• At last evening's Board of Education meeting, Dr. Nagy started his remarks with a welcome and note of happiness to be here this evening without masks and many restrictions regarding vaccinations and related other restrictions which impacted the start of the school year last year.  He noted that in each district, each had a great opening thanks to the administration and staff.  We required a sign off this year by parents and staff to be familiar with and read the Communicable Diseases Policy. 
• There was one presentation at the beginning of the meeting, which involved members of the Tri-State Canine Response Unit and a few of their therapy dogs, many of whom have worked with our students on the BCSSSD Campuses.  Dr. Nagy invited up to the front of the room to present certificates of appreciation to members of the Canine Response Team Drs. Holley and Downs and on behalf of the Burlington County Commissioners, Commissioner Allison Eckel, who presented a proclamation on behalf of Burlington County to honor the important work of the Tri-State Canine Response Unit.
• On behalf of the Board, Dr. Nagy thanked personally and professionally all those on the agenda and addendum who announced their retirements. He noted that the Board and administration are grateful for their dedication to our students and colleagues and the impact that they have had on our districts. He wished them good health and happiness in their retirements. 
• The Board approved the update of the Chapter 27 Emergency Remote Education Plans for both districts and related NJDOE checklist. The new plans were posted after the Board meeting and a copy provided to the NJDOE.
• The Board approved a revised attendance policy that now includes both BCIT and BCSSSD.  Next month, an attendance regulation for BCIT will be on the agenda to address the details of operation pertaining to attendance at BCIT. The Board also approved a policy for equipment usage by staff and have approved an updated HIB policy to reflect new changes approved by the NJDOE. 
• The Board approved two job descriptions. One pertained to the shared accountant/accounts payable position, which is a reconfiguration of positions to support the business office. The other one was created for a Sports Medicine Instructor and Athletic Trainer.  This will assure a permanent solution to attract a person to fill the vacant position of Athletic Trainer and will address increased interest in the sports medicine program.
• The Board approved the Statement of Assurances for Use of Paraprofessional Staff and the acceptance of the Memorandum of Understanding between our Districts and the local law enforcement agencies. 

BCIT Highlights

• The Board approved the acceptance and submission of the NJDOE Post School Outcome Survey, which every few years, the NJDOE requires districts to complete.
• Dr. Nagy noted once again how successful the opening day was for our staff on September 1st, where the administration honored staff members for their years of service by awarding them with a certificate and award. I had the opportunity to address the staff and inspire them for a great year ahead.
• Students returned to the building on September 6th and sports are back in full swing and our freshmen have begun their exploratory rotations.
• Dr. Nagy noted that tomorrow, MedTech will be having an activity fair for all students interested in joining a club/organization.
• Dr. Nagy noted that our MedTech Jaguar Band will be performing this Saturday (9/24) at the Evesham/Marlton Harvest Festival.
• Our recruitment efforts have begun and we have many presentations scheduled at middle schools around the county through the fall months. We were invited to attend one of the middle school’s Back to School nights, where we met with many parents who were very interested in what BCIT has to offer.
• Planning and advertising is underway for Discovery Night, which will be held at both campuses on Thursday, October 20th.

Twenty-one years ago today the USA and the world changed forever in a day that will never be forgotten. All of us have been touched in a profound way whether we lost a parent, relatives, friends, colleagues, and for some of us, former students in the fallen World Trade Center Towers, Washington, D. C. at the Pentagon or in Shankesville, PA. From the ashes a new Phoenix was constructed in NYC - The Oculus - a symbol of a child releasing a dove - a symbol of hope eternal - a new beginning. May this day remind us to hug our loved ones and say how much you love them. Life is precious.