BCIT Brief
April 2015, Edition #6
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
A Message from Dr. Christopher Manno
Burlington County Institute of Technology
Vision 2015
Dr. Christopher M. Manno, Superintendent of Schools
Executive Summary
Our Vision is to become the premier regional academic and career/technical educational institution serving high school and adult students, which is the driving force for workforce and economic development in our region.
The following principles are guiding our work:
- Provide students of all ages with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners.
- Prepare students to enter the workforce in traditional and in-demand trades.
- Provide educational programming alternatives for ALL students, including highly academically motivated students in specialized Career Academies.
- Be the “go to” institution for business and industry who seek customized and technical training for employees
- Nurture and grow educational partnerships with regional partners, such as Burlington County Community College, the WIB, One Stop, the Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses.
- Maintain the highest standards of efficiency and fiscal accountability.
Progress on BCIT Vision 2015
In May, 2014, the Superintendent of Schools presented to the Board of Education a 100-day report, which can be found on the BCIT webpage. The report identified key needs:
- Evaluate and restructure the BCIT Leadership team to serve current needs and requirements.
- Improve branding and marketing for the district.
- Provide extensive training on NJ State Statute, Administrative Code, District Policy and Regulation for administrators and appropriate staff; and, to create Standard Operating Procedures for areas in need of immediate compliance.
- Conduct full curriculum review.
- Develop Career Academies as an option for students to engage in more rigorous in-depth study of specific career majors.
- Conduct a full staff-load analysis.
- Implement revised safety and security protocols.
- Ensure compliance with TEACHNJ and AchieveNJ, the new Teacher and Principal Evaluation and Tenure requirements.
- Evaluate and refine the BCIT Adult School program.
- Evaluate and improve the BCIT hiring process.
Refinements in the administrative structure have occurred to include a shared Business Administrative Position and shared positions for Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, Safety and Security, Technology, Program and Community Relations, Transportation, and Food Services. The personnel hiring process has been revamped and streamlined to ensure compliance with Statute, Code, Policy and Certification requirements. New District Policies and Regulations were adopted, and we have been working diligently to train key staff to effectively implement such.
A detailed marketing plan has been developed. A detailed staff-load analysis reveals appropriate staffing levels in both schools with some room for adjustment to accommodate for new programs, specifically three new Academy-type programs in the Performing Arts, Agriscience, and Computer/Electrical Engineering. Admissions criteria and processes have been revamped.
A significant deterrent for parent choice of BCIT for their students has been the lack of an Advanced Placement Program. This will be remedied in 2015-16 with the addition of an AP program for all students.
With new leadership for our Adult School Program, the program is now thriving. With adjustments to course pricing, improved advertising, and refined business and operational practices, enrollment is significantly up, new market-appropriate courses have been designed, and apprenticeships have increased from zero in 2013-14 to nearly 50 this school year. Connections and partnerships with business and industry are developing daily. We are proud of the customized training we are offering to local employers as a solution to specific skill development needs and many alumni from our programs who were hired this past year to fill in-demand occupations.
Of the most challenging and difficult changes in practice have been refinements, changes and improvements to business practices to comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to which we are bound by Statute, Code, Policy and Regulation. New Standard Operating Procedures and regulations have been developed and implemented. These constitute a clear break in many cases from past practice, and represent significant challenges for those tasked with implementing these procedures. These changes are, however, critical to protect the taxpayer’s valuable assets and resources.
In summary, BCIT is going places. We have a compelling Vision for BCIT as a premier County educational institution driving workforce and economic development, and propelling students into the workforce, higher education, and/or continued career training. Whether a student or adult, BCIT offers opportunities to earn college credits, a new credential, be an apprentice, become Board certified in any one of Allied Health Occupations, or learn a new skill through customized training.
May 2015 BCIT Educator Appreciation Events
BCIT/BCSSSD Board of Education Policies & Regulations
2415.07 District Protocol For Student Testing/Assessments (BCIT) (2nd Reading)
R2340 Field Trips (Revision)
6471 Prohibited Travel Reimbursements and Expenses (Revision)
Policies/Regulations:
R8460 General Investigative Procedures - 1st Reading
R5111 and 5111 Policy and Regulation for Admissions-Revision (BCIT only) 5120 Assignment of Students (BCIT Section Only)-Revision
Revised 2014-2015 School Year Calendars
BCSSSD change March 25 to early dismissal for students; 1⁄2 day In-service teachers. BCIT change March 27 to early dismissal for students; 1⁄2 day In-service teachers.
Policies/Regulations:
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R0157 Board of Education Website
R7450.1 BCIT S.O.P. General CTE Inventory and Accompanying Forms 9325 Use of Drug-Detection Canines
Revised:
P0134 Board Self Evaluation
P0152 Board Officers
P2622 Student Assessment
P3212 Attendance
P4212 Attendance (formerly P4211-removed) P & R 3218 Substance Abuse
P & R 4218 Substance Abuse
P5465 Early Graduation
P8630 Bus Driver/Bus Aide Responsibility R8630 Emergency School Bus ProceduresStrauss Esmay BCIT/BCSSSD policies and regulations.
District Collaboration at its Finest!
Burlington County Counselor's Association welcomed BCSSSD & BCIT administrators and students for a district presentation.
Dr. Manno, Dr. Bonsall, and Ms. Downs presented on BCSSSD, BCIT, and BCSS Alternative School. In addition, a few of our students spoke about their experiences as a student of BCIT and the Alternative School.
BCIT and BCSS came together for a Leadership Development Session. They are studying key process skills of effective leadership.
BCIT Medford Principal, Mr. Parker & students present their recent ROVI Wheelchair Obstacle Course project during the Board of Education meeting. Congratulations team!
BCIT Medford presents "A Walk in the Garden" - VANS Shoe Design Contest
We are hoping to make the top 50 finalists in order to make the 2nd round of judging. This round includes a public vote. We will be calling on everyone to participate if we are lucky enough to make it to round 2.
Please check out the shoe designs by stopping by our AdArt classroom. I have also attached a photo of the final designs.
Once again, thank you to those who were able to make it up to our shop to vote.
Have a wonderful day,
Susan M. Steich
Advertising Art and Design
Congratulations BCIT Westampton Senior, Clinton Asulu!
Division III signing to Penn State University Harrisburg, for Basketball, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Clinton has much to be proud of: #2 in in his class, Culinary major, NHS President, SkillsUSA, & Captain, Varsity Basketball team.
NOCTI testing on both campuses.
Students on our Medford and Westampton campuses are taking their NOCTI tests this week. The test is comprised of two-parts; an online knowledge assessment and a performance, hands-on test. All students who pass their NOCTI test, are provided a certificate from NOCTI.
BCIT Medford Academy Information Session Dates: April 14, 2015 & May 5, 2015 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
BCIT Westampton Accepted Student Day Assembly: May 6, 2015, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
BCIT Medford Accepted Student Day Assembly: May 18, 2015, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
BCIT Medford Spirit Week "Hollywood Squares"
CTE Spotlight: Fashion, Design, & Merchandising
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” — Ralph Lauren
Ashley Larmore, a junior at BCIT in Westampton, understands that fashion comes from within you. This native of Philadelphia came to BCIT for the fashion experience. She has always known that she was destined for the field. Ashley has already developed her personal style, a rugged street style, one that is high fashion, but is anything except ordinary. “I’m edgy. I like my clothes to be street smart and stylish, with mile-high platform shoes. That’s how I want to make my statement, starting with fashion merchandising at BCIT.”
Currently, Ashley is preparing for this year’s fashion show, “Behind the Scenes.” As a junior, she is able to model for the show and even has a few of her garments displayed. Ashley proudly shows her designs, one a dress and another a pantsuit; both in shades of red. She eagerly looks forward to the Senior Collection, a collection of designs much like an authentic fashion designer, which serves as the capstone project. Seniors spend much of their final year preparing these designs, which are created, sewn, and modeled by the students. Boards are also created to show the design from concept to runway. Teacher Katina Lindsay believes students need to understand all aspects of fashion, from design to marketing. This is why she ensures her students gain hands-on experience in all related fields to prepare them for a wide range of careers.
Ashley states that her training here at BCIT would also well prepare her for a career in business, as students learn the organizational and marketing skills necessary for this field of work. However, Ashley has big dreams and all of them involve fashion. Her future plans include attending the Miami International University of Art & Design with a major in fashion design and merchandising. With her style and skills, we are sure to see her designs on the runway-or in the streets.
By, Danielle Hartman
April is National Autism Awareness Month! Show your support by wearing BLUE every Thursday in April.
BCIT LPN students support Autism Awareness month.
Honors to Staff and Students!
Students of the Month:
Destiny Chamber-Grade 9
Samantha Stiehl-Grade 10
Randy Imbrogno-Grade 11
Stephanie Berdugo-Hernandez-Grade 12Athlete: Nate Matos
The Performing Arts production of Romeo & Juliet has been nominated for several awards for the 2015 Theatre Night Awards being held at Montclair State University on May 11.
BCIT Westampton:
Students of the Month:
Darius Fugate-Grade 9
Lindaura Cristo-Grade 10
Justin Logan-Grade 11
Deandria Barksdale-Grade 12
Athlete: Cara MartinStaff Member of the Month: Larry Tisdale (Medford), Beth Johnson (Westampton)
Support Staff Member of the Month: Sherri Palmer (Medford)
Academies at BCIT!
Performing Arts Upcoming Events
BCIT Medford:
Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m.
Pippin
Thursday, May 28 & Friday, May 29, 7 p.m.
Spring Showcase
SAVE THE DATE
June Graduations:
BCIT Early Childhood Center: Friday, June 5, 1:30 p.m.,
Westampton Campus Auditorium
BCIT Adult Education: Tuesday, June 16, 6 p.m.
Westampton Campus Auditorium
BCIT Westampton: Thursday, June 18, 5 p.m.
BCIT Medford: Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m.Program Advisory Dinner: April 29, 2015, BCIT Westampton (by invitation only)
TEDx at BCIT Westampton! Friday, May 1, 5:45 p.m., Westampton Auditorium
BCIT 2014-2015 School Calendar
BCSSSD Blood Drive
dwood@bcit.cc, (609) 267-4226, Ext. 8151
Friday, May 8, 2015, 11:30 AM
Media Center, Westampton Campus, 20 Pioneeer Drive, Westampton, NJ
BCSSSD Golf Outing
Riverton Country Club
Save the date! More information to come!Monday, Aug 10, 2015, 07:30 AM
Riverton Country Club, Highland Avenue, Riverton, NJ, United States
NEW! BCIT 2015-2016 School Calendar
New 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. A TEST Emergency Notification Message was sent on November 19, to ensure everyone's information is up-to-date and you will receive our future notifications.
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.