The Dragon Review
March 2024
Principal's Announcement
March 2024
It has been a busy month at Brick Township High School! It was great seeing staff, students, and parents at our recent Brick & Beyond event held at the end of February. The event, held at Brick Memorial High School, highlighted current and future opportunities available to our student body. Students were afforded an opportunity to explore post secondary institutions inclusive of two and four year colleges and universities along with vocational and technical schools. The guidance department from both high schools were on hand to assist current and future high school students/families with their academic programming needs. The event was well attended, however, if you have any follow up questions or items of inquiry please do not hesitate to reach out to your school counselor.
It is overtly apparent that our partnership with our local community continues to remain strong as the success of our school’s Career Day and Transition Fair events were highly supported and successful. The BTHS Career Day offered our students the opportunity to experience firsthand insights into various career fields, industries, and pathways. This event connected students with their passions as well as assisted each participant with a deeper understanding of their potential career options. The BTPS Transition Fair, similar to our Career Day, highlighted the essential role our community partners play in the success of our students. The special education / adult agencies and vendors present at the BTPS Transition Fair offered participants awareness, opportunities, and resources to support the future success of our students. We are extremely grateful to the community for their unwavering support of both of these events.
We are approaching the end of the third marking period. Report cards will be available for parent and student access on Friday, April 19. We must not lose sight of the importance of remaining engaged and committed to our learning. We recognize the critical role of student engagement in fostering a dynamic and enriching learning environment. At the heart of this engagement is the active participation and focus of our students, which is why BTHS is committed to minimizing distractions and maximizing opportunities for learning in the classroom. As a faculty, we continue to work with our students to minimize access to cell phones during instructional time, creating a focused learning environment where students can fully immerse themselves in the learning experience. This intentional approach encourages active participation, critical thinking, and meaningful interactions among peers.
At this time all students should have met with their counselor to discuss and plan for next year’s course selection. Students are expected to play an active role in creating their schedule. This process is more than just selecting your courses for next school year, it is about crafting a pathway that aligns with your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your school counselor is here to guide you through the process, offering personalized support and expert advice to ensure that you make informed decisions that will set you up for success. Please reach out to your counselor directly if you have not held a course scheduling meeting as this practice is vital to your success.
“Engagement is a choice that transforms passive observation into active participation, turning movements into milestones and dreams into realities.”
Respectfully,
David Kasyan, Ed.D.
Principal
Enjoy Your Spring Break! March 29 - April 5
School News
School News - Campus Life
Hello Dragons!
Here is an update about what has been happening and what we are looking forward to on campus here at BTHS. The Spring Sports Season is starting as all the teams are competing and training over the past month as they head into the beginning of the regular season. Brick Township High School hosted the District Arts festival that was held on Thursday, March 7. The festival was well attended by staff, students, and families from around the district as amazing artwork and musical performances from students were on display. BTHS hosted the Brick Township Hero Awards in the BTHS auditorium on Friday, March 8. This was a great effort that recognized staff members from across the district and also community members that have made significant impact on many individuals.
BTHS Juniors participated in the NJPA state testing session that was held from Tuesday, March 12 to Friday March 15th. BTHS students also participated in the PSATs that was held on Wednesday, March 13. The BTHS Guidance department in partnership with the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce hosted Career Day on Wednesday, March 20. The event was well attended by students and was a great opportunity for students and members of the community to interact with each other.
The Health and Physical Education program here at BTHS will host two events this month. Military Takeover Day was held on Friday, March 22. This was a voluntary opportunity for students to engage in physical fitness challenges. Additionally, all grade 11 HPE classes will also participate in the Not Even Once Program that will be held on Wednesday, March 28. This is a very informative session with the Brick Township Police Department on the negative effects that drugs have on people, particularly teenagers.
Spring Break will begin Friday, March 29 through April 5, as we hope all staff and students enjoy their time off. Looking ahead, after Spring Break from April 18 through April 20, the BTHS Drama club will have their Spring production, Shrek. These events will feature students from BTHS and it is a great way to support the club let alone great performances from our student body.
