GCIT Weekly Newsletter

This week marked the beginning of many fun-filled activities where we celebrated our seniors. First, it was senior awards, then prom.

Senior Prom was a night filled with glitter and glamour! Our seniors had a wonderful time at their senior prom. They looked very elegant and had a great time taking pictures and dancing with their friends. They were well behaved and we had no problems! Special thanks to all the chaperones and SROs who assisted at prom!

Biological Sciences Academy sophomores in Dr. Thomas' class conducted a real-world multi-day laboratory exercise in the College Biology I class.

For centuries, farmers have performed selective breeding to produce crops that will exhibit favorable characteristics such as: insect resistance, and improved crop yield. Over the past thirty years through genetic engineering scientists have through various methods created genetically modified organisms (GMO) through introducing specific genes into plants that will increase nutritional content, along with crop yield.

Our students brought into class food items they were interested in testing and isolated the DNA from these food items and then through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) students identified two genes that are present in GMO. Students were able to successfully find GMO in food items such as: cake mix, corn Doritos and noodles.

Written by Dr. Thomas

Congratulations to Megan Mularz on her election to a state office in the New Jersey Association of SkillsUSA! The GCIT Parliamentary Leaders Club wishes to express their excitement for Megan’s election. Megan is the Vice President of the GCIT Parliamentary Leaders Club, a club devoted to the education and practice of parliamentary procedure and democratic decision-making. In addition to her election to NJ SkillsUSA State Association office, Megan has also been recognized at the national level for excellence in the Chapter Business Procedure contest in SkillsUSA. This is a contest of parliamentary procedure, and in 2023 Megan and her teammates earned the national 1st place gold medal.

Congratulations on your election, Megan! The GCIT Parliamentary Leaders Club and the GCIT community know you will do great things in promoting parliamentary procedure within the NJ SkillsUSA community!

If students are interested in seeing what the GCIT Parliamentary Leaders Club has to offer, they can email the club’s sponsor, Dave White: dwhite@gcecnj.org

Written by Dave White

Ms. Sobolewski, known as Ms. S or Ms. Sob by her health sciences students, started her career at GCIT in 2009. Prior to transitioning to teaching, Ms. Sobolewski worked in health care as a registered nurse in the neonatal ICU and later pursued her master’s degree in health and wellness. Throughout her tenure at GCIT, Ms. Sobolewski was integral in the expansion of the Health Sciences Academy and has been part of many clubs and committees.

As the HOSA advisor for 10 years, Ms. Sobolewski led hundreds of students as they pursued gaining a deeper understanding of health care through competitive events. She accompanied many students at the regional, state, and national level conferences, and has been fundamental in the success of GCIT’s HOSA chapter. Ms. Sobolewski has made a lasting impact on the students and staff at GCIT, and she will be missed by so many, but we know that she will continue to reach others through her passion for health and wellness!

Written by Amanda McCarthy

Chef Steven DePasquale has been an essential part of the Culinary Arts department for the past 38 years. He came from the casinos in Atlantic City where he helped open landmarks such as the Taj Majal and Harrah’s. He started working at GCIT when it was still a part time program and began in the downstairs kitchen next to the bakery. He worked in that kitchen for many years, which was the teacher’s café and what is now the 100-wing lunchroom. He has seen GCIT grow and expand over the years into one of the best vocational and technical schools in the state and has made the Culinary Arts department what it is.

Chef D taught 6 of the other7 teachers in the Culinary and Baking departments here at GCIT either in traditional high school or through the part time night school program. He has been an integral part of creating the culinary department into what it is. He was an integral part in the creation of FCCLA here 25 years ago and created the foundation for how successful the organization is today. He has spent his career helping students find their passion for food and has also helped to develop the food service system here at GCIT. Chef D has seen many people come and go in his time at GCIT and on behalf of the Culinary and Baking departments we are eternally grateful for his dedication and commitment to our programs and to us. Good luck in your future and remember you always have a home at GCIT!

Written by Chef Mizia

On May 22nd, the GCIT Business Academy students visited the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. The trip provided a hands-on experience that bridged classroom learning with real-world application. By observing the operations and business aspects of the aquarium, students gained insight into the practical implications of their studies. From analyzing the expenses involved in maintaining the facility to observing marketing strategies targeted at diverse age groups, students were able to connect theoretical concepts to concrete examples. Such experiential learning opportunities are invaluable in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.

Written by Donna Rideout

The Cosmetology Department got a cold treat from Maui Ice. Cold treat on a hot day!

Written by Doreen Mancini

The GCIT Parliamentary Leaders Club (PLC) ventured off to the Gloucester County Justice Complex for a hands-on experience with the New Jersey Judicial System! Students participated in a mock-trial and a Q/A Session with Judge Samuel Ragonese. Through a mock trial, members of the PLC were able to experience and understand the process that the Judge, Prosecution, Defense, and Jury go through. This trip was eye-opening as to how justice is delivered daily. The students unanimously agreed that the trip was informative and fun!

Students or parents interested in learning more about the GCIT Parliamentary Leaders Club can email the club’s sponsor, Dave White: dwhite@gcecnj.org

Written by Dave White

Last week, we had an inaugural PTO Meeting and we had a great turn out - staff and parents who are excited to getting started! Immense thanks to Mr. Roskiewich for spearheading the meeting and all those to contributed to the discussion. Mr. R, Chef Mizia, and Dr. Jacob spoke eloquently about the need for a GCIT PTO and all those present shared many ideas to get started. Thanks also to Zach Bates for taking the minutes for the meeting. We were especially appreciative of the parents for our incoming freshman who attended. They are ready to get involved and we welcome them to the GCIT family. Beginning this week our parents for the incoming freshman class will also be receiving the weekly newsletter so that they can be informed on the events and activities happening at their future school.

Special thanks to all the staff and parents who attended the first meeting! Huge thanks also to Chef DePasquale and Chef Clark for providing the refreshments for the PTO!

The next PTO meeting will be on Thursday, June 13 at 6pm in the 400-cafeteria and we hope to see even more parents and staff. At the next meeting, we are hoping to elect the Executive Board.

Please click the button below to take a short survey to gather ideas and information on how you can assist with the formation of the PTO. You can also indicate your interest in holding a position on the Executive Board and the reasons why you would be a great PTO Executive Board member. We will have elections at the June 13th meeting.

The Automotive Technology Department received a generous donation of a new Ford Explorer from ACE Ford, which will be used by students in the Automotive Program to learn different systems and skills in automotive repair and maintenance. Special thanks to the following individuals who made this donation possible:

ACE Representatives: Christopher and AJ Eastlack – Owners

Brett Campbell – Service Manager – GCIT and Ford Asset Grad

Bob Denny – Parts Manager – Ford Asset Grad

Ford Representatives: Claire Magliola Galeano – Philadelphia Regional Manager

Jon Blaisdale – Service Performance Manager

Rich Whitworth – Service Performance Specialist

Dave Pilgram – Field Service Engineer

Ford Asset – Matt Maggiodcalda – Site Director

Lettering on vehicle provided by Insta Signs Plus – Josh Krautwald

Christopher Eastlack and Rich Whitworth are current GCIT Parents - we thank them sincerely for this generous donation!

Video highlights of the presentation of the vehicle will be in a future newsletter.

Congrats to the GCIT Baseball ⚾️ team as they captured ‘24 NJTAC championship with a 4-1 victory over Bergen Tech! #GCITBaseball

Good showing from the Golf ⛳️ team at the Tri-County Conference Showcase tournament. Jamie Ciesielka took 2nd place with a score of 2 over par 72 & Enrique Altmann took 5th place with a score of 78. #GCITGolf

Written by Mike McAleer

The golf team ended the season with a great showing at the Tri-County Showcase Tournament. Jamie Ciesielka placed 2nd with a score of 72 and Enrique Altmann placed 5th with a score of 78.

Written by Andrew Hahn

On Wednesday, the Student Council members went to Six Flags Great Adventure to attend the NJASC Awards Ceremony and enjoy a day of well-earned fun. Schools from across the state heard firsthand how our donations have helped in the lives of the recipients. GCIT earned the award for the high school with the largest donation, as well as the top award for the largest donation from all NJ schools. Congrats to the GCIT Student Council on this achievement, and many thanks to all members who assisted with fundraising!

Written by John Okoniewski

Friday, June 14

Students will report to Homeroom

8:10AM – 10:10AM – students will report to period 1-2, or 1-2-3 for exams and/or class

10:15AM – 12:15PM – students will report to period 3-4 or 4-5 for exams and/or class

Note: AMAS students will be at main campus GCIT all day – at 12:00pm they will take the shuttle from the 400-wing entrance to AMAS and get on their bus to go home.

Monday, June 17

Students will report to HR

8:10AM – 10:10AM – students will report to period 5-6, 7-8, or 6-7-8 for exams and/or class

10:15AM – 12:15PM – students will report to period 9-10 for exams and/or class

Note: AMAS students will report to Homeroom then at 8:10am, they will take the shuttle from the 400-wing entrance to the AMAS building for the day.

Tuesday, June 18

All students will follow the half day schedule and report to their scheduled classes.

Note: AMAS students will follow a regular half day schedule and shuttle to AMAS at the end of 4th period like usual.

Seniors – all seniors are completing finals by May 30.

All students will be required to attend class if they have a class scheduled.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT RETURNING SCHOOL ISSUED LAPTOPS AND CHARGERS

On June 10th and June 11th, ALL SENIORS will report to ROOM 1110 by program to return their school-issued laptop and computer charger.

Monday, June 10th

• Automotive 9:00 am-10:00 am
• Biological Science 10:00 am -11:00 am
• Computer Science/ Digital Media 11:00 am-12:00 pm
• Construction 12:00 pm -1:00 pm
• Cosmetology 1:00 pm -2:00 pm

Tuesday, June 11th

• Culinary Arts / Baking & Pastry Arts 9:00 am-10:00 am
• Engineering 10:00 am -11:00 am
• Finance & Business 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Health Sciences 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
• Performing Arts Dance & Drama 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

• If you have any files that you want to keep, make sure to save them to a personal computer. You can do that by signing into OneDrive on a personal computer and downloading it from there. If you need help, reach out to the Tech Department prior to returning your laptop.

• All stickers should be removed and there should be no debris left.

• The HP charger that you return should be the one that you were given by the Tech Department. Anything else will not be accepted.

• Laptop bags are not being collected. We will not take them.

• Please turn on your laptop and run windows updates prior to returning your laptop.

• Students are reminded that there is a fee of $90 for any missing/lost chargers.

• If students graduating do not return their district-issued laptop, there will be a charge of at least $900.

• Please note that diplomas will not be distributed if district-issued technology is not returned.

If you are unable to return your laptop on one of these days, make up day is Friday, June 14, 2024. On this make up day, please report to the guidance office with your laptop.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Janet Wilbraham via email at jwilbraham@gcecnj.org

Sunday June 2, 2024, through Thursday, June 6, 2024 – Senior Trip – Disney World

• If you are a senior and you do not attend the senior trip, you are required to attend school.

Monday & Tuesday, June 10 & 11, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm – Senior laptop return

• Please bring your laptop and charger to room 1110 for return. More directions for your laptop return will be sent later.

Thursday, June 13, 2024 – 9:00am – 10:30am - Cap, Gown and Graduation Ticket distribution

• Cap, gown, and graduation tickets will be distributed in the 400 Cafeteria

Mandatory Graduation Practice 8:30am to 11:00am each day

• Friday, June 14, 2024 - GCIT campus – all students report to the 400 cafeteria
• Monday, June 17, 2024 - RCSJ campus – all students report to the Quad
• Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - RCSJ campus - all students report to the Quad

Graduation Ceremony – Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm

• The ceremony will be held at Rowan College South Jersey (RCSJ) on the Quad outside of the Eugene J. McCaffrey College Center https://www.rcsj.edu/Visit-site/Gloucester-site/Documents/RCSJ_Gloucester-Campus-Map.pdf
• Students must report to Rowan College South Jersey (RCSJ) in the Education and Humanities Center no later than 5:00pm
• Each student will be issued 4 tickets for the ceremony.
• Any guests requiring special seating accommodations should contact the school by email kcarelli@gcecnj.org or by phone at 856-468-1445, ext. 2519.
• In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the RCSJ Gymnasium and only 2 tickets will be allowed per student.
• Guests who are unable to attend will be able to log in and watch the ceremony live via the internet. The log on site will be emailed closer to the graduation date.

Calling all Parents/Guardians and Teachers to Join the PTO!

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, June 13th at 6pm in the 400 Cafeteria.

Come share your ideas or be elected for an Executive Board position!

• June 2 - 6 - Senior Trip to Disney World, Florida
• June 3 - Baseball Chipotle Fundraiser
• June 4 - Freshman Sports Information Session
• June 11 - Spring Sports Ceremony
• June 13 - Thespian State Chapter Select Performance for Nationals: Juliette and This Guy Romeo
• June 13, 14, 17 & 18 - Student Dismissal 12:15 (June 18 - last day for students)
• June 18 - Graduation Day - 6pm at RCSJ
• June 19 - Closed - Juneteenth
• June 20 - Last day for Instructional Staff