The Dragon Review

March 2023

Hello Dragon Nation!

March has been a busy month in Dragon Nation! This past month saw the recognition of International SEL Day, which was celebrated on Friday, March 10. The BTHS learning community recognizes the value of incorporating Social Emotional Learning competencies within our daily actions. Social Emotional Learning is interwoven in the fabric of our experiences at BTHS as seen in the development of classroom communities, routine check-in opportunities, honoring the whole child development, implementing explicit SEL lessons focused on the development of the core competencies, and offering staff / students an opportunity to participate in mindfulness activities.

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. It should also be noted that the BTHS Wall of Fame is once again active with the Wall of Fame Class of 2023 recently announced. On Monday, May 22 the Wall of Fame committee will induct the WOF Class of 2023 composed of Jim Barber, William Darnell, Dr. Stephen Genco, and Dennis Toddings. The event will take place at Villa Vittoria at 6:00 PM. Interested in purchasing a ticket to attend? Click Here. Congratulations to all of the inductees.

In closing, I would like to bring to the attention of all of our staff, students, and parents the upcoming opportunity to attend a very important information session on internet safety, cyberbullying, and social media that will take place on Wednesday, April 26 at Lake Riviera Middle School in the Multi-Purpose Room. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s office will be presenting a free information session on these very important topics. It is our hope that through increased education and awareness of the adverse effects associated with misuse of these platforms, students will be in a better position to make informed decisions. This event is open to all Brick School District students in grades five through twelve. It is the expectation that all students attending this event are accompanied by a parent. Brick Schools is proud to partner with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office to share information on this important topic. The flyer for this event can be found here as well as within the Dragon Review newsletter.

Respectfully,

David Kasyan, Ed.D.

Principal

Hello Dragons!

Here is an update about what has been happening and what we are looking forward to on campus here at BTHS. On February 28th the Brick Township High School’s National Honor Society hosted Family Game Night here at BTHS. The event was great as families were welcomed to spend a night out at BTHS where they can take part in playing board games, backyard games, arts and crafts and movies! The event was well attended by staff, students, and families in the community. Battle of the Classes was held on March 2nd. The event was a great success as students from all grades participated and competed hard. Special shout out goes out to the Senior Class for taking home 1st place!

Brick Township High School hosted the District Arts Festival on March 9th. The event was well attended by the community as students of all ages and staff from all schools came to BTHS to see all the fantastic artwork that the students of Brick Public Schools created. There are so many talented artists in our school district and it is a great night for everyone to celebrate, particularly our very own artwork made by BTHS students. BTHS will host its Transition Fair and Career Day on March 30th and 31st. BTHS will also host the Brick Township Public Schools Hero Awards on March 31st.

Looking forward to the month of April, Spring Break will begin on Friday April 7th. BTHS will also host in conjunction with the Community Partnership the Senior Citizen Prom on Friday, April 21. The Spring Musical, Spongebob will take place the weekend of April 27- April 29. We are very excited for these upcoming events and it gives BTHS staff, students and our community an opportunity to recognize and celebrate all the wonderful opportunities our students have to make a positive impact.

Attention BTHS learning community, a service dog will be joining our school to assist one of our students. This service dog is a trained companion for the student and is able to assist him/her in many of the daily routines while learning at school. This certified service dog is highly trained. The student’s right to have a certified service dog is protected under Human Rights legislation and the School Act and therefore can be with the handler in all aspects of his/her education. To better help all members of the learning community understand the daily functions of a service dog an informational video has been included for reference. Link to Informational Video. We anticipate the service dog will be a benefit to the student’s learning and we look forward to this new addition to our school community. A letter was sent out via a blackboard blast notifying our school community of the service dog presence. Link to Letter.

Attention Class of 2023 - PTSA Fundraiser.

Celebrate your Class of 2023 Graduate by displaying a personalized yard sign on your front lawn! Signs are 18” x 24” and display the below graphic. Your senior’s FIRST name will be printed on the single sided sign. A wire stake is also included for easy installation. Click Here for Additional Information.

Congratulations to all participants of the District Arts Festival. The Brick Township High School was happy to host such a successful event. Artwork from every school will be displayed throughout the hallways plus elementary, middle, and high school performing arts programs will be presented throughout the evening.

Celebrate your student with a Senior Recognition Ad in the back of the yearbook! You can personalize your ad with a message and photos. The deadline for purchasing and designing ads is April 1st. Click here to purchase.

