The Dragon Review

Dear Parents and Students,

October 2021

I hope this message finds the BTHS community well. The month of October has offered our staff and students an opportunity to settle into established learning routines. BTHS has been busy this past month kicking off the school year with traditions and events. It has been great to see our students engaged in co-curricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded high school experience. Whether it be in a club, sport, or activity, getting involved at Brick Township High School is something we encourage all of our students to experience as part of their four years at BTHS.

It has been a focus of our staff to prioritize a sense of belonging for our students as we begin the school year. This past month has offered staff an opportunity to strengthen connections and develop strong learning communities. Social emotional well-being was further supported as BTHS honored the Week of Respect during the week of October 4. The Week of Respect heightened student awareness and focus on the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This week also emphasized the importance of character education and prioritized student actions representative of compassion, thoughtfulness, and empathy. It is our daily charge at BTHS to foster and promote an environment of respect for all students in order to create a positive school climate for growth and learning.

The month of October is also when we recognize Red Ribbon Week. The Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities, educate youth, and encourage participation in drug prevention programs. Throughout the end of October BTHS will promote positive choices and healthy, drug free lifestyles for adolescents and adults. Students will be offered information and support through their counselor, SAC, and classroom teachers. The seniors and juniors will participate in an assembly provided by AIR (Attitudes In Reverse) to bring awareness to making positive life choices.

BTHS is currently participating in a spirit week, which will culminate in our traditional Halloween Costume competition. As a reminder it is imperative that all costumes are school appropriate. Items inclusive of weapons, weapon-like props, or masks completely covering the face are NOT permitted. Please be mindful of extensive face makeup, we need to be able to identify each student present in our building, students can not be unrecognizable. Clothing choices and attire for this day must continue to meet the district dress code standards.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on November 17; 18; and 19. Parents will sign up electronically for their desired conference. Information specific to Parent-Teacher Conferences will be pushed out as a separate broadcast. I hope everyone enjoys this edition of the Dragon Review. It is full of wonderful information. I am excited to highlight two of our staff members in the Dragon Spotlight videos. Continue to check our school’s website and twitter feed for regular updates and important announcements.

Respectfully,

David Kasyan

Principal

Hello Dragons here is an update about what’s happening on campus here at BTHS. Thank you for supporting the Class of 2022 Wednesday night, October 20 from 5-8 PM at Sunday Funday in Point Pleasant, NJ. Celebrity Ice Cream Scoopers Mr. Kasyan, Ms. Russell, Mr. Curatola, and Coach Zdanowicz were on hand to help scoop ice cream. In Sports, the Brick Girls Soccer Team defeated Howell in their annual Pink Game for Breast Cancer Awareness on October 14h and held their Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on October 17th at Point Pleasant Beach. The Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams competed at the Ocean County Championships on Thursday, October 21. The Marching Band will look to continue their success this year as they compete this weekend @ TR North in the Region 7 Band Championships. The SGA Pumpkin Decorating Contest will be accepting entries in the upcoming week, the judging will take place at the main office on Tuesday, October 26. This year’s Halloween Costume Contest will take place Friday, October 29 remember you will need to be in costume and have a pass from one of your teachers to compete.

Brick Township Football team (4-3) had a great homecoming game win against Ocean Township 24-12 on October 1st where Senior running back Tyler Weisneck had a career night where he rushed for over 306 yards! The football team dropped their last three games and is currently awaiting their next opponent. The Girls Cross Country team competed in Battle @ OCP on September 17, Shore Coaches at Holmdel Park on October 2, and our A South Meet on October 14. The girls are led by Captain Samantha Nazario who has been our fastest runner this season! Juniors Chelsea Smith, Nayeli Rojas and Karen Tsang are ready to compete at Ocean County Championships on October 21 at our home course of Ocean County Park. Our sophomore runners include Isabella Towey and Summer Pandolph, both having solid performances at each race. Our freshman runner Gabriella Nazario competed in her first 3.1 mile race yesterday at OCP and had an amazing time! I am excited to see how the team progresses the next few weeks at our more competitive races! The Girls Soccer team (5-8-2) Won 2-1 over Howell in our 14th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Game. Participated in the Making Strides Walk in Point Pleasant Beach on Sunday 10/17 and made a donation of $1300 to the American Cancer Society. Won our 1st round Game in the Shore Coaches Tournament 3-1 over Manchester to advance to the quarterfinal round against Central.

BTHS is looking to support our troops with a supply drive donation. Coinciding with Veterans Day on November 11, donations are being accepted in the Guidance Office. The last day we are accepting donations is Wednesday, November 10. Here is the LINK to the requested items for collection. Thank you BTHS community for supporting this worthwhile cause.

