher of the Year - Leonard Jaworski
Education Services Provider of the Year - Diane Dinovelli
Teacher Assistant of the Year - Joseph Palazzo
BCIT Adult Education
NEW at BCIT! "PACE Program" Pathways to Career Education
BCIT is now offering Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment to Burlington County 11th & 12th graders (Fall 2018). Incoming 11th graders may acquire enough CTE course work to earn an industry credential upon graduation. Twelfth (12th) grade students may need to attend BCIT’s Adult Education Program to complete and earn an industry-based credential or continue their education through a two or four-year college.
BCIT Foundation - Get your seat for Designer Bag Bingo on Thursday, March 15
Save the Date: Designer Bag Bingo
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Our next Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser is set for Thursday, March 15, at the Westampton campus. These popular events sell out fast, so lock in your reservation for a fun time, chances to fabulous prizes, and two enviable 50-50 cash pots! We give away Coach, Kors and Spade prizes -- plus more than 20 door prizes!
“Party of 8” reservations are guaranteed to a table by themselves; players who reserve 7 or fewer spots will find seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Thu., March 15 in the Westampton Atrium
- 6 pm Doors Open, 7 pm Games Begin
- $30 per person for Admission Plus 10 games
Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s mission to support the school’s students and staff with education-based technology and post-secondary scholarships.
To save your seat: Go to www.bcit.cc/foundation and use the Paypal button to charge reservations to a credit card, even if you don’t have a Paypal account. Or, call the Foundation at 609-267-4226, ext. 8335 to charge over the phone or to make arrangements for check or cash payment.
Get in on the games! Does your company want 300 pairs of eyes on its logo? Sponsorships range from $100 to $1,000 and include event signage, website recognition and player seats.
This event is not affiliated with Coach Inc., Michael Kors or Kate Spade New York. BCIT Foundation will operate this event under state ID #329-5-34741 and municipal permit BA4-2018.
Renee Janowicz
Director, BCIT Foundation
609-267-4226, ext. 8335
Medford Campus Designer Bag Bingo - May 10, 2018
2018 Summer Camp Registration OPEN!
REGISTER for BCIT 2018 Summer Camp
Click HERE for the 2018 BCIT Summer Camp Brochure
With more than 30 camps offered, campers will explore new and exciting opportunities on our Medford & Westampton campuses this summer. For questions regarding Summer Camp, email bcitcamp@burlcoschools.org
Congratulations to our Students of the Month - Medford Campus
November 2017
9th - Samiyyah Abdul-Salaam
10th - Sarah Murray
11th - Molly Gruberg
12th - Zaire Carter
Student Athlete - Maria Jimenez
Most Improved - Peter Blassmann
December 2017
9th - Abigail Hoyer
10th - Cassandra Diaz
11th - Haley Evert
12th - Lauren Romano
Student Athlete - Jeremiah Armstead
Most Improved - Adrianna Piserchia
January 2018
9th - Tyler Stidham
10th - Mykayla Shearin Howard
11th - Preston Haddon
12th - Ashley Myers
Student Athlete - Kelly Ferguson
Most Improved - Tim Edwards
Congratulations to our Students of the Month! - Westampton Campus
November 2017
9th - Jaydon Santiago
10th - Ailah Charles
11th - Arianna Lewis
12th - David Hopkins
Student Athlete - Breianna Caggiano
Most Improved - Dahshon Thomas
December 2017
9th - Parker Luce
10th - Stephanie Shaw
11th - Mateus Oliveira
12th - Natasia Bennett
Student Athlete - Jarrell Brown
Most Improved - Gia Buckner
January 2018
9th - Amaya Cartwright
10th - Hilal Tiryaki
11th - Stephanie Valme
12th - Taiuo Bolaji
Student Athlete - Jahaad Wilkins
Most Improved - Albertha Vesselee
Virtua named BCIT's Business Partner of the Year
Dr. Nagy and Dr. Bonsall recognized Virtua for its long standing relationship with BCIT and for the future synergistic opportunities that healthcare provides to our Allied Health Professions at BCIT and source of employment. Thank you to our talented Culinary Arts & Hospitality students and staff for preparing and serving a delicious meal.
Dr. AnneMarie Palatnick and Joanne Wilson accepted the award on behalf of the President and CEO of Virtua Hospital.
Congratulations to our Westampton Early Childhood students.
Early Childhood Education students attended the first regional NJFEA Conference on February 21st at The College of New Jersey. Nearly 500 high school students and their advisors took advantage of more than 20 breakout sessions to learn about and explore teaching as a future career. Special Guest speakers were Mr. Steven Beatty, NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, and to Mrs. Amy Anderson, 2017-18 New Jersey Teacher of the Year.
Students: Royalty Adams, Eliza Bunche, Tamia Campbell, Aniyah Dickson, Aeryn Gilmore, Diamond Harney- Craig, Diamonique Harney-Craig, Jade Jean, Sorena Joseph, Avana McClinton, Gabrielle Perry, Heaven Proctor, Haili West & Jana Tirado.
Westampton Culinary Arts & Hospitality Junior competes in Mt. Holly Fire & Ice Festival
Mt. Holly Fire & Ice Chili Contest featuring Brieanna Fontenelli, assisted by BCIT Culinary Chef Bob. Brieanna received 2nd Place in the People's Choice Award! Congratulations Brieanna and Chef Bob!
BCIT Winter Sports
Medford Girl's Basketball Team Honored
Congratulations to our seniors from the Medford Campus Girl's Basketball team who were honored Wednesday night by the Al Carino Girls Basketball Club of South Jersey for being team captains and unsung heroes.
Taylor Thompson, Dasia Wright, Sionnie Mathis, Sha'Kera Hilton, Jordynn Thompson and Tiara Bell are with Coach Kenney at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill.
Medford Jaguars play Wells Fargo Center!
The Jaguars had a huge win over Riverside and a night they'll never forget at the Wells Fargo Center.
Mathis scored 24 points!
Westampton Campus "Senior" Prom - May 4, 2018
BCIT Academy for Performing Arts presents
Spring Musical: All Shook Up March 16, 17, 23 & 24
Spring Instrumental & Vocal Music Concert: May 17
Spring Dance Concert: May 23 & 24
BCIT Medford Academy for Performing Arts presents:
Congratulations to our Academy for Performing Arts Students!
BCIT in the Community!
BCSSSD Educational Foundation Golf Outing
Thursday, Jun 28, 2018, 07:30 AM
Burlington Country Club, Burrs Road, Mount Holly, NJ, United States
BCIT Official Online School Store!
BCPDI 2017-18 Online Workshop Series
2ndFloor.org Youth Helpline
In NJ, youth have an anonymous and confidential helpline to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-888-222-2228 to speak with someone who will listen attentively and compassionately to any issues you are facing.
ANY CALL, ANY TIME - we are always here and ready to help.
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 BCIT Personnel.
Employee Data Change Form: EDCF Form
Note: Staff are required to submit a signed EDCF when requesting changes to their personnel profile.
EDCF should be sent to personnel: bcsssdpersonnel@burlcoschools.org or BCITPersonnel@burlcoschools.org
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.