RBS Review
#Smalltownbigheart
Welcome!
Richard Butler Middle School is characterized by a longstanding tradition of excellence and a tight-knit, welcoming community. We have worked to establish a true middle school philosophy including teaming, a “school within a school” concept that provides additional support for the learning community and enhances teaching and learning. We are committed to providing a comprehensive academic program that prepares our students for high school and beyond. Further, we understand the unique social and emotional needs of middle school students and promote high character and values at all times. The enthusiastic faculty and staff at Richard Butler Middle School are dedicated to ensuring the success of all of our students, and we realize that the relationships we forge with our families are an essential component to achieve that success. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out to the RBS faculty, staff, and administration with any concerns you may have; thank you for your support and partnership!
Embracing Butler Bulldog PRIDE
At Richard Butler Middle School, Bulldog PRIDE isn't just a motto – it's a way of life that embodies the essence of who we are as a community. This PRIDE stands for more than just school spirit; it represents a set of core character traits that shape the individuals we strive to become.
- Preparedness ensures that we approach each day ready to learn, adapt, and contribute our best efforts.
- Respect guides our interactions, fostering an atmosphere of mutual understanding and consideration for one another.
- Inclusivity reminds us that our strength lies in our diversity, and we work together to create an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.
- Determination propels us forward, empowering us to tackle challenges with unwavering resolve.
- And perhaps most importantly, empathy encourages us to understand and support each other, fostering a culture of kindness and compassion.
May 2024
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 list of 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 - RBS Art Show @5pm BHS Media Center
May 23 - 8th Grade Trip: Medieval Times
May 24 - 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
May 31 - Field Day Rain Date
Please continue to stay connected with us through social media. Follow 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!
NJSLA Testing
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.
Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) at Rutgers University
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!
Madhouse was a hit!
Thank you to Mrs. Mirabella, the Butler PTA, and our families for supporting the cast & crew of Madhouse! It was suspenseful, creative, and funny! Also, thanks to all of the RBS teachers & staff who went to the show. The students just loved seeing you there!
TREP$
The RBS TREP$ Marketplace is being held on Wednesday, May 1 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. All are welcome, so bring cash to support our students' ingenuity and entrepreneurship!
Butler School District Summer Enrichment
The Butler School District is thrilled to be able to offer our Summer Enrichment Program again this year!
Please see this flyer for more details and to access the registration form: 2024 SUMMER ENRICHMENT FLYER.
Programs will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Registration deadline is May 15th or whenever the classes fill up. We look forward to seeing your child there!
Congratulations to Team 8 on winning Winter Olympics!
Caught Being Kind! - Spring Edition
Over the next few weeks RBS will be holding a Caught Being Kind challenge. Staff will be on the lookout for students displaying acts of kindness throughout the week and those students will earn a PAW, which will be displayed in the hallway. Students will also receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Caught Being Kind swag bag made by our very own Ms. Paulison. We’ve already pulled winners for each grade level the last two weeks and are excited to pull our winners this week and next!!!
NJSLA Testing
Stressed about testing? Here are a few tips to relieve your stress!
Deep breathing: Take a slow, deep breath and focus on the air going in and out.
Spend time with Family and Friends.
Exercise. Go for a walk, ride your bike, play your favorite sport!
5 Step grounding technique, Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, Move 2 body parts and Take one deep breath in and one deep breath out.
Envision Success, don’t think about the negatives, think about the positives.
Get a good night's sleep the night before testing.
Health & Wellness Update - Nurse Vanderhoff
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 .
Attention 5th Grade Parents/Guardians
Immunization of Pupils in School rules, New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 8:57-4) issued by the New Jersey Department of Health has mandated that all students entering 6th grade must have the following immunizations: T-dap (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine), and the meningococcal vaccine.
Proof of immunization must be submitted to the school nurse by August 31, 2024. Non compliance of immunization will lead to school exclusion.
Be sure to call 973-492-2079 if a student is going to be absent for any reason.
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.
Please keep me informed and up to date with all medical concerns/issues that arise throughout the school year. Feel free to email or call me with any questions or concerns.
Emily Vanderhoff RN BSN CSN-NJ
Email: evanderhoff@butlerboe.org
Phone: 973-492-2079 x 7203
Follow the RBS Health Office on Instagram! @rbsealthoffice_
Follow the RBS Health office on Twitter! @RBSHealthOffice
Butler School District Summer EBT Benefits
Summer EBT is a new federal program to help families buy food for their
school-aged children during the summer. Families will receive $120 for each
eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who receive
Summer EBT benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs.