The BTHS Drama Club will be presenting three one act plays, "Blind Date, The Actor and When Shakespeare's Ladies Meet" on Friday November 19 @ 7pm and Saturday November 20th @ 2pm & 7PM. Please contact cbest@brickschools.org for ticket information.

The first week of October is known as National Week of Respect. During this week, students and staff are asked emphasize the importance of building a climate of Respect and Responsibility as well as feeling of safety in our school. The saying, "Be the change you want to see in the world" was highlighted as students and staff signed our Respect Wall during this important week, unifying our community. Every member of our school community is commended for taking the time to honor the values representative in the Pledge of Respect.

BTHS Students of the Month - October

Students are nominated by BTHS staff members for outstanding effort in the classroom and positive contributions to our community. Congratulations to our October Students of the Month. Students will be honored with a certificate, gift, and their names will be displayed on the marquee.

Angelin Chabla, Grade 9

“Angelin has been a huge asset to the class of 2025. She is always eager and willing to help and goes over and beyond what is asked. Great example of school spirit and pride.” - Ms. Velez

Aariel Latorre, Grade 10

“Aariel has started the school year with confidence, maturity, and with her best foot forward. She has not let the pandemic put a damper on her dedication to her art and effort in class. She has already gone above and beyond expectations in class.” - Ms. Pankewicz

“Great student, works very hard, goes above and beyond.” - Ms. Donovan

Elecita Williams, Grade 11

“Elecita works hard, is very friendly, always looks to better her knowledge with outside programs such as the program she did this summer at Rutgers or applying for the NSHSS Scholarship. She has a style all her own and is always willing to help!” - Mrs. Walling

“Elecita has a natural drive to learn and grow. She is new to the school and is adjusting like a rockstar. I'm happy to have her in two different classes this semester. She brings a fantastic energy to the room with her upbeat personality and outlook.” -Mrs. Repko

Darian Newcomb, Grade 12

“Darian is a class leader and morale booster. He inclusively brings all class members into the fold, brings high energy to our lessons each day, and recognizes the good in each classmate. He even organized a class activity in which we complimented each classmate. I know that day will be remembered forever by some. He is a true leader and a quality human being. He invests himself into the group/class community and creates camaraderie.” -Mrs. Stansbury “He has a positive, motivating attitude in class and participates enthusiastically.” -Mrs. Matthews

SGA is sponsoring the 2nd spirit week of the year, Monday, October 25th through Friday, October 29th. The week will culminate in the annual Halloween Costume Contest which will be held in the auditorium during block 4 on Friday. SGA is also sponsoring a pumpkin decorating contest. Students can get together with their class, club, or team to decorate and enter a pumpkin. Pumpkins will be displayed by the main office on Tuesday, October 26th. Finally, SGA, along with several other BTHS organizations, sponsored a game at Brick Recreation's Fall Fest. A fun time was had by all who came out.

The Seniors have had a very busy October! There was recently a catalog fundraiser that started in September and ended October 15th. It was extremely successful and it even allowed a few students to earn free prom bids! The Class of 2022 have sold their own apparel online. The first fundraiser for this ended October 2nd. But it was such a hit, many students who didn’t get the chance to buy one requested an extension. The advisors, Mrs. Freedley and Mrs. Mustacchio were both able to get the apparel sale opened up again until Friday October 29th. Last Sunday, the seniors had a booth at Fall Fest in Windward Beach. The booth was a balloon popping game where kids used nerf guns to pop balloons. The seniors had people donate stuffed animals and other toys that they were able to give as prizes. Overall, they had an amazing turnout! On Wednesday, October 20th, the seniors hosted a Celebrity Scoops at a newly opened ice cream shop called Sundae Fundae! Teachers, Mrs. Russell, Mr. Curatola, Coach Zdanowicz and even principal Kasyan scooped ice cream! Students, staff, and families all came out to support the class and enjoyed watching their teachers/coworkers scoop delicious ice cream. The seniors will be hosting a dine to donate at Chick-fil-A on October 27th and they are looking forward to the annual Powder Puff game coming back this year in November!

The Junior class is starting to get really excited to play Powder Puff next month! Students who wish to play can sign up for $15 with Mrs. Rahbari in room 219. Price includes a t-shirt that can be personalized for an additional $5. All students must submit consent forms to be eligible to participate.

Additionally, we will be teaming up with the sophomore class of 2024 for an apparel fundraiser in the next few weeks.

Several new fundraisers are being discussed and planned, including an apparel fundraiser with the Class of 2023 for the month of November. We will have more information coming out about that.

