Bulldog News - May 2024
Hello Bulldog Community
As we enter the Month of May, the realization has begun to set in that the end of the school year is just a few short weeks away. It is hard to believe that in just 7 short weeks, we will be celebrating as our high school seniors graduate, our 8th grade students prepare for their transition to BHS, and our 4th grade students prepare for middle school. There is so much packed into those 7 weeks - I look forward to all of the celebrations and events that make this time of year special in schools.
The month of May is most likely named after the Roman goddess Maia, who was the overseer of plants. With this, I am looking forward to seeing the forsythia bloom, to smelling the lilacs, and to seeing the flowers return to the gardens. On May 5th we celebrate Cinco de Mayo in recognition of the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. May 20th is Victoria Day during which our neighbors to the north in Canada celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria.
Another special part of this month are the days of observance for those individuals who followed the calling to protect our great Nation. May 22nd is National Maritime Day, which was created to commemorate the first transatlantic voyage taken by the U.S.S. Savannah and is used to recognize the efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marines during times of both war and peace. On May 27th, we celebrate Memorial Day during which we honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving in our military. Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day. Often we see Poppy flowers on Memorial Day, which became a tradition after John McCrae wrote his poem "In Flanders Fields". Moina Michael wrote another poem inspired by McCrae's entitled "We Shall Keep the Faith" within which she mentioned wearing poppy red to commemorate those lost, which started the tradition of adorning one's clothing with a single red poppy to remember those who we have lost in service. On May 28th, we celebrate Armed Forces Day, honoring those who currently serve in all branches of the United States Military.
As a reminder, the Butler Schools will be closed on Tuesday, May 28th as we give back one unused emergency closing day typically reserved for inclement weather events during the winter months.
Also, as a reminder, this month your child(ren) will be participating in State Mandated Assessments. Please keep an eye out for schedules from your principals. As I shared last month, these assessments are used for a number of things within the schools, including placement for courses, intervention efforts, and to help us gauge the success of our curriculum efforts and resources. Your partnership is important to help your student(s) do their best on these assessments. Please partner with us during this time:
- Ensure your student(s) has a good night's sleep during those assessments
- Ensure that your student has a good breakfast prior to starting their school day
- Speak with your child about doing their best - taking their time, proofing their work, and reading everything carefully
- Ensure that your child attends school those day and arrive on time as late students will not be allowed to enter testing centers
As I have always shared, we know that the measure of success for our students is not simply how well they do on these assessments; however we must acknowledge that they do play an important role in your student's education, and they play an important part in how our school district is portrayed across the State of New Jersey. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
During the upcoming month, I encourage you all to try to attend one of the many great events that mark the end of another school year - I hope I get to see you all during the month.
Be Well!
Dr. J.
Butler School District Appreciation
The Butler School District is fortunate to have excellent educational leaders within our schools. On May 1st, we celebrate these leaders and show them appreciation for all that they do for our students, staff, and community. Our leadership team works to ensure that our schools run smoothly; they work to create programs that meet the needs of our students; and they work to create educational environments within which all feel valued. This is a great opportunity to recognize these individuals for the hard work they do to ensure that everyone is successful. Recognition is one of the best things we can model for our children, as it demonstrate to them the importance of giving credit to people for the effort they give, it teaches them to live a life of gratitude, and it helps them learn that they also will be celebrated in life if they too work hard in service to others.
Thank you Mr. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Papa, Mr. Manco, Mr. Tobin, Mrs. Molina, and Mr. Hall for all that you do - you are all greatly appreciated!
THANK YOU BULLDOG STAFF!
Each year, we also celebrate the tremendous staff who teach and care for the children within our schools. Teaching is a demanding vocation, and it takes a special person to devote their lives to the service of children. The staff in Butler has worked to ensure that our children not only meet their academic goals, but they also work to make sure that the students know that they are cared for and are a part of a community that embraces them. Often, our teachers go over and above for our students - working long into the evening and on weekends to make sure that they have prepared lessons and activities that engage our students. But...beyond that, these individuals take home the emotional aspects of the profession - they feel it when a student is sad, has their life impacted by a tragedy, need support, and so many other things. That is why we say teaching is a vocation not a profession - because being a teacher never stops; it is what you are at all times. There is no way to turn off what comes with the position. That is why it is important to celebrate these individuals who give of themselves in so many wonderful ways. I have said it prior, and I will continue to say it - Butler has some of the best teachers that I have had the pleasure of working with over my three decade long career. As we head into Teacher Appreciation Week, please take some time to reach out and and thank those teachers who have worked so hard to impact your children in so many positive ways. A note of appreciation means so very much to these talented, selfless people! I know that I truly appreciate them each and every day!
Please use the link to your child's school(s) to acknowledge staff members who have had a positive impact on your student or your family's life.
