The Dragon Review

November 2023

Hello Dragon Nation!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday, shared with friends and family. Although this past month had a short number of days in session with Teacher Convention Break and Thanksgiving, there was plenty of activity at BTHS. October ended with a high level of excitement as BTHS participated in the Costume and Pumpkin Painting contest traditions. Students were overtly supportive of one another, recognizing each individual for their contributions to the positive school environment. In an effort to continue to promote the importance of supporting one another in a positive school environment, the freshman class was brought together to hear from the Ocean County Prosecutor's office on the importance of making appropriate choices in regards to their usage of social media and approach to peer conflicts. We are thankful for our partnership with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office as their guidance and support of our students and learning community is evident.

This past month emphasized the importance of our communication and collaboration practices as Parent-Teacher Conferences took place. I want to express my appreciation to all of our parents and guardians for actively participating in your child’s education. The Parent-Teacher Conferences were a success as a direct result of the support offered throughout our educational community. BTHS faculty is grateful for the support received from our community and continue to look forward to future collaboration. Students are recognized for their hard work and dedication as we closed out the first marking period grading cycle for this current school year. Students achieving honor roll and distinguished honor roll have been recognized with the distribution of letters signifying their achievement as well as the posting of their names outside of the guidance office. It is fulfilling to see students celebrate in front of the generated honor roll and distinguished honor roll posters to take a picture signifying their achievement.

BTHS hosted our annual Alumni Networking Day on Wednesday, November 22. This is always a special event, as former BTHS students share their perspectives on life and post-secondary education. I continue to be amazed by the level of transparency, honest reflection, and valuable insights that result from these authentic conversations. This event continues to reaffirm the lasting impact BTHS has on our students, preparing each of our students for future success.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude toward our entire school community. I am thankful for our teaching staff and faculty, who work closely together to ensure a safe and engaging learning environment. Moreover, BTHS would not be successful without the help and support of our parents. During this season of reflection, I can not emphasize enough as to how thankful I am to be leading this wonderful school community.

“Gratitude bestows reverence, changing forever how we experience life and the world.” ~ John Milton

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. The BTHS Marching Band followed up their Region Championship with a State Title as they also won awards for the best visual and best music performance. What an amazing year for our BTHS Marching Band! The annual SGA Halloween Costume Contest was held on Tuesday, October 31st, students who earned a pass from their teacher for their costumes were able to participate during 4th block, and as usual the event was well received by both students and staff.

Financial Aid night was held on November 7th in the IMC and was well attended by families of students who are looking to continue their education following graduation here at BTHS. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office presented to our Freshmen class on the topic of Cyberbullying that took place on November 8th in the auditorium. The Top Dragon Talent Show took place on November 13th, it was a great success and well attended by students and parents. The first marking period came to a close on November 10th and we held Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 13th through the 16th with report cards being made public through the Parent Portal on Friday, November 17th. The annual BTHS Powder Puff Game was held on Thursday, November 16th and was a great time for our participants and for those who were in attendance. The Winter Sports season began with tryouts on Monday, November 20th.

The ASVAB test took place on Monday, November 20th at BTHS. This is a great opportunity for our students to give themselves more access for their post high school plans. On Tuesday, November 21st the Title 1 Parent Involvement and Dragon Values Event was held in the IMC. November 22nd was Alumni Networking Day which is always a great opportunity for our students to talk to recent graduates of BTHS about opportunities and their experiences after graduation. BTHS hosted its STEM Academy Open House on November 28th. Entering the month of December, BTHS will have its Sophomore Ocean County Vocational School Presentation. This is another great opportunity for our students to be exposed and educated on the variety of vocational trades that they can get involved in.

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

"Spirit week - my favorite this past month was Flannel Day!" ~ Paula

"The crowd's reaction to our performance at Top Dragon." ~ Ava

"I liked the school spirit at the costume contest. It was a lot of fun." ~ Khloe

"Alumni Networking day was helpful to gain a perspective of future opportunities. It was great to see our past graduates." ~ Summer

"Way to go Seniors! Powderpuff was a blast!" ~ Amaya

Nurse Bridget Blunda has officially become a Dragon! We are excited to announce that we welcomed Nurse Blunda to the team at the start of this month. For the time being Nurse Blunda is working directly with Nurse Yarbrough in the West Health Office. Beginning on Monday, December 4 the East and West health office will be open to support our student body. Nurse Blunda will be located in the East Health Office. Nurse Blunda - Welcome to the team!

