The Dragon Review
October 2022
Principal's Announcement
October 2022
Hello Dragon Nation!
I hope this message finds the BTHS community well. The month of October has offered our staff and students an opportunity to settle into established learning routines. BTHS has been busy this past month kicking off the school year with traditions and events. It has been great to see our students engaged in co-curricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded high school experience. Whether it be in a club, sport, or activity, getting involved at Brick Township High School is something we encourage all of our students to experience as part of their four years at BTHS.
It has been a focus of our staff to prioritize a sense of belonging for our students as we begin the school year. This past month has offered staff an opportunity to strengthen connections and develop strong learning communities. Staff have been engaging students in community building activities, daily check-ins, and monthly SEL lessons. Each of these activities have successfully contributed to a connected school community. In support of the Week of Respect and Red Ribbon Week the ninth and tenth grade students were presented with an assembly on the detrimental effects of substance use. The Tigger-Stavola Foundation along with Johnny’s Ambassadors, engaged our ninth and tenth grade students in an informative and authentic presentation that highlighted the importance of making positive life choices. Students throughout the school had the opportunity to sign a Respect pledge, confirming their commitment to a school community built on acceptance, integrity, and respect. It is our daily charge at BTHS to foster and promote an environment of respect for all students in order to create a positive school climate for growth and learning.
BTHS is currently participating in a spirit week. Information specific to the current Spirit Week can be found below in the SGA Announcements. Moreover, BTHS will continue the tradition of holding a Halloween Costume competition on Monday, October 31. As a reminder it is imperative that all costumes are school appropriate. Items inclusive of weapons, weapon-like props, or masks completely covering the face are NOT permitted. Please be mindful of extensive face makeup, we need to be able to identify each student present in our building, students can not be unrecognizable. Clothing choices and attire for this day must continue to meet the district dress code standards.
The First Marking period will close on November 11. As we approach the end of our first grading period, I urge all of our students to strive for excellence. Each of these grading periods play an important role in shaping your child’s high school journey. I am grateful for the ongoing support received from our parents and caregivers as we work together to promote a level of ownership within each of our students, recognizing the importance of our educational opportunities.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on November 16; 17; and 18. Students will have an early release from school on these days. Parents will sign up electronically for their desired conference through the Parent Portal. The opportunity to schedule a conference through Parent Portal closes on Tuesday, November 1. Note that Parent-Teacher Conferences will be offered virtually, with the option of having an in-person conference according to the distributed schedule timeframe. More detailed information specific to Parent-Teacher Conferences distributed earlier this month through blackboard broadcast.
I hope everyone enjoys this edition of the Dragon Review. Please take the time to review all of the content as it is full of pertinent timely information. Continue to check our school’s website and twitter feed for regular updates and important announcements.
Respectfully,
David Kasyan, Ed.D.
Principal
Community Education Forum: Drug Awareness & Mental-Health at BTHS on November 1, 2022
The Brick Public School District would like to invite all parents and students grades 6-12 to attend a Community Education Forum focused on promoting awareness, guidance, and information associated with substance abuse and mental-health for our adolescents. This event will take place on Tuesday, November 1 from 6:30 to 8:00 in the Brick Township High School auditorium. Please note that students attending from grades 6-8 need to be accompanied by a parent. The event will feature Ocean County Prosecutor, Bradley Bilhimer who will be speaking about drug trends in Ocean County as well as our keynote speaker, Daniel Duddy who will provide an inspirational message of awareness. Parents and students will learn how to access community resources to address mental health and substance abuse issues. The Brick Public School District is committed to keeping our student's safety as a top priority. Please consider attending this very important educational event. Flyer Link
School News
School News
Hello Dragons! Here is an update about what’s happening on campus here at BTHS. Brick Township High School’s Homecoming Dance was hosted on Saturday, October 8th at Lake Riviera Middle School from 5pm - 9pm. Congratulations goes out to Mateusz Mioduszewski and Maggie Thompson on being named Homecoming King and Queen. Start Strong Testing was held at Brick Township High School on October 11th - 13th and we are extremely proud of our students and their efforts they put towards the test.
The Brick Township High School fall sports season is coming to an end. The football team has finished the regular season with a record of 4-4 and will travel to Northern Burlington this weekend to compete in a consolation game. They finished the regular season with a 28-20 victory over crosstown rival Brick Memorial.
Congrats goes out to Girls Volleyball coach Tim Puglusi for being named A- South Coach of the Year. The Girls Volleyball team has broken the school’s record for wins! The Girls Varsity Field Hockey team hosted Manasquan on Wednesday, October 19th for their senior night. The girls defeated Manasquan 1-0, on a goal by senior Chelsea Bautista.