March Highlights - Student Voice
“I liked hosting the Brick Hero Awards with Mayor’s Student Advisory!” - Desirae M
“Battle of the Classes was so much fun, especially the hungry hippo game” - Trinitie M
“I loved the band performances at the District Arts Festival” - Cassidy P
“Polar plunging with NHS was exciting” - Vanessa C
“I enjoyed cleaning up the school campus with NHS and the Green Team!” - Grace R
Career Day at BTHS
Career Day at BTHS took place on Wednesday, March 20th during Blocks 1 & 2. Students had the opportunity to attend sessions in the healthcare field, business sector, science/technology, law, vocational, visual & performing arts, and social/public service. Thank you to the Brick Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Dawn Celona and the School Counselors for organizing an informative and beneficial event for our students to learn about different career pathways.
District Arts Festival
BTHS was proud to host the District Arts Festival this past month, which saw representation of every school throughout our district in an evening dedicated to celebrating the arts. I was personally proud of the student representation, participation, and community support represented at this event. It was a great evening where the Arts across the school district were highlighted. Our students shined brightly in multiple visual and performing arts departments.
Brick & Beyond Success
Brick & Beyond 2024 was a tremendous success as both high schools worked together to host colleges, universities, vocational and technical schools, military, local businesses, as well as Brick clubs/activities, organizations, and athletics. This event unites the Brick Township Public School District in providing our students current opportunities, while showcasing all post-secondary education options available. The School Counseling Departments at BMHS and BTHS worked diligently with administration to deliver an all-inclusive evening event.
Hero Awards
Brick Township High School hosted the Hero Awards for our Brick Township community. This event was sponsored and facilitated by the Mayor's Advisory Committee. It was wonderful to see the strong contributions and representation from our BTHS students. Multiple students from BTHS, who sit on the Mayor's Advisory Committee, assisted with distribution of the Hero Awards. Desirae Majett, BTHS Senior, was one of two master's of ceremony who guided the entire evening's events. BTHS had three individuals recognized as leaders in our community. These Heroes included Sofia Gonzales-Trellas, Cameron Marr, and Mrs. Irene Wojcik. Here is an excerpt from their nomination:
- Cameron Marr, BTHS Senior - In school, Cameron is known for volunteering to assist both classmates and teachers. Whether it’s helping a peer carry their belongings to the other side of the school or staying after class to help a teacher fix their chair, Cameron’s willingness to help is unwavering. Outside of the classroom, Cameron extends his kindness to everyone he encounters. He makes an effort to include others, ensuring that no one feels left out or alone. In group settings, Cameron is patient and understanding, always willing to listen to others’ ideas and often volunteers to share first, encouraging his peers to open up.
- Sofia Gonzales-Trellas, BTHS Senior - Sofia organized the first annual Brick Township Mother’s Day Cupcake drive in 2020 and hasn’t stopped since. This year, 2024 will be her 5th year leading her Girl Scout sisters to sweeten up nursing home residents and staff on Mother’s Day. Each year, on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, the scouts get together and go to each nursing homes along Jack Martin Boulevard to deliver the cupcakes in person as a big, happy troop. In the past 4 years, there have been close to 150 dozen of cupcakes and approximately 15 different troops and Juliettes (girl scouts without troops) participating over and over to help out our nursing home residents.
- Mrs. Irene Wojcik, BTHS Teacher - Mrs. Wojcik is an amazing teacher at Brick Township. High School. She provided outstanding support and home instruction to an individual who was experiencing anxiety. The flexibility and compassion Mrs. Wojcik demonstrated in working with her outside of normal school hours had an incredibly positive impact. Her hard work, support and teaching ability have greatly impacted this student’s academic progress and general health. Mrs. Wojcik went above and beyond to accommodate this student’s needs. She met her where she was emotionally, cognitively, and physically, ensuring she felt safe, confident, and genuinely excited to learn. Mrs. Wojcik cultivated an environment where the student could thrive academically and socially, as a result, this student was able to graduate high school a full semester early, mastering English and business course material under Mrs. Wojcik’s thoughtful guidance.
Hero Award Recipient
Sofia Gonzales-Trellas
Hero Award Recipient
Cameron Marr
Attention Seniors - Graduation Lawn Signs
Attention Class of 2024. The PTSA is holding a Graduation Lawn Sign fundraiser. You may place your order by clicking on the link below. The orders will begin be filled once received. All Graduation Lawn Signs must be ordered before June 1, 2024.