The BTHS Drama Club is proud to present Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol". All of our students, staff, parents, and community members are invited to BTHS to enjoy this upcoming performance.

Friday, December 8 at 6:30 PM

Saturday, December 9 at 1:30 PM

Saturday, December 9 at 6:30 PM

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

BTHS Students of the Month - November

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.

Joshua Evans, Grade 12

All around great kid. Great student, athlete, leader among peers, and has a great attitude. - Mrs. Rahbari

Madalynn Dougherty, Grade 11

Madi is an outstanding student. I cannot say more about her. She is an amazing, amazing artist with talent above her years. In class she is a role model of what it means to be a Dragon. Everyday she is a class leader and exemplar of excellence. - Mrs. Gruber

Sybelle Peters, Grade 10

Sybelle not only has one of the highest grades in my class but is also one of the nicest students in my class. Sybelle always has a kind word to say to me at the beginning and end of every class. Bee is also quick to help out her sister (who is also in my class) with any problems she may be having with the material. Sybelle never leaves me hanging when I ask a question of the class. She really makes first block a class I look forward to teaching. You couldn't pick a better student for student of the month. - Mr. Burns

Sybelle contributes greatly to class discussions. She asks questions for clarification and strives to consistently do her best. She even reads when done with classwork and has recommended books to me and classmates. She has made a positive impression in the first two weeks of school, and I am so proud of her! - Mrs. Jones

Tatiana Acevedo, Grade 9

Tatiana is polite, kind, respectful, and conscientious. She always greets you with a friendly smile. Tatiana should be the student of the month because she embodies all of the qualities of a Brick Dragon.

Congratulations to all of our Fall sports teams. We are proud of all of your individual and team accomplishments. Here are some final end of season highlights. The football team finished the fall season winning two games in-a-row pushing their record to 6-5 on the season. Our Cheer Juniors and Seniors held clinics at LRMS to help future cheerleaders with their tryouts.

The Brick co-op gymnastics team had an outstanding season, finishing the regular season 10-2. In the postseason at the Maureen Sutphen Memorial Classic meet, senior Abby Breen took 1st on floor, sophomore Alyvia Mullarkey took 8th on bars and 4th on beam, and freshman Christina Oliver took 7th on bars. Three gymnasts from Brick Memorial advanced to the postseason competing at Shore Conference and Sectionals. Sophomore, Liberty Kenney will represent the Brick Co-op Gymnastics teams at the State Tournament competing in the all around competition. Congratulations to the Brick Co-op Gymnastics Team on a remarkable season and a job well done!

A big CONGRATS to K McHugh and Anthony Thomas for amazing 5K races this weekend at the NJSIAA Group Cross Country Championships at Holmdel Park. In a very competitive FAST Group 3 race, K ran an impressive time of 20:51 and Anthony finished strong with a time of 18:06. Both of these times were Personal Records at Holmdel Park for our runners and we are so proud that they ended the season this way!

On a final note, The Marching Dragons, who after an undefeated season and a regional and state championship title, placed 2nd at Atlantic Coast Championships. The band received a score of 94.220 and will be promoted to compete in Open Class for the 2024 season.

BTHS is proud to announce that four of our students have been selected to the All-Shore Chorus for the 2023-2024 School Year. Congratulations to Shayla Attiko, Makayla Alvarado, Isabella Dautrich, and Ashley Burroughs. (Pictured Left to Right)

BTHS Swim is having an online apparel sale that closes on December 4th. If anyone is interested in buying any clothing to support Brick Swim use the link: BTHS Swim Apparel

The Mayor's Student Advisory Council is hosting a Holiday Trivia night at BMHS on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 PM in the BMHS Green Cafeteria. Prizes will be provided to the winning teams. Note that this event is taking place at Brick Memorial High School as the Mayor's Student Advisory Council is a joint initiative comprised of students and staff from both high schools

Students in Acting 1 class, under the direction of their classroom instructor Ms. Best, performed The Great North Pole Bake Off at Osbornville Elementary School, Emma Havens Young Elementary School, and Drum Point Elementary School. The performance was outstanding. Students were highly receptive and engaged throughout the entire performance. Bravo!

