BCIT Brief
October 2016, Edition #22
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
Thank you,
Laura Geltch
A letter from Dr. Christopher Nagy, Superintendent of Schools
October 2016
Dr. Christopher Nagy
Superintendent of Schools
Click HERE for Dr. Nagy's BCIT web page & blog
A letter from Dr. Todd Bonsall, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
BCIT Discovery Night
BCIT Admissions kicked off their recruitment season for the Class of 2021 with the Fall Discovery Night on Thursday, October 20th from 6-8 PM. Burlington County students in grades 6th through 9th were invited to tour career major programs at Medford and Westampton campuses. Over 400 students and their families attended Discovery Night. Current students welcomed prospective students, escorting them to career majors of interest. Faculty members greeted students with live demonstrations showcasing unique activities and skills the students would have opportunities to learn, should they choose to attend BCIT. Admissions and guidance counselors were on hand to answer questions about BCIT.
Students had the opportunity to explore our brand new Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program for the first time. They also had an opportunity to learn about the variety of clubs, activities and athletics offered at BCIT. The next Discovery Night is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2017 (snow date: February 23, 2017).
Curriculum Council
BCIT launched its Curriculum Council on October 11th. The BCIT Curriculum Council is a representative group of district personnel and community members who advise the superintendent in matters concerning curriculum and instruction. Members will review all curricula and textbooks in accordance with the five-year plan prior to seeking approval from the Board of Education. The council will meet once every two months, while sub-committees meet as necessary between the council meetings. In addition, the council will review all relevant data in an effort to inform instruction and increase student achievement. Last, the council will embrace technology and innovation through the implementation of the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) model.
The purposes of the Curriculum Council are as follows:
- to establish and maintain the model for academic and CTE program governance;
- to serve as "keepers of the vision," assuring compliance with the district mission statement, curriculum policy, and the long-range plan;
- to theorize, discuss, and take action on issues pertaining to curriculum, instruction and student learning; and
- to serve as an educational "transformer" in the integration of external influences and mandates, positively influencing rather than short-circuit existing change processes
- provide students and staff with a curriculum that is linked horizontally and vertically from 9th through 12th grade for each content area
- ensure that all curriculum documents are accessible and user friendly
- include common vocabulary and assessments that link student learning across the curriculum
- incorporate interdisciplinary learning
- integrate reading, writing, and technology into daily lessons
- suggest appropriate instructional strategies and resources for students at various stages of learning
- ensure all students are afforded a learning experience that is rigorous, relevant, and reflective
Our sub-committee chairs:
- Textbooks: Dave Finn
- Data: Jessica Rista
- Literacy & Mathematics: Lia Hannon & Jessica Rista
- Technology: Elizabeth Humphrey
- Innovation: Danielle Hartman
- Curriculum Proposal Review (CPR): John (Chris) VanSciver
BCIT Board of Education Policies & Regulations
Click HERE for the 2016-17 Board of Education Meeting Notes. Please review and reference pertinent policies as applicable.
Board of Education policies and regulations online link:
BCIT Adult Education
Adult Education lesson in Dental Occupations
Click HERE for the 2016-17 BCPDI Online Brochure. Register today!
Save the Date! BCIT Winter Discovery Night
February 21, 2017
6 - 8 p.m.*
Westampton & Medford Campuses
*Please Note: NEW Time
BCIT 2017 Summer Camp
Click HERE to view the 2016 BCIT Brief Special Summer Camp Newsletter editions.
Registration for our 2017 BCIT Summer Camp opens February 1, 2017.
Register early! Our camps fill up fast.
BCIT Students/Staff of the Month
9th – Quinlan Dixon
10th – Christian Caram
11th – Breanna Diaz
12th – Samantha Stiehl
Support Staff Member of the Month – Mr. Davies
Staff Member of the Month – Ms. Aman
Westampton Campus
9th – Mya Webb
10th – Travis Montone
11th – Luke Vuono
12th – Kalaina Dixon
Most Improved- Jalyssa LeBrun
Student Athlete- Mruhi Amin
Stafff Member of the Month: Genevieve Cross
BCIT In the News!
Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio officially opens premier advanced manufacturing training center created by a partnership with RCBC, BCIT and Rowan University
October 17, 2016
Burlington County Times
Congratulations BCIT Foundation Board Member, Dr. Denise King!
Student Spotlight - Jadan Randolph
Senior Jadan Randolph is a Pre-Engineering exemplary student on our Westampton campus. Jadan described her decision to attend BCIT as an easy one. Her family moved here from Georgia when she was in eighth grade. Her family arrived in town not knowing much about the area, relying on Jadan's uncle for direction. Her uncle attended BCIT and had a positive experience.
Jadan’s father studied engineering in college and shared his experiences with Jadan. From a young age, Jadan became interested in engineering. “Once I learned what areas of study BCIT offered, I had to choose between Entertainment Technologies and Pre-Engineering. Engineering intrigued me once I learned how complex the field is," explained Jadan.
When Jadan was a freshman, her eleven year old brother was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma (bone cancer). He is thankfully now in remission, and plans to attend BCIT as a culinary major. The family's experience with her brother’s illness helped Jadan make the decision to study Biomedical Engineering. Jadan wants to create technology for doctors to treat their patients. Chemical Engineering is also a passion of Jadan’s. She plans to double-up on her major in college. Jadan plans to apply to Princeton University, Cornell University, University of Penn, and Drexel.
“Ms. Rista’s class impacted me the most at BCIT. The math courses I took living in Georgia did not prepare me for high school math at BCIT. Math is my favorite subject and I studied Geometry, Pre-Calc and Calculus. I got my first B in her class and I was unhappy! I wanted to bring my grade average up, so I worked hard. I ended up with the highest overall average in her Geometry, Pre-Calc, and Calculus classes! I studied all the time. I set a goal and achieved it. I was 9th in the class my freshman year, and moved up to 3rd in the class by the end of my junior year,” shared Jadan.
When asked about her BCIT experience, Jadan explained "I would recommend BCIT because there are great teachers here. They will work with you and if you’re struggling, they will help you understand and help you. They will stay after school to work with you and make sure you succeed. BCIT offers more than an education. We have sports, career majors, and you can learn a trade so you are ready for the real world. There are so many opportunities here! Now that AP courses are offered, we feel more competitive here and that gives us an advantage when we apply to colleges. It’s helped me with all my applications, especially to Ivy League schools."
Jadan's impressive list of school and home activities:
- Captain of the Varsity Girls Soccer team
- NHS member (running for president)
- Key Club
- Robotics (Captain)
- Volunteer in her Church’s Nursery (Young People’s Division)
- North Stelton AME Church
- Tutor for middle school students at her Church
Best of luck to you, Jadan, as you begin your transition from a highly successful and motivated high school student to a hard-working, accomplished college student.
--Laura Geltch, Program & Community Coordinator
FCCLA Westampton High School Senior represents BCIT in Washington DC
...read more press release
Discovery Night: October 20, 2016
Westampton Campus Blood Drive
Congratulations to our BCIT Westampton Campus HOSA students (Health Occupations Students of America) for organizing a campus Blood Drive on October 25th. 195 people will be helped by the 65 pints of blood collected!
Renee Janowicz
Director, BCIT Foundation
609-267-4226, ext. 8335
BCIT Foundation supports students and staff with education-based technology and post-secondary scholarships. Join the cause at www.bcit.cc/foundation.
Designer Bag Bingo - October 13, 2016
Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the BCIT Foundation.
Congratulations to all our lucky winners!
Save the Date! Spring Designer Bag Bingo: March 16, 2017
BCIT Cross Country athletes win big!
Medford Tech's boys team won the South Jersey Vocational-Technical Cross Country race for the second consecutive year. T.J. Worthen won the individual title for the third straight year for BCIT-Medford, while Zaire Carter came in 2nd overall this year. Colin Johnson (6th) and Nickolas Powell (8th) also earned medals for the boys.
Medford Tech finished second in the girls race. Desaree Vaughan (6th) and Kiara Rivera (10th) earned medals for Medford Tech.
Boys Varsity Soccer - Westampton @ Medford
BCIT Westampton hosts Burlington County Guidance Counselors & CSTs
Medford campus hosted Burlington County Guidance Counselors & CSTs
Medford Campus Interact Club Fundraiser
Eagle Scout
Serious Comedian to Address Bullying
Press Release:
Serious Comedian Keith Deltano will be using comedy to combat bullying for Burlington County Institute of Technology, October 13, 2016.
Deltano has spoken in schools throughout the nation, combining audience interaction and cultural commentary into an unusual style of uplifting comedy to address the tough issues facing today’s students.
“We want our local schools to be a place where every student feels safe and comfortable,” said Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien. “Kids today face challenges most of us adults could never have imagined growing up. If comedy can help us to bridge that divide and to better address those challenges for our students, well, that is terrific.”
Deltano’s background as an award winning middle school teacher, private counselor, curriculum creator, and educational comedian help him relate to and understand his audience. He is also a winner of the Teaching Excellence Award, the National Impact Award, and creator of “The Complete Anti Bullying Kit.”
“We just really want to take a proactive approach to school culture, especially concerning social media. We have a great environment here and want to make it even better,” says Jeff Pensabene of BCIT.
Deltano's assembly goes beyond the bystander/bully/victim labels to get at the underlying causes of bullying. The "mean girls,” status clothes, "in" group, and cliques will all come under his comedic wit; challenging both youth and adults alike to seriously contemplate how they view one another. His message is one of acceptance, making new friends by reaching out, and encouraging the audience to stop judging one another by outward appearance, speech, or economic status.
“Social media changed everything and now a child can be bullied 24/7. It’s even occurring at much younger grades,” said Deltano. “Several years ago I only had to address cyber bullying at the high school level, then I had to address it at the middle school level, now I’m addressing it at the K-5 level.”
For more info on Keith Deltano, please go to www.DontBullyOnline.com.
Pumpkin Chucking!
Academy for Performing Arts Presents...
Fall Play: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 7 p.m. & 10 (matinee)
Dance Concert Dec. 15 & 16, 7 p.m.
Vocal & Instrumental Music Concert Jan. 10, 7 p.m.
BCIT Medford Spring Musical: Singing in the Rain Mar. 31, April 1, 7 & 8, 7 p.m.
Vocal & Instrumental Music Concert May 11, 7 p.m.
Dance Concert May 24 & 25, 7 p.m.
Check out our updated BCIT informational video!
BCIT Adult Education has a New Facebook Page!
Like us on Facebook!
Complimentary Info Session: BCAS Campus, Mt. Laurel
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. Contact person: Peggy Heller, pheller@bcsssd.k12.nj.us
Employee Data Change Form: EMPLOYEE DATA CHANGE FORM 12.2.14 EDCF.pdf
Note: Staff are required to submit a signed EDCF when requesting changes to their personnel profile.
EDCF should be sent to personnel: bcsssdpersonnel@bcsssd.k12.nj.us or BCITPersonnel@bcit.cc
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.