Has the atmosphere around Becton changed? Is it a new ventilation system? Or is it the multitude of improvements that our staff have been tirelessly working on throughout the past four years? With a few glances around our campus, you would conclude the latter! Becton has spent nearly four years implementing behind-the-scenes enhancements for each incoming class, all with the goal of making every new academic year better than the last for students. Here’s an overview of the notable changes and highlights that have contributed to our vibrant school:
- Nearly 10 new athletic levels and three new sports programs
- 15 new clubs
- Full-time music program
- Kiln and pottery program in the works
- Brand-new outdoor wellness area for staff and students to utilize throughout the school year
- State-of-the-art security system with a growing team of security guards
- New Wildcat banners along the campus
- Changes in AP/Honors weighting and reimbursements
- New coats of paint on hallway walls
- Addition of 36 trees around campus
- Improved breakfast and lunch facilities
- Future implementation of AI in the curriculum
- Over 30 teachers hired within the past four years
To get more in-depth about the specifics of some of these changes, Superintendent Dr. Dario Sforza and Assistant Principal Mrs. Amanda Colangelo offered some context and explanation. With the outdoor Wellness area set to be completed in October 2024, Mrs. Colangelo thinks of it as “a change of scenery and space” to be used by staff and students. At Becton, we believe in prioritizing mental health and we encourage students to take advantage of our wellness facilities. This outdoor area can be used during lunch, class time, for possible guest speakers and for presentations.
Another facet of our outdoor campus are the new Wildcat-oriented banners and posters. “These beautification projects are a direct reflection of our tremendous Wildcat Pride and our unwavering commitment to providing something special for every student,” Dr. Sforza explains. The last major outdoor change has been the addition of 36 trees planted last year by our Environmental Club to brighten up our building with some greenery and life.
As for the inside of our school, this summer was spent re-coating the walls with fresh paint and updating bulletin boards to mirror the positive messages and values we prioritize. Alongside this, the breakfast, snack and lunch system has come a long way these past few years, with our breakfast offerings spanning across muffins, sandwiches, waffles, coffee and much more. Recently, the cafeteria is offering a full-time Chipotle-inspired burrito bowl bar, with every topping and addition you could imagine! The snack bar has also become quite popular, with a cornucopia of treats, sweets, drinks and hot foods.
An aspect of Becton that goes generally unnoticed, however, is the hiring of over 30 teachers within the past four years. This year, we have welcomed new English and Science teachers as well as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant and a new social worker. Dr. Sforza attests, “These additions reflect our commitment to providing comprehensive support for our students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.”
Improvements to our curriculum are constant and always in the works. For our Advanced Placement and Honors classes, there is a difference in GPA weighting this year. According to our Program of Studies, found on the Becton website:
AP Course – Additional 10 points factored into GPA. (i.e. 5 credit course, 90 + 10 = 100)
Honors Course – Additional 5 points factored into GPA. (i.e. 5 credit course, 90 + 5 = 95)
We have also implemented a new AP reimbursement feature. If a student taking the AP exam receives a score of four or five, they will be given back the exam fee and administrative costs!
Currently in the works is the addition of Artificial Intelligence into our school curriculum. “Our goal is to leverage AI and other innovative resources to expedite the narrowing of creativity, critical thinking, and other academic and social gaps that may be present in students’ education today,” Dr. Sforza offers more information. Mrs. Colangelo also adds in, “It can be used as a modification tool for our students who may be struggling; a way to review concepts taught in class or maybe to help multi-language students. It is not intended to replace teachers.” This change may not come into play for a few years but our teachers are well-informed and equipped to harness this powerful tool as it becomes more ingrained into our school system.
While the interior and exterior of Becton are continually evolving, the heart– the dedication to learning, community, and school spirit—remains constant. Our staff are beyond excited to get started on this school year and use new facilities to help grow and evolve our students. At the end of the day, the Wildcat goal is the same: “Constantly exploring new ways to enhance our academic offerings, expand our extracurricular activities, and create an even more inclusive and supportive learning environment and robust high school experience for our students,” as quoted by Dr. Sforza, “At Becton Regional High School, we’re not just embracing change – we’re leading it.”
Photo Credit: Hunter Xie
