BCAS ELA Spotlight: Making Reading Fun
No matter the age, finding creative ways to make reading engaging can help students connect with a story in a whole new way.
At the Burlington County Alternative School, ELA teacher Ainsley Forrest and Special Education teacher Lauren Arno did just that with a Flashlight Reading experience. With the lights down and flashlights on, students enjoyed a read-aloud of Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, creating an atmosphere that encouraged students to connect with the story and one another.
The experience also tied into Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated September 15 through October 15, giving students an opportunity to explore literature that celebrates Hispanic culture, identity, and experiences.
No matter the age, finding creative ways to make reading engaging can help students connect with a story in a whole new way.
At the Burlington County Alternative School, ELA teacher Ainsley Forrest and Special Education teacher Lauren Arno did just that with a Flashlight Reading experience. With the lights down and flashlights on, students enjoyed a read-aloud of Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, creating an atmosphere that encouraged students to connect with the story and one another.
The experience also tied into Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated September 15 through October 15, giving students an opportunity to explore literature that celebrates Hispanic culture, identity, and experiences.
Not every student learns the same way. And not every student thrives in the same environment.
Sometimes, a different approach can make all the difference.
Burlington County Alternative School (BCAS) serves students in grades 7–12, providing a smaller, supportive learning environment designed to help students reconnect with school, build confidence, and move forward.
OPEN HOUSE IS TONIGHT!
Meet our new principal, explore our school, learn about our middle and high school programs, and discover how BCAS provides students with a different path toward success.
📅 TONIGHT, September 16
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 1020 Briggs Road, Mount Laurel, NJ
Come meet us. Ask questions. Explore your options. See what’s possible at BCAS.
Sometimes, a different approach can make all the difference.
Burlington County Alternative School (BCAS) serves students in grades 7–12, providing a smaller, supportive learning environment designed to help students reconnect with school, build confidence, and move forward.
OPEN HOUSE IS TONIGHT!
Meet our new principal, explore our school, learn about our middle and high school programs, and discover how BCAS provides students with a different path toward success.
📅 TONIGHT, September 16
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 1020 Briggs Road, Mount Laurel, NJ
Come meet us. Ask questions. Explore your options. See what’s possible at BCAS.
We Remember September 11
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of so many.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of so many.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
Welcome Back, Students!
We’re excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school on Monday, August 31!
A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and succeed. Our staff is ready, and we look forward to welcoming students back and kicking off a great 2026–2027 school year together.
See you Monday, August 31!
We’re excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school on Monday, August 31!
A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and succeed. Our staff is ready, and we look forward to welcoming students back and kicking off a great 2026–2027 school year together.
See you Monday, August 31!
This week, we celebrate the teachers and staff who make it all possible.
Through your dedication, compassion, and commitment, our mission comes to life every single day.
Thank you for all you do for our students and our community.
Through your dedication, compassion, and commitment, our mission comes to life every single day.
Thank you for all you do for our students and our community.
Join us for the Autism in My Shoes Symposium on Saturday, April 25 from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM at our Westampton Campus. This free community event will feature panel discussions, breakout sessions, and a resource fair designed to connect families, educators, and community members with valuable resources and support.
👉 Register today to attend------> bit.ly/autisminmyshoes
👉 Register today to attend------> bit.ly/autisminmyshoes
❄️ Weather Update
Due to inclement weather, all schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Due to inclement weather, all schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
📢 Important Announcement
All schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026, due to inclement weather.
All schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026, due to inclement weather.
Our BCSSSD Transitions program is excited to offer a Parent Training Series to help families navigate resources, services, and supports for young adults with disabilities. From understanding the DDD service system to learning strategies that support emotional growth and independence, these sessions are designed to empower families and prepare students for life beyond high school. #missionpossible #BCSSSDPRIDE
🛑 See something? Say something.
STOPit gives students a safe, anonymous way to report concerns like bullying, harassment, or safety issues. Tips can be submitted through the app, website, or 24/7 hotline. Your voice matters.
STOPit gives students a safe, anonymous way to report concerns like bullying, harassment, or safety issues. Tips can be submitted through the app, website, or 24/7 hotline. Your voice matters.
IMPORTANT: Schools will open with a two-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
📢 School Closed: Monday, January 26, 2026
Join Us: First Joint Job Fair of 2026! 🚀 We are looking for talented individuals to join the BCIT and BCSSSD teams! Our first joint hiring event of the year is happening on January 29 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at 20 Pioneer Blvd, Westampton. Come prepared for on-site interviews and take the next step in your career. 🔗 Register now: BIT.LY/45ITYSV
Please note that all schools will operate on a two-hour delayed opening today.
Project SEARCH Open House is happening Tuesday, December 16 at the BCSSSD Transition Campus. Learn about the program, meet our partners and tour the space. Doors open at 6:15 pm. We look forward to seeing you.
BCSSSD is closed for Thanksgiving Break.
We are grateful for our students, families, and staff who make our school community so strong. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and meaningful break. We look forward to welcoming you back next week.
We are grateful for our students, families, and staff who make our school community so strong. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and meaningful break. We look forward to welcoming you back next week.
We are announcing an exciting leadership opportunity at BCAS. The Principal position is now open, and we’re looking for someone who will champion our students, support our staff, and lead with heart.
#BCAS #BCSSSDPRIDE #NJSchoolJobs #Mission Possible
#BCAS #BCSSSDPRIDE #NJSchoolJobs #Mission Possible
Join Sheriff James H. Kostoplis, the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Board of County Commissioners, and BCSSSD for a fun and inclusive Trunk or Treat event!
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕛 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 Burlington County Special Services School District
20 Pioneer Blvd, Westampton, NJ 08060
Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy an afternoon filled with music, treats, games, crafts, and more!
This event is rain or shine — we can’t wait to see you there!
#BCSSSD #TrunkOrTreat #EveryStudentEveryDay #MissionPossible #BurlingtonCounty
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕛 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 Burlington County Special Services School District
20 Pioneer Blvd, Westampton, NJ 08060
Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy an afternoon filled with music, treats, games, crafts, and more!
This event is rain or shine — we can’t wait to see you there!
#BCSSSD #TrunkOrTreat #EveryStudentEveryDay #MissionPossible #BurlingtonCounty
📣 Calling All Community Members!
Join us for our upcoming PTO General Meeting — your voice and participation make a difference! This is a great opportunity to stay informed, get involved, and help us continue building a strong school community.
Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or community supporter, we welcome you to be part of the conversation. Together, we can create the best experiences for our students. Register here http://bit.ly/4nj6FmY
We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
Join us for our upcoming PTO General Meeting — your voice and participation make a difference! This is a great opportunity to stay informed, get involved, and help us continue building a strong school community.
Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or community supporter, we welcome you to be part of the conversation. Together, we can create the best experiences for our students. Register here http://bit.ly/4nj6FmY
We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
The first week is in the books — and BCSSSD is off to a great start!
#BCSSSDPRIDE
#BCSSSDPRIDE