The Dragon Review

September 2023

Hello Dragon Nation!

Welcome to the September edition of The Dragon Review. It is great to once again address our school community and highlight important information and school events that are in full swing. In support of a successful school year, the student body was brought together in respective grade levels to review school procedures, protocols, and expectations. Each grade level was addressed with a principal’s welcome, review of school wide expectations, and handbook review of essential information. Student voice is an essential element to our organization’s success. The assembly emphasized our school’s core values along with updated methods to recognize positive student behavior. It was rewarding to see the high level of attentiveness and participation on display by all classes, signifying a desire to remain engaged and connected to the BTHS expectations and opportunities present for the current school year.

School spirit is evident as students are continuing our tradition of “We Wear Green on Fridays”. The BTHS Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday, September 30. We are excited to bring the Homecoming Dance back to BTHS, holding the event in the East Gym. Homecoming Bid sales have been on sale throughout the week of September 26. BTHS has high participation in our Spirit Week supporting our Homecoming event. More information specific to the Homecoming spirit week, game, and dance are present within the Student Government section of this edition of The Dragon Review.

Senior portraits took place this past month. Any Senior who missed their opportunity to take their Senior portraits will have an opportunity for a make-up session in the month of November. Mark your calendars as Underclassman pictures will take place on October 3 (Grade 9), October 4 (Grade 10), and October 5 (Grade 11). In support of National Suicide Prevention Month, School Based Youth Service Programs arranged for the Lead U organization to come to BTHS to present and engage with our Sophomore and Junior students. This highly engaging assembly focused on empowering our students to make healthy life choices.

The strong attendance at the Back-to-School-Night event affirms the support available to our students and staff. Through a collaborative home/school connection we will be able to make strides in your child’s education. As a reminder, our school day begins promptly at 7:10 AM. Please ensure that if dropping your child off in the morning that it is done at the East Entrance of the building. The campus traffic map has been included once again in this edition of the Dragon Review for reference. Additionally, It is essential that all individuals reporting to the school are prepared to present photo identification along with a valid reason for their visit prior to gaining entry into the building.

Continue to check our school’s website and twitter feed for regular updates and important announcements. In closing, the upcoming school year is a new opportunity for building relationships and remaining connected to our learning community. It is my hope that students take advantage of the opportunities to join co-curricular programs and attend school events. Together, we will ensure the success of each of our children during this upcoming year.

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. BTHS held its annual Freshmen orientation on Wednesday, August 23rd. It was a great event as the Freshmen were able to tour the school, meet staff, and were able to participate in co-curricular activities in the IMC. Back to School Night was Wednesday, September 13 at BTHS where many parents attended as the night was a great opportunity to meet staff and discuss the upcoming school year. On Thursday, September 21st and Friday, 22nd the BTHS Sophomores and Juniors participated in a presentation from an organization called Lead U. This program empowers and educates students to make healthy life choices. The program was a great success as the whole sophomore and junior class participated.

The week of Tuesday, September 26th - Friday September 29th will be spirit week here at BTHS. Tuesday the 26th will be Twin Tuesday, Wednesday the 27th will be Socks, Crocs, and Birkenstocks, Thursday the 28th will be Team Jersey Day, and Friday the 29th will be Green and White day. Spirit week will conclude with the Homecoming Football game which will be held Friday, September 29 against Jackson Memorial at 6pm. The Homecoming Dance will be Saturday, September 30th at BTHS East Gym from 5-9 PM. Tickets will be available starting Friday, September 22nd - Friday, September 29th during lunch for $20.

The Not Even Once Program presentations took place Thursday, September 21st with a follow-up presentation taking place Thursday, September 28 during the students’ Health & P.E. classes. Also, the Italian Folk Group Presentation will be taking place on Friday, October 6th in the auditorium. This is a very entertaining event that celebrates aspects of Italian culture with music, and dancing.

Each month we will ask students to candidly share their highlights from the past month. Here is the feedback we received from this past month:

"Love earning the Dragon Scales. We have great prizes this year!" ~ Reece

"I like the increased freedoms and responsibilities of High School." ~ Andy

"Winning our Senior Night Girls Soccer game!" ~ Erika

"Attending the sporting events - seeing our teams win! Go Dragons!" ~ Sophia

"The Mall looks great. I love the tables and space to eat lunch outside." ~ Mariam

Underclassman pictures will take place in the IMC Library on October 3, October 4, and October 5. See the Attached Schedule. Students should report to the library during their assigned date and time.