Ms. Velez's Spanish 3 Honors covered Holidays and celebrations in our last unit. Students learned vocabulary associated with Holidays and discussed various traditions. The class held a CLASSGIVING to welcome a new student who this year will be his first time celebrating Thanksgiving in the states. Students brought in traditional dishes that they enjoy with their family during this holiday. Students also took time to express, in Spanish, what it is that they are Thankful for during this season.

Mrs. Farnsworth's English II class examined J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye from a Mental Health perspective. Thank you to Nick Spanola, Program Director from SBYSP, for presenting students with information on mental health.

Dr. Kasyan's Book Club will continue with another highly acclaimed novel. The next selection will be Refugee by Alan Gratz. The Book Club will meet after school on Tuesday, January 23 in the library and will conclude prior to late bus dismissal. All students are welcome to join. Any student looking to participate should grab a copy of Refugee and start reading. There will be an open dialogue and discussion of the book 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 Refugee, 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, January 23. 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.

Your school lit mag wants your creative works. Be heard!

Submission deadline: March 1, 2024

All students have an opportunity to receive extra help during Block 5 in the content areas of Science, Math, and English Language Arts. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to have support and guidance from our master teachers.

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

See the graphic below for ordering information.

Click Here to Order your BTHS Yearbook

Senior Parents

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! Save $10 when you order before December 1st.

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.

This month SGA sponsored a spirit week, culminating in our annual Alumni Networking Day on Wednesday, November 22nd. BTHS welcomed our recent graduates who imparted their wisdom and experience to our junior and senior students on the transition to college and careers. Thanks to all who made the event a success. Next up in December is our annual holiday door decorating and holiday card contest.

The Class of 2024 will participate in our second round of the Double Good Popcorn fundraiser from Monday, November 27 until Friday, December 1. You can use this link to purchase some of the best popcorn money can buy: Class of 24' Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser. Due to our success in the first round, we are giving seniors an opportunity to reduce the price of their Senior Ball Bid or Senior Trip cost (Grad Night @ Great Adventure on June 7) ! We will be hosting this fundraising opportunity 2 more times so please take advantage of lowering the cost of your senior activities.

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!

Save the Dates

Senior Ball: May 23 at South Gate Manor in Freehold, NJ 5-9pm

Grad Night @ Great Adventure: June 7

The Class of 2025 has been very busy. We have seen an increase in student participation and excitement over all the class activities. Last month students came out and helped with Fall Fest which helped raise money for our upcoming Junior Prom. The students also participated in Powder Puff and although the Seniors took the win, the junior girls played an excellent game. Our group of cheerleaders had their routines down packed and entertained the crowd during their halftime show. The class is still working on raising money and is currently hosting Donation dots and selling chocolate covered pretzels. Please reach out to Mr. Pazmino cpazmino@brickschools.org in Room 300 or Ms. Velez mvelez@brickschools.org in Room 23 with any questions.

Class of 2026 has secured Jumping Brook Country Club as our venue for Junior Prom. So save the date, May 8, 2025 and get your dance shoes ready. Our next fundraiser is Gertrude Hawk Chocolates and we will be selling in the beginning of January. We will need students to sell boxes. Please reach out to Mrs. Buell nbuell@brickschools.org or Mrs. De Poto ddepoto@brickschools.org if you would like to sell boxes. Our next class meeting will be December 12, 2023. All are welcome. Google Classroom Code lf4sud

The Class of 2027 is getting ready to meet in the month of December to begin discussing some events happening in the Winter and Spring, including Battle of the Classes and fundraisers! Congratulations to those who have been selected for the Executive Board, as we are looking forward to working with you this year. Please be sure all freshmen are in the Google Classroom. Any questions about anything Class of 2027 related, see Mrs. DeBonis (306) or Ms. Scipione (202).

Updates from the School Counseling Department

• Alumni Networking Day was hosted on Wednesday, November 22rd. BTHS Alumni were invited to attend this event and take part on a panel discussion to speak about post-secondary topics including 4 year colleges, 2 year colleges, military, majors, college life, collegiate athletes, college applications, high school classes that prepared them for college (Honors, AP, Dual Enrollment) and time management.
• Ocean County Vocational Technical School will be presenting to all sophomore students on Friday, December 1st about the shared time programs and application process. OCVTS Shared-Time HS Application Open January 2, 2024
• Ocean County College has partnered with Brick Township Public Schools for the College Pathway Program. Representatives from the Enrollment Office of OCC presented to our 12th grade students about “College 101” on Wednesday, November 1st.
• BTHS hosted Challenge Day on Tuesday, October 24th. We had approximately 100 students and 25 staff members and community members participate in this influential day! Challenge Day is an organization that helps young people learn to connect through powerful, life-changing programs in their schools and communities. The day-long, interactive Challenge Day program provides teens and adults with tools to tear down the walls of separation, and inspires participants to live, study, and work in an encouraging environment of acceptance, love, and respect. Using highly interactive and energetic activities, Challenge Day Leaders guide teens on a carefully-designed exploration of the ways people separate from each other, and model tools for creating connection and building community. Challenge Day programs increase self-esteem, help shift dangerous peer pressure to positive peer support, and reduce the acceptability of teasing, oppression, and all forms of violence. Our programs inspire youth and communities to Be the Change they wish to see in the world, and challenge others to do the same.
• The NJSLA Fall Block 2023 will be administered on December 12th-13th to all 9th grade students enrolled in a Fall semester math course (Algebra I Honors, Geometry and Geometry Honors) and any Semester 1 English I courses.
• November 20th; The ASVAB test was administered at BTHS for Juniors and Seniors that want to take the test. See link for details. https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab

• If you are a family in need of assistance for the Holiday Season, BTHS Giving Dragons may be able to help. Please contact Mrs. Marie Walling for more information.
  

Hello BTHS Community!

November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, and wanted to provide information not only pertaining to the dangers of secondhand smoke, but to also share important statistics relating specifically to High School aged populations within the state of New Jersey.

Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, e-cigarette, cigars or pipes, and the smoke exhaled by smokers. Inhaling all of these types of secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer among nonsmokers, and may increase your risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30%. Remember, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is classified by the EPA as a Group A carcinogen, containing more than 7,000 substances. Secondhand smoke exposure commonly occurs indoors, particularly in homes and cars, and can move between rooms of a home and between apartment units - opening windows or increasing ventilation in a home or car is not a protective means of avoiding the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke. Not only can breathing in secondhand smoke exacerbate pre-existing chronic conditions, non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing chronic conditions - such as heart disease - by 25-30%. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke may also cause new cases of Asthma to arise in children who have not previously shown symptoms.

With the increase in the amount of teens utilizing vapes and e-cigarettes, it is important to note that the American Lung Association is very troubled by the evolving evidence about the impact of e-cigarettes on the lungs. The inhalation of harmful chemicals can cause irreversible lung damage and lung disease. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine released a report reviewing over 800 studies, which made it clear that using e-cigarettes causes health risks. E-cigarettes contain and emit a number of potential toxic substances. These substances include things like, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (which are toxic to cells), acrolein- a herbicide (primarily used to kill weeds and can cause acute lung injury, COPD and may cause asthma and lung cancer). The 2016 Surgeon General’s Report also noted many of the flavorings include diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease and volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust; and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead. The Academies' Report also states there is moderate evidence that youth who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk for cough, wheezing and an increase in asthma exacerbations.

Resources are available to assist with making positive life choices. Please feel free to stop by the heath office or explore the following resources. EAP Second Hand Smoke Information. CDC Smoking and Tobacco Use.

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 & Nurse Bridget Blunda

• 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. 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. All submitted nominations will be considered for our next induction, which will take place in the Spring of 2025. 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