The Brick Township High School Guidance department hosted a successful Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, October 4th. Parents who attended the event were able to speak directly with their child’s guidance counselor and ask questions about FAFSA, Scholarships, and other Financial Aid programs available to their students when applying for college.
The Class of 2023 hosted Trunk or Treat in the BTHS East Parking Lot on Thursday October 20th. The event was a great success and the students who participated in decorating their trunks did a fantastic job! The BTHS Drama Club will present their fall show on October 27th . This year’s show will be the Blithe Spirit and will cost students $2, adults $10, and senior citizens $5.
Athletics & Co-Curricular Updates
Homecoming week was a huge success. Collaboration from our co-curricular clubs, football team, band, and cheerleaders all supported a successful Homecoming Weekend. The week culminated with our Homecoming Football Game and Dance, where a great time was had by all at each of the well attended events.
Boys Soccer Senior Night
Volleyball Senior Night
Field Hockey Senior Night
Volleyball continues to spike the competition!
Girls Soccer - Pink Game
First Place - Ocean County Cross-Country Champion!
Key Club
Dragon Depot
Dragon Depot
Key Club
PALs Dance
PALs Dance
Surf Club News
Our BTHS Surf Club has been working hard to get up and running in full strength. We are currently running a ShopRite Gift card fundraiser that will help get us up and running. We have also partnered with the Interact Club in assisting with their annual food drive this November. Surf Club also has a store opened where you can purchase apparel. See link below:
Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs
Principal's Book Club
Thank you to all students who attended the Classics with Kasyan Book Club this past month. The meeting was filled with active collaboration and rich conversations surrounding our current book selection.
The next two months will be spent reading the second half of The Knights of the Hill Country by Tim Tharp. The meeting next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 20 will review the second half of the book, The Knights of the Hill Country. The meeting will take place after school in the library and conclude prior to late bus dismissal. All students are welcome to join. Any student looking to participate should grab a copy of The Knights of the Hill Country and start reading. There will be an open dialogue and discussion of the second half of the book at our scheduled meeting, reading the book ahead of the meeting will allow you a better opportunity to add to the conversation.
If you would like to borrow a copy of The Knights of the Hill Country, please send an email to our district literacy coach, Ms. Monninger at jmonninger@brickschools.org, and one will be provided. I am looking forward to collaborating and connecting with our student body on Tuesday, December 20. Start Reading!
Thank You,
Dr. Kasyan
Students of the Month
BTHS Students of the Month - October
Congratulations to our Students of the Month. Students are nominated by BTHS staff members for outstanding effort in the classroom and positive contributions to our community. Students will be honored with a certificate, gift, and their names will be displayed on the marquee.
Amaire Milligan, Gr. 9
Amaire is a respectful, hard working young man. Amaire focuses on his academics. He has good attendance and is maintaining a B+ average. Amaire completes classwork and homework on a consistent basis. He exemplifies how a "good" student conducts themselves. - Mrs. Merola
Amaire always works hard. He participates in class and does not allow others to distract him. He works hard and has an A average. - Mrs. Mount
Isabella Dautrich, Gr. 10
Isabella works extremely hard in my English II class. Not only does she actively participate, but she also listens to directions and then tries to apply those directions to her work. In addition, she is polite and kind and willing to help out. I think that Isabella demonstrates the qualities that are important to being a valued member of the student body and she deserves to be recognized! - Mrs. Scipione
Branna Foy, Gr. 11
Branna is a conscientious student who demonstrates a strong effort each day. Branna is an active participant in class, she is always willing to do more than is expected and she always asks questions when she needs help or clarification. Branna has joined the Mayor's Student Advisory Committee this year and I am excited to have her with our group, supporting our community events. - Mrs. Karu
Naseem Dingle, Gr. 12
Naseem has been a model student in our class. Naseem works hard to complete his group/individual tasks, asks questions when needed, makes good use of class time, doesn't use excuses, and consistently completes his work. He is a true pleasure. - Mrs. Matthews
Dragon Spotlight
Dragon Spotlight on Mr. Lucchetti
Dragon Spotlight on the Coin Club
Brick Township High School Student Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Programs
Dragon Spotlight on Sofia Gonzales-Trelles
Sofia Gonzales-Trelles received the National Hispanic Recognition Award by College Board. Sofia is a junior STEM student at Brick Township High School. She was also awarded the 2021 President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Gold level. Sofia is involved with the choir, drama club, Mayor Student Advisory Committee, serves as a Peer Leader, and attended the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute summer leadership conference in August 2022. Sofia plans to attend college and pursue a degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. “We are thrilled that our student has earned this recognition. We are very proud of Sofia for her achievements in the classroom and on College Board assessments. These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions” says Angela Smith, Supervisor of Guidance. Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.
