BCIT Brief Newsletter
Fall 2017, Edition #29
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
Thank you,
Laura Geltch
Instagram - @bcit_burlington
A Message from your Superintendent
November 2017
Dear BCIT Families:
Each year at Thanksgiving, we are fortunate to step off of the proverbial life treadmill to give thanks for the many blessings and good fortune we have experienced over the past year inclusive of family, friends, work and personal growth. For some of us who over the past year have lost dear loved ones or friends, though we feel the sting of their absence, we find solace in the great memories which we are fortunate to carry with us for a lifetime. We too also remember our men and women in the armed services who will not be home this year. We thank them for their service to protect our many freedoms we often take for granted.
In our schools, I am grateful for the work that we have accomplished over the past year and give thanks for the many advancements that have been made to support our journey to be better selves and digital citizens.
On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders and Board of Education, I wish each of you a Thanksgiving of memories and celebration of family, friends and personal and professional growth.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Nagy
Superintendent of Schools
Click HERE for Dr. Nagy's BCIT web page & blog
BCIT Board of Education Policies & Regulations
Click HERE for Board of Education Meeting Notes. Please review and reference pertinent policies as applicable.
Board of Education policies and regulations online link:
Campus Art Murals on display now in Superintendent's lobby
BCIT Adult Education
Discovery Night!
Facebook Discovery Night photo galleries:
National Honor Society Induction - November 1, 2017
National Honor Society Induction - November 14, 2017
BCIT welcomed former Nelson Mandela bodyguard & apartheid survivor, Mr. Chris Lubbe
For more photos, click WESTAMPTON & MEDFORD for the BCIT event facebook photo galleries.
BCIT Foundation
Save the Date: Designer Bag Bingo
Thursday, March 15, 2018
We just wrapped up another one of our popular Designer Bag Bingo fundraisers, and we’re already planning for our next event. Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 15, 2018 for a fun time, fabulous prizes, and two enviable 50-50 cash pots! We expect another sell-out crowd to bring snacks, enthusiasm and luck to the Atrium at Westampton campus for friendly games with Coach, Kors and Spade prizes -- plus more than 20 Coach door prizes!
“Party of 8” reservations are guaranteed to a table by themselves; players who reserve 7 or fewer spots will find seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Thu., March 15 in the Westampton Atrium
- 6 pm Doors Open, 7 pm Games Begin
- $30 per person for Admission Plus 10 games
Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s mission to support the school’s students and staff with education-based technology and post-secondary scholarships.
Join our mailing list to be notified when sales are open for this FUNdraiser! Call the Foundation at 609-267-4226, ext. 8335 or send an email to foundation@bcit.cc.
Renee Janowicz
Director, BCIT Foundation
609-267-4226, ext. 8335
BCIT Medford Academy for Performing Arts presented:
BCIT Official Online School Store!
Trades & Unions Magazine Article
Congratulations to our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christopher Nagy!
BCIT Cosmetology Classroom In The News!
BCIT Westampton vs. BCIT Medford: Girs & Boys Soccer
Student Spotlight: Amber Densten
Amber Densten is a Medford campus sophomore Engineering major. Amber has two brothers, Thomas Jr. at RCBC (20), and Jacob (21) in the Air Force, stationed in Korea. Jacob graduated BCIT 2013 in the Entertainment Technologies CTE program. When asked why she chose BCIT, Amber replied “I knew I wanted to study Engineering and BCIT provided me more opportunities”.
In addition to a rigorous academic schedule, Amber’s interests include participating in the 4H Club and the Lockheed Martin Teen Council and clogging. Amber serves as president of the Guard Teen Panel, an organization located in Bordentown and sponsored by the U.S. Army and Air Force. In her role as president, Amber oversees 10-30 volunteers and helps children and youth by organizing fundraisers, camps for kids, and special events. Ambers has been active in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Group in Burlington Township for the past four years. The youth group plans fundraisers during the school year and summer events for the community.
History is Amber’s favorite subject. Mr. Bodnar is her favorite teacher, “he lets us joke around in the classroom, while we work, and he sings. He makes learning fun and we enjoy doing group projects in class” explained Amber. Amber also enjoys math “because I’m a whiz at it!” she confidently boasts.
Amber proudly stated her goals: “next year, I want to be a member of the NHS. I believe academics are the foundation to help me go out into the world and make it a better place. If I don’t understand history, I wouldn’t be able to speak to veterans or help them. One time, back in eighth grade, I visited a Veterans Home in northern NJ. Many of the residents spoke about the war; if I didn’t understand history, I would not have been able to communicate intelligently with them.”
