The Paw Power Press
Butler Elementary School - September 3, 2019 - Issue 1
Butler Elementary - "BE"
Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year!
Principal's Message
We are very excited about the start of school as teachers and staff have been working tirelessly around the building - beautifying the grounds and readying our classrooms - hoping to make a best "first impression" with their new classrooms! This year, Butler Elementary will BE!
Throughout the year, The Paw Power Press, E-Newsletter will be published to keep parents informed with District, School and PTO Happenings. I encourage you to read through our bi-monthly newsletters, as they always contain important information such as events, dates and special announcements. In addition, please be sure to visit our school and teacher websites as a means of communication – and know we will continue to update and modify information so it is current and informative. Also, Butler has a Twitter handle, @CButlerElem (in addition to many of our teachers) - Be sure to follow!
Again, welcome to what promises to be a wonderful school year! BE Incredible!
Mr. Karl Funseth, Principal
Mr. Jesse Brosious, Assistant Principal
Butler Elementary School
Summer Butler Updates
Staffing Updates
Welcome to the following new staff members at Butler!
Kindergarten:
Carley Hecht
Grade 1:
Kaitlyn McAuliffe
Grade 2:
Deb Rosica
Sierra Bigler
Learning Support:
Danica Fossesca
Krista Firely
Psychologist:
Dana Geiger
Reading Specialists:
Leesa Meade
Educational Assistants:
Ellyn Baratz
Denae Hedrick
Nicole Fisher
Megan Leinhos
Kate Gale
Kitchen Supervisor:
Mandi Boyer
Bear Dens at Butler!
It has been a busy summer at Butler with the addition of our Bear Den Classrooms! Beginning last May, our blacktop area was prepped and readied for the arrival of the modulars. Throughout the summer, teams of workers met all expectations through each phase of construction. Most time was spent on the secured access ramp which extends from inside the school to the classrooms. Each room looks fresh and new - and so much excitement has been generated in students to learn in the BEAR DENS!
For more information of the process and a timeline of all photos, please click here.
Thanks to the Central Bucks FEMO Department for their efforts in completing this project so successfully!
Butler Blacktop Games - New and Improved!
Important Information
Communication is Key at Butler
Butler Elementary takes pride in our communication efforts for school happenings and classroom activities. The Butler Website will provide important information and events current for the community. Through our website, you can access teacher websites, bi-weekly online newsletters, links to events and information, etc.
- The Power Paw Newsletter - Provides current information and upcoming events of all things happening at the school. Each Issue will be linked in an email to parents.
- Teacher Websites - Find out what is happening in your child's classroom - and get your classroom's supply list for the coming year.
- CB Mobile App - News and Information from Central Bucks School District - including information about each individual school.
- Text Message Alerts - Bus and school-closing information - By updating your census forms in Parent Portal, text message alerts will be sent when applicable.
- Butler Parent/Student Handbook - 2019-2020 - Know the rules and regulations at Butler.
School Timing - Butler is a "C" School
Butler Elementary is a "C" school
- Student day Begins at 9:05AM
- Student day Ends at 3:45PM
Kindergarten:
- Morning Kindergarten Ends at 11:40PM
- Afternoon Kindergarten Begins at 1:10PM
Butler’s doors open at 8:45AM – that is the time when students will be allowed into school – for all walkers, car riders and bused students. Our School Gate Guardian System and revised District Procedures no longer allow for “open”, unattended doors prior to student arrival. This policy is the expectation district-wide and is strictly enforced.
NEW 2-Hour Delay Delays for Butler Kindergarten
2-Hour Delayed Start/Early Dismissal Timing
10:45 AM - Late Start Arrival (Including AM KDG)
12:50 PM - Late Start AM-KDG Dismissal
2:00 PM - Late Start PM KDG Begins (1:50 PM Arrival)
3:45 PM - School Dismissal Begins
New Britain Township Police: New Traffic Patterns on Highland Drive
SchoolGate Guardian
Central Bucks School District began implementation of a new computerized visitor management and entry buzzer system last year. The purpose of this system is to continue to enhance school security and safety. The information below will provide the necessary details to these new systems:
- An additional external buzzer: You will be asked to identify yourself and the purpose of your visit to Butler’s main office personnel (and you may be asked to show photo id to the camera).
- Drop-Off Items in the Vestibule: Notify the Office Staff of items being dropped off for your child. (Items of a personal nature/Medical Needs should come into the office.) Lunches, instruments, etc. should be left on the table after notifying office staff.
- Pick-Up Child Early/Drop-off Late: Enter the vestibule to be subsequently “buzzed” into the office area.
- School Visit: If your visit includes entry beyond the office area, you will be assisted by the receptionist utilizing the SchoolGate Guardian System. The receptionist will ask for your valid state issued driver’s license or Passport. Visitors who are unable to provide valid ID will be prompted to share identifying personal information for access to the individual’s profile through the SchoolGate Guardian System.
The visitor management system will print a visitor label that must be worn while on school premises. As you leave the school, you will be required to exit through the main office to return your badge and be scanned out of the system.
With your support, we continue to improve the safety for our students and staff. Thank you for continuing to partner with us in assisting with our updated security measures across the Central Bucks School District campuses.
Visiting Butler - Safety & Security
Dismissal Changes
If it is necessary to change your normal pick-up routine at the end of the day, (i.e., a different adult, bus rather than car, car rather than bus, a change in child care arrangements, etc.), a written-note must be presented to the the main office (classroom teacher notification is also encouraged).
Any phone calls regarding a change in end-of-day plans must be directed to the office before 3:00 PM by phone (267 893-4250) or via e-mail to Butler Attendance at (butlerattendance@CBSD.ORG) and teacher. This is our best option for last-minute dismissal changes in the case your child's teacher is absent that day.
