Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
A Message from your Superintendent
August 2015
Dear BCSSSD Families:
With back-to-school time quickly approaching, staff and administrators have been working diligently to ensure that when our children return to school, resources are in place to support teaching and learning. We have been interviewing candidates for selection for various positions. We have worked to improve technology, maintain and improve facilities, and enhance security. Our schools have prepared class assignments and schedules. Buildings have been cleaned and menus revised. Policies have been revised and written, and supplies and materials have been purchased.
The first day of school for students is Thursday, September 3, 2015; this will be a full day for students and staff. Important information may be found on our district website, www.bcsssd.k12.nj.us, including:
- The district calendar
- The BCSSSD Parent/Student Handbook
- Information regarding emergency school closings and delays in the student handbook
- Information regarding school lunches on each campus website
- District policies
- Information regarding the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act for students.
We are also pleased to announce that a new BCSSSD School and Family Association will be active this year; please be alert for additional information.
We wish everyone a pleasant last few days of the summer, and hope you join in our enthusiasm for another great year of learning. Through the continued support of the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, we look forward to continuing to pursue our shared Mission to meet each of our student’s unique needs and abilities.
Sincerely,
Superintendent of Schools
A letter from Dr. Nagy, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, BCSSSD & BCIT
During the summer, we embarked upon the transition associated with the restructuring of the Westampton campus for the Burlington County Special Services School District. Through an ongoing process of transition and refinement, the campus reflects an integrated model of a typical structure of an elementary, middle, high school and transition program, with autistic students placed on campuses where grade and ability appropriate. Student homeroom assignments determine the program and grade and not necessarily the campus upon which a student is placed. More information will be provided at the Back to School Night on Thursday, September 17, 2015.
As the Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, I wanted to make sure that all of you received a communication from me that thanks and welcomes you and your family to the newly restructured BCSSSD Westampton Campus. A letter will be sent our to parents and guardians this week. The letter accompanies a message from the principal and building administration. In addition to large signs that indicate the entrances to the various campuses, your child will have the benefit of staff at the front entrances for guidance if needed. In some cases, a transition student or high school student may be assigned to a middle school classroom, but that is because of the proximate location to high school classrooms and is part of the transition. The location does not reflect a program change.
When looking at where the former Jr/Senior campus once stood, it is now the home to the Adult Bancroft day habilitation program located on the BCSSSD campus. We have engaged in a partnership, which will provide related services and opportunities for our students and graduates. Bancroft will be providing psychiatric services to our students of which more information will be provided through your child’s case manager. Throughout the summer, Bancroft has renovated current facilities to meet programmatic needs.
I am also very proud that key staff gave up their time during the summer to work with me to create guidelines and questionnaires for nutrition and feeding protocols. A copy of the questionnaire and protocols for staff will be approved by the Board this week, and a copy of the questionnaire will be in a packet that will be sent home with your child on the first day. I ask that all parents who have a child with this need, please fill out the respective forms and return them with all other papers.
Having made an effort to adopt the Genesis student management system, we have added a parent portal, which will be available to parents around the first part of October. The parent portal will give parents access to their child’s grades, attendance, discipline and schedule among other features. This represents a significant effort to keep parents up to date on the progress made by their children. Please note that the parent portal is contingent upon correct e-mail and contact information for parents and guardians. Please take the time to make sure that your information is updated, accurate and noted to the main office.
If there are questions about transportation, parents and guardians are reminded to contact their home district transportation coordinators.
This is an exciting year. In the midst of the change, we will be honored to provide parents with additional information and tours. The Burlington County Special Services School District will hold a Back to School Night on September 17, 2015 where we look forward to parental involvement and questions. In the meantime, the first day will begin on Thursday, September 3, 2015. I welcome our new parents, guardians and students and say thank you to our returning students, parents and guardians. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the principal, Mr. Russell McLemore or any of the supervisors.
Best wishes for a fruitful 2015-2016 school year.
Burlington County Professional Development Institute (BCPDI)
For many years, the Burlington County Inclusion Project (BCIP) has been a valuable professional development resource for Child Study Team Directors, special education teachers, and related services professionals. It is because of the success of the BCIP model that we are excited to announce the expansion and evolution of the BCIP to the newly formed Burlington County Professional Development Institute (BCPDI).
The BCPDI, like its predecessor BCIP, will offer participating districts professional development opportunities; however, the scope of these offerings will address a wider range of relevant topics in addition to those related to special education. An Advisory Committee comprised of district representatives will meet four times each year to assist in identifying workshop topics that best meet districts’ needs and interests.
Funding for the BCPDI will be generated by the same participation fee as the former BCIP. Approximately 35 Burlington County districts participate.
For more information, contact Mrs. Marie Phillips via email or phone at (609) 206-2343.
BCSSSD Parent Corner
"Since starting at BCSSSD in 7th grade, my daughters have grown socially, emotionally and intellectually. I have proudly watched as they developed friendships for the first time and with those, began to improve and broaden their social skills, opened themselves to new experiences such as the special olympics, activities such as student council, and become more independent and confident individuals. I could not ask for a better environment for them to learn, grow and mature!"
-Peggy D
A letter from Tara Montague, SFA President
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. We would like to invite you to join the Burlington County Special Services School and Family Association. The SFA’s purpose is to unite the students, teachers and families within the BCSSSD, strengthen our community, and enhance awareness of BCSSSD events.
Please join us for the first meeting of the 2015-2016 school year on Wednesday, October 7, 7 p.m., in the Media Center. We meet the first Wednesday of every month.
If you would like to be added to the SFA email list please email us at BCSS_SFA@yahoo.com. In addition, you can check out our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/BCSS.SFA. You can also look for information on the SFA activities on the school's website and Facebook page.
-Tara Montague
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BCSSSD School and Family Association (SFA)
Emergency Closing/Delayed Opening Procedures:
In the event of a campus emergency or inclement weather, staff members will be contacted via email, phone message, and text message. In addition, we will post a Special Alert Message on our website.
Staff Members, Help us Contact You.
Have you moved? Have you changed your phone number or email address? Please make sure to update your information with BCSSSD Personnel.
Students will be contacted using information stored in Genesis, our electronic student database. Parents should be reminded to ensure their contact information is up-to-date. Any changes should be reported to the main office of the student's school.
