GCIT Newsletter - Welcome Back 👋

☀️ I hope your summer was perfect!

We are going to miss these warm days, afternoons filled with iced tea, flip flopping through the evening heat, sand between our toes, enjoying the beach - a time to relax and rejuvenate!

🧘🏻 I hope you caught up on rest

📖 Read a great book

🍿 Saw a fun movie

🎢 Rode a crazy roller coaster

🚌 And didn't think about school (well, maybe a little!)

🎉 And now it's time to get ready for... the greatest year ever!

This edition of the Newsletter will get you caught up on all the happenings in August, and give you some information you need in advance of our return. Excited to see everyone soon!

On August 19, 2024, Gloucester County Deputy Director Jim Jefferson visited GCIT to present scholarship awards on behalf of the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC). The scholarships were awarded, with assistance from Gloucester County Commissioner Director Frank DiMarco, and NJAC Executive Director John Donnadio, to three accomplished GCIT Class of 2024 graduates: Aidan Ranson, Jeremy Walker, and Anthony Wolk.

Thank you for your continued support of GCIT and the success of our students!

Also, a special thank you to NJAC’s Corporate Sponsors: Shi International, Amazon, and AT&T, for their investment into the education of our students.

Written by Rachel Petrille

This is a picture from Cathedral Kitchen on Monday, August 12. They did a great job serving those in need.

Written by Joe Jacob

We are so proud of Johnny and so incredibly grateful to GCIT for the education and experiences he had over the past four years. Johnny just graduated in June and is heading off to Ithaca College where he was accepted into the BFA Acting program with a Merit and Leadership scholarship (approximately $160,000 over four years).

Johnny is playing "Puck" in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Player's Club in Swarthmore in Pennsylvania. https://pcstheater.org/main-stage/a-midsummer-nights-dream/

This is exciting news in itself; however, in addition to being cast, Johnny was just written up in the press and I wanted to share this with you because it is a testament of your program and your dedicated staff and educators. https://southjerseytc.wixsite.com/sjtheatrecritics/post/midsummer-is-a-dream-at-players-club-of-swarthmore.

It is also great for prospective students to continue to see the success of your students as the embark into the future!

From the article "Midsummer is a Dream at Players Club of Swarthmore" written by Aimee Ferenz in the South Jersey Theatre Critics:

"Johnny Brown (Robin Goodfellow/Puck) acts as a mischievous assistant to Oberon, causing most of the mayhem both by accident and by choice. Brown’s understanding of the role is simple but effective. He is sure in his actions without turning them into a caricature which, in the nature of this show, is a necessity"

Further, the review noted one of your incredibly talented student teachers, Ms. Kayla Bowe, who cast and directed the show:

"Overall, I am enamored by this production. PCS has taken a work that has existed longer than America itself and made it fresh and exciting. They have taken Shakespeare and made it attainable by embracing the way that he intended his story to be told and I believe that he would have been proud. There are moments in the show that, even with the original Shakespearean text, are so modern and delightful. The cast comes together under the unparalleled direction of Kayla Bowe to bring incredible theater to Delaware County. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as hard as I did last night."

It really is a tribute to your educators and to the training you provide future educators. Miss Bowe has been an incredible mentor to Johnny. Further, the Drama Academy, the educators and staff within this program, and Troupe 5480 have provided incredible opportunities for Johnny. If I could give a shout out to particular staff, I would mention Mrs. Walsh, Mrs. Knoblock and Mr. Bates! Have wonderful rest of the summer and exciting new school year!

I just wanted to drop a quick note praising Mr. Burns. He has guided my son through the college application/financial aid process. He has always made himself available and we couldn’t have done everything properly without him. He has been invaluable through this process.

Written by Mr. Donald Kier (GCIT Parent)

GCIT welcomed the Class of 2028 during Freshmen Meet and Greet this week! The Freshmen Meet & Greet, hosted by School Based Youth Services, is an opportunity for incoming freshmen to meet faculty, future classmates, and tour the GCIT campus before the school year begins. Welcome, class of 2028, we are looking forward to your contribution to our school Community!

Thanks to our all our Staff, Administrators, and upperclassmen in the Red Shirts for their help!

The GCIT community would like to congratulate Junior Drama Student, Hannah D'Aquila for directing the debut production of "Much Ado About Nothing" on August 10 at the Sunset Auditorium in Pitman. We are proud of you Hannah! Congratulations!

David Doyle - Construction Aide

Steven Maiers - Chemistry Teacher

Kaitlyn Johnson - Baking Aide

Scott Novzen - Substitute - Transportation Department

New Staff Orientation will be on Wednesday, August 28 at 9am.

The GCIT Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is kindly asking that all parents and staff join the PTO by scanning the QR code below and make a donation of $10 per family per year. One of the main goals of the PTO is to support the different Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) with fundraising activities. We meet every second Wednesday of each month at 6pm at GCIT. Please join the PTO and help us to continue sending our students to their annual Regional and State Competitions!

Immense thanks to all the parents who have already joined the PTO.

Microsoft Teams Class of 2025 page will be used to communicate to Seniors in and out of GCIT. Make sure you check Teams on a regular basis to stay informed.

Senior FAQs:

When will my Senior Proofs be ready?

• Senior proofs can be viewed online about 2 weeks from the day you took your senior portrait. If you provided LORS with an email address, you would get an email when it is ready to view online with your password.
• Your senior proofs will get mailed to your home within 3 weeks from the day you took your senior portrait.

I missed my scheduled date for my senior portraits. Can I still get them done?

• Yes, if you missed your schedule appointment you can reschedule it online at CLICK HERE. You will need your login # and password, which will be on the letter that was mailed to you with directions on how to schedule your session. If you missed these sessions during the summer or would like retakes you can call (908)-964-0847 to set up a time and date for September 5th or 6th. (scheduling will NOT be available until after original dates are completed)
• If you missed the summer dates and September dates, you can try to call LORS about scheduling an appointment at their studio. (I cannot guarantee this option is available, you will need to call LORS directly)

Where do I select my senior pictures for the yearbook?

After you get your senior pictures taken from LORS at the high school,

1. Go to: CLICK HERE

2. Enter your login code (it was on the Appointment Letter, and your physical set of proofs).

3. Click “Enter Gallery”.

4. You will then be prompted to choose your yearbook photo. Select your favorite pose (girls must have a black drape, no rose, and a blue fog background, and boys must have a black suit and blue fog background).

5. Either click “Continue Shopping” to place an order for prints as well or click “Submit Without Purchase”.

6. You must check out – it is free to only choose your yearbook pose – for the selection to be finalized. You should then receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive this confirmation, please call Customer Service: 908-964-0847.

Deadline: October 4th DATE MAY CHANGE

If I have pictures done elsewhere, can they still be placed in the yearbook?

• Yes, the photographer must email Mrs. Grant a large resolution picture file no later than November 4th.
• Photographer is to only send one photo pose with the following:
• Option 1: Black drape and a blue fog background, (no rose)
• Option 2: Black suit (black ties, not bow ties) and blue fog background.
• Your photographer can ask to see an example of the background by emailing Mrs. Grant.
• Mrs. Grant’s email address: kgrant@gcecnj.org
• Deadline: November 4th
• Please follow up with Mrs. Grant to make sure your picture was received no later than November 11th.

Student Options (These options are not guaranteed)

Baby pictures:

• Date to begin uploading will be sent out on Teams Class of 2025. When the time comes, you will be able to access the link on your phone or your school assigned laptop.
• You will be uploading your pictures to ReplayIt (this may change). There will be a link to follow, and you will be able to upload your picture. Please make sure save the photo with your first and last name and tag your name. This is very important so your photo will make it into the yearbook.
• Tentative Deadline will be December 2nd Date may change (keep an eye out on teams)

Senior Superlatives:

• When and how to vote will be sent out on Teams Class of 2025.

Buying a Yearbook (link will not be active to purchase until August)

How do I purchase a yearbook?

Purchase a 2024-2025 yearbook directly on the Jostens website through our website CLICK HERE or through Jostens CLICK HERE.

What are the pricing deadlines for the yearbook?

Back to School: $85.00 Ends: 10/25/2024 FREE Icons, Personalization: $7

• Campaign 1: $90.00 Ends: 11/15/2024 Personalization: $7 Icons: $4
• Campaign 2: $90.00 Ends: 12/13/2024 Personalization: $7 Icons: $4 Last Chance for Personalization
• Last Chance for Personalization: $95.00 Ends: 1/31/2025 Personalization: $7 Icons: $4
• Last Chance to order online: $95.00 Ends: 6/1/2025 (Date may change)

After 6/1/2025 you will only be able to order a yearbook through Mrs. Grant in person. Please make check payable to GCIT for $95. You can drop it off in a sealed envelope with name written on the front of the envelope and drop it off to room 309.

Pricing options for your Yearbook:

• Personalization: $10
• Icons: $5
• Signature Package: $18
• Clear protective cover, Autograph Section, Photo Pockets : $5

Parent Ads

How much do parent ads cost? How can I purchase one for a graduating senior?

Purchase parent ads and/or find pricing information directly at the Jostens website at CLICK HERE

Ad Deadline Date - 1/13/25

• FULL PAGE: $225
• HALF PAGE: $145
• QUARTER PAGE: $85
• EIGHTH PAGE: $65

As of right now the Parent Ad deadline is January 13th. If you submit after this date, you will be charged more so I recommend completing it as soon as you can. Reminders for this deadline will go out on the GCIT email blast. First Ad sales will end on 1/13 for 48 hours and re-open on 1/15 through 2/13.

FINAL END DATE - 2/13/25 (no exceptions)

• FULL PAGE: $240
• HALF PAGE: $165
• QUARTER PAGE: $100
• EIGHTH PAGE: $75

Senior Trip Meeting:

• September 26th - Students and parents will be notified through email and on Teams. Parent/Guardian AND student must attend the meeting.
• Senior Trip Dates are June 1st -June 5th

Senior Prom:

• May 30, 2025 at The Grove at Centerton 7:00-11:00

How will we be communicating with you throughout the year?

Microsoft Teams (If you have not done so already, please download the app to your phone)

All questions about the yearbook or senior portraits please email kgrant@gcecnj.org

All questions about Senior Trip or Senior Prom please email cdaniello@gcecnj.org or sruczynski@gcecnj.org

Beginning on the first day of school (September 5, 2024), ALL students must have their GCIT Lanyard and ID visible around their neck. New students will receive an ID and lanyard on September 5. If you are a returning student, and you do not have your GCIT lanyard or ID, please email your Assistant Principal before the first day of school.

Assistant Principals:

Mrs. Worthington – 9th grade (hworthington@gcecnj.org)

Mr. Wright – 10th grade (gwright@gcecnj.org)

Mrs. Wilbraham – 11th grade (jwilbraham@gcecnj.org)

Mr. Long – 12th grade (jlong@gcecnj.org)

August 28 - New Staff Orientation at 9am

September 3 - First day back for staff

September 5 - First day back for students

September 5 - Distribution of freshman IDs and lanyard

September 5 - Senior Sunrise beginning at 5:30 AM in the Senior parking lot of GCIT...see Teams page for more information

September 12 - Add/Drop Ends

September 17 - Meet-the-Teacher Night

September 17 & 18 - Student Pictures

September 20 to Oct. 18 - Winter sports registration opens

September 26 - Senior Trip Meeting for Parents

October 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day

October 12 - PSAT

October 14 - Columbus Day (School Closed)

October 14 - Skills USA Golf Outing (fundraiser)

October 17 - Thespian Induction

October 26 - Annual Trunk or Treat (fundraiser)

October 31 - Halloween Costume Contest

November 6 - Staff In-Service (no school for students)

November 7, 8 & 11 - NJEA Convention and Veterans Day (School Closed)

November 12 - 15 - Spirit Week

November 14 - Powderpuff and Senior Parade

November 15 - Homecoming at The Merion (1301 Route 130 South, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077)

November 15 & 27 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

November 28 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break

December 14 - Breakfast with Santa (fundraiser)

December 16 - 20 - Spirit Week and Holiday Candy Gram Sale

December 20 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

December 23 - 31 - Winter Break