The Dragon Review

February 2023

Hello Dragon Nation!

It was great seeing staff, students, and parents at our recent Brick & Beyond event held at Brick Memorial High School. The event highlighted current and future opportunities available to our student body. Students were afforded an opportunity to explore post secondary institutions inclusive of two and four year colleges and universities along with vocational and technical schools. The guidance department from both high schools were on hand to assist current and future high school students/families with their academic programming needs. The event was well attended, however, if you have any follow up questions or items of inquiry please do not hesitate to reach out to your school counselor. Included below are several pictures from the recent event.

Looking ahead, all eleventh grade students will be required to participate in the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA), which consists of an ELA and a mathematics component. The NJGPA will be broken into four test sessions, each day completing one 90 minute testing unit. There are a total of two testing units for ELA and two testing units for mathematics. The NJGPA will be administered on March 13, March 14, March 16, and March 17. BTHS will operate on an alternative school on these testing dates. Grade 11 students will arrive at school at the normal time, while students in the remaining grade levels will arrive at 9:45. An additional correspondence will be broadcasted out to all students as we move closer to the testing dates. The BTHS schedule for the identified testing dates can be found below. Please direct any immediate questions to your child’s school counselor.

I hope all of our students and staff have had a great start to the second semester, feeling a renewed sense of focus and commitment to the learning process. I want to remind all members of the BTHS community of the importance of attending school daily and to arrive on time. It continues to be our commitment to deliver the most effective instruction in a safe and supportive learning environment. Supporting students in their journey towards achieving success in a safe learning environment remains our top priority. To that end, attendance matters and being at school every day makes a difference. Thank you to all parents and students for supporting our school goals, core values, and being an integral part of the Dragon Family!

Respectfully,

David Kasyan, Ed.D.

Principal

Please be aware that Wednesday, March 15 will be a half day, early dismissal for all students as BTHS staff will be participating in professional development in the afternoon. Again, all students will be dismissed at 11:25 on Wednesday, March 15. Mark your calendars!

Hello Dragons!

Here is an update about what has been happening and what we are looking forward to on campus here at BTHS. In sports, the winter season is wrapping up as several teams look to start their postseason run. The Brick Township High School Hockey team has advanced to the second round of their state tournament as they will host Robbinsville High School, Wednesday February 22 @ the Ocean Ice Palace. The game will start at 5:45 pm. The Brick Township Girls Bowling Team’s postseason is also underway as they finished second overall in their State Sectional Tournament and will advance to the Group Tournament. The Boy’s Wrestling team’s postseason is also underway as the team finished 4th in District 23 with 6 place winners. Those place winners will advance to the NJSIAA Region 6 tournament on Friday, February 24. The Girls Wrestling team’s postseason has also begun as Jade Huerta became Brick Girl’s Wrestling first Region Champion. She will move on to the State tournament which will begin Sunday, February 26.

The month of February is Black History month as we have been celebrating this throughout our classrooms in a variety of activities. The week of February 6th was National School Counselors week as we are very fortunate here at BTHS to have such a hardworking and dedicated counseling department. On February 15th the BTHS and BMHS guidance counselors hosted Brick and Beyond at Brick Memorial High School. The event was a huge success, as multiple universities, school clubs and organizations, as well as athletic programs were in attendance.

On February 28th the Brick Township High School’s National Honor Society will be hosting Family Game Night here at BTHS. This is a great event where families are welcomed to spend a night out at BTHS where they can take part in playing board games, backyard games, arts and crafts and movies! Looking forward to March there will be several dates to keep in mind. Battle of the Classes will be held on March 2nd. This is always a very spirited event where the students of BTHS show their competitive side along with their classmates in a variety of competitive activities. Brick Township High School will host the District Arts Festival on March 9th. BTHS will host its Transition Fair on Thursday, March 30 and Career Day on Friday, March 31.

In celebration of Youth Art Month, Brick Township Public Schools will hold a District Arts Festival on Thursday, March 9 from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Brick Township High School. 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.

