Bulldog Weekly Update
April 11th - April 14th
Monthly CRP Quote
― Zaretta L. Hammond, Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
"We Learn So That We Can Remember"
Who was Herman Ebbinghaus? A German psychologist born in the late 1800's. He pioneered such critical ideas as the "learning curve" and "memory atrophy" theories. Ebbinghaus' research indicated that humans start to lose knowledge they've retained over time. If this knowledge isn't consciously revisited, practiced, and reviewed, learning loss can happen even as early as a couple of days. Our last issue identified learning strategies designed to commit new knowledge to memory. Habits of mind are routine thoughts and actions that dictate how we learn, when we learn, and where we learn. Much of that is within our control. What we learn, however, is not always in our control. This is where knowing how we learn and what we can do to retain new information becomes of vital importance to what we see and know about ourselves, society, the world.
This introduction lays the groundwork for the content of this piece, which is centered around the ground breaking work of Ketanji Jackson Brown, the first Black female elected as a Supreme Court Justice. Our nation has never had a Black female judge on the Supreme Court since it first assembled in NYC, on February of 1790. They oversaw their first case in 1791 with six Supreme Court Justices in attendance. In 1869 it was decided that the Supreme Court needed nine members, and while that number fluctuated once or twice since then, it has largely remained that the US has nine Supreme Court Justices; this past week, Mrs. Ketanji Brown, in a close vote of 53-47, took one of them.
Ketanji's ascendancy to the Supreme Court is a direct reflection of her meticulous dedication to preserving justice in our country. As a Harvard University and Harvard Law School graduate, she is the 11th Harvard graduate and 18th Harvard Law graduate to sit on the Supreme Court. Her parents were public school educators and administrators for the Miami-Dade county and it is here that Ketanji's family placed a concerted emphasis on education.
Justice Jackson Brown is one of the few Supreme Court Justices who has held multiple roles as a lawyer and judge, serving as federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals but not before putting her time in as a Public Defender. In this role, she represented "indigent clients and detainees held by the US in Gauntanamo Bay, Cuba."
https://www.splcenter.org/news/2022/04/07/ketanji-brown-jackson-legal-career-timeline
Justice Jackson Brown's work and career in law helped to reduce or eliminate lengthy sentences in what has been described as "uncommon and unprecedented victories." The expanse of her career, her work in private and public sectors, in prestigious and elite roles as well as those serving vulnerable populations underscores her readiness to lead in the Supreme Court. She is role model for many. For her daughters and for young girls of all backgrounds who will know what it is to endure and to overcome.
This week, take five minutes in your classes to talk about this historic event in American history. We have an obligation to help our students see the relevance of what they learn within our walls. This means ensuring that when ceilings are broken, and substantial change is underway in our society, we help to shape our students' perspectives and understandings and perhaps in doing so, help to clarify our own.
Ketanji Jackson Brown elected as Supreme Court Justice
Ramadan Celebrations Help Create Inclusive Environment
Cambodian New Year Starts on April 14th, This Thursday!
JEDI students Learn About Racism and Bias After School
5th Grade Learns About Ecosystems in Backyard
National Day of Silence Took Place Friday April 8th
Notes from the Principal's Desk
Spring is in full swing! Did you catch the Spring Dance that took place on Friday, April 8th after school? 5th and 6th graders danced earlier in the evening to a range of songs including the Cha-Cha Slide! Nearly the entire group got onto the dance floor for this choreographed affair. Later, our 6th grade boys started a snake dance around the dance floor where almost everyone in attendance joined in. You would be hard pressed not to see some teachers out there dancing as well. Mrs. Dowd, Mrs. Burgess, Mrs. Barlow, Mrs. Farrell, Ms. Cooper and Mr. Sullivan, among others, made excellent chaperones and some pretty snazzy dancers too! The cafeteria was transformed with black-out shades on the windows, a full photo booth with props, tons of pastel colors covering the tables, a food stand and plenty of gorgeous balloons. Students had a blast!
7th and 8th grade started their dance shortly thereafter. Students were slow to migrate to the dance floor but everyone was giddy with excitement to be there. Many students dressed to the nines, showcasing their sense of fashion and glam. Midway through the dance, Assistant Principal and co-DJ, Mrs. Moody, got onto the center of the floor and showed the dance moves to a popular song which drew in the crowd from around the walls. Principal Pena was quick to jump in and elevate the dance with some moves of her own. This loosened up the party and soon after, most of the attendees were moving and shaking. See the pictures in this week's issue. A special thank you to our school's PTO for hosting another fantastic event!
JEDI Group in Full Effect!
Our school's new JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion) group is in full effect! Students meet twice weekly after school to discuss issues of racism, identity, bias, and prejudice. This work fits in with our desires to create a culture of belonging that lifts student voices, gives them a platform for speaking their truth, helps them to identify and combat issues of racism or injustice in their school, and in their communities. This week, students looked at three instances of micro-aggression, white washing, and overt prejudice. Students explored their own experiences in response to the cases they were presented. Students are encouraged to speak up, share their ideas, work in small groups, and invest in reflection and self-exploration.
Day of Silence at BMS
On Friday, 43 students signed up and pledged their silence for the day, and even more students wore stickers to show their support. Students across the school asked great questions about LGBTQ+ issues and engaged in dialogue around how best to support their LGBTQ+ classmates. BMS strives to facilitate an inclusive community where a safe space is cultivated for students to learn more who they are and who they are becoming.
