The Dragon Review

Principal's Announcement

August 2025

On behalf of the entire staff at Brick Township High School, I would like to welcome our new and returning students and families to the 2025-2026 school year. I hope you found time this summer to take care of yourselves, to enjoy time with friends, family, and loved ones, and to recharge and reinvigorate for the upcoming year.

As we begin this new academic journey, I am reminded of the incredible potential and promise that each school year brings. These past summer months have afforded our dedicated faculty and staff an opportunity to prepare for the year ahead. Our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment remains unwavering. We at Brick Township High School value the partnership and collaboration that exists within our learning community. It is through this partnership that we will succeed in our commitment to providing an optimal learning environment for our students to learn and grow. We value open communication between home and school. Our teachers are here to support your child’s learning journey, and we encourage you to stay engaged and informed about their progress. Please know that we value and respect every one of our students, recognizing the immense responsibility that each member of our learning community possesses to effectively support, guide, and encourage our students to succeed. We encourage all students to actively participate in our co-curricular activities and clubs. These opportunities not only provide avenues for personal growth and exploration but also help build lasting friendships and connections that extend beyond the classroom.

As the school year progresses, you will receive regular communication updates in the form of monthly newsletters, mass notification through our blackboard system, and website updates. Information is also shared through our school’s twitter feed @BTHSDragons, consider following for regular updates. Additionally, please consider joining the PTSA for the 2025-2026 school year. Membership to the PTSA needs to be renewed yearly. PTA Membership Link.

Please take some time to review the important information contained within this newsletter as it will support a successful upcoming school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the main office at 732-785-3000 ext. 2019 or visit our website at www.brickschools.org/bths for additional information. I am looking forward to greeting our students on the first day of school, which is Thursday, September 4. I am confident that together we can continue to ensure the success of each student at Brick Township High School.

We look forward to a year with academic achievements, personal growth, and memorable experiences. Together, we can make this school year a successful and enriching one for all members of our school community. I consider it a privilege to serve as your principal and look forward to supporting you in this upcoming school year. Thank you for being BTHS Dragon Proud! Go Dragons!

Sincerely,

David Kasyan, Ed.D.

Principal

Brick Township High School strives to inspire, empower, and challenge our students to pursue excellence in reaching their fullest potential within a learning environment that values equity, belonging, and inclusivity. We are united in the expectation that all members of the learning community contribute to a safe and respectful learning environment, while maintaining strong school-family relationships and promoting a well-rounded educational experience that meets the diverse needs of each of our students. We will honor our traditions while consistently offering students access and opportunity. We maintain the core values of Tradition, Pride, Acceptance, Integrity, and Respect.

As we approach the 2025-2026 school year, I would like to remind our students and parents of our practices and procedures surrounding cell phone use and access at Brick Township High School. While cell phones and electronic devices have the ability to function as valuable tools for communication and learning, their misuse can significantly disrupt the educational environment.

Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools has negative effects on student performance and mental health. Cell phones distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in smaller learning gains and overall decline in academic performance. The temptation to use phones for non-educational purposes often undermines our efforts to maintain a productive and respectful learning space. Moreover, increased cell phone use has led to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in our youth.

In an effort to maximize student learning, improve focus in the learning environment, and support overall student well-being, the following cell phone practices and procedures are implemented.

Cell phones and headphones must not be visible during class or restroom breaks. Students may not access their cell phone at any time while in the classroom. It is expected that cell phones, airpods, earbuds, and headphones are put away in a secure location (backpack, locker, etc.) prior to walking into the classroom. This includes smart watches and portable gaming devices.

Students may have the option, depending on a teacher's classroom procedures, to place their cell phones in a storage location within the classroom. Staff will not handle student cell phones or take responsibility for the device.

Students who choose to bring their cell phone or other electronic devices to school do so at their own risk. Cell phones must be on silent upon entering the school building and remain on silent throughout the school day. The school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones.
Students may access their cell phones during passing time and in the cafeterias. During these times, students may choose to wear one earbud as it is imperative that students have the ability to receive information from staff.

It is expected that if students need to use their cell phone to make a phone call that they report to an office, where they will be provided assistance.

Students in violation of the established protocols and procedures will be referred to administration, where progressive discipline will be applied.

Staff may permit student access and use of cell phones and electronic devices for lesson specific learning activities, at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Students must comply with teacher expectations and guidelines associated with cell phone access.

