BCIT MEDFORD NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2017
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
The new year is upon us and we are already preparing to begin the second semester at Medford. Students and teachers are preparing for final exams and anticipating their new courses which will begin on February 1st
As we enter the dark and cold winter months, please remember to check the BCIT Medford web page for information related to school closures. The district also utilizes a global call system to keep everyone informed of delays and closures.
Upcoming Events in February:
Robotics Competition Jan. 28th
Sophomore Cotillion Feb. 10th
Back to School Afternoon Feb. 16th
Discovery Night Feb. 21st
It will be June before we know it, so be sure to visit to school calendar for important dates and events. As always, feel free to contact our staff for any questions that you may have regarding your child’s education.
Mike Parker
Principal
Dear Parents & Guardians - Back to School Day is coming soon!
The Burlington County Institute of Technology, Medford Campus, will be hosting a “Back-to-School Afternoon” on Thursday, February 16, 2017. Students will have an early dismissal schedule with dismissal at 12:32 p.m. Conferences will begin at 1:35. You must schedule your conference with your son/daughter’s teacher in Genesis, between February 3-10, 2017, for the date of February 16.
To schedule a conference, please follow the steps below:
· Access BCIT Website
· Click on Parent Genesis at the top of the page
· Sign in
· Click on Student Data (top of page)
· Click on Conference (top right side)
· Request a Conference
· Choose Week of February 13
· Choose day February 16
· Choose a teacher
· Choose a time
· Click reserve
The appointment conference will be reserved at the end of these steps.
Please go to the Summary tab and print your child’s schedule. If you have any questions regarding scheduling your conference, you may contact Mrs. Bouchard at Ext. 8437.
We look forward to welcoming you and informing you about your child’s education at Burlington County Institute of Technology, Medford Campus.
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BCIT SEMESTER 1, FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Friday, January 27, 2017
Final exams for BLOCKS 1 and 3* will be administered
Pre-Homeroom 8:12- 8:20 8 minutes
Homeroom 8:20- 8:26 6 minutes
BLOCK 1 8:26-10:26 120 minutes (Final Exam Administration)
Passing Time 10:26-10:32 6 minutes
BLOCK 3 10:32-12:32 120 minutes (Final Exam Administration)
Student Dismissal 12:32
Monday, January 30, 2017
Final exams for BLOCKS 2 and 4* will be administered
Pre-Homeroom 8:12- 8:20 8 minutes
Homeroom 8:20- 8:26 6 minutes
BLOCK 2 8:26-10:26 120 minutes (Final Exam Administration)
Passing Time 10:26-10:32 6 minutes
BLOCK 4 10:32-12:32 120 minutes (Final Exam Administration)
Student Dismissal 12:32
*PLEASE NOTE THE ORDER OF THE EXAM PERIODS
**MAKE-UP EXAMS will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 which is a full day In-Service for teachers. Students need to provide their own transportation.
Semester 2 begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
CREDIT MAKE UP CALENDAR
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~BCIT MEDFORD STAFF MEMBERS OF THE YEAR~
Teacher of the Year - Terry Ward
Educational Services Professional of the Year - Lori Ilconich
Teacher Aide of the Year - Ellen Dragish
Terry Ward
Teacher of the Year
Lori Ilconich
Educational Services Professional of the Year
Ellen Dragish
Teacher Aide of the Year
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BCIT MEDFORD STAFF MEMBERS OF THE MONTH!
BCIT MEDFORD DECEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
Senior- Kylie O'Hara
Junior- Amanda Wells
Sophomore- Maura Slocum
Freshman- Zachary Knapp
Just a reminder as we begin Semester 2. Any changes to student schedules after the start of the second semester will only be considered for the following reasons:
· A data or statistical error in the schedule, i.e., two subjects in one period, no lunch, wrong grade level for English, etc.
· To meet graduation requirements or mandated program requirements.
· If student failed with scheduled teacher in the previous year and another teacher is available. Where necessary, such changes will be made at counselor discretion, and only after extensive review of the circumstances.
· Improper program/level placement, i.e., student is not in the course(s) as indicated on the course request form.
In all cases, except a clerical or data error, parental permission or parental awareness is necessary in writing before any change can be made. No course may be dropped after the first interim report is issued. Students may not transfer out of any class after four (4) weeks from the beginning of semester course and after nine (9) weeks from the beginning of a full year course.
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October 2016 PSAT scores were released online to students on January 4, 2017, the Guidance Department should begin receiving hard copies of scores within the next two weeks to distribute to students. Students should be able to access their scores online at www.collegeboard.org.
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We will be administering the ASVAB again on March 1, 2017 to give our students an additional opportunity to fulfill their graduation requirement. Please encourage your son or daughter to take advantage of the online practice tests in preparation for the test.
https://uniontestprep.com/asvab/practice-test
https://uniontestprep.com/asvab/practice-test
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The Accuplacer is being administered on January 25, 2017. If you son or daughter has registered, please encourage your son or daughter to take advantage of the online practice tests in preparation for the test.
https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/prepare-for-accuplacer
https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/login
http://www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacertest.htm
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STUDENT VISION BOARDS-7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEENS
In December, students at Medford campus continued celebrating the one book, one school summer read, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Students submitted vision boards to showcase their future goals in honor of the second habit, ‘Begin with the end in mind’. The vision boards were judged and three winners were chosen. Congratulations to Ben Huddell, Gabriela Berdugo-Hernandez, and Diamond Harris! Thank you to members of NHS, Ms. Kaplan, Ms. Forline, and Ms. Jurkowitsch for all of their time and effort. Gratitude is extended to all of the students who submitted such fine examples of their future aspirations. In his book, Sean Covey states, “You’re at a critical crossroads in life and the paths you choose now can affect you forever.” Setting and visualizing goals can ensure that you control your own destiny. Beginning with the end in mind reminds us to do just that.
Our Winter Sports season is in full swing and our teams are participating in various competitions and games across the state. Beginning this spring sports season all student-athletes wishing to participate in athletics at Medford Tech must register online. More information will come shortly, but please check the athletics website regularly for important registration information. All student-athletes and his/her parent/guardian must sign and submit all required medical forms to the Nurse’s Office at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the sports season in order to participate. More information is available on the Athletics website.
Please come out and support our Jaguar Athletic Teams. The bowling team competes at Medford Lanes. The boys and girls basketball and cheerleading teams compete in the gymnasium on campus. For schedules to all events and games click HERE
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PHYSICAL EXAMS
The State of New Jersey requires that all students must pass a licensed physician’s or licensed nurse practitioners physical examination prior to participation in any sport. Physical exams are valid for 365 days. Student-athletes must submit a completed physical examination packet to the Nurse’s Office at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the sports season they intend to participate in. Only the “Preparticipation Physical Evaluation” forms, approved by the NJ Department of Education, will be accepted. Students may not participate until the school physician has approved their physical exam. If a physical exam was completed more than 90 days prior to the start of the sports season a Seasonal Update Form must be completed and submitted to the Athletic Director’s Office.
Physical exams are being offered at school by appointment only on the dates listed below. Students must make an appointment for the physical with the nurse prior to the specific physical date. To schedule an appointment by phone please call 609-654-0200 and ask for the school nurse.
Tuesday, January 24th @ BCIT-Medford (in nurse’s office)
Tuesday, February 14th @ BCIT-Medford (in nurse’s office)
Tuesday, February 28th @ BCIT-Medford (in nurse’s office)
All of the forms necessary for participation (physical packet, parent permission consent form, emergency information form, health history form, etc.) can be found on the BCIT Medford Page – Administration – Assistant Principal/Athletic Director – Athletics – Required Athletic Packet
GET INVOLVED and be proactive to make the most out of your high school experience!
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Congrats To Aziz Parker On Becoming The Newest Member Of The 1,000 Point Club
(pictured below with Coach Powell)
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STUDENT-ATHLETE INFORMATION
Any senior student-athlete wishing to compete in the NCAA Division I or II must complete an application through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Click HERE to register. You must complete this process to receive any type of athletic scholarship money! Student athletes are reminded to send their SAT and ACT test scores to the Eligibility Center by entering the code “9999” in the box when registering for the tests. Any senior student-athlete wishing to compete in the NAIA level must register through the NAIA Eligibility Center. Click HERE to register. You must complete this process to receive any type of athletic scholarship money!
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STUDENT ACTIVITY ORGANIZATIONS
BCIT-Medford offers a wide range of student activity organizations. We recommend and encourage all students to become involved in at least one club/organization. Feel free to contact the staff advisors and see how you can become involved. Additional information may be found on the school website under Student Life. Click HERE to view our student activities.
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MY SCHOOL BUCKS
Medford Tech is happy to announce that our online payments are currently active for General Obligation (ID’s, books, etc.) and Senior Trip payments.
To make an online payment please click HERE and create a MySchoolBucks account. Then find your product and make a payment. We encourage all students to make their payments via MySchoolBucks.
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MEDFORD TECH APPAREL
Please check out our online spirit wear store to get your Medford Tech apparel. It can be customized for any academic, career major content area, club/activity or athletic team. The items are shipped directly to your house. Please click HERE to take you directly to the online store.
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Catawba College inducts Medford BCIT's JoAnn Sienkiewicz into Athletic Training Hall of Fame!
By Post Education
Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 12, 2017
SALISBURY – On Saturday, Feb. 11, two new members will be inducted into the Catawba College Athletic Training Hall of Fame. The inductees of the class of 2017 are Ashley Kaminski Burin ’01 of East Cobb, Ga., and JoAnn Sienkiewicz ’91 of Delran, N.J.
The induction ceremony will take place between noon and 2 p.m. in Hurley Room of the Cannon Student Center on campus. The event is sponsored by Novant Health, the Catawba College Athletics Department and the Catawba College Athletic Training Program. Make reservations to attend by Feb. 3 or for more information about the event, contact Catawba’s Head Athletic Trainer Robert Casmus at bcasmus@catawba.edu and 704-637-4350.
Catawba’s Athletic Training Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural class in 2011. Previous inductees include Gary Blabon ’91 of Salisbury; Dr. Dan Burks ’93 of Salisbury; Chris Felix ’92 of Audubon, N.J.; Dr. Jolene Miller Henning ’96 of Jamestown; Scott McCall ’93 of Charlotte; Holly Stump ’98 of Lithia, Fla.; Jim Bradley ’86 of Mebane; John Lukowski ’92 of Irmo, S.C.; Angela Shirk Sneed ’93 of Mooresville; Jeff Tucker ’90 of Jensen Beach, Fla.; Bryan Fass ’95 of Davidson; Carrie Graham of Coventry, Conn.; Ronald Ogrodowicz ’96 of Stratford, Conn.; Richard Sharpnack ’95 of Pitman, N.J.; Sandra Cash Campbell ’87 of Elberton, Ga.; Matthew Schaller ’98 of Knoxville, Tenn.; Shawn Fitzgerald ’95 of Wilmington and Andrew Sylvester ’98 of Duncansville, Pa.
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JoAnn Sienkiewicz is employed as athletic trainer and health and physical education teacher for the Burlington County Institute of Technology, a position she has held since 1990. She was named Teacher of the Year for Burlington County Institute of Technology in 2010.
Prior to her current position, she served as athletic trainer and clinical outreach to Moorestown Friends High School through Nova Care Rehabilitation in Moorestown, N.J., between 1992 and 1998. She earned her teacher certification in health and exercise science for kindergarten through 12th grade from Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., in 1999.
She received certification as a personal trainer and as a pre/postnatal exercise specialist from American Fitness Professional and Associates in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Following her graduation from Catawba, she served from 1991-1992 as an intern and an assistant athletic trainer for the college athletic department.
Congratulations JoAnn Sienkiewicz!
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Culinary preparing family meals as part of Inauguration Day.
BCIT MEDFORD WINTER DANCE CONCERT
On December 15 and 16, the Academy of Performing Arts Dance students presented their Winter Dance Concert. The performance included solo works choreographed by Junior Dance Majors and group works choreographed by Senior Dance Majors. Thank you to all who came out to support our students!
Congratulations to the Members of International Thespian Society Troupe 7891 for a great weekend of performances at the New Jersey Thespian Festival!
