BCSSSD Pioneer Press
September 2015, Edition #10
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
Congratulations BCSSSD! Best of 2015!
Your hard work, dedication, and expertise is greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything you do to make BCSSSD the Best of Burlington county.
A Message from your Superintendent
September 2015
Welcome back to school Burlington County!
We here at the Burlington County Special Services School District are extraordinarily excited for the start of this year of renewal. We are honored to pursue our Mission on behalf of your children to assure each child reaches full potential as a self-sufficient, productive, member of the community.
As I enter my 22nd month as your Superintendent of School, I am very pleased about the work our team has accomplished to date; and hopeful about the future. We have spent much time and effort observing and evaluating all aspects of our very complex organization, and taking some important actions to ensure we achieve our Mission with our students.
We:
Restructured our central administration to better serve the district
Restructured our Westampton campus:
to live our belief in One District with One Mission!
to provide more inclusive programming for students
reduce redundancy of administration and staffing
Revamped programming on our Lumberton Campus to provide effective restorative and instructional practices for students
Forged a partnership with the Bancroft School to develop Bancroft at Burlington, Adult Day and Employment Program
Revamped our vocational programs to provide 21st Century, real-world employment skills and experiences for students
Updating curriculum across the district
Added the Burlington County Alternative School for middle and high school students located on 1000 Briggs Road, Mt. Laurel on the campus of Rowan College at Burlington County
Opened a comprehensive ages 3-21 program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
Overhauled our aquatics program to providing a benchmark for effective and safe aquatics instruction
Helped to form a campus-wide School and Family Association to promote strong home and school partnerships
Completed a number of important facilities projects:
to enhance safety and security
to maintain our buildings and grounds
In the coming year, our primary focus will be the critical work of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, that is - teaching and learning. We seek to provide the best differentiated instructional practices in all BCSS classrooms. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your children and family. We look forward to a positive and productive school year.
Sincerely,
Superintendent of Schools
A letter from Dr. Nagy, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education
September always marks change and it is the sign for the end of the summer. While the weather begins to change, the evening light fades away earlier and earlier, we can look back and say that we have had an active September in the Special Services School District. Our Alternative school continues to experience record enrollment and our Lumberton Campus is involved in a strategic planning process to expand programmatic offerings. The Westampton campus now is home to new signs that highlight the entrances to specific areas of the campus and reflect the restructuring of the campus. Excitement and change is in the air.
The first event for the year was our annual Back to School Night held on September 17th, an event that was well attended. Special recognition goes out to all of the students who helped bake the refreshments – a taste of pumpkin was the theme for the night. Parents and students had the opportunity to listen to administrators, teachers and related service staff about respective campus programs and therapies.
That same day, we hosted a Transition Fair with more than 20 service providers including our own BCIT Adult School and new partner, Bancroft for the 21 and older population. Students and parents had an opportunity throughout the day to learn about career opportunities and training, to learn a skill, and be engaged in the workforce. The event was very well attended and all appreciated the handouts from the service providers.
We certainly appreciated the plug our autism program received when asked to comment on the upcoming Papal visit to Philadelphia and what that would mean for an autistic student who may be accompanied by a parent to the various events. Compliments to our staff for a job well done.
We are excited to announce that our Genesis Parent Portal will be launched on October 15, 2015. Please see the attached introductory letter and the accompanying parental form that will need to be completed and returned. This marks a turning point for us to engage parents as participants in the monitoring of demographic information, attendance, report card (unless working through IEP Direct program) and gradebook. Please note that if we do not have the emergency card or the email address, you will not be contacted. We cannot stress the importance of having this information on file. If one does not have e-mail, other arrangements will be made.
Over the summer, legislation was enacted for schools to provide for the availability and training of staff on the use of Epipens. We will have the epipens present for fieldtrips, community events or any other event where students participate as part of a school program.
The focus of this school year is One District, One Mission and One Vision. To this end, extraordinary efforts are being made to provide teaching staff, related services personnel and teacher assistants professional development and participation in Professional Learning Communities to support the goals and objectives of the district focus and to assure the rigor, relevance and relationship as they pertain to student learning and skill development. In the end, our mission is to support the educational growth and development of those students entrusted to us, and as such, it is an honor and privilege to work with such gifted students.
On behalf of my dedicated administrative team, staff and teacher assistants, I want to wish everyone a great school year.
Attention Parents & Guardians: Parent Portal Letter and Parent Portal Form
BCSSSD In the News!
BCSSSD's Adell Valasek contributes to this article in The Burlington County Times:
BCSSSD students created wooden Autumn pumpkin signs. Get yours today! $5 each
Welcome Back BCSSSD!
First day of School, BCAS
BCAS Student Star, shares her experience as a BCAS student:
"I've been in BCAS for a little over a year and it has changed my life. Staff is involved and students are respectful; you can work at your own pace as well as, as fast as you want to graduate. I love and enjoy my moments spent there and the memories created. This picture of me and Dr. Manno was me being happy on the first day, I enjoy my days with the people I enjoy the most! I highly recommend this school."
Burlington County Alternative School September Successes!
Student accomplishments, recognition, awards, activities, assemblies, programs, etc.
- Students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in relevant coursework to broaden their understanding of the Hispanic culture.
- Student participated in Youth to Youth’s “The Power of Acceptance” with Ty Sells.
- High school students attended a team-building trip to Ironwood Outdoor Center.
- BCAS students have formed teams and are training for the Cozies 4 Chemo 5K. Another group of students will be participating by creating handmade blankets for donation.
- Kelly Fenimore and Taniya McLaurin were selected to be the Student Spotlights for middle school for the month of September.
- Angelina Cloonan is our BCA citizen of the month. Angelina has had a great start to the school year. She is attending a class a RCBC and is also earning credit here. She has been an ambassador to the new students and even offering to help teachers whenever she can. We look forward to many more great things from Angelina this year.
- Brandon Grieves is one of our BCA scholars of the month. Brandon attends classes regularly and has already been earning credits. He is off to a great start this year and we want to congratulate him for all his hard work.
- Star Vesella is one of our BCA scholars of the month. Star is already earning credits this school year and has been working hard. Star is planning on finishing her credits by December of this year and at this rate she surely will. Great job, Star!
- Jim Codianni created a unit to celebrate Constitution Day. The students were able to learn the importance and relevance of this document.
BCAS Students visit Wetlands Institute & Cape May Zoo!
BCSSSD Community enjoys Lion King on Broadway
Theatre Development Fund provided complimentary tickets to the BCSSSD students, staff, and families for the September 27, 2015 autism-friendly performance of Lion King on Broadway. Thank you, Phil Dallman for your generosity and continued support of BCSSSD.
Burlington County Professional Development Institute (BCPDI)
The Burlington County Professional Development Institute (BCPDI) Advisory Committee met this month, at BCSSSD for their first quarterly meeting.
Thank you to our staff and students who helped facilitate the meeting and escort our guests to the media center.
For more information, contact Mrs. Marie Phillips via email or phone at (609) 234-4879.
Back To School! Welcome back students!
Westampton has New signs!
BCSSSD Westampton Campus welcomed families to Back To School Night
Back To School Night at BCAS, Mt. Laurel
BCAS hosts Parent/Community Network Events
Thank you to everyone who attended the Transition Fair and supported the BCSSSD Community
BCIT/BCSSSD Board of Education Policies & Regulations
The following policies and regulations have been approved by the Board of Education. Please review and reference pertinent policies as applicable.
2360 Use of Technology
R2421 Vocational-Technical Instruction
5330 and R5330 Administration of Medication 8820 Opening Exercises/Ceremonies
5615 Suspected Gang Activity
8540 School
5756 R8505.01 R8505.02 5339 R2431.5 R3125.2 Abolished R8540
Nutrition Programs Free and Reduced Rate Meals
Transgender Students
Nutrition and Feeding Safety Protocols (BCSSSD Only) Nutrition and Feeding Questionnaire (BCSSSD Only) Screening for Dyslexia
Athletic Practice Competition Adm Walk Through Process Substitute Coverage SOP (BCSSSD Only)
Free and Reduced Rate Meals
Parent Focus Group with Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Manno
Monday, November 9, 2015, 4:30 p.m.
R.S.V.P.
Charleen Stevenson, at cstevenson@bcsssd.k12.nj.us by November 2, 2015.
Team building exercises on our Lumberton campus! Communication and perseverance were needed to get staff team members from point A to point B.
Deaf Fest 2015
The week of September 20 - 27 is Deaf Awareness Week. Our ESU D/HH specialists attended Deaf Fest 2015, Middlesex County Fair Grounds on September 20.
Mr. Brand and Ms. Lutgen local celebs at ShopRite
NJEA students participate in Essay Contest
BCSSSD students Micah Medina, Michael Lynch, James Henderson, Tyler Warden, Kevin Thomas, and Zach Conrad attended the September 13, 2015 Phillies game. All of the students were awarded honorable mention tickets for participating in an essay contest sponsored by NJEA and the Phillies. The students also received a gift basket with a variety of Phillies gear!
The contest asked students to describe their school heroes. Micah earned 2nd place honor for his essay about his hero, Mrs. Jayne Corley. Micah’s Community Based Instruction teacher, Mrs. Jayne Corley, is helping him prepare for transition from school to the workforce. “She listens to my problems and helps me understand them. She is there when I need her,” he shared. Micah and his teacher were each presented 10 tickets.
Both Micah and Mrs. Jayne Corley were invited on the field to meet the Philly Phanatic. All of the students and their guests attended a tent party for lunch prior to the game. The Phillies hosted a great afternoon for all, including a 7 to 4 win over the Cubs.
11th Annual Our Little Hero Buddy Walk - Oct. 11, 2015, 1 p.m.
Jump Start Store
Dear parents and staff,
Students will be provided with the opportunity to shop at the Jump Start Store two times per month this year. Sign-up will be done on a first come/first served basis, so please stop in to schedule your preferred shopping times.
Thank you for your continued support through donations of clothing and household goods. We look forward to working with you and your students this year!
-Mr. McHugh & Mr. Zielinski
Do you have a story to share?
Our students and staff are unique and truly outstanding Burlington County community members. It would be my pleasure to share student, family, and parent stories with our school's community.
Please contact me if you would like to share your story.
Thank you,
Program & Community Coordinator
BCSSSD
BCSSSD Parent Corner
"My daughter, Lauren has been attending BCSSSD since preschool and is now starting her freshman year. She has made tremendous progress due to the amazing, caring staff they have working there. Keep up the good work!
-Kelly C."
A letter from Tara Montague, SFA President
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. Our first School & Family Association (SFA) meeting will be Wednesday, October 7, 7pm in the BCSSSD Media Center on the Westampton Campus. You can park behind the high school and enter through the C-9 entrance. During the October 7 meeting, Dr. Manno will address the SFA with a state-of-the-school update.
I've attached some documents with information on your SFA. There is also a survey attached to get a better idea of what you would like to see the SFA do this year.
Child care is available for the meeting. We must know no later than the end of the school day on Monday, October 6th if you are planning to use child care at the meeting. Please email us with the name and age of your child. Child care will not be available at the meeting if you have not registered your child in advance.
We hope you can join us on October 7th.
Best wishes,
Tara Montague, SFA President
Peggy Dugan, SFA Vice-President.
Important link: 2015-16 Meeting Dates
Military Appreciation Month
Like us on Facebook!
BCSSSD School and Family Association (SFA)
https://www.facebook.com/BCSS.SFA?fref=ts
NEW PAGES:
Burlington County Deaf & Hard of Hearing-D/HH Education Initiative
ESU Augmentative Alternative Communication & Assistive Technology
BCSSSD Staff: FREE Flu Shot
RiteAid will be on the Westampton campus Wednesday, October 7 administering free flu shots. They are FREE WITH A COPY OF YOUR INSURANCE CARD.
Please pick up a form from your campus nurse and have it filled out prior to October 7.
Location:
Central Gym
2-3 p.m. on October 7, 2015
STAFF only
Burlington County Health Department Information: 2015-16 School-Aged Children Immunization Clinics
Letter from Burlington County Health Department:
Referral Form from Burlington County Health Department:
Fall Resource Fair on Friday, October 16, 2015
The Burlington County Education and Youth Services Collaboration Working Group will be hosting a Fall Resource Fair on Friday, October 16, 2015. The fair will include presentations by:
- Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU)
- Care Management Organization(CMO)
- Chlldrens’ Mobile Reponse and Stabilization Services
- Screening Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP)
- Family Support Organization (FSO)
- NJ Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P)
- Juvenile Justice
- Youth One Stops
- Children’s InterAgency Coordinating Committee (CIACC)
Please REGISTER by clicking here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/registerff
LOCATION:
Burl Co Emergency Training Center, 52 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ
BCSSSD 2015-2016 School Calendar
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.
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.