Class of 2024 Graduation Lawn Sign - PTSA Fundraiser Document
Key Club Visits Warren H. Wolf ECDC
Our Key Club students recently visited Warren Hi. Wolf Early Childhood Development Center to engage the pre-school students in an interactive Egg Hunt. Pre-School students were excited to engage in the activity lead by our Key Club students. BTHS core values were on full display as our students offered our future Dragons a positive learning experience.
Choose to Include Spirit Week
We held a "Choose to Include" Spirit Week highlighting the vital role an inclusive school environment plays in the success of our students. This spirit week was hosted by our Unified Sports program, where we have athletes and partner students working together to achieve a common goal.
Neon for Neurodiversity
Fall in Love with Inclusion
PTSA - Parent Teacher Student Association
The next PTSA Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00 PM in the Library. An announcement will be pushed out through PTSA Member Hub. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the PTSA president, Ms. Velez at mvelez@brickschools.org.
If you have not already, please consider joining the Brick Township High School PTSA.
Students of the Month
BTHS Students of the Month - March
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.
Spencer Rodrick, Grade 12
Spencer is a polite, respectful, and hard-working student in class. He completes all work and self-advocates by asking questions and desiring to do better in the Investigation of Law, Order, and Justice. If he isn't in class, he makes up any and all work in a timely manner and never has any complaints. He participates often and works well with others. He exemplifies many of the qualities and core values that represent our school building. - Ms. Scipione
Tronks Solis Mendez, Grade 11
Tronks is a hard working student that dedicates himself to his academics and getting his volunteer hours for NHS. He is kind, caring and respectful. - Mrs. Walling
Mohamad Srouji, Grade 10
Mohamad is a polite, respectful, and conscientious young man. He always greets you with a friendly smile and comes to class with a positive attitude. He is hard-working, intelligent, and eager to learn. I believe that Mohamad is the perfect student of the month candidate! - Ms. Russell
Santiago Castaneda Jimenez, Grade 9
Santiago tries very hard and is extremely respectful and polite. Santiago turns all of his work in and is very concerned about his grades. - Mr. Lynch
Santiago is a hardworking , dedicated, and determined student. He strives everyday to transfer his knowledge in Spanish to English. After many conversations with him and attempts to teach me how to crochet, I have discovered a student who is far deeper of a thinker than any I have encountered over my 15 years of teaching. He has read and can discuss many college level books that he has read in Spanish and is learning to explain these books in English. I cannot think of a more deserving student than Santiago. - Mr. Dorman
Student of the Month
Santiago Castaneda Jimenez
Grade 9
Student of the Month
Mohamad Srouji
Grade 10
Student of the Month
Tronks Solis Mendez
Grade 11
Student of the Month
Spencer Roderick
Grade 12
Dragon of the Month
Nominated by BTHS Staff
Mrs. Sara Pavao
Staff Member of the Month
Nominated by Students
Mrs. Cara DeBonis
Dragon Spotlight
Staff Member of the Month - Mrs. Cara DeBonis
Athletics & Co-Curricular Updates
The Shore Conference of High Schools held its seasonal Leadership Seminar this past week. Student leaders from BTHS spring sports, including our Unified Sports program attended this event! The event focuses on teaching student athletes how to be good leaders and ambassadors for their sport. Each student-athlete was selected by their coach to represent their respective team.
Good luck this season to our Dragon sports teams!
Instructional Spotlight
Teen Arts Festival
On Wednesday, March 20, students at Brick Township High School attended the Teen Arts Festival at Ocean County College. Students entered poetry, prose, 2D and 3D art and received feedback from college professors. They also attended workshops like basket weaving, plein art sketching, and poetry writing. Isabella Reid's drawing titled "Bruiser" was selected to go on to the State Festival.
Military Take Over - HPE Activities
The Regaler - BTHS School Literature Magazine
The staff of The Regaler has been busily at work preparing this year's edition of our school's digital literary magazine. Get ready for some spectacular creative works from our Dragon Community, coming soon!
Extra Help Opportunity After School During Block 5
Principal's Book Club
Dr. Kasyan's Book Club will continue with another highly acclaimed novel. The next selection will be The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The Book Club will meet after school on Thursday, April 25 in the library and will conclude prior to late bus dismissal. All students are welcome to join. Any student looking to participate should grab a copy of The Alchemist and start reading. There will be an open dialogue and discussion 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 Alchemist, 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 Thursday, April 25. Start Reading!