Congratulations to our winter programs still participating in their state playoffs. The winter track teams, boys & girls wrestling programs, girls bowling, and the Ice Hockey team are all having great finishes to their season. The Boys Wrestling team participated in the District 23 Tournament this weekend! The team had a solid showing: Joe Leskowski took 2nd, Ian Mallon 3rd, Andrew Sherry 3rd, Josh Candelaria 2nd and Anthony Concalves 2nd. All of these wrestlers will move onto the Region Tournament and battle for a chance to battle in Atlantic City! The Girls’ Wrestlers recently competed at the NJ State Region Championships at East Brunswick Middle School. The girls had a good day and battled really hard! The highlight of the day was Jade Huerta becoming the first ever girls wrestling Region Champion in Brick Township High School History. Jade continues on at the NJSIAA State Tournament with hopes of winning it all in Atlantic City! Special Shout Out to Brick Wrestling coach Joe Lindenbaum who was named District 23 Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year! The Girls Bowling team finished second overall in the NJ State Sectionals Championships. The team will now move on to compete for an overall state championship!

The Surf Club has reopened our store to buy apparel one more time before this upcoming Spring season. Click the link to enter the store: https://bthssurfclub.itemorder.com/shop/home/. We are currently running a clothing drive which is set to take place on March 4th in the BTHS East Parking Lot. For information on what is being accepted at this clothing drive follow @bths_surfclub on instagram for flyers and updates on current and future events we will be running.

The BTHS literary magazine, The Regaler, is still looking for submissions of creative writing, cool photos, and art work for this year's edition. Express yourself! Deadline is Feb. 15, 2023. Don't miss out!

For the second year in a row, Ravenclaw House wins the House cup for the Harry Potter, History, and Literary Criticisms course! Points are accrued over the semester for academic achievement in the classroom, school spirit days, house victories, and personal excellence.

Congratulations to Ravenclaw members (left to right) Alex Jenkoski, Andrew Davicsin, Pavan Patel, Chase Roberts, Taylor Horvath, Gabby Kaminski, and Adriana Carlucci. Hogwarts at BTHS opens its doors again in fall 2023.

Can you imagine the last couple of years without technology?

This is a technology driven world and in order to be successful in college and in the workplace (no matter what career) you can’t just be users of technology, you must be creators of it. Computer Science skills are the new basic skill. Every field has been taken over by software and programming is a valuable skill for any career. There are over 7 million jobs that are non-technical, that now require complex computer Science skills. College students majoring in any of the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), and many other majors, will be required to take a programming class in college. Students will be at a disadvantage if they have not had a computer programming course in high school.

Computer Science is one of the hottest degrees for new college graduates with almost 650,000 jobs going unfilled nationwide. New Computer Science jobs are growing at twice the rate of all other jobs. The Bureau of Labor reports that the median salary in May 2022 was over $108,000 – twice the median salary for all other occupations. Student course scheduling for next year will start soon. BTHS is ahead of the curve and offers 5 Computer Science courses. Don’t delay – schedule a course for next year!

Courses offered at BTHS include Java: Computer Programming, Exploring Computer Science, Computer Programming for Engineers, AP Computer Science, and Additional Topics in Computer Programming. If you are interested in any of the courses listed, please do not hesitate to discuss with your counselor to make a plan as there are prerequisites for enrollment to the advanced computer science courses. For more information, please contact Mrs. Segreto – csegreto@brickschools.org.

The Classics with Kasyan Book Club will continue with our current selection, A List of Cages by Robin Roe. The meeting to discuss the second third of the book, which entails chapters 24 - 48 of A List of Cages will take place after school on Tuesday, February 28 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 A List of Cages and start reading. There will be an open dialogue and discussion of the first third 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 A List of Cages, 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, February 28.

BTHS Students of the Month - February

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.

Keira Jacobs, Grade 9

Keira always comes to class ready to work. She asks very good questions and is eager to do a great job on all of her assignments. Keep up the good work! - Mrs. Farnsworth

Savannah Gross, Grade 10

She may be the most kind and considerate student I have ever had. She always makes time to ask about my kids, stop and say hello, and remembers all the little things. She treats everyone as equals, shows constant maturity and is always putting a positive spin on things bringing up the spirits of those around her. - Mrs. Freedley

Amber Gardner, Grade 11

Amber is a hardworking student who's involved in many clubs and organizations around the school. She's always willing to help whether it be for a teacher, with a new student at school or for School Base with her peers. Amber is an asset to BTHS. - Mrs. Kalp

Paige Gianettino, Grade 12

President of Class of 2023, Captain of Girls Soccer Team, VP of School and Community Affairs for NHS, great student in my class with one of the highest averages. - Mr. Burns

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 will take place on Thursday, March 2nd from 3-5 pm in the East Gym. Entry is free with a canned food donation. Watch the classes and staff battle it out in such events as the three-legged race, tug-of-war, human Hungry Hippo, and more.

The Class of 2023 is gearing up for Battle of the Classes, which will be held on Thursday, March 2nd in the East Gym. Seniors had a successful popcorn fundraiser and want to thank everyone for their generous contributions! Students are preparing for the spring and all of the activities that come with the final semester here at BTHS. Be on the lookout for more information about prom bid sales, which will be taking place in April. Looking forward, the Senior Ball will be held on Thursday, June 8th at Eagle Oaks. Thank you for your support! See Mrs. DeBonis (306) or Ms. Scipione (202) with any questions!

The Juniors are excited to represent the Class of 2024 at Battle of the Classes on March 2 at 3pm in the East Gym. Come participate in this fun after school event and wear your PINK to support our class! Stay active on our google classroom (code: ozvfp3p) for important updates.

The Junior Prom will be on May 5, 2023 from 5-9pm at Jumping Brook Country Club. Junior Prom Bid Packets will be available in the Main, South, East, or Guidance Office starting on March 3. Junior Prom Bid Packets include a Drug and Alcohol Form, Guidelines for Junior Prom, Early Dismissal Permission Form, and Out of School Guest Application (if applicable). Junior Prom Bids will be sold from March 27 - March 31 during 3A & 3C lunches in Room 202 for $85.00. Bids will not be sold after that window closes. Out of School Guest applications (which are included in the packet) are due to Mr. Marvin no later than March 24 for review.

Please contact your class advisors with any questions.

Mr. Lucchetti flucchetti@brickschools.org

Mrs. Ianniello lianniello@brickschools.org

The Class of 2025 is eager to participate and prepare for the countless activities coming up mentioned in our last Dragon Review. In the next 2 weeks our focus will be on a Paint Party to be held on February 28th during the Family Game Night event hosted by the NHS students. Additionally, they have been practicing for the Battle of the Classes events, organizing teams and creating a fun dance routine. Of course our Dragon Cupids have been found around the building and students from all grade levels have been racing to find them. The lucky winners are entered into a chance to win a gift card. Soon our Leprechauns will arrive and students will continue the fun, by locating them in their hiding spots. We look forward to these events and to see everyone there.

The Class of 2026 had a class meeting on February 15, where students confirmed the events they were participating in for Battle of the Classes. Students also signed up for the Gertrude Hawk fundraiser that will start on March 1st. They will be selling chocolate bars that will be $2 each. Check out our Instagram page for more information. Instagram: @bths_classof2026 Twitter: @bthsclassof2026 Google Classroom: lf4subd

Updates from the School Counseling Department

• School Counselors will be meeting with the freshmen class to register for our college and career planning platform, SCOIR and to review graduation requirements and the course selection process for the 2023-2024 school year. They will also be introduced to the Program of Studies.
  
• The Ocean County Vocational Technical Program application is available for current sophomores and juniors; OCVTS Application. Seniors interested in applying for a post secondary program should go to the website; https://www.ocvts.org/admissions. Please see your school counselor for more information.
  
