The GCIT FCCLA had their spring leadership conference on Wednesday and Thursday where they brought 80-chapter members to participate in leadership workshops and compete in various culinary, baking, and hospitality related competitions.

Our students competed in over 50 categories within the NJ FCCLA competitive events. 48 of the 80 students that competed had never previously, and 60 students were underclassman. This an amazing accomplishment for these young leaders to step outside of the norm and participate in something that was challenging and rewarding. These students have been practicing and honing their projects since January, and we had a great showing at the conference.

Overall GCIT won 38 gold medals, 31 Silver medals, and 11 bronze medals. We medaled in every category we entered. Out the 21 competitions that GCIT entered we won First Place in 12 of them. 13 students will be headed to Orlando, Florida in the summer to compete nationally at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. All of the students who participated this past week made GCIT, their Advisers, and most importantly themselves proud!

Special thank you Chef A, Chef O, Chef Y, Chef Hassan, Chef Clark, Chef Tartaglia, Chef Johnson, Mr. Hill, Mrs. Sima, Mrs. Arnold, and Mrs. Kijewski for helping train and advising all the students in their various competitions and your never-ending commitment and service to FCCLA. Thank you to Mrs. Tocco who took time out to help judge events. Thank you to Ms. Girard and Dr. Heiken for coming to the conference and supporting our students and thank you to the GCVTSD for your support in the CTSOs.

See some pictures below - more pictures to come next week.

Written by Chef Mizia

The Following students placed in the FBLA Regional Leadership Competition and in March competed in the State Leadership Conference in Atlantic City:

• Matthew Lockwood (Marketing)
• Kristine Gonzalez and Muhammad Mouazam (Accounting)
• Gabrielle Buck (Advertising)
• Tyler Bell-Ogren, Isabella Jerome, and Andrea Smith (Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team)
• Jackson Whitworth and Camilla Betancourt (Entrepreneurship Team)

CONGRATULATIONS to Gabrielle Buck who qualified for the National Leadership Competition in Anaheim, CA. Great job Team FBLA!

Written by Dionne Scott

Ms. Hill's CTE students have worked hard to develop their reading skills. Working with the program Achieve3000, students read non-fiction text and complete activities to build their Lexile (reading) level.

Ms. Hill works with nine GCIT programs (HVACR, Welding, Electrical, Building Trades, Plumbing, Automotive, Culinary, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Cosmetology).

Each grade has a Lexile level they must meet to be deemed College and Career Ready, setting all students up for success in college, military, or the workforce. Ms. Hill is proud of all the hard work and dedication her students put in every day. Keep up the good work.

Written by Jessica Hill

Marissa Stahl

This teacher goes above and beyond for her students and program. She is in the business of building great performers but also in building better humans. She holds students accountable, challenges them, and has high expectations of them. They push themselves because they respect her. I was especially impressed most recently when I presented college info to her juniors and she had a supplemental assignment for them to do in class when I left, making them put their goals and thoughts on paper as to where they would like to tour, and what majors they are interested in. Marissa puts a great deal of heart and time into the small but mighty program here at GCIT and I want her to know it does not go unnoticed!

Antoinette Terpolilli

She works very hard with SkillsUSA along with teaching cosmetology never says no to anything you ask her to do. Always pleasant and gets along with other staff members. Her students love her an thrive in her program.

David White

Dave is an inspiring coach and mentor. He runs his CTSO with efficiency and positivity while making sure it is student-led at all times. He holds students accountable and pushes them to reach their full potential. He does all of this because he cares deeply about the students and about the mission of education.

His commitment to fostering student engagement and achievement has been remarkable, particularly through his ability to inspire excitement among students about parliamentary procedure in and out of the classroom. His enthusiasm and expertise have encouraged multiple Chapter Teams to excel at the national level of competition.

Katie Knoblock

It’s hard to put into words just how much this teacher impacted the production of our schoolwide musical - Mary Poppins. From the first rehearsal to the final bow, her dedication, creativity, and passion shone through in every aspect of the show. She not only taught her students about the technicalities of theatre, but she also demonstrated the magic that can happen when a group of people come together with a common goal. Your tireless work behind the scenes guiding the students through the lines, the blocking, and the emotions, has created a production that we will all remember for years to come.

You brought out the best in every one of your students, and we’re so fortunate to have such a professional mentor, director, and teacher among us at GCIT!

Mary Poppins was not just a show; it was a testament to your talent as a teacher and a director. The performances, the music, the costumes, the energy— everything reflected the heart and soul you poured into this production. You made it possible for us to believe in the impossible, just like Mary herself would!

Thank you for believing in our students and for creating a safe space where they could grow and cultivate their talent. Here’s to a creative genius – Katie Knoblock! Congratulations on an amazing achievement!

• Mason DeNick – 9th grade
• Aysha Darji – 10th grade
• Muhammad Mouazam – 11th grade
• Hitarth Katakiya – 12th grade

• Grayson Stark – 10th grade
• Emma Brode – 11th grade
• Alexandra DeFinizio – 11th grade
• Levi Aureli – 11th grade
• Mark Hallman - 12th grade

The GCIT DECA club is hosting a community yard sale on May 10th, 2025 in the GCIT school parking lot from 8 am to 12 pm. The event will include a basket raffle, pet parade, student art auction, and snack and drink sales.