If a member of the Class of 2024 has not yet joined, our Google Classroom code is ozvfp3p This is where we post all relevant information and announcements for our class as well as the building. We also have a Remind101. To join, just text @BTHS2024 to 81010 to receive updates and information.

If a member of the Class of 2024 would like to be involved, see Mr. Lucchetti in room 205 or Mrs. Ianniello in guidance! Keep an ear out for fundraisers and meetings and how to get involved. As mentioned, the next one to expect is the apparel fundraiser.

The Class of 2025 has continued to participate in several of our schools sports and clubs. For the month of October we were involved in decorating the front hallway for Spirit Week, contributed to the decorating for the Homecoming Dance, and even had a booth in The Brick Township Fall Fest at Windward Beach where the Class of 2025 showed up with our own version of the Ring Toss Game. Overall another successful month of our youngest dragons making a big impact.

Important Events and Information from the Guidance Department:

• October 25 - BTHS hosted Attitudes in Reverse for our Senior and Junior students to promote mental health awareness.
• November 10 - ASVAB test administration at BTHS.
• SAT Registration by November 4 for the December 4 SAT administration at BTHS
• Financial Aid Night was a great success. Please proceed with accessing HESSA.org for important resources. The presentation and links are available for access through the Class of 2022 School Counselor Google Classroom.

Contact the guidance department for more information regarding any of the events listed.

School Counselor Google Classroom Codes

Class of 2025 cpgycc4

Class of 2024 bbnv4vs

Class of 2023 vzgx2iq

Class of 2022 qgqsw3m

SCOIR

Create a SCOIR Account with this QR code.

Makeup Pictures for Underclass students will be Tuesday, November 9th. Students should go to the library at the appropriate time based on the attached schedule.

Click Here to Access the Make Up Picture Schedule

Pictures can be ordered now, and up to 48 hours after picture day by going to www.mylifetouch.com and entering school code EVTQ96T6T.

October is a often considered “the” month where one can experience a sense of enhanced well being, whether through renewed joys that surface upon reflection of simple pleasures we hold dear, cherishing time spent with those we care for and are with, while walking on a trail amongst the beautiful fallen leaves throughout the season, or perhaps when pumpkin picking with your family or answering the door on a blustery Halloween night! Now is “the” time, more than ever, to focus on these elements and seek out such mindfulness in order to achieve the ever so important Balance and Inner Peace we all need to envelop and maintain in our daily lives.

Please remember that a person’s mental health has a direct impact on their physical health, which often may not be visible at that exact moment in their lifetime, but could resurface insidiously in the not so distant future after many years of anguish and suffering. Know there are ways in helping to combat - and extinguish - feelings of loss of control or the inability to achieve balance in one's life through a variety of methods, with one example being the ‘Mindful Meditation’ practices described above. Here is a video from SAMSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon who speaks about the importance of taking care of one's mental health in order to promote overall well being and enhanced longevity, particularly while enduring through these turbulent times. LINK . know you’re never alone, and our entire Dragon Team is here to help. Wishing you all the best!

Sincerely,

Nurses Mary & Dawn

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 you suspect that your child has been exposed to COVID-19, please contact Ms. Carlsson in the health office as soon as possible.

Health Office Contact

West Nurse Office - Mary Carlsson Ext. 2037

East Nurse Office - Dawn Inserra Ext. 2009

The Brick Township School District is committed to providing our staff and students a safe and healthy learning environment. The district plan addressing COVID protocols and procedures is posted on our district website. You may also click here for quick access. This plan was developed in support of the guidance provided by the NJ DOE Road Forward: Health and Safety Guidance for the 2021-2022 School Year. Students will be expected to follow the district issued COVID guidelines and procedures throughout the duration of their implementation.

The BTHS Parent Teacher Student Association is accepting membership for the 2021-2022 school year. Please consider joining the Brick Township High School PTSA.

LINK to Memberhub

Principal

David Kasyan

Assistant Principals

Erin Biancella - Grade 12 & Freshman P-Z

Ryan Hesnan - Grade 11 & Freshman H-O

James Marvin - Grade 10 & Freshman A-G

Athletic Director & Co-Curricular Supervisor

Peter Panuska

Guidance Department

Lauren Ianniello - Grade 9 A-L

Angela Smith - Grade 9 M-Z

Jennie Piwowarczyk - Grade 10-12 A-De

Jenna Domingo - Grade 10-12 Di-K

Dawn Celona - Grade 10-12 L-Ri

Marie Walling - Grade 10-12 Ro-Z

Student Assistance Counselor

Lori Roland

Child Study Team

Janet Maciel

Antoinette Sirico

Mike Zuccaro

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