Bulldog Weekly Update
April 25th - April 29th
Monthly CRP Quote
― Zaretta L. Hammond, Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
We're Baaaaaack! (And Better Than Ever)!
Well, that’s it... we are officially back from April vacation tomorrow. The Monday following break leaves us with just about eight weeks left of school... and that time will move a lot faster than you think. While the time following April break is fleeting, the work-lift is still mighty. If we are to support our students in meeting all of their social-emotional and academic benchmarks for the 21-22 school year, its going to take commitment to our goals and even greater commitment to meeting our deadlines.
The Pinspired teacher (http://thepinspiredteacher.com/2017/04/30/how-to-plan-the-last-month-of-school/) cautions teachers against planning-as-you-go during the last months of school. Write out a calendar of events, she says, or map at least one small goal per day, make lists or sticky notes and put them on a timeline, color in an oversized thermometer displaying your class mini-benchmarks... do whatever you have to do to meter and measure the dwindling days in a very public and accessible way, both for you and for your students.
May is one week away and marks our last full month of classes--students should understand that this is still very much a time of heavy academic focus. In that month, we have our End of Year iReady Diagnostic as well as our final rounds of MCAS testing. We can't forget that 2022 is a critical year as we close out three in Turn-Around status, and make our final bids to get out from under state review.
So, for all of us, the work continues. Let us climb this ladder together before we slide on out for the summer.
Jousting at Altitude Trampoline Park
Boxers Pack a Punch at Altitude
Cruisin' USA students take a Motor Cycle through the Rocky Mountains
Trampoline Basketball (You Can't Miss!)
Trampoline Dodgeball -- No Head Hunting!
Jumping Across all 24 Squares
Volunteer Chris Margulies Creates Dozens of Pillow Book Packages for BMS Youth
Book & Pillow Case for "A Long Walk to Water" Read to Succeed
BMS Running Club
Notes from the Principal's Desk
Welcome Back, Team! As the weeks progress, the weekly bulletin is going to be an important place to find information on upcoming events. Next week is Administrative Assistant Day: Wednesday, 4/27. Be sure to thank our wonderful Executive Assistant, Jackie Dolan. She runs the front office with grace and humor (and only the occasional bit of panic!). Friday, 4/29 is National Principal's Day or Principal Appreciation Day. Stop into the front office to thank our fearless leader for everything she does for our school.
The first week of May is Teacher Appreciation week--teachers should plan to do something nice for one another--and for themselves. May 1st is May Day. That same week, Ramadan ends and Eid al-Fitr begins on May 3rd. Star Wars fans celebrate May 4th (May the Force Be With You) and Cinco De Mayo is celebrated on May 5th, and on Sunday, May 8th it's Mother's Day. The Wednesday that follows is the last whole school PD, on Wednesday, May 11th and a few big ticket items are on the menu. There will be plenty more to fill your calendars from week to week. Tune in and stay tuned. Don't miss a beat!
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Let's start with what it is not: Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico's Independence Day. That day for Mexico is September 16th and began in the early 1800s. While it has become largely a commercial holiday celebrated widely and across cultures in the US, Cinco de Mayo serves as a very specific day of commemoration for Mexico's historic battle against the French army. Moreover, Cinco de Mayo is recognized for an event that happened nearly 50 years after the date of Mexican Independence... and this was in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican war. Cinco de Mayo marks the day the Mexican army won against France. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is considered a holiday of moderate importance. It is important to remember and honor the truth of Cinco de Mayo, and to be sensitive in participation of any celebrations taking place on this day in our school or in the larger community.
May the Fourth (Force) Be With You
Star Wars officially put it's first movie into publication on May 25th, 1977. That should be what we call "Star Wars Day" but it's not. For the last decade, Star Wars Day has fallen on May 4th where fans around the world greet one another as any JEDI would, with the classic tiding, "May the Force Be With You?" But what is the force? According to StarWars.com, https://www.starwars.com/databank/the-force#:~:text=The%20Force%20is%20a%20mysterious,seeing%20things%20before%20they%20happen "the force is a mysterious energy field created by life that binds the galaxy together." Well, sounds like something unifying and if it's unifying, it's likely we could all benefit. So, even if you are not a Star Wars fan, be sure to wish someone the force, and expect to receive some force for yourself.