Anyone wishing to take part as a seller should contact Kelsey Bagelmann and Dale McIntyre: sellers will pay $30 for the use of two parking spaces from which to sell their unneeded household items.

Student volunteers for the event can receive community service hours, so please share this with any students who might be in need of hours! Please contact Kelsey Bagelmann & Dale McIntyre with any questions. We hope to see you all there!

Written by Kelsey Bagelmann

Written by Mike McAleer

On Tuesday, March 18th the GCIT Athletic Department held the Winter Sports Ceremony. The event was very well attended and a good time had by all.

Written by Mike McAleer

Staff and students will be celebrating cultural diversity at our Schoolwide Culture Day on April 3, 2025 during the afternoon block of our day.

During Culture Day, each wing in our building will represent a continent - we will highlight 6 continents. Rooms in those wings will represent selected countries within that continent.

See the wings and rooms line up below:

North America:

USA: 414,415,416

Jamaica: 404

Mexico: 400 Commons

Haiti: 400-Cafeteria

South America:

Brazil: 307, 309

Peru: 305,306

Argentina: 316, 310

Colombia: 315,314

Asia:

India:1105, 1106

Philippines: 1120, 1118

Vietnam: 1101, 1102

Syria: 1110

Africa:

Egypt: 257, 263

Ghana: Media Center

Zimbabwe: 210, 211

Nigeria: 250, 254

Australia:

Samoa: Cafe

New Zealand: 153,154

Australia: 158,159

Fiji: 100-Cafeteria

Europe:

Spain: Foreign Language Rooms

Italy: Foreign Language Rooms

Ireland: 1205, 1206, 1213

United Kingdom: 1211, 1209

Details of the Day:

On April 3, we will have a modified schedule.

Culture Day Class Schedule:

Period 1 - 8:05 - 8:25 (20 min)

Period 2 - 8:25 - 8:45 (20 min)

Period 3 - 8:45 - 9:05 (20 min)

Period 4 - 9:05 - 9:25 (20 min)

Period 5 - 9:25 - 10:05 (40 min)

Period 6 - 10:05 - 10:45 (40 min)

Period 7 - 10:45 - 11:25 (40 min)

Period 8 - 11:25 - 11:45 (20 min)

Period 9 - 11:45 - 12:05 (20 min)

Period 10 - 12:05 - 12:25 (20 min)

Move BACK to 8th period class - 12:25-12:30

Culture Day Schedule

Continent 1 - 12:30 - 12:50 (20 min)

Continent 2 - 12:50 - 1:10 (20 min)

Continent 3 - 1:10 - 1:30 (20 min)

Continent 4 - 1:30 - 1:49 (19 min)

Continent 5 - 1:49 - 2:08 (19 min)

Continent 6 - 2:08 - 2:27 (19 min)

Directions for Students:

1. Students will move to different continents/countries on their own, following the flow of movement (see below).
2. Students are required to visit at least one country in each continent.
3. Students will engage in the activity of the countries visited and will get their “GCIT Culture Day Passports” stamped/marked by the staff or student facilitators of the countries visited.
4. Students will move from one continent to another using the following flow, starting according to Period 8 classroom locations:

For example, period 8 classes in the 400-wing will start at “countries in the 400-wing”, and period 8 classes in the 300-wing will start at “countries in the 300-wing”, etc. then follow the flow until the end. See diagram below.

Dismissal at regular time - 2:27pm

Additional Notes:

1. Staff and students are encouraged to wear appropriate cultural attire on April 3rd.
2. Staff and students are encouraged to bring in samples of their culture in the form of artifacts, food, music, arts, crafts, historical items, etc. to display/share in countries represented in the different rooms.

Title I Tutoring is available in Math and English:

Afterschool: 2:30 – 4:30pm in the Media Center: Monday – Thursday

Lunch Tutoring: period 7 in the Media Center

• Come and get help with your assignments or sharpen your skills for the State Assessments! Free snacks are provided!

We are pleased to announce that GCIT will be having “Take Your Child to work day” again this year!!

When: April 16, 2025
Ages: 5-17

We will be organizing events throughout the day that children can sign up to attend or they can hang out in their parent’s classroom all day. Any program or classroom that would like to host something please let Veronica Rhea know.

Looking forward to a great event!! More information to follow 😊

For more information, please contact Veronica Rhea

vrhea@gcecnj.org

Written by Veronica Rhea

Lawn signs can be purchased online or by using check/cash. You may purchase your lawn sign using the link below or the attached order form. All orders must be placed by April 4.

The lawn signs are 18x24, double sided, with a 30 inch stake. Each lawn sign is $12. The lawn signs will be available to be picked up in room 210 on Friday, May 23. If the signs come in earlier an announcement will be made through the Class of 2025 Teams Page and students will be able to pick their signs up earlier.

https://www.gcit.org/departments/stores-fundraisers/graduation-lawn-signs

Written by Sarah Ruczynski

HOSA is selling various first aid kits specifically curated for individuals, families, and businesses to raise funds for our club! You can purchase a first aid kit through direct sales or this link.

https://firstaidfundraiser.net/shop/ref/1586

Written by Caitlin Estabillo

The Cotillion will be on March 28th at The Westin in Mount Laurel. This dance is open to all GCIT freshmen and sophomores ONLY.

Below is some more information about the Cotillion:

DATE: Friday, March 28, 2025, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

LOCATION: The Westin Mt. Laurel, 555 Fellowship Rd. Mt. Laurel 08054

DRESS CODE:

• This is a semi-formal dance.
• Backpacks, jeans, sneakers, or hoodies are NOT permitted.
• Dresses MUST be at least fingertip length.

TICKETS & PERMISSION SLIPS

• This dance is for GCIT Sophomore and Freshman ONLY
• All tickets must be purchased in advance – no tickets will be available at the door.
• Students will need an ID upon checking into the dance.

NOTE TO PARENTS

• You must provide transportation for your child. Doors close at 6:30pm.
• The parent of any student not in attendance at 6:30pm will be contacted via the phone number you provide.
• All students will be searched before allowed to enter the dance.
• If your child violates school rules, the person may be removed from the event and you will be called.
• This dance is for GCIT Freshman and Sophomores only.
• Students are not permitted to leave the site before 8:30pm unless prior arrangements are made.
• The dance ends at 9:00PM. Please provide prompt transportation home.

All students attending the Cotillion are REQUIRED to attend a Full day of school on March 28th. It is a half day (12:15 dismissal), so students have plenty of time to get ready.

Lets make the Cotillion a memorable event for our freshmen and Sophomores!

Written by the Class Advisors: Sarah Ruczynski, Christina Smyth, Katie Knoblock, John March

We want to celebrate your next chapter after graduating from GCIT! We are planning to celebrate you!

• Date: May 1, 2025
• College Decision Day - we will celebrate with you on making a decision on your college.

• Spotlight on Practical Skills - we will celebrate with you on making a decision on your vocational-based employment after GCIT.
• Share your plans after graduation

Get ready to let us know your next adventure!

More details coming soon!

Apply at this link:

Gloucester County Institute of Technology - Frontline Recruitment (applitrack.com)

• 🌱 The spring season gets its name from the verb "spring." It's a nod to the flowers and plants springing up, springing open, and bursting into blossom.
• 🐣 The word itself comes from the Old English word "springan," which means "to leap, burst forth, fly up; spread, grow."
• 🌸 During the 14th century, the word came to describe the spring season, the time when plants wake from their winter sleep and bloom.
• 🌅 Before that, the word "Lent" was used to describe the season: "In the past it was the main word for ‘spring.' Lent surfaced as ‘lencten,' that is, ‘lengten': the season got its name because in spring days lengthen."

• Clothing must cover areas from one armpit to the other armpit down to fingertip length (see image below)
• All bottoms MUST be finger-tip long
• Tops must have shoulder straps (2 fingers wide)
• Rips or tears in clothing should be LOWER than fingertip length.
• No hats in the building
• No pajamas

Admissions acceptances went out today to our incoming freshman class - GCIT Class of 2029! We welcome them to the GCIT family and we are looking forward to having them join our learning community beginning the 2025-2026 school year!

If you know any new Cheetahs - forward them this newsletter, and let them know that its not too early to get their GCIT gear - Afterall, they are now GCIT Cheetahs!

See below to purchase GCIT Spirit Wear!

Show your school spirit with GCIT spirt wear! Your student will receive a Microsoft Teams message regarding pickup. Order here

By Christina Smyth

March 26 - 27 - Dancing For Humanity

March 28 - Cotillion (9th & 10th Grade Dance) Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

March 29 - SkillsUSA Competition at GCIT

April 3 - Schoolwide Culture Day

April 7 - 11 - Assistant Principals Appreciation Week

April 9 - PTO Meeting

April 16 - Administrative Professional's Day (observed)

April 17 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

April 18 - 25 - Spring Break (school closed)

April 28 - May 1 - Spring Dance Showcase

May 1 - College Decision Day & Spotlight On Practical Skills

May 2 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 2 - Junior Prom (Sapphire Grand formerly known as Auletto's)

May 5 - 9 - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 - 11 - Freshman Drama Production

May 7 - National School Nurse Day

May 12 - 30 - NJSLA Testing

May 20 & 21 - Dance Senior Pieces

May 23 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 26 - Memorial Day (school closed)

May 27 - Senior Awards Ceremony

May 30 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 30 - Senior Prom (The Grove at Centerton)

June 1 - 5 - Senior Trip - Disney World, Orlando, FL

June 9 - Junior Trip - Hersey Park

June 17 & 18 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

June 19 - Juneteenth (school closed)

June 20 - Graduation Day (Tentative)

June 20 - Last Day For Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

June 23 - Last Day For Instructional Staff (Half day)