GCIT Weekly Newsletter

Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect and take time to extend our thanks to the people in our lives who contribute positively to us. It is in this spirit of gratitude, that on behalf of the Administrative Team, I would like to say that I am grateful for you and the positivity you continue to contribute to our school community. Your dedication and commitment to our school community and our GCIT vision is on display everyday - in your small deeds and the big ones. We appreciate you - please know that your positive contribution to our school does not go un-noticed!

Whether your Thanksgiving plans include a traditional turkey dinner with the family or a Friendsgiving with your best pals, celebrating at home or traveling, there is no better time than Thanksgiving to let your loved ones know that you are grateful for them! We acknowledge all the cooks in our families this Thanksgiving - and say a special thank-you to them! However, please remember to take this time to rest, relax, and recharge! Wishing you and your family a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

The Digital Media juniors showcased their branding design concepts to a panel of graphic design professionals at Razorfish Health in Philadelphia. Divided into eight design teams, with four working on each client’s project, the students delivered impressive, professional-quality presentations while also dressing the part, embracing the real-world experience.

The project will continue with 3-5 concepts for each client. The concepts will undergo further development and refinement as the students prepare for final presentation to the business owners.

Written by Carl Heil

On Wednesday 11/27/2024 Mr. Jim Rocks Jr. visited Mr. Haldeman’s and Mrs. Rocks United States History II classes as a culminating event to our Vietnam War Years unit. Mr. Rocks shared his experiences in the military, his time in Vietnam with the Air Force, and the lasting effects of his service.

Mr. Rocks also fielded questions from students and shared many important lessons. Mr. Rocks loves to visit GCIT and is always so impressed with the student population and the programs that we offer here. During this visit Mr. Rocks was able to tour some of the shops and training centers and interacted with a lot of the students. Mr. Rocks is looking forward to another visit next semester and always enjoys the “Love Our Vets” day that is hosted in the spring as well.

Written by Kerry Rocks

Our Baking & Pastry Arts students have been very busy this November! In addition to supplying our school's Fresh Start Bakery with delicious baked goods, we started the month with the FCCLA's food festival, supplied baked goods for the November 6th and November 23rd's Program Showcase, and made sports themed cupcake cakes and cookies for the Fall Sports Banquet (even enlisting Mr. McAleer to pitch in and help)!

To end the month, this year's sophomore and senior classes, which are the smallest production classes we have ever had, truly stepped up to the plate by producing over 400 pies and almost 200 pepperoni breads for our Annual Community Thanksgiving Sale, making it a huge success. The students were able to use their various baking skills and techniques while using math skills, time management, attention to detail, working as a team, problem solving when needed, and demonstrated patience and perseverance during this busy yearly event.

Our Annual Community Thanksgiving Sale continues to be a valuable educational experience for our Baking & Pastry Arts students, and they continue to make our department very proud!

Written by Deneen Clark

Thanks to the administration for their support, the generosity of the staff, family, and friends and the Cosmetology Students for their hard work. The Style-a-Thon raised $2500.00 for a GCIT family in need.

It's heartwarming to see our GCIT family working together to make a meaningful difference.

Great job everyone! 🌟

Written by Katie Arnold

The PTO needs your help! We are launching our Holiday Membership Drive and our goal is to have HALF of the GCIT families registered by the new year! We know this is a huge goal and that’s why we need your help! Tell your kids! Tell your friends! Tell your kid’s friends! Spread the word to all GCIT families! Scan the code or copy the link to register! Thank you for your support!

Written by Danielle D'Aquila

GCIT will be hosting a Financial Aid Workshop presented by a HESAA representative on December 11, 2024, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in Room 1110.

HESAA is the Higher Education Assistance Authority.

A link to RVSP if you would like to attend was emailed to you on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Please check your email!

Come and listen to gain valuable information about what, how, when, and why to apply for financial aid for college and post-secondary options!

This is a great workshop for parents who are applying for financial aid for the very first time.

Written by Christine Datz

FBLA is holding a community day at Chick Fil A. A portion of your order will be donated to the members of the Future Business Leaders of America Club. Mention GCIT or show a flyer when giving your order.