The Wall of Fame - Class of 2023 has been announced. On Monday, May 22 the Wall of Fame committee will induct the WOF Class of 2023 composed of Jim Barber, William Darnell, Dr. Stephen Genco, and Dennis Toddings. The event will take place at Villa Vittoria at 6:00 PM. Interested in purchasing a ticket to attend? Click Here. Congratulations to all of the inductees.

The winter season has officially come to an end. In wrestling, Jade Huerta finished her amazing career with another state medal, finishing 3rd in Girl’s States. Jade is now a two-time state place winner, finishing 2nd last season. She is the first multiple state medal winner in Brick Girl’s wrestling history and the first multiple state medal winner for both the boys and girls program since 2015 and its first state finalist since 1974. Our Ice Hockey team lost in the State Quarterfinal round to a very talented Colonia team. Despite the loss, our Ice Hockey team should be very proud of their season that was filled with a lot of success. Spring sports are now underway as all teams are working hard and getting ready for competition. The boys golf team is already competing in the regular season. The team had one scrimmage and the season began with the annual Wall Invitational. The boys and girls team will be competing in our annual green vs. white intersquad scrimmage this Friday. Stay tuned for results and pics. Here is a snapshot of some of our Spring sports getting ready for competition.

From the Parthenon to the Wildhorse Saloon, the Historic RCA Studio B to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Pfunky Griddle to Soundwaves the waterpark, the Country Music Hall of Fame to the Grand Ole Opry, the music festival trip to Nashville was a huge success with fun had by all! The students, staff, and chaperones all had the time of their lives exploring Nashville's offerings! The bands and choirs also had tremendous success in the competition - Voices of Fire earned 1st place with a Superior Rating, Sirens earned 1st place with a Superior Rating, Jazz Band earned 1st place with a Superior Rating, and Concert Band earned 1st place with an Excellent rating! We couldn't be more proud of the hard work and dedication of our students in making this trip such a success!

This year the BTHS Mock Trial Team did very well during the season. They beat both Notre Dame High School and St. John Vianney during the preseason and went on to advance into the Ocean County Semi-Finals. Even though they did not win the Ocean County Mock Trial Championships they were able to secure a win over Brick Memorial to bring the Mayor's Cup back home to BTHS! The Mock Trial Competition is a NJ State Bar Association sponsored event where high schools field teams of 5-10 members to either prosecute or defend a case against another school. All schools get the same case and they have to create their own case strategies and questions to best prove their side of the case. Each competing side has two lawyers and three witnesses. At BTHS the Mock Trial Team is a Varsity Academic Team with its members being involved in many other different types of extracurricular activities including but not limited to: Hockey, Wrestling, NHS and so many more. As a result of the demanding scheduling that they already have, BTHS Mock Trial members dedicated their time to even practices from September to February. A big CONGRATULATIONS to the BTHS Mock Trial Team on securing the Mayor's Cup this Year!

Members the competed in the Mayors Cup Include: Frankie Bevacqua, Dominick Anthony, Jason Glandorf, Jacob Storch, and Mya Polanco

Other members that competed throughout the season were: Dayanara Gavidia, Aidan Rozell, Justus Mess, Chase Roberts, Daniel Lohmeyer, and Lacey Ireland

Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Pavao, and Ms. Roselli accompanied students to the Teen Arts Festival at OCC. The students received feedback on their submissions and also got some helpful tips. They, then. participated in workshops like origami, basket weaving, and creating vision boards and even participated in an Open Mic session in the Student Center.

Natalie Kerwin's 2D work titled "Sardine," Angela Dienes' poem "Realization" and Isabella Campione' poem "Tomorrow" were selected for the State Festival.

BTHS was proud to host AP Computer Science classes from across the county to offer an opportunity for students to collaborate and collectively prepare for the upcoming AP Computer Science Exam. Thank you Mrs. Segreto for organizing this event. Participating Schools included Brick Township High School, Brick Memorial High School, Jackson Liberty High School, Jackson Memorial High School, and Toms River North High School.

BTHS Unified Sports is offering staff, students, and community members an opportunity to show their support of Unified Sports. Click Here to Access the Gear Order Form. Any parent / community member purchasing gear will need to pick up their items from the main office. You will be contacted with the number you provide in your order form, notifying you when items are ready for pick up. Thank You!