Student Government
BTHS Student Government
Stay connected and informed about BTHS happenings through SGA (Student Government Association). Join the SGA Google Classroom (q2hav5z) and follow SGA on Twitter and Instagram (@bths_sga). SGA General Membership meetings are open to everyone and take place once a month in Cafe 2. New members are always welcome.
The 2022 Homecoming Dance was a great success with over 650 students in attendance. The Class of 2026 has elected and instated class officers. Congratulations to President Erica Pokorny, Vice President Reese Achille, Treasurer Khloe Campbell, and Secretary Kendall Sorrentino. SGA is currently hosting the second spirit week of the year as well as the annual pumpkin painting and Halloween costume contest scheduled for Monday, October 31st.
As a reminder it is imperative that all costumes are school appropriate. Items inclusive of weapons, weapon-like props, or masks completely covering the face are NOT permitted. Please be mindful of extensive face makeup, we need to be able to identify each student present in our building, students can not be unrecognizable. Clothing choices and attire for this day must continue to meet the district dress code standards.
Alumni Networking Day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 23rd. On this day, BTHS welcomes back recent alumni for open dialogue about life after BTHS and the opportunities that exist in college and the military.
Class of 2023
The Class of 2023 had a great time preparing for, and celebrating, Spirit Week and Homecoming during early October! In addition, much of the month has been spent preparing for the Trunk or Treat, which was held on October 20th in the East Lot. Looking forward, there will be a Double Good Popcorn virtual fundraiser November 15-18th. We will be sharing the pop up store and code on our Google Classroom and via our class social media. Powder Puff against the Juniors will also take place during mid-November. Any questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. DeBonis or Ms. Scipione. Thank you for your support!
Class of 2024
The Class of 2024 is preparing for our Gift Auction on November 19th at the Brick PAL Tickets are now on sale using the Gift Auction Order Form and should be submitted to the Class Advisors. We are still looking for families and local businesses to donate baskets for this event. Anyone looking to donate or buy tickets can reach out to Mr. Lucchetti or Mrs. Ianniello.
The Juniors are also excited to participate in Powder Puff on November 17th at 4pm on the Varsity football field. Students must sign up using the link in the Class of 2024 Google Classroom. We look forward to planning for our Junior Prom and fundraising this school year! Check our google classroom for important class updates!
Class of 2025
The class of 2025 has had a great start this year. The new and returning class advisors have been working very hard to fundraise and contribute to the school climate and culture. The sophomore class did an amazing job at decorating our hallways for the homecoming celebrations and demonstrated pride all week long participating in all the SGA events. Our class officers represented us at this year's Fall Fest with two awesome games and helped us raise funds while having fun. Additionally, they are currently working with the class of 2024 on this year's BTHS Auction which will be held on November 19th. Please reach out to any officer or advisor if you or anyone you know is interested in helping us with donations towards our event.
Class of 2026
The freshman class has had a great October. For the kick off of Homecoming week, we had twenty two students help with hall decorating and volunteers who made posters, signs and banners for our class. There was great participation during the Homecoming spirit week and 170 freshmen attended the Homecoming dance. We are excited about the next spirit week leading up to Halloween and we will be decorating a pumpkin for the SGA pumpkin decorating contest. Our clothing fundraiser was a great success and orders will be available for pick up in room 408 on 10/26. We look forward to the continued participation from our freshmen class and more successful fundraisers to come. Instagram: @bths_classof2026 Twitter: @bthsclassof2026 Google Classroom: lf4subd
Stay In the Know
Guidance Department
The School Counseling Department;
The PSAT was administered to sophomores and juniors on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Scores will be available on December 5, 2022 and they will be posted on studentscores.collegeboard.org.
Senior meetings with your Counselor are off to a busy start. Please remind your student to see their Counselor to help with future planning and the College Application Process.
The Start Strong State Assessment was administered October 11th-13th in ELA 9th & 10th grades, Math (Algebra I, Geometry & Algebra II) and Science 9th & 12th grades.
The Brick Public School District would like to invite all parents and students grades 6-12 to attend a Community Forum focused on promoting awareness, guidance, and information associated with substance abuse and mental-health for our adolescents. This event will take place on Tuesday, November 1 from 6:30 to 8:00 in the Brick Township High School auditorium. Please note that students attending from grades 6-8 need to be accompanied by a parent. The event will feature Ocean County Prosecutor, Bradley Bilhimer who will be speaking about drug trends in Ocean County as well as our keynote speaker, Daniel Duddy who will provide an inspirational message of awareness. Parents and students will learn how to access community resources to address mental health and substance abuse issues. The Brick Public School District is committed to keeping our student's safety as a top priority. Please consider attending this very important educational event.
November 17th; The ASVAB test will be offered at BTHS for Juniors and Seniors that want to take the test. This test can be used for Military purposes or a graduation requirement for the Class of 2024. See link for details. https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
For all students enrolled in an Advanced Placement Course; All AP payments will be due by November 1st to Guidance.
BTHS will be hosting the December SAT on Saturday, December 3rd. The registration deadline is November 3rd. Late registration is November 22nd. Register at www.collegeboard.org.
School Pictures
Underclass School pictures recently took place on September 21 - September 23. If you purchased pictures, they will be mailed to your home in about four weeks. For any questions about ordering pictures call Lifetouch at 1-800-736-4775.
Underclass Makeup Pictures will be November 15th in the IMC for any student who missed the original picture day or was not happy with their pictures. Please see this schedule. Orders should be placed before picture day at www.mylifetouch.com. Use Picture Day ID CKDW2HTVE. See flyer attached.
Attention - If you are a Senior and did not get your Senior picture taken. See Ms. Piwowarczyk in the Guidance office to schedule a make up picture session on Tuesday, November 15.
Join the BTHS - Parent Teacher Student Association
The next PTSA meeting will take place on Thursday, November 3. Please reach out to our PTSA president, Ms. Velez, with any questions or concerns. More information will be distributed through a our PTSA Member Hub as well as through blackboard broadcast prior to the scheduled meeting.
Yearbooks
Order your yearbook by 10/31 to save $10! This year we have the option of new custom nameplates, which include the student’s name and up to three icons, so you can create a customized yearbook as unique as they are!
Senior parents: The back of the yearbook is dedicated to senior recognition ads, where you can create a personalized message to your graduate. Click here to create and order an ad.
Health Office Message
Hello BTHS Community!
Fall has officially arrived and we are entering Flu season! It is recommended that the optimal time to get your flu vaccine is September and October, with the peak of the season usually lasting from December to February. The flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19. However, getting a flu vaccine this year will be more important than ever, especially for those individuals that are at higher risk for developing complications from contracting the flu (source: CDC: Flu-People at higher risk for flu complications). Some of these high risk categories include: being over the age of 65, pregnancy, young children, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
If you contract the flu, it weakens the immune system and the combination of flu with COVID-19 may lead to a more serious illness than either condition alone. Studies have shown that if you receive the flu vaccine you reduce your risk of contracting the flu by 40-60% according to the CDC and if you do have symptoms are usually more mild. It is important to get the flu vaccination in order to reduce the incidence of Influenza in our community.
It is important to know the difference in symptoms for a common cold versus the flu, which can include a fever or feeling feverish and.or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). While Covid-19 and the flu usually share a lot of the same symptoms the main differences are usually diarrhea (more frequent in children with flu, but can occur in any age with COVID-19) and change in or loss of taste or smell (this is more frequent with COVID-19 (source: Healthline: Symptoms for Covid-19, flu, common cold, and allergies).
A few friendly reminders from the BTHS Health Office:
- Please do not hesitate to bring any important health-related information to the attention of the health office. Students should stay home when not feeling well or developing signs of illness.
- Notification: If you suspect that your child has been exposed to COVID-19, please contact Mrs. Carlsson or Mrs. Yarbrough in the health office.
Health Office Contact
West Nurse Office - Mary Carlsson Ext. 2037
East Nurse Office - Tammy Yarbrough Ext. 2009
Brick Township High School
Assistant Principals
Erin Biancella - Grade 10 & Freshman P-Z
Ryan Hesnan - Grade 12 & Freshman H-O
James Marvin - Grade 11 & Freshman A-G
Athletic Director & Co-Curricular Supervisor
Guidance Department
Lauren Ianniello - Students: A - Da
Jennie Piwowarczyk - Students: De - I
Kaitlyn Donahue - Students: J - Mo
Dawn Celona - Students: Mu - Sa
Marie Walling - Students: Sc - Z
Lori Roland - Student Assistance Counselor
Child Study Team
Website: www.brickschools.org
Location: 346 Chambersbridge Road, Brick Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-785-3000
Twitter: @BTHSDragons