DISTRICT CONGRATULATIONS
Butler High School Valedictorian - Sabrina Chen
Congratulations to Sabrina for her wonderful accomplishment. She will be attending Harvard University in the Fall.
Butler High School Salutatorian - Busra Aydin
Congratulations to Busra for this wonderful accomplishment. She will be attending Columbia University in the Fall
The Butler School District has once again earned recognition from the NAMM Foundation as a Best Community for Music Education. The Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award is the signature program of The NAMM Foundation that recognizes and celebrates school districts and schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education. The schools and communities recognized by the Best Communities for Music Education demonstrate a commitment to ensuring music learning opportunities are available for every student and provide an example for other communities to follow.
Butler Summer Enrichment Programs
The Butler School District is excited to once again offer summer enrichment opportunities for our students. This is the fourth year of our program, and we are excited at how successful these efforts have been throughout the years. Please use the link below to sign your child(ren) up as the weeks are on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign Ups close on May 15th - we will not be able to accept any late sign ups.
We look forward to another great summer of learning and fun!
News From Our Schools
Aaron Decker Elementary School - Mr. J. Manco, Principal
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025 school year continues. Please click on link for more information: Kindergarten Welcome/Registration Letter
Congratulations to Mrs. Tracey Hopper on her well-deserved recognition as ADS Bulldog of the Month! Mrs. Hopper embodies dedication as a hardworking paraprofessional who genuinely cares about Aaron Decker School and the student she supports. Mrs. Hopper consistently demonstrates empathy and a commitment to doing what's best for her student. Additionally, she is a collaborative team player who readily offers assistance whenever it's needed. Her tireless efforts are deeply appreciated every single day!
Author and Illustrator Visit
Thank you to our amazing PTA for bringing author Jonathan Stutzman and illustrator Heather Fox to our school on Tuesday, April 23. They were very entertaining while performing read alouds and teaching our students how to draw their characters. It was a great way to become enthusiastic about reading and drawing.
Box Out Bullying
Thank you to our PTA for providing “Box Out Bullying”. They delivered a powerful message against bullying that resonated with all our students
DC Education Solutions
ADS will have a new and exciting opportunity! For the 2024/2025 school year DC Education Solutions will be the sole provider of our onsite before and aftercare. Please click on the link below for more information.
Before/After Care Information - DC Education Solutions
For more information, contact:
DCeducationsolutions@gmail.com
862-417-DCES
Upcoming Important Dates at ADS:
May 2 - Spring Art Show/ 3rd and 4th Grade Spring Concert
May 9 - 4th Grade Visit to RBS
May 13-17 - Grade 3 NJSLA Testing
May 15 - 4th Grade Trip to Sussex County Miners Game
May 20- 24 - Grade 4 NJSLA Testing
May 27 - Memorial Day (School Closed)
We have several ways for you to stay connected to ADS. Follow us on Twitter at @ADS_Bulldogs and Instagram at @ads_bulldogs for news, announcements, and celebrations. A weekly update will be sent out for upcoming events and important information through Blackboard Communications. As always, thank you for your continued support!
Richard Butler Middle School - Mrs. M. Papa, Principal
As we transition into the busy month of May, we are met with a sense of excitement and anticipation here at Richard Butler Middle School. With the weather warming up and the end of the school year drawing near, May promises to be a month filled with engaging activities and meaningful experiences for our students. This month, we will celebrate various events, including Staff Appreciation Week, where we express gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our educators. Additionally, our students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents during our annual Spring Concert and participate in exciting field trips that enhance their learning beyond the classroom. As we embrace the final stretch of the academic year, let us continue to support one another and celebrate the achievements of our students as they grow and thrive here at Richard Butler Middle School!
Here’s a look at upcoming events at RBS:
May 1 - TREP$ Marketplace @6:30pm
May 3 - PTA 5th & 6th Grade Fun Afternoon @2:45pm
May 6-10 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 7 - Unified Service Day: Morris County Campus Clean Up @2:45pm
May 7 - Spring Concert @7pm
May 8 - School Nurses’ Day
May 9 - 4th Grade Transition Day
May 10 - PTA 7th Grade Fun Afternoon @2:45pm
May 10 - PTA Plant Sale
May 13-16 - NJSLA Testing (ELA & Math)
May 18 - Butler Spring Fling Carnival
May 20-21 - NJSLA Testing (Science gr. 5 & 8)
May 23 - 8th Grade Trip: Medieval Times
May 24 - RBS Field Day
May 27-28 - Memorial Day No School
May 29 - 5th Grade Trip: Liberty State Park
May 30 - 6th Grade Trip: Liberty Science Center
On April 25, the 7th grade social studies classes' visit to Rutgers University for the Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project was an enriching experience that broadened our students’ understanding of civic engagement. Engaging with their school community empowered our students to take an active role in addressing social issues that are relevant to their peers. This hands-on approach not only deepened our students’ academic knowledge but also instilled a sense of responsibility and agency in shaping their culture. We’d like to thank Mr. Branch, Ms. Ahlquist, and the rest of Team 7 for supporting our students as they worked through the project over the past few months. Great things happen when kids take action!