5th Grade Science Class is Getting Dirty
Exploring Urban Ecosystems at the Butler on April 4, 2022: Students used the accountable talk protocol, "I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of" to explore organic material around the Butler school yard. William and Joe from TIHC stopped by for part 3 of our 4 part collaboration this year with 5th grade science. Topics included: Decomposition in the Garden, Human Impact on the Living Planet, Exploring Urban Ecosystems, River as a Classroom.
8th Grade ELA Really Into Their Reading Groups
Students in 8th grade will be wrapping up their Memoir unit soon. Students read "First They Killed My Father" about the Khmer Rouge, a genocidal regime which took the lives of many, many Cambodian families--especially fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and sons.
Cambodian New Year is this Week: Thursday 4/14
The Cambodian New Year starts this Thursday and runs until Saturday 4/16. Since Friday there is no school, we hope you will take some time Thursday to acknowledge the New Year and celebrate with our students. Happy New Year is រីករាយឆ្នាំថ្មី "rikreay chhna thmei".
April Vacation Week
Next Week is April Vacation and school is closed. However, select students are being invited to join Boys' Academy or our Academic Enrichment programs taking place from 9:00 - 12:00p daily. These programs are designed to offer structured engagements, increased time on academics, and opportunities for recreation and play. While they are not open to all students, if you know of a child who has been selected to join, please talk up the opportunity. There will be a balance of fun and learning, time spent with peers, and a field trip planned for Friday. Thanks for all of your help!
What is new in your world? If you would like to make sure the Butler community is informed on new happenings and learning opportunities in your classroom, make sure to connect with the school's admin team. Just write “Bulletin” in the subject with your submission. Pictures are always a plus!
REMINDERS:
The office must be called if you need assistance or a student sent to the office or to the nurse. Also, you MUST give a student a pass if they have permission to leave your class. DO NOT send a student to the office without calling first. Unless it is an emergency situation, the student will be turned away and asked to return to class.
After School Academic Supports - To be compensated for the additional tier-2 ACADEMIC SUPPORTS teachers need to:
-Fill out this form weekly (this is for the current week)
-Keep attendance
-If you working with students remotely, print out a copy of student(s) Zoom attendance-
8th grade Students Reading "First They Killed My Father"
8th grade Students Reading "First They Killed My Father"
8th grade Students Reading "First They Killed My Father"
Students Having Fun on Friday Before the Dance
Charlie Chaplin-esque Dance Wear
Students Breaking It Down on The Dance Floor
Cha Cha Slide!
Students Breaking It Down on The Dance Floor
Students Breaking It Down on The Dance Floor
Resource :Accountable Talk
Below is a short video on accountable talk that specifically addresses how to grow students using accountable talk who may not have the answers and how to use the STEMs to teach students to put explain what they are struggling to understand. Also reinforces how accountable supports a growth mindset for all students.
Week at a Glance
Monday 4/11
9:30 Operations
SEL Morning Meeting
4pm Volleyball @ Daley
Tuesday 4/12
- 8:30 Student Support
Wednesday 4/13
- 3 pm ILT
- Admin CPT
- 4pm Volleyball @ home
- 6 pm Site Council
Thursday 4/14
- Curriculum and Instruction Meeting
- 3 pm Special Education PLC
- No School!! Enjoy your Vacation Week!!
You've Been Mugged! (PBIS)
Assistant Principal Day Last Week!
We Applaud Our Leaders Who Make Time for Others!
ILT Updates
Next Team meeting - April 13th
Check-in with your grade level team representatives for more information.
RJLT
Next Team meeting - Tuesday, April 12th
Restorative Justice Implementation Note:
When we teach people to swim, we don't throw them out to the deep end, toss them all overboard, and shout "trust is the most important part" and wonder why they could not all make it back to shore without being harmed.
Rather, we scaffold the skills from small to large, empower them with recognition and encouragement, begin in low-risk spaces as we build trust, then move toward more challenging work when we all feel equipped to do so safely. Perhaps feeling challenged, but not feeling fear.
Do not wait until a disaster to begin implementing restorative practices. Begin now, work slowly, so that when the big moments come, we feel empowered, equipped, and prepared.
If you feel uncomfortable about the circle you are planning to lead, then stop. Do not move forward, take about six steps back and begin from there.
Ms. Casey is available to assist too!
PBIS
Next Team meeting - first Thursday of the month
Quarterback meeting April 28th
We are working on upcoming school culture assemblies and whole school culture builders.
Please check with your grade-level PBIS representative for additional information.
YOU'VE BEEN MUGGED!!
(Please take a picture of you and your mug and send it to mcurran@lowell.k12.ma.us)
Be on the lookout
And open your eyes
One day soon
You may find a surprise
Upon your desk
So if you get one
Please pass on a mug
And continue the fun
A little small treat
Is all it will take
To make someone smile
Whose day will you make?
Monthly Motivation
It's always great to start on an inspiring note. This month we will add speeches from the MLK Oratory competition.
Staff Birthday Shoutouts ~ March/April
Kristin Capezio - 3/28
Lori Casey - 4/11
Tanya Sparkes- Swepson- 4/12
Tiffany Barlow - 4/14
Laura Morse - 4/15
Amy Guerriero- 4/24
Richard Riley - 4/24
Justin Reid - 4/30
Butler Community
Email: jmoody@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/10
Location: 1140 Gorham Street, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: 978-937-8973
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpsdbutler/