BCIT Brief - Back To School Edition
August 2015, Edition #9
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
A Message from your Superintendent
August 2015
Dear BCIT Families:
With back-to-school time quickly approaching, staff and administrators have been working diligently to ensure that when our children return to school, resources are in place to support teaching and learning. We have been interviewing candidates for selection for various positions. We have worked to improve technology, maintain and improve facilities, and enhance security. Our schools have prepared class assignments and schedules. Buildings have been cleaned and menus revised. Policies have been revised and written, and supplies and materials have been purchased.
The first day of school for students is Thursday, September 3, 2015; this will be a full day for students and staff. Important information may be found on our district website, www.bcit.cc, including:
- The district calendar
- The BCIT Parent/Student Handbook
- Information regarding emergency school closings and delays in the student handbook
- Information regarding school lunches on each campus website
- District policies
- Information regarding the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act for students.
We wish everyone a pleasant remainder of the summer, and hope you join in our enthusiasm for another great year of learning. Through the continued support of the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, we look forward to continuing to pursue our shared Mission to prepare adolescents and adults of Burlington County to enter the labor market and/or to continue their education.
Sincerely,
Superintendent of Schools
Burlington County Professional Development Institute (BCPDI)
For many years, the Burlington County Inclusion Project (BCIP) has been a valuable professional development resource for Child Study Team Directors, special education teachers, and related services professionals. It is because of the success of the BCIP model that we are excited to announce the expansion and evolution of the BCIP to the newly formed Burlington County Professional Development Institute (BCPDI).
The BCPDI, like its predecessor BCIP, will offer participating districts professional development opportunities; however, the scope of these offerings will address a wider range of relevant topics in addition to those related to special education. An Advisory Committee comprised of district representatives will meet four times each year to assist in identifying workshop topics that best meet districts’ needs and interests.
Funding for the BCPDI will be generated by the same participation fee as the former BCIP. Approximately 35 Burlington County districts participate.
For more information, contact Mrs. Marie Phillips via email or phone at (609) 206-2343.
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.
Policy/Regulation 5310: Health Services
Policy/Regulation 5308: Student Health Records
Policy: 3281 Inappropriate Staff Conduct
Policy: 3211 Code of Ethics
Policy: 4215 Code of Ethics Support Staff
Policy: 4281 Inappropriate Staff Conduct Support Staff
Regulation: 8460 General Administrative Investigative Procedures
21st Century Initiatives, by Danielle Hartman
Both BCIT campuses will offer the following this year:
- Blended Learning Electives: BCIT-West will offer four new blended-learning classes. Students will study rigorous, high-interest, inquiry based topics through after-school face-to-face classes and evening online sessions. Each student will be issued a Chromebook for the duration of the class. Fall offerings include Human Behavior and Forensic Science Applications.
- AP Classes: BCIT now offers hybrid AP English IV and AP World History at both campuses. Each class will be three marking periods in length. Marking periods one and two will be held as traditional classes. The third marking period will be an independent study that utilizes online small-group sessions. Each class will be awarded 7.5 credits.
- High-Tech Student Lounges: Students at both campuses will have access to BCIT’s new high-tech lounges featuring computers that students can borrow, plus peer and teacher tutors to assist with classwork or independent projects.
BCIT Summer Camp
BCIT Summer Camp was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who helped make our first camp a truly remarkable experience for our campers, staff, and Burlington County families.
Registration for our 2016 BCIT Summer Camp opens February 1, 2016. Register early! Our camps fill up fast.
Save the Date! BCIT Fall Discovery Night
October 22, 7 - 9 p.m.
Westampton & Medford Campuses
http://www.bcit.cc/cms/lib04/NJ03000372/Centricity/Domain/1/BCIT%20Discovery%20Night%20Flyer%20Oct.%202015%20.pdfBCIT Summer Camp Comments
"My two girls are attending their first of two weeks of BCIT Summer Camps and love it!
One is taking Iron Chef class and the other is taking the Computer Graphics and Animation Class. They both come home talking about the experiences they are having in class and what they look forward to the next day. The teachers greet the parents and students each day with enthusiasm and I feel it is a great value for the money. Thank you again for providing this program and I will definitely recommend it to the moms in my neighborhood for their children."
-Colleen M.
BCSSSD and BCIT administrators, along with colleagues from the North Hanover School District, hone their leadership skills by learning the TregoED Problem Analysis Process.
Save the date: Coach Bingo, Thursday, October 15, 2015
Reserve Coach Bingo seats in late August
Our Coach Bingo events are so popular we’re planning two each year! Sell-out crowds bring snacks, enthusiasm and luck to the Atrium at the Westampton Campus for friendly games that result in winners of Coach bags, Coach merchandise and cash prizes. The 50-50 Game alone gave more than $1,000 to the lucky winner!
"Party of 8" reservations are guaranteed a table to themselves; players who reserve 7 or fewer spots will find seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Thu., Oct. 15 at Westampton Atrium
- 6 pm Doors Open, 7 pm Games Begin
- $25 per person in advance
- Admission covers cards for 6 Regular games; card packs for 10 Specials games and a 50-50 game will be available for purchase
Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s mission to support the school’s students and staff with education-based technology and post-secondary scholarships.
Get in on the games by sending a check to BCIT Foundation (695 Woodlane Rd, Westampton NJ 08060) with your contact phone number and email address. Or charge reservations online using Paypal; go to www.bcit.cc/foundation and click on Events.
Guests can bring food (no alcohol), but we’ll provide snacks for every table. Must be 18 to attend.
Does your company want 300 pairs of eyes on its logo? Event Sponsors ($100) get signage next to a displayed prize and on the info sheets placed on every table.
Questions? Call the Foundation at (609) 267-4226, ext. 335 or send an email to foundation@bcit.cc.
This event is not affiliated with Coach Inc. BCIT Foundation will operate this event under state ID #329-5-34741 and municipal license BA7-2015.
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:
BCIT 2015-2016 School Calendar
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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 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.