As we look ahead to the upcoming state testing, we are confident that our staff have prepared our students to perform well. Please try to avoid absences during testing and remember that sleep and a good breakfast can help our students to be successful. It is important to recognize that this can indeed be a source of added stress for students. Tests can naturally be stressful, but the added focus and attention that comes with state testing can create an even greater sense of pressure. As a school, we want to do our best to help support our students who might be experiencing some test anxiety by giving some suggestions to our families on things they can do at home that can help.
Here are a few helpful tips for supporting your child(ren):
1) In any stressful situation, whether it be in competition, at work, or with tests, deep breathing is a great way to help calm one’s nerves. Remind your student to visualize something that is calming to them, and then practice taking slow deep breaths. A great strategy to help with this is called 5 Finger Breathing. Students start at the base of their thumb and trace a finger up while inhaling, then slowly trace down their thumb while exhaling. Then move on to your fingers, repeating the breathing pattern. See the images below to help!
2) Another strategy you could talk about at home is what educational psychologist Dr. Michele Borba calls the 1+3+10 Strategy. Dr. Borba teaches students that when they feel like they are getting tense, they should 1 stop and tell themselves: “Be calm,” then take 3 deep slow breaths, then count slowly to 10.
3) Don’t underestimate a good night's rest. The simple reminder to get to bed a little earlier the night before can do a lot of good to help reduce one’s stress level.
4) Remind your student that feeling anxious is normal! Anytime in life when we have something important on the horizon it is normal for us to feel nervous about it. Sometimes students can compound their anxiety if they think that feeling nervous is abnormal. Perhaps the most important thing to remind your student is that once that test starts, just “try their best and forget the rest!” It can be helpful to remind them that the primary function of state tests is to give feedback to their teachers and school. State tests help us determine what areas we can continue to improve in our instruction, as well as help us identify the learning needs of individual students.
As always, please check out the RBS Review Newsletter for up to date information on all the happenings at Richard Butler Middle School. You can also continue to stay connected with us on Twitter at @RBS_Bulldogs, Facebook at Richard Butler Middle School, and Instagram at @RBS_Bulldogs for news, announcements, and celebrations.Please feel free to call us at (973) 492-2079, write to Mrs. Molina at jmolina@butlerboe.org, or write to Mrs. Papa at mpapa@butlerboe.org. We wish you all the best during these final weeks of school!
Butler High School - Mr. R. Fitzgerald, Principal
As we step into the month of May, it's a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation here at Butler High School. With the end of the academic year drawing near, we have much to celebrate in terms of our students' achievements, growth, and resilience. This newsletter serves as a platform to highlight some of the remarkable accomplishments of our students, provide important updates, and share exciting upcoming events. May and June feature many standardized tests for our students to take and at the same time, many exciting events to attend such as concerts, NHS ceremony, BHS Prom and, of course, Graduation! We are grateful for your continued support and partnership as we navigate these final weeks of the school year together.
Congratulations to BHS English Teacher Ms. Kate LeBlanc. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional teaching skills, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore literature, express their thoughts, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the English language. She goes above and beyond to inspire students to reach their full potential, not only academically but also personally and creatively. Ms. LeBlanc also teaches our film elective course where students love going to class and expressing themselves in a positive way. Whether through thought-provoking discussions, interactive activities, or meaningful feedback on assignments, she continuously strives to make learning engaging and meaningful. Butler students are lucky to have Ms. Leblanc who inspires them to be better everyday!
Valedictorian: Sabrina Chen - attending Harvard University
Salutatorian: Busra Aydin - attending Columbia University
The Fred “Doc” Ingold Award is presented annually to the freshmen student who epitomizes Mr. Ingold’s qualities –Leadership, Citizenship, and Academic Integrity.
Andrew epitomizes the essence of the Fred "Doc" Ingold Award with his leadership, citizenship, and academics. As a three sport athlete, Andrew exhibits commitment and perseverance both on and off the field, serving as a role model for his peers. His academic achievements reflect his dedication to excellence, while his commitment to community showcases his genuine concern for others. Andrew consistently demonstrates integrity, fostering a positive and inclusive environment within our school community. His outstanding character, coupled with his athleticism and academics, make him a truly deserving candidate for this award. Andrew Combs embodies the spirit and legacy of Fred "Doc" Ingold, making him an ideal recipient of this honor
12th grade- Robyn VanderGoot
11th grade- Kasey Lewis
10th grade- Peyton Kiburz
9th grade- Bianca Corna
Congratulations to our BHS MP 3 Top Dawgs
2024 Take Your Child to Work Day - Several BHS Staff members brought their child to work on April 25, 2024. It was a fantastic day!