• Tuesday, October 3 - Grade 9 Students
• Wednesday, October 4 - Grade 10 Students
• Thursday, October 5 - Grade 11 Students

Students will not be called down, and will be responsible for reporting to the library at their designated time according to this schedule. Picture orders can be placed in advance at www.mylifetouch.com using order ID EVT8Z8WPC.

See flyer for details.

Attention Brick Township High School - Yearbooks are on sale Now!

See the graphic below for ordering information.

Senior Parents

There will be an additional senior portrait session in November. Signup information will be distributed closer to the date.

The back of the yearbook is dedicated to Senior Recognition Ads, where you can create a personal message to celebrate your senior and add pictures. Click here to purchase and design an ad!

The BTHS Parent Teacher Student Association is accepting membership for the 2023-2024 school year. Please consider joining the Brick Township High School PTSA.

LINK to Memberhub

Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute, a Partners in Prevention Program, mission is to guide young people to realize their leadership potential and become empowered to create positive change in themselves, their schools, and their communities. Through LMTI, students learn to look at challenges not as roadblocks to be feared or ignored, but as opportunities to be embraced and overcome. Students leave LMTI with a sense of confidence, purpose and motivation that continues throughout the school year.

BMAC, Brick Municipal Alliance Committee, sponsored students from both BTHS and BMHS to attend the Summer Leadership Conference. Over the past two years, students have returned from camp with plans to work with stakeholders in the critical area of prevention utilizing research and evidence based practices. Last year, the area of need that students identified was mental health services. The primary focus was making sure students were made aware of different support systems within the school community and community as a whole to address depression, anxiety, and self-esteem.

This summer, the students identified a new area of need--student engagement. During the LMTI Conference, participants developed an action plan to increase student participation in clubs and other extracurricular activities as a means to engage students in positive activities and thereby reduce student interaction with negative activities such as drug use and the resulting negative impact on our community.

Brick Schools Participants in the Summer of 2023: Clark Demarest, Benjamin Neller, Eika Gonzalez-Fuentes, Skylar Hillin, Cameron Marr, Ashley Cali, Madison Verdura and two Youth Advisory Council Members: Desirae Majett and Sofia Sharples. Miles Dawson volunteered his time for the week as a CAT, College Age TI Staff member.

At the close of this summer’s program, the students from Brick Schools were recognized with the Motivation Award for promoting healthy lifestyle choices through an outstanding prevention program and striving for programmatic excellence in 2022-2023.

The Fall Season is underway! All teams have put in great effort so far this season as we are very proud of some of the accomplishments that have been achieved. In Girls Soccer, Trinity Maloney recorded her 400th career save, congratulations goes out to her on this career milestone. The Football team is off to a great start as they currently sit with an impressive 4-1 record. Their next game will be Friday, September 29 as they host the Jackson Memorial Jaguars.

The Girls Cross Country Team is having great success so far this season with individual stellar performances. At the Battle at Ocean County Park on September 15, K McHugh placed 12th in the Sophomore race with a time of 20:42 and Olivia Tesi placed 47th in the Senior race with a time of 23:23. K McHugh also placed 12th in the Varsity girls race at the Osprey XC High School Invite at Stockton University on Friday, September 22 with a personal best time of 20:09. Great job and keep up the awesome work ladies!

The BTHS Band has started off their competition season strong taking first place at their first competition of the season as well as winning the award for best music.

The Classics with Kasyan Book Club will kick off the school year with Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. We will spend the next three month's reading this novel, breaking the novel into three sessions.

The meeting to discuss the first third of the book, which entails Chapters 1 -7 of Into the Wild will take place after school on Tuesday, October 24 in the library. The meeting will conclude prior to late bus dismissal. All students are welcome to join. Any student looking to participate should grab a copy of Into the Wild and start reading. There will be an open dialogue and discussion of the first third of the book (Chapters 1 - 7) at our scheduled meeting, reading the book ahead of the meeting will allow you a better opportunity to add to the conversation.

If you would like to borrow a copy of Into the Wild, 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 Tuesday, October 24. Start Reading!

Want to be featured in our school lit mag?

Join our Google Classroom for The Regaler (code = shgtudl) to send your poems, doodles, and cool photos to us.

Even better, join our staff to be a part of it, where we believe in the power of words and pictures to inspire. We are especially seeking interested freshmen this year!

Contact Mr. Doyle, Mrs. Stansbury, or our Editor-in-Chief, senior Emily Kozemchak, with questions.

BTHS Students of the Month - September

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.

Tre Flynn, Grade 9

Tre started the school year not only as a student new to the high school, but also new to the district. Right away, he began trying to build relationships with both his peers and his teachers. He has shown so much initiative in class, offering to work with peers and help them out, as well as checking in with teachers frequently. As scary as it is starting both high school and moving to a new district, Tre has taken it with stride and already is an integral part of my classroom, as well as I'm sure he is in all school settings. - Ms. Goff

Olivia Krsyzckowski, Grade 10

Olivia is a wonderful and dedicated student. She works hard to perfect her artistic craft on a daily basis. Additionally, she is kind to others and shows dedication to being a Dragon through her extra curricular activities.- Mrs. Gruber

Lily Pechillo, Grade 11

Lily was new to Brick last year, and felt nervous at a new school where she didn't know anyone. This year, she's a peer leader, a voc. student, and a positive influence in the school. When a new student transferred in and was sitting alone at lunch, Miss P reached out to ask the other counselors if they had anyone who could invite her to sit with them. I immediately thought of Lily. She happily volunteered and has since offered to help welcome any new student to sit at her table because she remembers how hard it was to be a new student. She truly demonstrates our core values and is an asset to this school. I am so glad she transferred to BTHS. - Mrs. Celona

A new student needed help finding friends in the lunchroom. When I asked the class who would help them out I had some hesitant hands but Lily JUMPED up instantly ready to help :-) - Ms. Freedley

Tyler Garrett, Grade 12

Tyler in years past would easily get distracted and it was very difficult to get him back on task. Sometimes he was unable to complete activity for the rest of the block. This year he is focused, always participating and a leader in the class. - Mrs. DeFrancisci

Reyli Fierro, Grade 12

Reyli is an all-around hardworking student both in and out of school. He embodies discipline and diligence. He always tries his best in class. He exemplifies our core values of integrity and respect. - Mrs. Robinson

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.

Currently, SGA is working with the BTHS cheerleaders and the four classes to put together Homecoming 2023. The dance will be held at BTHS on Saturday, September 30th from 5-9 pm. Applications for Freshman class officers are available now in the SGA Google Classroom. The deadline to apply is October 11th. Applicants should attend the SGA meeting on that date. Coming up, SGA will be hosting a game booth at Brick Recreation's Fallfest on Saturday, October 14th at Windward Beach. Our next project will be planning Fall festivities such as our Pumpkin Decorating Contest and the Annual Halloween Costume Contest.

Welcome to Senior Year, Class of 2024! We are excited to kick off the school year with our Double Good Popcorn fundraiser. Students are encouraged to sell popcorn from Monday Sept. 18 through Friday Sept. 22 at 8PM and reduce the price of their Senior Ball Bid! We will be hosting 3 of these popcorn fundraiser events from now until winter break. Students can combine total Popcorn sales through each event to get a Senior Ball Bid discount! Our Senior Ball is booked for May 23 at South Gate Manor in Freehold, NJ from 5-9pm. Members of the Class of 2024 should join our Google Classroom with code ozvfp3p. Please reach out to Mr. Lucchetti flucchetti@brickschools.org in room 205 or Mrs. Ianniello lianniello@brickschools.org in guidance with any questions!

The Class of 2025 is very excited to start their Junior year. Students and advisors gathered over the summer to hash out the details of important events including their Junior Prom. Students created a list of various fundraisers and social events that they are planning to host in order to make this year's prom affordable to all. Come out and support all the classes at this year's HOCO on September 30th as well as Fall Fest in October. Please reach out to Mr. Pazmino cpazmino@brickschools.org in Room 300 or Ms. Velez mvelez@brickschools.org in Room 23 with any questions.

The Class of 2026 is currently holding a clothing fundraiser. The link is here: Class of 2026 Gear. The store will be open until 10/6. Make sure to check Google Classroom, Instagram and Twitter for information and updates.

Instagram @bths_classof2026

Twitter @bthsclassof2026

Google Classroom lf4subd

The Class of 2027 is excited to get started for Homecoming weekend and the events ahead! Students have contributed to creating a banner for the dance and attending meetings to discuss future fundraisers. Advisors Mrs. DeBonis and Ms. Scipione are excited for the next four years!

Updates from the School Counseling Department

• The Week of Respect and Red Ribbon Week occur yearly every October. We will be celebrating Week of Respect October 2nd-6th and Red Ribbon Week October 23rd-31st. Throughout the month, in schools across the United States, these 2 initiatives aim to create a culture of kindness while promoting character education, drug and alcohol prevention and awareness as to how the relationship between drugs and violence creates destruction for communities and families.