In need of academic support? Looking for a tutor to help you achieve your academic goals? Look no further than to your BTHS National Honor Society. Join the NHS Google Classroom and fill out the tutoring request form to be matched with a tutor. Request tutoring in any subject and an NHS tutor will be happy to help. Google Classroom Code: RRSAFER

The Regaler staff is busy at work preparing this year's edition of the BTHS literary magazine, showcasing Dragon artwork, creative writing, and photography. Our theme this year is the 1980s! So hold onto your parachute pants and stay tuned for its release in late May.

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.

Allison Buzinkai, Grade 12

Always polite, well-mannered, and is a great student. Allison has a 100 A+ in Calculus CP. - Dr. Cipriani

Logan Semevolos, Grade 11

Logan is a great student, a gentleman, respectful and a pleasure to have in class. He is a shining star in class. - Mrs. Haug

Isabella Marinelli, Grade 10

One of the kindest, smartest and hardest working sophomores in this school. Her academics and extracurriculars speak for themselves in describing how great a student she is and how much Brick Pride she has. - Mr. St. Jean

Scotty Cambria, Grade 9

Scotty is an amazing student. Not only do they work very hard academically, but they treat others with respect and kindness. It is an honor to be Scotty's teacher and I can't wait to see what the future holds! - Mrs. Stapp

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.

Battle of the Classes 2023 was a great success with SENIORS taking home the trophy. Next up, SGA will be sponsoring a Spring Spirit Week April 3-6. Look out for our flyer. Class officer elections will take place in May.

Check out the BOTC23 Video courtesy of Visiontech

https://youtu.be/6U3UwoOEzjY

The Class of 2023 participated in, and WON, Battle of the Classes on Thursday, March 2nd! It was a fun event and students are thankful to all who helped put it together and everyone who attended. Seniors will have one last popcorn fundraiser, which will be held virtually from April 17-21st. Stay tuned for more information and how to order. Senior Ball bids will be on sale during the last week of April. Thank you for your support! See Mrs. DeBonis (Room 306) or Ms. Scipione (Room 202) with any questions!

The Junior Prom will be on May 5, 2023 from 5-9pm at Jumping Brook Country Club. Our theme is Enchanted Garden. Our class is planning exciting fundraisers for the Spring so stay active on our google classroom (code: ozvfp3p) for important updates. Please contact your class advisors with any questions!

Mr. Lucchetti flucchetti@brickschools.org

Mrs. Ianniello lianniello@brickschools.org

The Class of 2025 has another great month. We competed in the Battle of the Classes and saw our class spirit reach now levels. Several more members of our class came out to participate this year than last year and the kids had a blast. Although they took 3rd overall at Battle of the Classes, our crowning achievement was beating out every other grade in the dance competition and taking home 1st place in that event. We are looking forward to the upcoming months when the Class of 2025 will be co-hosting a carwash with the BMHS Class of 2025 as well as hosting the 2nd Annual Yard Games event, Student/Staff Volleyball Tournament, and a cupcake decorating social for the students and staff at BTHS. For the Class of 2025, it was another great month to be a Dragon!

The Class of 2026 just finished a Gertrude Hawk fundraiser. They are now looking into venues for the junior prom. On March 2nd the freshman class competed in their first Battle of the Classes. There was a great turn out of freshmen competitors and spectators. They are excited for future events to show their class pride and school spirit. Check out our Instagram page for more information. Instagram: @bths_classof2026 Twitter: @bthsclassof2026 Google Classroom: lf4subd

Updates from the School Counseling Department

• Career Day at BTHS will be Friday, March 31st during Blocks 1 & 2. Students will have the opportunity to sign up here. Professionals and speakers from the healthcare field, business sector, science/technology, law, vocational, visual & performing arts, and social/public service will be represented.
• Ocean County College Express Enrollment Day will take place on Wednesday, April 26th from 9am-1pm. Students planning to attend OCC in the Fall 2023 will be able to register for this field trip through this link. RSVPs are due 4/18. Students will also need to stop by Guidance to pick up a permission slip form. Students will be given a tour, meet with advisors to select courses and lunch will be provided.
• The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will be presenting a free Information Session on Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and the Dangers of Social Media to all parents and students in grades 5 through 12 on Wednesday, April 26th at Lake Riviera Middle School in the Multi Purpose Room between 6 and 7:30pm. Brick Schools is proud to partner with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office to share information on this important topic and we look forward to seeing you and your child at this event. Link to flyer
• The last ASVAB administration for the 2022-2023 school year will be on April 26th. Students interested in joining the military OR any junior student interested in taking the ASVAB should use this link to sign up or stop by Guidance to sign up.
• We value our partnerships with the community, and it is through support of organizations such as yours, that our student’s future aspirations are made possible.
• Scholarship News; Last year, the Class of 2022 was awarded over $130,000 in scholarships, presented to 71 graduating seniors by over 100 donor organizations. This year we strive to exceed this goal and need your help! Please view this letter with additional details regarding the Scholarship Program for the Class of 2023. On behalf of the staff and students at Brick Township High School, we are grateful for your consideration of a scholarship. “One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals” --Jean Vanier
• Looking ahead; AP testing will take place in May. Please see the dates on the calendar below for AP students. AP Exam Date Calendar.

The School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) provides our students year round intervention and supportive services that are promotive and protective of healthy adolescent development and well-being. School based staff are valued members of our school community, advocating and developing for collaborative partnerships with all who share our passion to motivate and empower our youth. Together we strive to create a safe environment, as well as a place to seek guidance and mentorship.

Hello BTHS Community!

In light of our Health Offices completing Hearing Screenings on our 11th Grade Students during the months of February and March, this month's Health Edition of the Dragon Newsletter will focus on the importance of ‘Hearing Care’ - how to maintain good hearing and properly manage noise levels to an allowable degree in order to avert their harmful effects.

World Hearing Day is held on March 3rd of each year to raise awareness on hearing loss prevention and promote hearing care across the globe. Protecting one’s hearing from prolonged, harmful levels of excessive noise which exceed medical and governmental agency (OSHA) guidelines or allowances can not be overstated. once an individual incurs hearing damage or hearing loss, there is no way of reversing the course--it will be with you for life and even the best technologies in the world cannot replace lost hearing. Teenagers are particularly at risk for developing hearing loss at a young age due to the following; unsafe use of personal audio devices (simply put, playing and listening to music much too loudly, exceeding the acceptable standards and guidelines), along with exposure to damaging levels of sound in noisy entertainment venues, such as concerts or other recreational exposures when loud sounds are occurring over a prolonged period of time. It is estimated that 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of developing hearing loss due to these reasons.

You may be wondering what it sounds like to have hearing loss. Take a moment to explore various audio simulations associated with hearing loss in the following link: What Problem? - HEARsmart

At the present time over 5% of the world’s population require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children), and it is estimated that by 2050 nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of a disabling hearing loss. A ‘Disabling’ hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear. Many people with hearing loss report feelings of isolation and frustration, which can lead to reduced productivity and employment opportunities, decreased quality of life, and even problems with mental health, contributing to cognitive decline for the longer term. As a parent, you can:

• Set Parental Controls on listening devices (keeping the password protected).

• Utilize Ear Plugs at concert events in order to dampen the noise levels.

• Wearing protective Headphones or Earmuffs when operating loud machinery or while working in High-Noise Industrial work environments.

• Maintain yearly check-up’s with your physician to better assess hearing function.

Remember, Hearing Loss due to being exposed to loud noises or NIHL is 100% avoidable - please maintain vigilance when it comes to protecting yours and your children’s hearing!

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 COVID-19, please contact Mrs. Carlsson or Mrs. Yarbrough in the health office.

• As we begin to approach allergy season, any student that is diagnosed with asthma, or allergies please make sure that the health office has a current Asthma/Allergy Action plan for 2022-2023 school year.

Health Office Contact

West Nurse Office - Mary Carlsson Ext. 2037

East Nurse Office - Tammy Yarbrough Ext. 2009

The Brick Township High School Wall of Fame Committee accepts nominations throughout the year. Nominations for the 2023 class are closed, however, we will be accepting nominations throughout the school year for candidate consideration for future inductions. Click Here for the BTHS Wall of Fame Nomination Form.

The BTHS Parent Teacher Student Association is accepting membership for the 2022-2023 school year. Please consider joining the Brick Township High School PTSA.

LINK to Memberhub

Principal

David Kasyan, Ed.D.

Assistant Principals

Erin Biancella - Grade 10 & Freshman P-Z

Ryan Hesnan - Grade 12 & Freshman H-O

James Marvin - Grade 11 & Freshman A-G

Athletic Director & Co-Curricular Supervisor

Jason Longo

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

Janet Maciel

Antoinette Sirico

Christine Velardi

Mike Zuccaro

Website: www.brickschools.org
Location: 346 Chambersbridge Road, Brick Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-785-3000
Twitter: @BTHSDragons