Freshman Orientation

In an effort to assist with your transition to Brick Township High School, students will have an opportunity to attend Freshman Orientation on Tuesday, August 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Students will tour the building, meet members of the BTHS staff, and collaborate with peers. The event will contain various opportunities for engagement with peers and increased understanding of BTHS processes and procedures. Parents will have an opportunity to attend a Freshman Parent Information Session on Tuesday, August 26 at 5:00 p.m. This event will be held in the BTHS auditorium. BTHS Freshman Orientation Letter

Join the PTSA - Parent Teacher Student Association

The BTHS Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is a volunteer organization that aims to increase parental participation through collaboration between parents, teachers, and staff. Joining this organization connects you to the school community, while providing you an opportunity to directly supports the students at BTHS. Communication associated with upcoming PTSA Meetings is pushed out to members through the Memberhub platform. The BTHS Parent Teacher Student Association is accepting membership for the 2025-2026 school year. Please consider joining the Brick Township High School PTSA. LINK to Memberhub

PTSA Apparel Store

The Parent Teacher Student Association has created an Apparel School Store for the 2025-2026 School Year. Orders will be delivered to the school for your child to pick up from the main office. Please take a moment to check out the student created gear.

BTHS - PTSA Apparel Store

School Pictures

Senior Portrait sessions were completed over the summer. There will be makeup sessions on November 4 and November 5 for any student who missed the summer session or is unhappy with their pictures. More information will be shared closer to the date.

Underclass pictures will take place in the Auditorium on the following dates:

Grade 9 - Wednesday, September 24
Grade 10 - Thursday, September 25
Grade 11 - Friday, September 26

Students will not be called down, and will be responsible for reporting to the Auditorium at their designated time according to a schedule that will be posted in the google classrooms and website. Orders placed on mylifetouch.com in advance will be shipped directly to the student's home. Order using Picture Day ID: EVTNJ9XD6.

Please email jpiwowarczyk@brickschools.org with any questions.

First Day of School Information & Resources

The first day of school for students is Thursday, September 4. The following information will assist with a successful 2025-2026 school year.

The student handbook along with the other listed documentation contains important information about the process and procedures at BTHS. Please review these important pieces of information with your child.

Parent Portal - Student Schedules

Parent Portal will be open for parent access on Wednesday, August 27 at 8:00 PM. Students will be able to access their schedule for the 2025-2026 school year at this time. Please take time to review your schedule for the new school year.

Please note that only requests to correct scheduling problems caused by errors in course assignments will be honored. We are unable to accommodate requests for schedule changes related to teacher, block, or convenience changes. If changes are needed a Schedule Change Form must be completed. Students must submit a Schedule Change Form within the following time frame:

10 - Credit Courses: 10 school days from the beginning of the school year.
5 - Credit Courses: 5 school days from the beginning of each course.

Service Dog Notification

All students should be informed that there will be a service dog in our school assisting 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. See additional details by accessing the attached notification letter. BTHS Service Dog Notification Letter.

Food Service Information

Click Here to Apply for Free / Reduced Price Meal Benefits

Student Food Service Experiences:

Breakfast: Upon arrival, students will have an opportunity to go to a cafeteria to pick up breakfast. Breakfast will close at 7:05 AM.
Lunch: Students will have the opportunity to purchase / receive lunch during their assigned lunch period. Students will be assigned either A, B, or C lunch. Students will be required to input their student ID. Students must remain in their selected eating locations (Cafe 1 / Cafe 2 / Cafe 3) for the duration of the lunch period. Students will not be permitted to eat lunch in the library.

CLICK HERE to access the BTHS Food Service web page, where you can find complete department information. Additionally, the Free and Reduced Lunch application is posted on this page. The application is offered in both English and Spanish.

Click Here to Apply for Free / Reduced Price Meal Benefits

School Issued Laptop Devices

All students, who attended Brick Schools last school year, should have a district issued device in their possession. Students should be prepared to bring their fully charged device with charger to school on Thursday, September 4.

If you are a new student to the district and have not yet been issued a laptop device, please visit Mr. Marvin's office in the East Office on the first day of school. A device will be prepared for distribution on the first day of school.

If your district issued device is in need of support or you have questions regarding any aspect of your device including Google Applications, please proceed with accessing the following link as Tech Repair Depots have been scheduled to provide assistance. Tech Repair Depot Schedule.

School Security

Building Hours - Public

Brick Township High School will be open for business between the hours of 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Visitors should schedule an appointment when at all possible so we can be prepared to greet you. All visitors will be required to show photo identification and state the purpose of their visit prior to being buzzed into the building. Upon entering the building, all visitors must proceed directly to the Main Office Front Desk.

Building Hours - Students

Brick Township High School will be open to students between the hours of 6:50 AM and 1:30 PM. Students who are on campus outside of these hours MUST be under the direct supervision of a District Staff member (e.g. teacher, coach, advisor). In order to ensure the safety and proper supervision of your children, students who are not with a staff member will NOT be granted access to building outside of these hours.

Drop off of Items

Drop off of student items will be allowed prior to 9:00 AM and after 1:30 PM. In order to limit traffic in the building, a drop off bin will be located outside the front door. If you need to drop off items, please label the item clearly with your student's name, place in the box, and buzz the front desk to alert that the items are there. Items brought to school between 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM will only be accepted in extreme circumstances and require the approval of an administrator.

Parent Transportation: Student Drop Off & Pick Up Location

Students are to be dropped off and picked up at the East Lobby Entrance, which is Door 34. BTHS Staff will be present at this location to assist with parent traffic patterns. The main entrance horseshoe will not be used for parent drop off / pick up during arrival and dismissal timeframes.

Students Parking on Campus

Brick Township High School Seniors and Juniors, who possess a valid driver’s license, will be permitted to drive their vehicle to school and park in designated locations on the BTHS campus during the 2025-2026 school year. Parking Permit Application 2025-2026. The cost of a parking permit is fifteen dollars, cash or check accepted. Please have exact change when making payment. Payment will be collected when applying for the parking permit.

Seniors will have the first opportunity to purchase/reserve their parking permit. During the month of August, Seniors only may pick up permits in the Main Office and/or the South Office beginning on Monday, August 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and $15 dollar fee. No student is to park in any parking lot on campus until they have received a permit. Seniors may reserve their parking permit at any time, however, a parking permit will not be issued until proof of driver’s license, insurance, and registration is provided.
Juniors will be able to purchase a parking permit on Thursday, September 4. Juniors must have their driver’s license, vehicle registration and $15 dollar fee with them at the time of purchase. No student is to park in any parking lot on campus until they have received a permit. Juniors have the opportunity to purchase their parking permit throughout the school year once they have received their license.

Information regarding the parking permit application and process is also available on our school’s website. Again, here is access to the Parking Permit Application.

CoCurricular Opportunities at BTHS

Co-Curricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education. Research suggests that participation in co-curricular activities has the ability to increase students' sense of engagement, connection to school, and sense of belonging, ultimately promoting an increase in student overall state of well-being. Please take a moment to review the attached BTHS Co-Curricular Activities Catalog. Participation in a club or organization is essential to our success. Join a club or organization in the 2025-2026 school year.

BTHS Co-Curricular Activities Catalog

Guidance Department

The BTHS Guidance Department is excited to start the 2025-2026 school year. All students are fully supported by our school counselors. Please review the current counselor assignments (alphabetically by last name):

Students Last Name - A - Da ----> Mrs. Ianniello
Students Last Name - De - I -----> Ms. Piwowarczyk
Students Last Name - J - Mo ----> Ms. Donahue
Students Last Name - Mu - Sa --> Mrs. Celona
Students Last Name - Sc - Z -----> Mrs. Walling

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your respective school counselor with any needs or concerns. We firmly believe that our partnership between home and school is paramount in ensuring the success of each of our students. We are here to help and assist in ensuring that each of our students optimize their time and experience at BTHS. We are looking forward to welcoming our students and having a positive and successful year at Brick Township High School.

School Counselors will be organizing meetings for senior students in September to discuss important topics related to their graduation and future plans. These meetings will include graduation requirements, assessment requirements and post-secondary plans including our career and college platform; SCOIR. The senior meetings are intended to provide students with the information and guidance they need to make informed decisions about their next steps after high school.

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.

Attention Seniors: NJGPA Graduation Assessment Information

By this time, you should have received your child’s NJGPA scores in the mail. Additional information about the NJGPA, including practice tests, can be found on the New Jersey Assessments Resource Center under NJGPA Parent Resources.

There will be an option to retake the NJGPA in October 2025. There will also be an opportunity to be enrolled in an NJPGA Portfolio class during the first semester to meet the graduation assessment requirement.

In the beginning of the school year, your child’s School Counselor will be conducting Senior meetings and they will review the graduation requirements, test scores and post secondary plans. At that time, we will ensure that your child is placed appropriately in order to meet all graduation requirements for the Class of 2026.

Health Office Message

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.

Health Office Contact Information: