Bulldog Weekly Update
June 6th - June 10th
Monthly CRP Quote
“Better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes diligence. It takes moral clarity. It takes ingenuity. And above all, it takes a willingness to try.”
Atul Gawande, Surgeon and Author
Helping Every Child Transition After The Finish Line
This is true for 8th graders moving on from the school but also for students across grades for whom summer school is a requirement. And, there are other students who fall into a "Not Returning" category. They could be moving out of town or state. They could be moving to another school within the district. Some may experience changes in their housing situation (an unexpected move), or they could be changing addresses on the basis of parental custody--the circumstances for every child vary.
The uncertainty around what happens when the school year ends can cause students' significant anxiety. We must be careful about saying goodbye through promissory phrases such as "see you next year," or "See you in August!" What is true for our students is true for teachers as well--particularly if you know you will not be at this school next year. We might want to consider language that conveys the work of this year, the progress and pride we have for students' achievements thus far, and our well-wishes for a fun and productive summer.
For those students you know are moving on, ReachOut.com had several tips for supporting them as they prepare for a transition. You can have these conversations with students you know will not be here next year. And, you may be able to help parents as well, by sharing some strategies that may make the move to a new school a little easier.
1) Stay Positive about the Transition and Focus on What is Good/Exciting about it.
2) If Possible, Take a Few Trips to the School (Practice dry-runs, play on their park equipment)
3) Talk to Someone (A Teen) Who's Been Through It
4) Take Time to Organize Before the Move
5) Clean & Prepare a New Learning Space at Home
6) Don't Over-Commit To New Friendships Too Early (It takes real time to make friends and best friends)
7) Discuss Using Holidays to Visit Old Friends
8) Avoid Comparative Language Between the Old and the New
9) Once Settled, Find Clubs, Sports or Organizations and Sign Up
10) Don't Discount Their Feelings (Sadness, Stress, "Homesickness", Anxiety, Anger--Give Them a Space to Talk Through How They are Feeling)
Everyone who has graduated school knows the feeling of uncertainty that follows. Even when you are excited, there is always still a piece of the unknown. We can help students (and parents) to frame these transitions and to test out a few practices that might make whatever new place they will call home feel a little more like it.
Family Fun Day Coming Next Saturday June 12th @ BMS
Intramural Closes Out Final Week of Games before Play-Offs
4th Graders Visits BMS Friday, June 3rd~
Butler Participates in Symposium on Race and Prejudice in LPS
8th Grade Dinner and Dance on Friday, June 10th
Spirit Week Takes Place At Butler Beginning this Monday!
Notes from the Principal's Desk
The week ahead is jam-packed with events as is the week that follows. While so many of these opportunities are celebratory, self-care must remain at the forefront. There are two solid and full weeks left in our school year--still plenty of time to wrap up our studies, complete final exams and assessments, and review students' growth with them before they leave. We must maintain the momentum of learning in our classes, the hallways, outside our school in the mornings and afternoons. Students are still earning paws and dojo points these next two weeks. They still have assignments to complete--and they still need these reminders daily. That's why its important that we all remain committed to getting enough sleep, drinking water throughout the day, getting out of our classrooms and taking a walk in the fresh air for a few minutes, eating healthy snacks and listening to chill music--all the way up to the last day of school. And, in that process, we can begin to purge the classroom of old and unnecessary items. Clutter can impact clarity of thought. It can begin to feel cathartic to sift through old items and let them go. The world will move pretty quickly these next two weeks--there will be much hustle and bustle. Find ways to work cleanly and simply. As the Yoga saying goes, "release what no longer serves you"...
4th Graders Visit BMS
4th graders from across the district came to BMS on Friday. After a short introduction to the school, it's leaders, and the 5th grade teaching team, students were matched with specific teachers and spent time in each of the classrooms getting "a feel for fifth grade." School leaders, social workers, and special educators from various elementary schools met with BMS staff to discuss incoming students to begin planning for their needs and services. We look forward to meeting our new 5th grade class this fall.
CICO or CICC
The Check In, Check Out or Check In & Connect mentor program ended last week on Thursday, June 2nd. This was the last of three sessions held at BMS. Teachers met with dozens of students over the course of this year, helping to boost grades, talk through difficult problems, and establish a stronger sense of belonging in our school. Teachers as well as students look forward to welcoming this program back in the fall. Kudos to Mr. Freeman for coordinating these opportunities for our team.
BMS Participates in Anti-Racist Symposium
According to stats from LPS, nearly 100 middle and high school students across the district participated in the Student Anti-Racist Symposium this week, held at UMass Lowell Inn and Conference. Students shared projects they had been working on which addressed racist and biased behaviors. These projects are transcending conversation and motivating students' to action as they connect with others who have similar aims throughout our city. S/O to Mr. King and Mrs. Swepson for supporting our youth advocacy and repping our school.
LPS Affinity Group Closes Out the Year Next Door
Many of you may have seen the flyer come through from Daroth Yann for the End of Year Affinity Celebration. The celebration, which was held from 4:00 - 6:00p in the Shaunnessy Elementary Cafeteria must have had over 100 guests from schools and offices city wide. The Affinity Group works hard to ensure LPS is an inclusive place for all students and families to participate and feel welcome. They also actively work on eradicating bias and racism within the district. In attendance at the event was LPS Superintendent Dr. Boyd and School Committee Chair, Sokhary Chau. BMS' own Lori Casey is a longtime member of the district's Affinity Group. Also in attendance at the event from Butler School was AP Jaime Moody, Principal Teresa Pena-Soares, and IS Kris Capezio. If you have any interest in getting involved with the Affinity Group, please connect with Daroth Yann or Ralph Saint-Louis of Lowell Public Schools.
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If you are a teacher who is co-hosting or helping to coordinate any of the events this time of year, please remember to take photos and share. We would love to highlight the many happenings taking place in and outside of our school in the Bulldog Weekly Bulletin.
Go BUTLER BULLDOGS!!
(We ARE the "Wicked Smahtest School" of LPS).
Affinity Group Celebration @ Shaunnessy School
Affinity Group Celebration @ Shaunnessy School
Art Displays Continue Throughout The Building--Take a Look!
Art Displays Continue: Layered Ripped Paper Project
Art Displays Continue: Layered Ripped Paper Project
June is Caribbean American Heritage Month
Week at a Glance
Monday 6/6
9:30 Operations
Tuesday 6/7
- 8:30 Student Support
- 3:30 WIN Advisory Mtg.
- 5th Grade Field Trip
- Student Alumni Visit
Wednesday 6/8
- Admin CPT
- Students to Dental Clinic at Middlesex Community
- 8th Grade Leadership Field Trip
Thursday 6/9
- 5th Grade Field Trip
Cambodian New Year Performances
9:15am - Grades 5/6
11:00am - Grades 7/8
- 9 am Curriculum and Instruction Meeting
- 3 pm Special Education PLC
- 8th Grade Spring Semi 6- 9:30 pm
- Fun FriYay! Wear your Butler Pride Gear
- FAMILY FUN DAY
ILT Updates
Next Team meeting - TBD
Check-in with your grade level team representatives for more information.
RJLT
Please see Lori Casey or your grade level representative for any updates.
PBIS
Thank you PBIS Team SY21-22
More information to come on planning for next school year.
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 ~ June
Jonathan Lawrenson - 6/2
Donna Maluccio - 6/4
Michael Pickett - 6/6
Jillian Kenny - 6/9
Peter Francis - 6/12
Clarzell Pearl - 6/15
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/