GCIT Weekly Newsletter

High School Graduation is one of life's biggest accomplishments - it speaks to hard work, dedication, perseverance, and success! This week, 375 GCIT seniors achieved this milestone as a bright future beckons them! In the true spirit of the GCIT slogan - our graduates embody: that during their time at GCIT, their minds were empowered and they took steps to building a bright and successful future. With cheers from County Commissioner, Board member, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, families, and friends, the Class of 2024 proudly walked across the stage to receive their diploma - a symbol of, not where they started but how high they aimed to reap the result of their success!

It is often said that “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead", well, the Class of 2024 confidently demonstrated that they are ready to be leaders in their various post-graduation plans and we could not be more proud of them! Congratulations GCIT on a 100% graduation rate!

Class of 2024, in the words of Dr. Seuss - “You’re off to great places! Your mountain is waiting. So, get on your way.” “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

Immense thanks to all the Faculty and staff for planning and organizing the graduation ceremony, especially Christine Datz, Mike McAleer, Kristyn Carelli, the Guidance Counselors, Darren Leary, the SROs - Jill Manson, Ed Seibert, Charlie Rudolph, Lori Shaw, and Jeff Schaw, the staff who drove the golf carts to assist the guests - Fred McCoy, Andrew Hahn, Christian Torchia, Rachel Petrille for taking pictures, and the custodial staff - especially Jamie Rose, Glenn Cook, and Joe McGowan!

In early June, a group of students visited Philadelphia for a walking tour of locations important to LGBTQ+ history in the city. The tour also included viewing of several of Philly’s famous murals.

The students learned about important people in LGBTQ+ history, especially those who were notable in making equality possible for those living in and around Philadelphia. The guides at Beyond the Bell Tour were knowledgeable and engaging, making all students feel welcomed, included, and excited about learning about their local LGBTQ+ community.

Written by Katy Lynch and Summer Smith

Congratulations to our newly formed PTO and elected Executive Board!

• President: Danielle D’Aquila

• Vice Presidents: Christina Moya and January Mascino-Teti
• Treasurer: Tarin Hunt
• Secretary: Kathleen Wilson
• Social Media Coordinator: Alicia Fillari-Thorp
• Sergeant at Arms: Glynn Moore

Now the work begins. Board President D'Aquila is already at work with the E-Board getting things ready and organized to formalize the PTO!

Join us for our next meeting on July 2nd at 6pm in -person at GCIT or on Zoom.

The Zoom link for our next PTO Meeting on 7/2/24 at 6pm.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88025201090?pwd=sK4XiInioPm9Mg6VIAYqDNSxxKj50b.1

Meeting ID: 880 2520 1090
Passcode: 348315

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 PICTURES

When are the 1st Senior Portrait Sessions?

Dates for Senior Portraits are 7/22, 7/23, 7/24, 7/25 7/26, 7/29, 7/30 7/31, & 8/01 GCIT in Room 404.

Information has already been emailed out to your PARENT/GUARDIAN, this will explain (check your spam/junk folder) how to make your appointment date and time and a letter in the mail after July 8th from LORS if you did NOT schedule your appointment. If you have any questions prior to receiving your appointment letter, please feel free to call LORS at (908)-964-0847.Your personal portrait session will include cap & gown photos, formal yearbook poses in formal attire that LORS will provide, and casual personality shots in your own clothes on a variety of backgrounds...ALL FREE OF CHARGE! We encourage you to bring your own props to show your personality (instrument, sports equipment, hobbies, etc.) Parents/Guardians please check your junk/spam folder from LORS.

Please let your photographer know if the jacket they provide is too big or too small so they can change it out for you.

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 cannot make or missed my scheduled date for my senior portraits. Can I still get them done? (scheduling will NOT be available until after original dates are completed)

• Yes, if you cannot make 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:

• TBD: 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

• ScIP Committee and Staff created the GCIT Slogan which embodies the work that we do with our students: Empowering Minds Building Futures.
• Displayed photos of the different programs in 400 main entrance.
• Improved NJGPA Pass Rates: In English, the NJGPA Pass Rate increased from 89% to 97%. In Math, the NJGPA Pass Rate increased from 72% to 79%.
• Targeted PD Activities during In-Service days.
• ADL Peer-to-Peer Training - GCIT is a certified "No Place For Hate Institution".
• Student-led and staff-led "Culturally Responsive Teaching" and "Recognizing Biases" Workshops.
• Various events celebrating diverse groups in our school community where students, staff and parents participated.
• Improved Communication within the Admin Team and security - use of Radios.
• The publication of the Weekly Newsletter to staff, parents, and students.
• Monthly Staff recognitions – staff voted to recognized their peers.
• Monthly Principal's Good News for Students.
• Staff BBQ during Teacher Appreciation Week.
• Formation of the GCIT PTO – collaboration of administrators, teachers, and parents.

During the summer months, the GCIT Newsletter will be sent out monthly. Please look out for 2 editions during the summer. Have a great Summer Break!