The Dragon Review
December 2021
Principal's Announcement
December 2021
Dear Parents and Students,
As we approach the conclusion of 2021, we continue to engage our student body in co-curricular activities and events focused on developing the whole student. The visual and performing arts department will be putting on a winter concert for our student body prior to the start of winter break. Seating will be limited, however, students will have an additional opportunity to support their peers at the evening performance. Our performing arts evening Winter Band & Choral Concert will take place on Wednesday, December 22 at 6:30. This will be a great evening, which is sure to spread holiday cheer.
The BTHS learning community is in the process of promoting our love of reading as staff are posting “This Dragon is reading …” signs outside of their classrooms. Students have an opportunity to connect with staff on their reading selections, while seeing the importance of lifelong reading practices. I would like to contribute to this initiative of promoting a love of reading through a principal’s Book Club. See below information on Classics with Kasyan.
I am excited to bring to your attention that construction of three carports with solar paneling is well underway in the West parking lot. Upon completion of this project, our parking lot will have increased lighting and protection from the elements, which is in addition to the benefits of solar energy.
Marking period 2 progress reports are available for parent view in the student portal. Moreover, BTHS will be performing Fall NJSLA testing on January 6 and January 7. This test will be administered to ninth grade students taking semester one courses in ELA and Math. Additional information will be distributed directly to those students and families identified for this test administration period. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to your child’s guidance counselor.
In closing, I would like to wish all of our Dragon families a happy and healthy holiday season. Research shows that using mindfulness strategies helps reduce stress and worry, increase attention, and improve interpersonal relationships. I hope everyone is able to take a few moments over the Winter Break to reflect on the past year, recognizing the individual gains each of us has achieved while prioritizing future goals. BTHS will continue to recognize the importance and value of mindful practices within our learning community.
“Celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings.” ~ Jonathan Huie
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Respectfully,
David Kasyan, Ed.D.
Principal
School News
Classics with Kasyan - Book Club
In an effort to promote a love and appreciation of reading and literature throughout the school community, I have decided to initiate a school-wide Book Club entitled Classics with Kasyan. The Book Club will meet at the end of each month to review and discuss a selected text.
Our first book will be Animal Farm by George Orwell. The meeting to discuss the book will take place after school on Thursday, January 20 in the library. The meeting will conclude prior to late bus dismissal. All students are welcome to join. If you would like to borrow a copy of Animal Farm, 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, January 20. Start Reading!
Thank You,
Dr. Kasyan
Campus Life
BTHS Regaler
The Regaler, our school literary magazine, is seeking submissions for this year's publication. We believe in the power of sharing the words and pictures that stir the soul. Submit it to us, and maybe your works will entertain and inspire others! Students can send poems, cool photos, and art to us through our Google Classroom (code: shgtudl) through Feb. 1. We cannot wait to publish them!
Mindful Immersion Class:
BTHS alumna and 2010 valedictorian Katarina Kiseli virtually visited with the Mindful Immersion class to present on self-care and tackling perfectionism. Coach Kat graduated from Boston College, is a Master's student in the Northwestern University Counseling Program, worked as an analyst for the FBI, and currently owns Being Self Savvy LLC as a certified life coach. Coach Kat specializes in helping high-functioning perfectionists tackle anxiety, set goals, and live a healthier, productive life. She led students through helpful exercises and provided constructive insights to encourage healthy mental fitness. Students appreciated her down-to-earth style! You can find her on Instagram @katkiseli.
The Dragon Spotlight - Mrs. Gough-Robinson
Athletics Update
December has proven to be an exciting month so far for Brick Township HS Athletes and their Coaches!
The Boys and Girls Basketball programs open up their season on Friday, 12/17/2021. Both teams will be participating in Holiday tournaments over the Winter Break.
The Bowling teams have continued to do well. The Boys have improved to a 10-8 record and the Girls are at 6-9. Both teams will participate in the Toms River South Roll with the Indians Tournament on Saturday, 12/18/21.
The combined Brick/Brick Memorial Ice Hockey team is on a tear! The team’s record is 2-1-1 with a big game vs. Lacey Township on Friday, 12/17/2021. This is also the inaugural “Teddy Bear Toss” game. Fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed animals and toss them onto the rink after the first goal is scored. All Teddy Bears will be donated to the families and victims of the tornado in Kentucky!
The Wrestling team opens up this weekend at the Old Bridge Ice Breaker. This will hopefully get the team ready for their cross-town rival match vs. Brick Memorial on Tuesday, 12/21/21.
The Boys & Girls Indoor Track teams continue to test their mettle while practicing outside in the not always favorable weather. The team will travel to the Toms River Bubble over the break for their first meet.
Finally, the Boys & Girls Swim Teams have been creating some buzz and excitement of their own! The Girls team dropped a heartbreaker to Neptune this past Thursday (12/16/21) while the Boys meet came down to the final relay! The Brick Boys were victorious by 3 points!
For up to date schedules and information, please go to: shoreconferencenj.org and click on “Brick Township HS”
Dragon Depot & Work Based Learning
For the first time in Work Based Learning history, BMHS Work Based Learning students joined their counterparts at the BTHS Dragon Depot to help with the holiday orders. BMHS and BTHS Work Based Learning students helped to make natural dog treats for hungry pups! Students got their gloved hands dirty in oatmeal and baby food, rolling their way towards bite-sized morsels of yummy dog treats. Baked with love, then evenly counted-out to fulfill orders, dressed with a ribbon and finished with instructions to “Keep Refrigerated”.
BMHS and BTHS Work Based Learning students enjoyed a special holiday treat while socializing with their friends on the other side of town. Many of the students already knew one another and appreciated the opportunity to see their friends and to work together. Our students even requested to go back! We even enjoyed a visit and chat with Dr. Kasyan too! Thank you BTHS for hosting!!!
Finally, our visit would not be complete without a visit to the NEW, NEW, NEW apartment. Here, students learn critical life skills for independent living. Then, students had an opportunity to sit and relax in the awesome new sofas after checking out all of the new appliances in the kitchen and laundry room work areas!
In closing, we are thankful for the support and approval of Administration from both BMHS and BTHS for this event. We will continue to incorporate more events like this, where friends from both sides of town can work together for a common cause.
Sincerely,
Ms. Novick & Ms. Aguayo
December Students of the Month
BTHS Students of the Month - December
Students are nominated by BTHS staff members for outstanding effort in the classroom and positive contributions to our community. Congratulations to our Students of the Month. Students will be honored with a certificate, gift, and their names will be displayed on the marquee.
Patrick Cosgrove, Gade 9
“Patrick consistently makes an effort to be the best student he can be. He participates, asks relevant questions every day and performs well on assignments and assessments. He is very inquisitive in biology honors and very good with mathematical concepts”. Mr. Lynch
Sage Chase, Grade 9
“Sage is a fantastic student. She completes all work with quality. She participates and adds her input on topics which elevates to our lessons and sets the bar for other students to get involved. She enjoys the class and we, especially enjoy having her in our class. Overall, Sage is an absolute pleasure to have in class”. Mr. Dahl
Jayden Rivers, Grade 10
“Jayden is always willing to help others and is kind to everyone”. Mrs. McCoy
“Always polite and helping out wherever he is needed”. Mrs. Ryan
“Jayden It’s always willing to help anyone! He’s a very good friend and student”. Mrs. Bonnie
Ashley Chandler, Grade 11
“Ashley worked so hard this past month and persevered through so much. She is dedicated to being not only a great student, but an active member of the BTHS community”. Mr. Spanola
Efren Flores, Gade 12
“Efren always arrives ready to work. He volunteers to read, respond to questions, and contribute his unique perspective. He stays organized, completes assignments, and has a positive attitude. He brings a smile with him to class every morning...not an easy thing to do at 7:10 for a senior!” -Mrs. Robinson
Student Government
BTHS Student Government
Class of 2022
This month the class of 2022 was quite productive behind the scenes as we prepared for more fundraisers and events. The class officers are working on some school wide fundraising events to bring students together in and out of school. There are also surveys in the google classroom that we would like all seniors to respond to involving their end of year breakfast, prom, and picnic! We are looking forward to the year to come but in the meantime enjoy your holidays everyone!
Class of 2023
The Class of 2023 is looking forward to our first apparel fundraiser of the year with the Class of 2024 that will be live in January! In February we will be selling roses for Valentine's Day and are very excited for Battle of the Classes to come back. We hope ALL STUDENTS show up to support their classes at this event! We are also working on the details for a fundraiser that we think the students of BTHS will be very eager to participate in. More on that coming soon!
If a member of the Class of 2023 has not yet joined our Google Classroom, the code is 4z3x6zp. This is where we post all relevant information and announcements for our class. If a member of the Class of 2023 would like to be involved in class happenings, please see Mrs. Rahbari in room 219.
Class of 2024
The class of 2024 has been busy selling and making our “Candy Gram” fundraisers that were sold throughout the month. Our “Dragon Apparel” website will be live after our Winter break, so keep an eye out for that.Our officers have been working hard in starting to plan our next big fundraiser. More info will be coming soon.
If a member of the Class of 2024 has not yet joined, our Google Classroom code is ozvfp3p This is where we post all relevant information and announcements for our class as well as the building. If a member of the Class of 2024 would like to be involved, see Mr. Lucchetti in room 205 or Mrs. Ianniello in guidance! Keep an ear out for fundraisers and meetings and how to get involved.
Class of 2025
The Class of 2025 has been focusing on gathering ideas for fundraisers to start in the new year. We have also been working to come up with great incentives to get more participation from individual members of the class through trivia questions and raffles. We are hoping to also get a lot of student participation for Battle of the Classes tentatively scheduled for February. Our executive board has also been looking toward creating a Class of 2025 Newsletter with Fall and Winter information in it. Other than that the Class is just looking for opportunities to show our school spirit and demonstrate the heart of a dragon that we all have.
Stay In the Know
Guidance Department
Important Events and Information from the Guidance Department:
The holidays can be a stressful time for us all. Here is a great resource from Mental Health First Aid, which provides tips for how to manage mental health issues and stress during the holidays. Click Here for Access to this great resource.
The next ASVAB is January 19th at 7:10 AM in the media center for any senior interested in taking the test for their graduation requirement or any junior/senior interested in the military. Please use the Google link to sign up. Click HERE to sign up.
Attention Seniors: Please continue to apply for Scholarships. New scholarships are regularly posted, therefore it would be beneficial to regularly access the attached link. We hope that all of our seniors take full advantage of these opportunities. Click HERE to view the available Scholarship opportunities.
Contact the guidance department for more information regarding any of the events listed.
School Counselor Google Classroom Codes
Class of 2025 cpgycc4
Class of 2024 bbnv4vs
Class of 2023 vzgx2iq
Class of 2022 qgqsw3mSCOIR
Create a SCOIR Account with this QR code.
Health Office Message
Hello BTHS Students and Parents!
It’s often very easy to forget about taking care of ourselves during the Holiday Season. The health office would like to remind everyone of the other virus that is present within our society, in need of our attention. Influenza. Influenza last year was at record low numbers worldwide due to all of the control measures enacted and being practiced on a daily basis, such as; frequent hand washing &/or using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, limited travel, and of course, remaining at home much more frequently versus exposing oneself to the contagious elements that were abound in crowded locations. These reasons were at the forefront as to why Influenza numbers were practically non-existent compared to previous years. This is not the case this year as Influenza cases are on the rise.
Some of the most severe side effects upon contracting Influenza are; Pneumonia, Asthma Exacerbations, Myocarditis, and Encephalitis - please know that obtaining your annual Flu Vaccine will not only help to reduce the chance of contracting Influenza, but reduce the risk of suffering from these serious side effects. High Risk individuals are those who suffer from heart disease, kidney disease, neurological disease, anyone who is immunocompromised, obese individuals, and those who may be pregnant. Even if you still contract Influenza after receiving your yearly Flu Vaccine, it will reduce the duration and severity of the disease, thereby shortening the length of recovery normally required compared with unvaccinated individuals. Influenza Vaccines are available at your local Pharmacy, Urgent Care Facilities, or your Primary Care Physician’s Office, with most not requiring any insurance to obtain and with no co-pay needed. Guidance from the NJAAP reminds all of us, particularly employees within the school setting, that students and young children are the main spreaders of yearly Influenza.
Respectfully,
Nurse Mary & Nurse Dawn
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 Ms. Carlsson in the health office as soon as possible.
Health Office Contact
West Nurse Office - Mary Carlsson Ext. 2037
East Nurse Office - Dawn Inserra Ext. 2009
COVID Protocols and Procedures
The Brick Township School District is committed to providing our staff and students a safe and healthy learning environment. The district plan addressing COVID protocols and procedures is posted on our district website. You may also click here for quick access. This plan was developed in support of the guidance provided by the NJ DOE Road Forward: Health and Safety Guidance for the 2021-2022 School Year. Students will be expected to follow the district issued COVID guidelines and procedures throughout the duration of their implementation.
Join the BTHS - Parent Teacher Student Association
Next PTSA Meeting - Thursday, January 20 at 6:15 PM
The PTSA is looking forward to the next opportunity to collaborate with our school community. A meeting link will be sent out to all parents and PTSA members the week prior to our next PTSA meeting.
Brick Township High School
Assistant Principals
Erin Biancella - Grade 12 & Freshman P-Z
Ryan Hesnan - Grade 11 & Freshman H-O
James Marvin - Grade 10 & Freshman A-G
Athletic Director & Co-Curricular Supervisor
Guidance Department
Lauren Ianniello - Grade 9 A-L
Angela Smith - Grade 9 M-Z
Jennie Piwowarczyk - Grade 10-12 A-De
Jenna Domingo - Grade 10-12 Di-K
Dawn Celona - Grade 10-12 L-Ri
Marie Walling - Grade 10-12 Ro-Z
Student Assistance Counselor
Child Study Team
Website: www.brickschools.org
Location: 346 Chambersbridge Road, Brick Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-785-3000
Twitter: @BTHSDragons