In addition to the reports from the student Board of Education representatives, Favour Oyelade for BCIT and Jaxon Keefer for BCSSSD, there was one presentation that focused on an update on the Academy for the Performing Arts on the Medford Campus. Principal Michael Parker introduced Lauren Frazier-Gebhart, dance instructor and Director of Plays and Musicals, Scott Cooney who in turn provided an overview of the programs in music, dance and theatre.  A student representative for each program addressed the Board and audience.  Dr. Nagy extended his gratitude to the instructors for their meritorious efforts and successes in the respective programs to the students Nate Renson saxophonist and mummer, Italy Whitehead and Liam Redford for their instrumental, theatre and dance presentations respectfully. All in attendance were impressed with the student presentations and many accomplishments and next steps in their performing arts career.

At the Board of Education meeting last evening, Dr. Nagy congratulated all of those on the agenda who have announced their retirements. On behalf of the Board he thanked them for their dedication and wished them good health and happiness.

Among many actions taken, the Board approved the Perkins V Postsecondary grant amendment and approved the revisions and updates to multiple curricula.

In addition to the student presentations and highlights, the following are a few additional informational items and Board actions:

The Board approved the resolution and memorandum of agreement with the BCIT Administrators Association for their Collective Bargaining Agreement for years 2021-2025.  Congratulations. 

Dr. Nagy noted that as part of Black History Month programming at BCIT, Assistant Superintendent Eder Joseph and he look forward to participating in the Annual Black History Month Read-In. Students, staff and administrators can volunteer to share a song, poem, speech or anything else which shares a message of inspiration and connection to the program.  Dr. Nagy will be featuring excerpts from the book entitled Creative Quest by Questlove who is a 4-time Grammy Award winner, musician, DJ, music producer, executive producer for film and television, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times Best Seller and James Beard Best Seller nominated author and is co-founder of Philadelphia’s own HipHop band Roots which is also the house band for Jimmy Fallon. On both campuses, celebrations such as above, spirit week, African American Arts Festival among many others highlighted key black figures in history who influenced change and celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dr. Nagy noted that on February 1^, 2023 as part of Career and Technical Education Month, BCIT was featured in a brief presentation to the New Jersey Board of Education at their monthly meeting to highlight the exciting work that is being done on BCIT campuses. He thanked BCIT Director of Curriculum and Instruction Danielle Hartman and student Aysenur Turkmenaglu for their contributions on the panel. This was a proud moment for the District and the Board.

Dr. Nagy was happy to report that this past Thursday afternoon on the West Campus, there was a visit from Assistant Commissioner Dr. Jorden Schiff and Dr. Tory Bunn, Office of Career Readiness Manager from the New Jersey Department of Education. They were so impressed with the presentation at the State Board meeting that they wanted to see and learn more about what BCIT is doing, Students provided tours and shared their experiences with our guests who left inspired and impressed.

As a follow up to the student report, Dr. Nagy emphasized that history is being made at BCIT West. On Sunday, February 19, 2023, two BCIT West female wrestlers Ziah Loftin and Arabella Sosa qualified to compete in the NJSIAA State Championships this coming Sunday at Phillipsburg High School. They have a very early start and we wish them and the coach great success.

For those who are following news on our Spring Musical Once on This Island and who listened to the presentation at the Board of Education meeting, the performance opening night is set for March 24^th with other performances on March 25, 31 and April 1^st.

Congratulations to all of our athletes who qualified for State Conference Competitions and to Jada Jacobs who scored her 1000^th point this month on the Medtech Girls Basketball team.

On the addendum, the Board approved subcontractors for the Mental Health Grant for BCIT pursuant to the timelines and conditions of the grant.  We are excited for the positive impact that this will have on students and staff alike.

Dr. Nagy mentioned how proud all are of our students and staff who have found ways to support earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Efforts such as they to collect donations and support worthy causes reflect the importance of giving back, helping those in need and being positive role models. 

This week is a special time to recognize during National School Counseling Week 2023 the theme for the year of which is “School Counseling: Helping Students Dream Big,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). There is no better time than now to focus our attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within our district. It takes a village to raise and educate a student today and over the past few years, in particular during the pandemic, the social and emotional wellbeing of students and staff alike are and have been supported by our school counseling team members.  We thank them for their tireless dedication and efforts to support the overall wellbeing and overall success of our students to realize their dreams and potential. 

Please join me in thanking our counselors for the special role that they play in our daily lives in the district. Thank you.  Well done counselors!