• The School Counseling Department utilizes SCOIR as our College and Career resource. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to sign up for college visits through their SCOIR account. Admissions representatives from colleges and universities in the U.S. will be visiting BTHS during the next few months to meet with students. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about specific colleges; admission and application process, as well as student life and athletics.

• The College Night at the Jersey Shore is a college fair hosted by Ocean County School Counselor Association. This fair will host over 140 colleges, universities, technical schools and the Armed Forms on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 from 6pm-8pm. There will be a Financial Aid Presentation by HESAA at 5:30pm and College Athletics at 7:00pm.

• The PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 4th through Friday, October 6th at Brick Township High School from 7:30am-approximately 11:00am. Juniors who signed up have received their testing locations on google classroom and they will be posted outside of Guidance prior to test day.

• We will be hosting the SAT Administration on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Please bring your admission ticket, form of ID (i.e. Driver’s license, student ID, passport), number 2 pencils, a calculator, and a snack. Good luck to our students! The next testing administration for the SAT will be on November 4th. The registration deadline is October 5th.

• Ocean County College has partnered with Brick Township Public Schools for the College Pathway Program. Representatives from the Enrollment Office of OCC will be presenting to our 12th grade students who plan to attend OCC on November 1st.

Hello BTHS Community!

The health office would like to send a warm welcome to all parents, students, and staff as enter the Fall season. With the arrival of Fall, also brings respiratory viruses. As we head into cold and flu season, I encourage you to take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by taking precautions. Basic strategies to prevent the spread of viruses include staying up-to-date on your vaccinations, washing your hands often, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and staying home if you are not feeling well.

In addition, I would like to focus on the importance of the NJ State Mandated Immunizations, which are required for school entry and daily attendance. We must continue to remain vigilant with maintaining overall state mandated vaccination compliance as per our school health guidelines to ensure these successes. In so doing, I implore all community members to please schedule your children’s yearly Physical Exams with your pediatrician’s office to remain up to date with our state and school mandated vaccination schedules for the continuous safety and wellness for themselves and others within the community. For students who are arriving from Out-of-Country or State, there are two locally federally funded clinics (see below) where appointments can be made in order to obtain Physical Exams, along with receiving all of the necessary vaccinations for school attendance - appointments can be scheduled via online for either facility. Parents/guardians of those new students entering the district, please remember there is a short time frame to begin receiving the required vaccinations. If the first dose of all state mandated immunizations required are not obtained within the designated time frame, your child will be excluded from school until doing.

Please do not hesitate to contact the health office at BTHS if you would like to speak directly with me to review your child’s immunization status. Best Wishes for a happy, healthy & safe school year ahead!

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

Health Office Contact- Nurse Tammy Yarbrough

• West Nurse Office - Ext. 2037
• East Nurse Office - Ext. 2009

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.

• In Late August, School Based held our Annual Summer Training Day for our Peer Leadership program, which has Upperclassmen engage Freshmen students in workshops throughout the school year that help them learn valuable skills in transitioning to high school. The Peer Leaders from both BTHS and BMHS came together to receive a full-day workshop from Lead U focused on Leadership, Team Building, and Empowerment. The event was sponsored by Preferred Behavioral Health Group and Manasquan Savings Bank. (see a picture attached)
• In September, School Based started a new after-school club "Mind and Body", which is centered around introducing students to various aspects of wellness, including mindfulness, yoga, aromatherapy, and more.
• The first of our monthly Staff Wellness events was held on Tuesday 9/19 after-school in the IMC. We partnered with Balance Wellness Center in Brick to offer all BTHS staff members a free wellness activity/workshop once a month for the whole school year. The first workshop was a meditation focused on relaxation and setting positive intentions for the school year.
• In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, School Based sponsored Lead U to come and give 2 full days of workshops that were seen by the entire Sophomore and Junior classes. The workshops were centered around helping students learn the importance of skills such as communication, smart decision-making, and resiliency, which are all major protective factors when it comes to maintaining our mental health. Lead U engages with students in fun and interactive ways that help students connect with one another and experience a learning environment outside the classroom setting. (See pictures below)

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.

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.

Principal

David Kasyan, Ed.D.

Assistant Principals

Erin Biancella - Grade 11 & Freshman P-Z

Ryan Hesnan - Grade 10 & Freshman H-O

James Marvin - Grade 12 & Freshman A-G

Athletic Director & Co-Curricular Supervisor

Jason Longo

Supervisor of Guidance

Angela Smith

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