Written by Dionne Scott

The GCIT Parliamentary Leaders Club will host a Debate Night at GCIT on Monday, December 16. GCIT students will debate issues ranging from fun and engaging topics, to more serious and consequential debates. Students will engage in fun and civil dialogue to show that we can truly have challenging conversations.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gcit-parliamentary-leaders-club-debate-night-tickets-1092553229119?aff=oddtdtcreator

Senior Trip to Disney World in Orlando Florida is fast approaching: June 1 - 5, 2025!

Please pay attention to the following important reminders:

• December 20 is the LAST day to cancel your Senior Trip through GCIT and receive a FULL refund. Seniors, if you decide not to attend Senior Trip after December 20, NO REFUND will be issued through GCIT. The only way to receive a refund after December 20 is through the travel insurance company.

• Travel Insurance MUST be purchased prior to making your final payment for Senior Trip. The last day to make your final payment is January 31, 2025.

• Students are REQUIRED to have a REAL ID or US Passport to fly starting May 7, 2025. This is a requirement through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), NOT GCIT. All seniors going on the Senior Trip must have the proper documentation to travel. Students under the age of 18 may fly using their school ID. If a student turns 18 on the trip or within several weeks of the trip, please see the following statement from TSA regarding not having REAL ID:

• If students who need to take medication while on the Senior Trip, MUST complete the Medication Administration Form and signed by the student’s physician. This MUST be turned in to the nurse’s office no later than Thursday, May 1, 2025.

• Students can now request their roommates for Senior Trip. These requests MUST be completed and turned in to Mrs. Ruczynski no later than Friday, December 20, 2024. Forms can be turned in at the Main Office or in room 210. Any student that does NOT have a request submitted by the end of the school day on December 20, will be placed in a room. If your student does not wish to request roommates, the form does not need to be submitted. Parents/Guardians are required to sign their student’s room request form. Only 1 form needs to be turned in for each room.

After the Thanksgiving Break, an email will be sent to all parents of seniors attending the Senior Trip with the necessary forms attached. Please plan to meet these deadlines. Thank you!

NJSLA Fall Block

12/9/24 and 12/10/24 - ELA (Freshman) periods 1-4

12/11/24 and 12/12/24 - Math (Freshman) periods 1-4

Make-ups: 12/16/24- 12/19/24

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NJGPA Spring

3/10/25 and 3/11/25 - ELA (Juniors) periods 1-4

3/12/25 and 3/13/25 - Math (Juniors) periods 1-4

Make-ups: 3/17/25- 3/20/25

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NJSLA Spring Block

5/12/25 and 5/13/25 - Science (Juniors) periods 1-4

5/14/25 and 5/15/25 - ELA (Freshman) periods 1-4

5/21/25 and 5/22/25 - Math (Freshman) periods 1-4

Make-ups: 5/27/25- 5/30/25

Submitted by: The Assessment Team

November 28 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break

December 3 - Program Showcase for Prospective students & parents (6pm-8pm)

December 9 - NHS/NTHS Induction Ceremony

December 9 - 19 - Holiday Door Decorating Contest

December 14 - Breakfast with Santa (fundraiser) - 9am - 12pm

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

December 20 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

December 23 - 31 - Winter Break

January 15 - GCIT Day of Dance

January 23 & 24 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

January 24 - GCIT Live

January 29 -30 - Students 12:15 Dismissal

January 31 - Staff In Service (no students)

February 3 - 7 - School Counselor Week

February 26 - Red Cross Blood Drive

March 4 - 8 - School Musical

March 8 - SAT

March 10 - 17 - St. Patrick's Day Door Decorating Contest

March 17 - 21 - Spirit Week

March 21 - Cotillion (9th & 10th Grade Dance)

March 26 - 27 - Dancing For Humanity

March 29 - SkillsUSA Competition at GCIT

April 3 - Schoolwide Culture Day

April 7 - 11 - Assistant Principals Appreciation Week

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 2 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 2 - Junior Prom

May 5 - 9 - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 - 11 - Freshman Drama Production

May 20 & 21 - Dance Senior Pieces

May 23 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 26 - Memorial Day (school closed)

May 30 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 30 - Senior Prom

June 2 - 5 - Senior Trip - Disney World

June 9 - Junior Trip - Hersey Park

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

June 19 - Juneteenth (school closed)

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

June 20 - Graduation Day (Tentative)

June 23 - Last Day For Instructional Staff