When I asked Amber what made the decision to attend BCIT an easy one for her, she stated “BCIT offers you the opportunity to try something new -- don’t be afraid to make new friends. You might discover how much you like doing something you’ve never tried before. Everyone at BCIT is so friendly and we have a lot in common -- making friends was easy.”
Amber remarked “I want to go to college to study Aerospace Engineering. Some of my top college choices are Princeton University, Stanford, and MIT; it’s always been my dream to attend Princeton University. I visit there several times a year!”
Congratulations Amber on your successes to date and best of luck to you as you continue to chase your dreams and serve our community!
-Laura Geltch
Student Spotlight: Trae Greene
Trae Greene from Willingboro is a Pre-Engineering Senior at BCIT Medford. Trae has two younger brothers, Isayah (12) and AJ (15), A Sports Medicine student at BCIT Westampton. Trae chose BCIT because it was a different environment than his sending district of Willingboro. "I thought BCIT would help me prepare for college and help me find my passion. I thought it was a better opportunity for me" explained Trae.
Trae selected Pre-Engineering (he originally wanted Sports Medicine), as his second choice. "I like building and designing things from scratch. Math is also my favorite subject. It’s a profitable field, so it made sense for me to pursue it in addition to athletics," remarked Trae.
Trae participated in the Key Club his Junior year at BCIT. “I really enjoyed helping other people in our community--it made me appreciate my life when I was helping those who have it worse than me.”
Trae plays quarterback for Willingboro High School. “It’s not hard for me being at BCIT and playing sports at Willingboro; my teammates are my friends from growing up. I get to stay in touch with them and it has expanded my friend group--BCIT & hometown friends.”
Trae has played football his entire life, both offense and defense. He was a tight end until high school, when Trae broke his foot and it slowed him down. Willingboro wanted him to be a quarterback, so he decided to try it during his freshman year. Trae joined the varsity position (sophomore into his junior year). "I’ve always enjoyed football. My uncle was a football fanatic, he always watched games with me and we played together. I work all year long to prepare for football; wrestling, track, and basketball as a hobby, to help me strength train". Currently, Willingboro's football record is 7-2.
When asked about his BCIT experience, Trae explained, “I feel very close to my teachers here. I visit my old teachers all the time; they help me and keep me focussed. BCIT exposes you to other cultures and environments. BCIT works with you to make you successful. There is nothing scary about making new friends; you make friends without even noticing. Everyone here is so friendly. I would tell incoming students to keep their head in their books, don’t just fit in with the crowd, don’t be afraid to take honors classes--always push yourself. You will want to get as many classes and credits in as possible to help you with college."
Trae is still applying to colleges and taking calls from coaches. "A dream school for me would be a Division 1, large school, which will provide me a bigger experience. Every college has a different vibe and experience--no matter where I go, I will learn and benefit from that experience. I want to play quarterback in college, but my main focus is Engineering; I plan to pursue both sports and engineering either way.”
“I get interviewed a lot. I am getting better at it," explained Trae. "I like talking about my experiences and my game, my stats" -- Trae has broken 3 Willingboro H.S. records for number of passing yards in a game, in a season, and career yards. He just boasted 400 passing yards in a single game and most career h.s. touchdowns. Trae also made first team all county, which is a county recognition for top performing athletes.
Congratulations Trae on your successes to date both in the classroom and on the field. We wish you the best of luck as you chase your future dreams.
Article on him and his friend and teammate David Green “color them green”
Add: Athlete of the Week link
Check Inquirer, BCT & Courier-Post
-Laura Geltch
BCIT @ Community Events!
November 30th: 7 p.m., Winter Vocal & Instrumental Concert, Medford Campus
December 5th: 5:30 p.m., Program Advisory Dinner, Medford Campus
December 6th: 4 - 7 p.m., Meals for Mittens, Westampton Campus
December 7th & 8th: 7 p.m., Winter Dance Concert, Medford Campus
Winter Break: December 25, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Discovery Night: February 22, 2018 (snow date: Feb. 27th)
BCPDI 2017-18 Online Workshop Series
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 BCIT Personnel.
Employee Data Change Form: EDCF Form
Note: Staff are required to submit a signed EDCF when requesting changes to their personnel profile.
EDCF should be sent to personnel: bcsssdpersonnel@burlcoschools.org or BCITPersonnel@burlcoschools.org
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.