Receiving benefits will not affect children or families’ immigration status.
RBS Students of the Month - April CREATIVITY
Grade 5 - Nao Obata & Natalie Merrick
Grade 6 - Josh Durren and Ellen Davidoff
Grade 7 - Dulce Cabrera & Cadence Zomera
Grade 8 - Liv Gulino and Enrique Ordonez Bautista
RBS Honor Roll - Trimester 2
Grade 6
Samantha Ahmuty
Carlos Bardales
Jayden Barrios
Antonia Brauner
Sofia Cruz Pesantez
Ahmed Ebrahim
Lukas Fuzy
Vanessa Herrera
Cameron Kennedy
Benjamin Knauer
Daniela Loving
Haylee Menoski
Nicholas Miele
Nicolas Oromaza
Tania Patel
Jessica VanSant
Grade 7
Nathan Caputo
Shannen Cavallo
Kenzy Elsheriff
Jacob Guzman
Katherine Hale
Francesca Horaniz
Luis Leon
Amy Lorenc
Cali Marion
Jayden MCMinn
Maeve McNeil
Abigail Ricker
Jordan Sanders
Olivia Ventrella
Grade 8
Bassel Aby Alyquien
Skyler Batelli
Fernando Bautista
Ian Delano Neely
Alexander Feliciano
Evan Griffith
Matthew Higgins
Edion Meto
Sebastian Murdzoski
Enrique Ordonez Bautista
Ava Ramautar
Alessia Scorsone
Brighton Sieradzki
William Standish
Milan Stewart
Brandon Trujillo
RBS High Honor Roll - Trimester 2
Grade 6
Sebastian Coiro
Joshua Durren
Adam Fakher
Rafe Garcia
Ryan Isenhour
Afet Kalisi
Leonard Lubas
Jake Maglio
Valerie Pecho
Brooke Puleo
Alicia Reed
Austin Reiner
Juliana Scognamiglio
Bromley Sieradzki
Madison Standish
Brianna Switaj
Grade 7
Dulce Cabrera
Lindsay Coronado
Wafaa Ebrahim
Anastazia Gawronski
Sherie Gonzalez
Sophia Hough
Valerie Kutsup
Alexander Martinelli
Emily Morales
Noelle Rivera-Castro
Mikela Tashev
Grade 8
Madelyn Brady
Gianna DePascale
Daniel Faber
Evan Garcia
Gideon Gonzalez
Ivonne Herrera
John Lanzana
Stephanie Lobo
Noah Lubitz
Maksim Murdzoski
Marisa Pollard
Jared Puleo
MariaPaz Sanchez Uriquia
Jason Sanders
Zaahil Santiago
Luciano Scrosone
Kaylie Theiler
Giada Toriello
Matthew Tupaczewski
Ervin Ventura Perez
RBS Principal's List - Trimester 2
Grade 6
Lily Knesevitch
Maya Roszkowski
Maximus Waer
Grade 7
Liana Horanic
Madeline Ricker
Grade 8
Gavin Boasso
Giovanni Brown
David Ferrier
Gianna Fuzy
Aleksia Stojanovic
Nicholas Ventrella
Butler PTA
The PTA continues to be an important liaison between the community and RBS. They consistently plan helpful ways to support our school and children along with scheduling fun activities and events for our families. Please consider joining PTA today!
Membership: http://butlerpta.my-pta.org/
Announcements: https://nj50000507.schoolwires.net/domain/42
Butler PTA Spirit Wear
Please visit the Butler PTA Spirit Wear website here to place your order today!
Maschio's Food Service
Bulldog of the Month - Mr. Joe Fischer
Please join us in congratulating RBS School Counselor Joe Fischer as he has been named Bulldog of the Month for March here at RBS. Mr. Fischer is new to RBS this year, but he has quickly become trusted and relied upon by students and staff alike. As a BHS basketball coach, Mr. Fischer has been a Bulldog for some time, but we were pleased to bring him to the middle school this year. Mr. Fischer provides essential guidance and resources to help our students navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve their full potential. Mr. Fischer is hardworking, compassionate, and supportive - all qualities that show he demonstrates It Takes More to Be a Bulldog!
RBS Information
RBS Calendar
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 23 - RBS Art Show
May 24 - 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
May 31 - Field Day Rain Date
Richard Butler Middle School
Email: mpapa@butlerboe.org
Website: https://nj50000507.schoolwires.net/Domain/14
Location: 3 Pearl Place, Butler, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-492-2079
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RBS07405
Twitter: @RBS_Bulldogs