Congratulations to our medal winners -
For Monologue Performance -
Molly Gruberg, Jake Zeff, Danielle Stefanick, & Shanice Brown
Qualifying for Nationals are:
Contrasting Monologues – Diamond Harris, Zaire Carter, & Amos Koffa
Musical Theatre Solo - Molly Gruberg, Ay'Onna Bloodworth, D’Ionna West & Jake Zeff
Musical Theatre Duet - Jahmar Ortiz and D'Ionna West
Group Musical Theatre - "Good Morning" - Zaire Carter, D'Ionna West and Jahmar Ortiz
"Cell Block Tango" - Diamond Harris. Maura Slocum. Courtney Tuck, Desiree Smith, Lauren Quattrocchi and Imani Davis
Our school took Third place in the Advanced Tech Challenge Competition - with a team of Olivia Grant, Danielle Stefanick, Alanna DelGaldo, Jesenia Sosa-Sanchez, D'Ionna West and Jayden Jefferson
And Best Actor in the Chapter Select plays went to Jahmar Ortiz for his performance in "Flowers for Algernon."
Congratulations to all the students and their hard work!!!
Worthy Alternatives to a 4-Year Degree Already Exist
Editorial Note: The following was written by ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson in response to an op-ed in the Baltimore Sun. That op-ed can be found here.
On January 1, William Durden published an op-ed titled, “Creating a credible alternative to college.” Unfortunately, while his desire for an improved education system is clear, he completely overlooks the clear solution – stronger investments in today’s high-quality career and technical education system.
Today, what used to be known as “vocational education” is referred to as career and technical education (CTE). CTE encompasses dozens of career pathways and prepares students for both college success and a wide range of high-wage, high-skill and high-demand careers. CTE is academically rigorous (CTE students are more likely to meet college and career readiness goals) and student demand is high: more than 90% of students take at least one CTE class.
Mr. Durden’s piece suggests that “the nation needs a robust, well-respected job-preparation alternative to college that begins in high school and seamlessly continues into advanced education and training” – and CTE is that system!
Mr. Durden goes on to warn that “teaching technical skills merely to meet the requirements of a current job is not sufficient.” He is exactly right, but the CTE system of today has already moved away from that approach. CTE doesn’t just teach a specific set of skills meant for careers limited to existing workforce needs. Rather, today’s CTE offers a strong set of academic, technical and employability skills embedded in broader Career Clusters that prepare students to be lifelong learners and advance along career pathways. And, while education in the skills trades is critical to American economic competitiveness and can lead to high-wage careers (e.g. the average salary of a plumber is $55,000), one has to look no further than the city of Baltimore for examples of new and innovative CTE programming that prepares students for careers of the future as well.
For instance, Baltimore City Public Schools offer a robust array of CTE pathways, from information technology and engineering to health and biosciences. What’s more, these programs allow students to earn industry-recognized credentials from companies like Cisco, Oracle and Microsoft, all while still in high school. Students also have the opportunity to earn professional certifications, and each year city high schoolers become certified EMTs, nursing assistants and pharmacy technicians, among other careers.
Lastly, Mr. Durden seems to argue that educational alternatives to four-year colleges don’t exist. In reality, there are over 1,700 2-year colleges across the country, and just like at Baltimore City Community College and the Community College of Baltimore County, many of these postsecondary institutions partner with local secondary schools to offer early college credit through CTE programs of study. These programs offer students the opportunity to work in fields ranging from cybersecurity to veterinary medicine to business management.
This doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve CTE. Dedicated educators and professionals work to do this every day. But instead of ignoring existing CTE programs, advocates should focus their efforts on ways that the new Congress and Trump Administration can expand opportunity for all students. Two major items on the federal legislative agenda in particular could help to do this.
First, Congress should reauthorize and update the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to reflect innovations in the CTE ecosystem and restore Perkins funding to 2010 levels. Funding cuts have real consequences, and Maryland has since seen an adjusted 24 percent decrease in federal Perkins dollars. Second, Congress can increase access to community colleges and certification programs by making important changes to financial aid eligibility during this year’s reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
Robust, comprehensive and rigorous CTE exists as a path to the middle-class for millions of Americans. But student opportunities are often hampered by misconceptions about today’s CTE and/or plagued by inadequate funding. With the support of Congress and stakeholders across the country, every student can have a shot at the American dream.
LeAnn Wilson is the executive director of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the nation’s largest nonprofit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents tens of thousands of educators, administrators and other education professionals across the country.