• Brick & Beyond 2023 was a tremendous success as both high schools worked together to host colleges, universities, vocational and technical schools, military, local businesses, as well as Brick clubs/activities, organizations, and athletics. This event unites the Brick Public School District in providing our students current opportunities, while showcasing all post-secondary education options available. The counselor workshop sessions on Scholarships and Financial Aid, Next Year Scheduling, Standardized Testing, SCOIR, How to Apply to College, and Ocean County College Programs/Dual Enrollment was informative as families navigate the scheduling and post-secondary planning process. The School Counseling Departments at BMHS and BTHS work diligently with administration to deliver an all-inclusive evening event.
  
• BTHS will be hosting the March SAT on Saturday, March 11th. The late registration deadline is February 28th. Students can register at www.collegeboard.org
  

The next year scheduling window is open for students in grades 9-11 to make requests for their 2023-2024 school year schedules.

• Student's first and second semester teachers have entered their recommendations into the parent portal. Students will start to see those in the scheduling tab of Parent Portal.
• School counselors have begun to meet with each student throughout the month of February to assist with the process.
• Parent Portal is open for student input. It is requested that students are done with this process by Tuesday, February 28.
  
• You can click here for a tutorial on how to enter your courses in the parent portal.
• Guidance counselors will also be visiting students in the Class or 2024, 2025, and 2026 to provide an additional overview of the scheduling process.
• In mid-March the second semester teachers will be finalizing their recommendations. This will be your time to review those recommendations and double check with your school counselor to make sure everything in the parent portal is correct.
• Scheduling is a collaborative process between the student, teachers, counselor, and parents/guardians. It is imperative that we work together to ensure the most appropriate placement. In order to help you in this process please start reviewing our program of studies which is listed under the Brick Township home page in the School Resources tab.

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.

February School Based Youth Services review:

• Staff completed training on Mindfulness and the Brain learning effective strategies to use the principles of Mindfulness in counseling sessions.
• The new student group POWER will begin this month which is focused on providing prevention strategies to youth identified with higher need emotional regulation strategies.
• Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) focusing on recognizing LGBTQ leaders and advocates during Black History Month on the bulletin board and in weekly after-school discussions.
• Monthly Wellness Wednesday will occur on February 22nd with a focus on the practice benefits of Reflexology. Staff are invited to attend in the Reset Room (library) from 1:45-2:45pm.

Hello BTHS Community!

Every year February is recognized as “American Heart Month,” raising awareness to the importance of heart health while encouraging all Americans to take preventative measures to reduce their risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Understanding your risk for developing heart disease is the first step towards maintaining a healthy heart. Some factors can be changed, and others cannot. You have a high risk if you have high blood pressure, are overweight/obese, have pre-diabetes or diabetes, smoke, do not get enough physical activity, have a family history or early heart disease, have unhealthy eating behaviors, or are older (55 yrs. and over for women and 45 and older for men). You can modify or make gradual changes over time with how physically active you are, making healthier diet choices and quitting smoking (if you are a smoker. In addition, try to get enough sleep each night (8-10 hours of sleep per night for teens) and reduce stress levels by going for a walk or doing things that you love.

• Physical Activity: It is recommended that you have 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

• Sleep: It is suggested the teens get 8 to 10 hours per day and adults get 7 hours or more in 24 hrs.

• Manage Stress: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as physical activity, relaxation exercises, or meditation can help lower your heart rate and overall risk of coronary artery disease. Long term stress can affect your heart, nervous system, and hormones to your lungs and gut.

The health offices have begun our Health Screenings on all of our students, which includes height/weight and blood pressures for all students (9th-12th). In addition, scoliosis (9th & 11th), vision (10th), and hearing (11th). Follow-up referrals will be sent home whenever the recordings obtained are out of the normal parameter range.

AHA Blood Pressure Categories- English /AHA Blood Pressure Categories- Spanish

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