The Dragon Review
November 2022
Principal's Announcement
November 2022
Hello Dragon Nation!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday, shared with friends and family. Although this past month had a short number of days in session with Fall Break and Thanksgiving, there was plenty of activity at BTHS. October ended with a high level of excitement as BTHS participated in the Costume and Pumpkin Painting contest traditions. Students were overtly supportive of one another, recognizing each individual for their contributions to the positive school environment. The trend of unifying our school continued into the month of November as we came together to recognize and honor our Veterans through the collection of supplies and actions of appreciation and remembrance.
The Drug Awareness & Mental Health Community Forum, which took place on Tuesday, November 1, was a complete success. The presentations by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Keynote speaker Daniel Duddy, and our district Student Assistance Counselors were informative and inspirational. It is my hope that this forum was able to support our community with resources and increased awareness on these extremely timely and important topics. Thank you to all those that attended as well as those individuals who supported the facilitation in making this event happen.
This past month emphasized the importance of our communication and collaboration practices as Parent-Teacher Conferences took place. I want to express my appreciation to all of our parents and guardians for actively participating in your child’s education. The Parent-Teacher Conferences were a success as a direct result of the support offered throughout our educational community. BTHS faculty is grateful for the support received from our community and continue to look forward to future collaboration.
BTHS hosted our annual Alumni Networking Day on Wednesday, November 23. This is always a special event, as former BTHS students share their perspectives on life and post-secondary education. I continue to be amazed by the level of transparency, honest reflection, and valuable insights that result from these authentic conversations. This event continues to reaffirm the lasting impact BTHS has on our students, preparing each of our students for future success.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude toward our entire school community. I am thankful for our teaching staff and faculty, who work closely together to ensure a safe and engaging learning environment. Moreover, BTHS would not be successful without the help and support of our parents. During this season of reflection, I can not emphasize enough as to how thankful I am to be leading this wonderful school community.
“Gratitude bestows reverence, changing forever how we experience life and the world.” ~ John Milton
Respectfully,
David Kasyan, Ed.D.
Principal
School News
School News
Hello Dragons! Here is an update about what has been happening and what we are looking forward to on campus here at BTHS. The Class of 2023 hosted a successful 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 completed another successful show on October 27th, 28th, and 29th. The students put on fantastic performances as the BTHS community eagerly awaits their next performance. Brick Township High School hosted a Community Education Forum for Drug Abuse and Mental Health Awareness on Tuesday, November 1st. The presenters included special guest speakers: BTHS Principal Dr. Kasyan, Mr. Daniel Duddy, and Ocean County Prosecutor Anthony Pierro. BTHS had Parent Teacher conferences Wednesday November 16th - Friday November 19th where all parents and guardians had the opportunity to speak with their child’s teacher.
BTHS Classes of 2023 and 2024 competed in the annual Powder Puff Game on Thursday November 16, 2022. It was a great game with both sides giving tremendous effort and school spirit. The Brick Township High School Classes of 2024 and 2025 hosted a Gift Auction on Saturday, November 19th at the Brick Township PAL building. It was a very successful night as many people won fabulous prizes. The class advisors would like to thank everyone who donated and helped to make such a wonderful event happen. The BTHS National Honor Society sponsored Faculty Feud on Tuesday, November 22nd at 6 PM. This was a great event, which was well attended by students and staff. Congratulations to our BTHS Administration who were crowned Faculty Feud champions. Winter Sports tryouts will be held Monday, November 21st through Wednesday November 23rd. Please see your winter sports coach for more information.
On Thursday, December 1st, OCVTS will have their annual presentation in the BTHS auditorium to all sophomores. This is a great informational presentation to all sophomores about the opportunities that the OCVTS provides. Also on Thursday, December 1st, our BTHS Top Dragon Talent Show, sponsored by the BTHS Mock Trial Club will take place. The BTHS student body is loaded with talent and this will be a great night to put all those talents on display.
Brick Township High School Wall of Fame
Athletics & Co-Curricular Updates
Powder Puff Game: Seniors vs. Juniors
BTHS Drama Club
Girls Volleyball Recognition
Girl's Basketball
Girls Basketball working on some skills and drills!
Wrestling
Wrestlers getting warmed up in preparation for their first practice!
Boy's Basketball
Boys Basketball getting ready to run some drills!
Surf Club News
Our BTHS Surf Club has just finished working with Interact Club on the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Our attention has quickly shifted to a "Toys for Tots Toy Drive" with donations being accepted through December 16th.
We are still running our ShopRite Fundraiser where you could purchase gift cards now with smaller increments and 5% of each purchase is donated to the surf club. You could email flucchetti@brickschools.org for more information and ways to receive your gift card.
The Regaler - BTHS Literary Magazine
Harry Potter Club
Principal's Book Club
The Classics with Kasyan Book Club will meet on Tuesday, December 20 after school in the library to finish our discussion of Tim Tharp's book The Knights of Hill Country. 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!
Students of the Month
BTHS Students of the Month - November
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.
Ereny Ibrahim, Grade 9
She is one of the hardest working students I have ever had. Her overall grades and dedication to doing her best is an example all students could learn from. - Mr. Dorman
Christian Combs, Grade 10
Christian has worked hard in the band. He was a first year member of the competition band this fall (and did very well). He has improved as a clarinetist and keeps practicing to get better, and he has taught himself to play alto saxophone so he could be in the fifth block Jazz Band class. On top of all that, he is polite, courteous, and is a true pleasure to teach! A fine, responsible young man. - Mr. Lyncheski
Christopher Bayles, Grade 11
CJ completed the first MP with the highest average in all of my Algebra 2 classes. He also is quick to help those students around him who are having difficulty with an assignment - which makes my job easier. CJ is also a very nice young man who always greets meet with a hello and asks how my day is going. -Mr. Burns
Jose Flippin, Grade 12
Jose is a very respectful young man. I had the pleasure of meeting him last year while he helped students in music. This year Jose is assisting students in the Gym. He helps the shy students that do not feel comfortable. I see him interact everyday with our students outside of class and it’s heartwarming. -Mrs. Murray
Dragon of the Month
Nominated by BTHS Staff
Staff Member of the Month
Nominated by Students
Dragon Spotlight
Dragon Spotlight - Staff Member of the Month
Madame Shaw
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. Additionally, the Principal's Cabinet meetings will take place on the last Wednesday of each month in Cafe 2. We welcome one representative from each BTHS organization to participate. These meetings are a great opportunity to connect with Dr. Kasyan and collaborate on school-wide initiatives.
This month, the Guidance Department, with the help of SGA, welcomed back our recent BTHS Alumni for another successful Alumni Networking Day. The speakers shared helpful information and advice about the transition from BTHS to college and the military. Looking ahead, SGA will again sponsor both the annual holiday door decorating and card competition. Details coming soon.
Class of 2023
The Class of 2023 had another successful fundraiser selling popcorn! Also, students participated in Powder Puff against the junior class, which was a fun time for all. Looking ahead, they are planning another fundraiser around the holidays. All pertinent information is always posted on Google Classroom or Mrs. DeBonis / Ms. Scipione can be emailed with questions. Thank you for your continued support!
Class of 2024
The Class of 2024 co-hosted a successful Gift Auction on Saturday, November 19th with the Class of 2025. Thank you to all the generous families and businesses who donated to this event! Our Class of 2024 officers will promote our annual Candy Cane Grams for the holidays. If you would like to purchase one, please complete our Candy Cane Gram Order Form and submit $1 cash per Candy Cane Gram. Students and staff can also purchase Candy Cane Grams during lunches with one of our Class Officers. We are finalizing fundraisers for the spring months and will be looking forward to our Junior Prom on May 5, 2023 at Jumping Brook Country Club! The Class of 2024 would like everyone to stay informed on upcoming events by joining our Google Classroom with code ozvfp3p.
Class of 2025
The Class of 2025 in collaboration with the Class of 2024 completed a very successful gift auction this month. Our students also have been working together to start to plan our Junior Prom for next year and other festivities and events for this year. We are looking forward to Battle of the Classes, Many more spirit weeks, and running our Yard Games fundraiser in the spring. More information on this and other events to follow. The Class of 2025 would also like to thank everyone for their generous donations and contributions to our November Gift Auction.
Class of 2026
The freshmen class has been proudly wearing their class of 2026 clothing in the halls and classrooms. They have been doing a great job participating in spirit weeks. The freshmen class officers are busy exploring ideas for future fundraisers and they are looking forward to planning for door decorating and a holiday card in the month of December. 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
Updates from the School Counseling Department
Alumni Networking Day was hosted on Wednesday, November 23rd. BTHS Alumni were invited to attend this event and take part on a panel discussion to speak about post-secondary topics including 4 year colleges, 2 year colleges, military, majors, college life, collegiate athletes, college applications, high school classes that prepared them for college (Honors, AP, Dual Enrollment) and time management.
Ocean County Vocational Technical School will be presenting to all sophomore students on Thursday, December 1st about the shared time programs and application process. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQiX21zTSM-7mHk-HhiNxFFRBFOd2NKCHGEXuGI0WDRRVIRA/viewform
The NJSLA Fall Block 2022 will be administered on December 6th-9th for all 9th grade students enrolled in a Fall semester math course (Algebra I Honors, Geometry and Geometry Honors)
November 17th; The ASVAB test was administered 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
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 Based Youth Service Program
School Based Information & Awareness
11/3 - School Based hosted annual training for students participating as members of the Youth Prevention Coalition designed to help educate BTHS students and staff on the dangers of substance use, teach refusal skills, and provide resources.
11/17 - Over 100 freshmen participated in a social-emotional outreach during health classes conducted by 36 upperclassmen through the School Based Peer Leadership Program.
11/17 - School Based staff completed a training on the evidence-based prevention program called POWER (Positive Outcomes With Emotional Regulation) to address students in group settings targeting support and psychoeducation to manage challenging emotions and behaviors.
11/21 - School Based hosted monthly Wellness Day for staff after-school in the Reset Room with topic focused on nutrition and healthy living.
Health Office Message
Hello BTHS Community!
November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, and in so recognizing wanted to provide information not only pertaining to the dangers of secondhand smoke, but to also share important statistics relating specifically to High School aged populations within the state of New Jersey.
Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, e-cigarette, cigars or pipes, and the smoke exhaled by smokers. Inhaling all of these types of secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer among nonsmokers, and may increase your risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30%. Remember, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is classified by the EPA as a Group A carcinogen, containing more than 7,000 substances. Secondhand smoke exposure commonly occurs indoors, particularly in homes and cars, and can move between rooms of a home and between apartment units - opening windows or increasing ventilation in a home or car is not a protective means of avoiding the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke. Not only can breathing in secondhand smoke exacerbate pre-existing chronic conditions, nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing chronic conditions - such as heart disease - by 25-30%. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke may also cause new cases of Asthma to arise in children who have not previously shown symptoms.
Resources are available to assist with making positive life choices. Please feel free to stop by the heath office or explore the following resources. EAP Second Hand Smoke Information. CDC Smoking and Tobacco Use.
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
Join the BTHS - Parent Teacher Student Association
The BTHS Parent Teacher Student Association is accepting membership for the 2022-2023 school year. Please consider joining the Brick Township High School PTSA.
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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