Yearbook Information
Attention Brick Township High School - Yearbooks are on sale Now!
Yearbooks are still on sale until they sell out!
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.
BOTC24 was a huge success with seniors taking home the trophy this year. SGA is currently gearing up for class elections. Students interested in running for the office of president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer for their class should join the SGA Google Classroom and look out for information about applications and petitions in April. SGA is also making plans to show our appreciation for BTHS teachers with our annual "Teacher Appreciation" snack cart and reverse dragon scales. SGA wishes our dragon family a safe and restful Spring Break.
Class of 2024
Battle of the Classes Victory!
Congratulations to the Senior Class
for winning 1st Place at the Battle of the Classes!
Upcoming Senior Activities:
- Senior Walk through in Elementary Schools: Date - May 29, Time - 9:30am
- Six Flags Grad Night: Date - June 7, Time - 8pm
- Senior Ball: Date - May 23, Time - 5-9pm, Venue - South Gate Manor
- Senior Breakfast: Date - May 30, Venue - Cafe 3, Time - 8:30am
- Senior Picnic: Date - May 28, Venue - Brick Beach 3, Time - 9:30am
Permission Slips: Permission slips for the aforementioned events can be picked up from either Mr. Lucchetti in room 205 or Mrs. Ianniello in Guidance. You can contact Mr. Lucchetti at flucchetti@brickschools.org and Mrs. Ianniello at lianniello@brickschools.org.
These events are sure to create lasting memories for the graduating Seniors. Make sure to mark your calendars and pick up your permission slips to participate in these exciting activities!
Class of 2025
The Class of 2025 has been gearing up for our Prom to be held at Jumping Brook Country Club on Thursday, May 16th from 5pm-9pm. The students are very excited and have purchased their tickets earlier this month. The Class is also continuing our efforts to bring community and school together through another Volleyball Tournament where the Brick Police Department, Faculty and Staff from throughout the district, and the student championship team composed of students from the Class of 2025 for sometime in May. If anyone has any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Mr. Pazmino (Room 300) at cpazmino@brickschools.org or Ms. Velez (Room 23) at mvelez@brickschools.org
Class of 2026
The sophomore class competed in its second Battle of the Classes in February. They had a great turnout for participants and spectators. The Class of 2026 always has a great time when competing together. Make sure to check our Google Classroom and Instagram for updates and information.
If you have any questions, you can see Ms. DePoto in room 408 & 415 or Mrs. Buell in 306 & 310.
Google Classroom lf4subd
Instagram @bths_classof2026
Class of 2027
The Class of 2027 did an amazing job participating for their first year in the Battle of the Classes! Students came together to plan their dance, create the poster, and compete against the other classes to come in THIRD place! There were so many students involved, particularly considering it was the first year for them. Mrs. DeBonis & Ms. Scipione are so impressed and can't wait until next year and hope that even more students want to get involved. Keep an eye out for Spring fundraisers and events. Class Advisors - Mrs. DeBonis Room 306 & Ms. Scipione Room 202.
Stay In the Know
Guidance Department
Updates from the School Counseling Department
BTHS will host the May SAT on May 4th, 2024. The registration deadline is April 19th. Students can register at www.collegeboard.org.
Ocean County College Express Enrollment Day will take place on Thursday, April 18th from 9am-1pm. Students planning to attend OCC in the Fall 2024 will be able to register for this field trip through Guidance. Please pick up a field trip permission slip form in Guidance. RSVPs are due 4/11. Students will be given a tour and meet with advisors to select courses.
Our Military Recognition Ceremony, honoring our seniors from BTHS and BMHS enlisting in the military after graduation, will be held on May 22, 2024 at 12:00PM in the BTHS Auditorium. All Brick Township and Brick Memorial Military Alumni and their families and any Veterans are welcome to attend the ceremony. Please email Marie Walling at mwalling@brickschools.org for more information.
Looking ahead; AP testing administration will take place from May 6th - May17th. AP Exam Date Calendar. Room assignments and details will be posted in the AP Google Classroom and shared with the AP teachers/students. All students must confirm they have read the policies/Guidelines for AP testing in their Collegeboard account prior to testing. Please contact Marie Walling in Guidance at mwalling@brickschools.org with any questions or concerns.
Health Office Message
Hello BTHS Community!
Every year the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) observes March as, “Brain Injury Awareness Month,” in an attempt to raise public awareness. Stressing the importance of being able to assess the signs and symptoms following a brain injury and receiving appropriate treatment in a timely manner. This can make the difference in preventing a permanent brain injury-related disability. According to the BIAA, “Every 9 seconds someone in the United States sustains a brain injury.” Please remember that a brain injury can occur outside of playing sports, including, but not limited to, a motor vehicle accident, a fall, seizure, toxin exposure, stroke, drug overdose, etc.
With the start of Spring and warmer weather approaching, more of our students and families have begun to participate in more outside activities in and out of school. While you move outdoors enjoy the sun, soak up some vitamin D, and spend time with your friends and families. The BTHS Health Office would like to highlight the preventive measures, and stress the importance of follow-up care if a brain injury occurs in an attempt to receive an early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention if deemed necessary.
The brain is overly complex and made of many different sections or lobes, each having an important function(s) within the body. It is important to be aware of what signs and symptoms to assess for after any bump, blow, hit, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that may have caused the brain to bounce around. The nature of the injury and the consequences can range from mild to severe. The injury can cause physical, emotional and/or cognitive impairments.
It is important to understand that even wearing a helmet properly is not a guarantee that your child may not sustain a traumatic brain injury (mTBI) while playing sports. It is imperative to stress the importance of helmet safety and that they are worn consistently, correctly, and appropriately for the sport or activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detailed safety and prevention resource sheets specific to each sport, as a part of their “Heads Up Campaign.”
Linked here are the detailed safety and prevention tips sheets specific to each sport. (CDC)
Please remember if your student does receive a blow, bump,hit, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that may have caused the brain to bounce around to notify someone if it was not witnessed. It is important that you then observe the individual for difficulty recalling events prior to or after a hit or fall, appearing dazed or stunned, forgetful or confusion, uncoordinated movements, hesitation with answering questions, loss of consciousness (even briefly), difference in the size of pupils (black area of the eye) and any mood, behavior, or personality change. The individual may also report symptoms immediately after or even days after the event, such as, a headache or “pressure” in the head, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, visual disturbance, feeling foggy, concentration or memory problems, or just “not feeling right.” Please be mindful of the signs and symptoms and seek immediate medical assistance for a further evaluation.As a friendly reminder:
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 your child has tested positive for the Flu or COVID-19, please contact Mrs. Yarbrough in the health office.
Health Office Contact- Nurse Tammy Yarbrough & Nurse Bridget Blunda
- West Nurse Office - Ext. 2037 - Nurse Tammy Yarbrough
- East Nurse Office - Ext. 2009 - Nurse Bridget Blunda
School Based Youth Service Program
Here are some updates:
- School Based staff members are continuing to deliver the LifeSkills curriculum to all freshman health classes. By the end of March, it will have been delivered to over 250 freshman students.
In conjunction with Career Day, School Based offered students the opportunity to create accounts for the NJCAN online system. Having an account for this online portal allows students to take free career interest inventories, save previous results and searches, research career paths, and even look into locally available jobs. All of our Peer Leaders created an account and completed inventories, and all students were able to come down and make one.
On Thursday March 14th, School Based's Peer Leaders conducted the first outreach of the semester with all the freshman students currently in gym on B Days. The upperclassmen Peer Leaders worked with small groups of freshmen students to get to know one another and discuss effective communication.
School Based facilitates the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club after school on Mondays for students, which helps to provide all students with a safe space and discuss inclusion in the school community. In March, the School Based staff member and interns who facilitate GSA provided professional development to staff on LGBTQ+ terminology and classroom inclusion.
In conjunction with Mrs. Farnsworth's sophomore English classes, School Based presented on Adolescent Mental Health. The students used the information presented for a project on The Catcher In The Rye, which was being read in class.
Brick Township High School
Assistant Principals
Erin Biancella - Grade 11 & Freshman P-Z
Ryan Hesnan - Grade 10 & Freshman H-O
James Marvin - Grade 12 & Freshman A-G
Athletic Director & Co-Curricular Supervisor
Supervisor of Guidance
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