April 8 Letter
BHS 2024 AP, NJSLA and Final Exam Testing Letter
May 1 Letter
Winnie Jiang - Best of Show
Jack Hou - First Place (tied) Pencil/Graphite
Isabella Kloss - Second Place Watercolor
Mia Boasso - Third Place Colored Pencil
The Interact Club held their first annual sock drive! They collected over 200 pairs of socks from the kind donations of families across the district. They were donated to the “Brandon Heart and Sole” Foundation organization.
Interested in skating? Please see flyer below for sign ups.
From Our Health Offices
On May 5th we recognize World Hand Hygiene Day! According to the CDC proper hand hygiene is the best way to reduce the amount of disease. After you wash your hands with soap and water, your hands must be completely dry until they are considered clean!
Be sure to follow proper hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of disease.
The Rockaway Division of Health and Butler Public School work together to serve the health and wellness needs of the entire Butler community. Please see the note below from them and participate in their survey to let your voice be heard.
Message from rom the Rockaway Division of Health: Butler Division
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community, we are reaching out to you to participate in the Morris County Community Health Needs Assessment. This assessment occurs every five years and serves as a crucial tool in understanding health needs and concerns of our residents. By sharing your experiences, concerns and suggestions, you directly contribute to the development of initiatives aimed at addressing the most pressing health issues facing our community.
This survey takes 15 minutes or less to complete and your information remains anonymous. Please scan the QR code on the flyers (in both English and Spanish) attached to this email, visit https://tcnj.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CYK2iQYl5Eh4vI?Q_CHL=qr .
Students should stay home when ill to prevent the spread of germ to others. Students need to be fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Students must remain home for 24 hours after vomiting or having diarrhea.
Students need to be called out when they are going to be absent for any reason.
ADS: (973) 492-2037
RBS: 973-492-2079
BHS: (973) 492-2000
Announcements
Upcoming Events
May
May 2 - BHS NHS Induction Ceremony
May 3 - 5th & 6th PTA fun afternoon
May 4 - SAT at BHS 7:30 am
May 6 - 17th BHS AP Testing
May 7 - RBS Spring Music Concert
May 8 - Middle School Leadership Dinner
May 8 - No Socks Day
May 8 - RBS PTA Plant Sale
May 9 - 4th Grade Move Up Day
May - 13-24 ADS/RBS NJSLA Testing ELA, Math and Science
May 14 - Dance Like a Chicken Day
May 16 - BHS Spring Concert 7 p.m.
May 18 - PTA Spring Fling Carnival
May 20 - 24 BHS NJSLA 9th Grade ELA/Math and 11th Grade Science
May 23 - RBS Grade 8 Trip - Medieval Times
May 28 - RBS Grade 7 Trip - Camp Mason
May 29 - Grade 5 Field Trip - Liberty State Park
May 30 - RBS Grade 6 Trip - Liberty Science Center
May 27 - Memorial Day No School
May 28 - No School - Emergency Closing Giveback
May 29-31 Spring Benchmark Testing
May 24 - RBS Field Day
May 31 - Senior Athletic Awards Breakfast
May 31 - BHS Prom @ Brownstone
June
June 1 - SAT @ BHS at 7:30AM
June 3 & 4 - 8th Grade Trip Gettysburg
June 4 PC Val/Sal Breakfast - 8:00 am
June 4 MC Val/Sal Dinner - 6:00 pm
June 5 BHS Senior Awards Night
June 5 - RBS Field Day (Rain date)
June 6 - RBS 8th Grade Dance
June 7 End of 4th MP
June 5- 4th Grade Picnic
June 6- 4th Grade Picnic (Rain Date)
June 7 - 14 - Early Dismissal (Final Exams - BHS)
June 8 - ACT Testing @ BHS 7:30 am
June 11 - Athletic Physicals
June 12- PreK Graduation 11:00am
June 12 - RBS Final Grades Posted
June 13 - Kindergarten Spring Promotion Ceremony/Concert 9:00 am
June 13 - RBS Promotion Ceremony - 6pm
June 14 - BHS Graduation Ceremony - 6 pm
June 14- ADS/RBS End of Trimester 3
June 14 - 4th Grade Clap Out 10:00am
June 14 - 8th Grade Promotion Picture 10am
June 14 - RBS PTA Stony Brook
June 20 - BOE Committee and BOE Meeting
June 21 - ADS Final Grades Posted
June 21 - FG/MP 4 Grades Posted BHS