Please note, teachers will not pick up phone calls or messages during the instructional day.
Back to School Nights
Please join your child's teacher for our Back to School Nights. Please review the below schedule for your child's grade level:
September 5: Grades 1 and 2 - 6:30 PM
September 17: Grades 3 and 4 - 6:30 PM
September 18: Grades 5 and 6 - 6:30 PM
(Kindergarten BTSN occurred on August 26th during the Kindergarten Back to School and Transportation Orientation held on August 26th.)
Volunteering at Butler
All Central Bucks School District Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the staff, students and programs of our schools. That could not be more true at Butler, where we receive amazing support from our families each school-day of the year! Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Butler!
As of July 2016, Pennsylvania law requires all persons having direct contact with school children obtain background checks and clearances.
For a link to the required forms and background checks, please visit the CBSD Human Resources Volunteer Page by clicking here.
Please note - In most cases, any parent who wishes to support the school through volunteering - (Classroom, Field Trip, Homeroom Parent, PTO Events, etc.) - will be required to obtain PA Clearances - good for 5-years by PA State Law.
Please click the Frequently Asked Questions for general information about this law and to read detailed information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Please contact Butler Offices for any other questions.
Health Room Updates & Information - Nurse Karen
From the Nurse's Office
"Welcome Back" Butler Bears!
If you have not already done so, please return the physical and/or dental forms which may be required for your student. Central Bucks School District is state mandated to ensure that each student in certain grade levels has a dental and physical examination.
- Physicals are required upon entry, grade 6 and 11.
- Dentals are required upon entry, grade 3 and 7.
The forms for these examinations were sent home in the spring and need to be returned to school no later than October 15th. If we do not receive the required examination(s) prior to October 15th your child will not be permitted to go on any field trips until proper documentation is received due to our annual State Audit.
Having up-to-date and accurate medical information about your student will better insure for a proper response in the case of a medical emergency at school.
Please let me know if anyone has any questions. You can contact the health room directly at 267-893-4265.
Karen Dearmond - Certified School Nurse
Student Emergency and Information Form
Each year, the Central Bucks School District requires our families to fill out an online Student Emergency & Information Form.
Again this year, CB is asking that you complete your family’s Student Emergency & Information Form online by September 13, 2019.
The online form will ask you to confirm and/or update the following:
Demographic Information
Emergency Contacts
Health Information, including permission for emergency care and analgesic administration
Media Release Preferences
Click here to be directed to your Parent Portal account to complete the Census Verification form.
Additionally, on this site you can give our Health Room Staff permission to administer Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) to your child as needed.
Thank you for taking the time to update this important information.
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For detailed information about this process, including a User Guide, please click here.
If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please follow this link to request one.
If you need help filling out the online form, email or call Nurse Karen.
lrebstock@cbsd.org or 267.893.5714
If you need technical support, please email parentportal@cbsd.org.
CHIP Health Care Program
CHIP offers health coverage to uninsured children up to the age of 19 in PA. Please see the attached flyer for more information. Should anyone need an application we have them in the health room or contact Nurse Karen to share via e-mail.
Peanut/Tree Nut (and other food-related) Safe Classrooms
News & Upcoming Events
School Calendar
Sept. 2: Labor Day -No School for Staff & Students
Sept. 3: First Day of School - K-12
Sept. 5: Back to School Night Grades 1 and 2 - 6:30 PM
Sept. 10: CB School Board Meeting - Educational Services Center - 7:30PM
Sept. 10 & 11: Unami BTSN's - 7:00PM
Sept. 12: CB South BTSN - 7:00PM
Sept. 13: Room Parent Tea 9:30 AM (PTO Event)
Sept. 17: Back to School Night Grades 3 and 4 - 6:30 PM
Sept. 18: Back to School Night Grades 5 and 6 - 6:30 PM
Sept 20: PTO "Paint Night"
Sept. 23: PTO General Meeting 7:00 PM
Sept. 24: CB School Board Meeting - Educational Services Center - 7:30PM
Sept. 25: Picture Day
Sept. 26: Parent Positive Series - Lenape MS - 7:00PM
Sept. 30: NO SCHOOL- Rosh Hashanah
Parent Positive Series Event: The Power of Relationships
September 26, 2019 - Lenape Middle School - 7:00PM
Join us for our first Parent Positive Event of the school year as Dr. Michael C. Reichert, Ph.D., founding director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives, talks about and shares new perspectives about child development and why developmental relationships matter. Featuring the latest insights from psychology and neuroscience, and drawing on his decades of research, the event will include discussions around the changing culture, and how parents, educators, and mentors help children develop socially and emotionally. Babysitting is available.
Registration requested. Registration is required if you would like to receive presentation materials or if babysitting service (children ages five and over) is needed.
REGISTER HERE OR CALL 215-345-2121.
Young Rembrandts After School Art Class Registration
Now enrolling - Young Rembrandts drawing classes. Classes begin 9/16 through 10/28/19. New exciting lessons every week! Click HERE for more information.
School Happenings
Kindergarten Back to School & Bus Orientation
New Butler Family Open House
First Week Photos
From the Butler PTO
Butler PTO Newsletter
Butler PTO General Meeting - Save the Date
District Details
Central Bucks School District
Superintendent: John J. Kopicki, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent- Elementary: Nadine Garvin, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent-Secondary: Abram Lucabaugh, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services: Alexis McGloin, Ed.D.
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-2000
Twitter: @cbsdinfo
Butler Elementary School
Principal: Mr. Karl Funseth
Assistant Principal: Mr. Jesse Brosious
Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Judie Pereira
Website: cbsd.org/butler
Location: 200 Brittany Drive, Chalfont, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-4250
Twitter: @CB_Butler