Jump Around, Jump Around, Jump Up, Jump Up and Get Down
April Vacation hosted over 50 students across three programs. Students from 5th - 8th joined teachers throughout this past week to engage in leadership skill building, as well as getting to some academic recovery. On Friday, as a reward for their great conduct and commitment to learning, students had a field trip to Pelham, NH's Altitude Trampoline Park. NH was not on spring break this week, so Butler mostly had access to the entire park on their own, with the exception of a few families who walked in over the course of the hour and half jump time. Students played trampoline basket ball, practiced trust falls, jousted, and tried their hands at a little jump park parkour. Students were not the only ones to have a good time. Teachers also got into the mix, challenging students to jump, dip and flip. Way to go Mr. Callahan, Ms. Cooper, Ms. A, and Mr. Sullivan for proving that our students are not the only ones who can flex out on the field. Check out our photos from the big day.
May Read-a-Thon
5th Grade will be participating in a read-a-thon this month as part of a "read to succeed" focus for our school's youngest readers. Christine Margulies, a long-time volunteer and literacy supporter for students with underserved needs, has partnered with Butler Middle School to create dozens of gift book prizes for our participating classrooms. Books are paired with themed, hand sown pillow cases, or packaged with a small stuffed animal. The Read-A-Thon coincides with a special opportunity for 5th grade emerging readers to "read to a dog" after school on Friday, May 13th. This event is sponsored through a collaboration with "Pets and People" volunteer organization who come to schools with Therapy Pets to teach students about the role of pets in service and therapy for humans, and to create for students a positive relationship and experience reading to an animal, which many may have the opportunity to do in their own homes. If you teach in grades 6-8 would like to participate in the Read-a-Thon with gift book packages for your students, please reach out to Kris @ kcapezio@lowell.k12.ma.us.
LHS Prom is Good 2 Go!
Lowell High School is in the process of planning their end of year Senior Prom. The high school will take donated prom dresses for the ladies. They are also collecting young men's suit pants, blazers, suit jackets, vests, and collared dress shirts. Often, young men's formal wear needs are overlooked in the preparation of these major milestones. If you have anything you would like to donate, contact the school and ask to speak with Dean Dr. Maria Vejar to learn more about their needs.
Run for Your Lives
Running is a heart healthy exercise that works your whole body's muscles. What running looks like varies from person to person based on their experience running and physical needs. Fast or power walking and light jogging are equally beneficial. In the end, what you want to do is elevate your heart rate for 10 - 15 minutes several times per week to work towards a healthy heart and body. Of course, other factors should always be considered--which is why, if you are a non-runner, you should consult a physician before starting a regime. If you have always wanted to build up to becoming a runner, but need a low maintenance, supportive environment to do so, the school's running/walking group may be right for you. Presently, running club meets at 3:15 after school on Fridays. Reach out to Megan Curran to learn more: mcurran@lowell.k12.ma.us.
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!
Cinco de Mayo celebrated the week after we return: Thursday 5/5
Star Wars Fans Look Forward to May 4th
May 13th Pets and People Visit for the "Read To a Dog" Event
WARS (Writing About Reading) Show Improvements as the Year Progresses
New Art Work Showcases Students' Talents
New Art Showcases Students' Talents
5th Grade ELA Wraps Up Biographies Unit with Clever Model for Writing/Sharing
Biographies Told Through Instagram Profiles
6th Grade Finishes Up Their "Social Issues Book Club" Unit with Fingerprint Reflections from All Students
Week at a Glance
Monday 4/25
9:30 Operations
SEL Morning Meeting
4pm Volleyball @ Robinson
Tuesday 4/26
- 8:30 Student Support
- 3pm RJLT
Wednesday 4/27
- 3 pm ILT
- Admin CPT
- 4pm Volleyball @ home
- 6 pm Site Council
Thursday 4/28
- Curriculum and Instruction Meeting
- 3 pm Special Education PLC
- Fun FriYay! Wear your Butler Pride Gear
ILT Updates
Next Team meeting - April 27th
Check-in with your grade level team representatives for more information.
RJLT
Next Team meeting - Tuesday, April 26th
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 ~ April
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/