May 2025 Community Newsletter

"May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope." Emily Brontë

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, our district is buzzing with activity—celebrations, academic milestones, and real, visible progress on the goals we've set together.

This month, we are thrilled to mark a major milestone in our referendum projects with the completion of the newly remodeled Media Center at Butler High School. This space is set to make a difference for students and staff, offering a modern, flexible environment for learning, collaboration, and innovation. As we look ahead to Year Two of our referendum efforts, we are excited to begin planning for science lab remodels at Butler High School and sanitation system upgrades at Richard Butler Middle School—essential projects that will further enhance safety, functionality, and the student experience.

Of course, as always, May is packed with important academic events, including the upcoming NJSLA testing period, which plays a significant role in how our students—and our district—are perceived. While no single test defines a student, these assessments do matter. The results inform instruction, help us identify areas of need and strength, and, whether we agree or not —they are used by media outlets to rank New Jersey school districts. These rankings, often printed without nuance or context, can directly influence property values, public perception, and community pride. That is why we are asking for your partnership. When students give their best effort, the results reflect the true excellence we know exists in Butler classrooms. This is about more than test scores—it is about showing up for our town, our schools, and each other.

So, let's work together to help every student walk into these assessments prepared and confident. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and an encouraging word from home can make all the difference. We are grateful for all you do to support your child’s success—and for the role you play in helping us continue to build a district we can all be proud of.

As a reminder - the Butler School District will be closed on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 as we give back one unused emergency closing day typically reserved for inclement weather events during the winter months.

You will see throughout this newsletter—and as you may have read in April—evidence that the Butler School District continues to deliver on its promise of excellence and commitment to students. From high-impact learning to forward-thinking facility upgrades, our strong partnership with families and the community is what drives us forward. Together, we are building not only better schools, but a better future for our children.

During the upcoming month, I encourage you all to try to attend one of the many great events that mark the end of another tremendous school year - I hope I get to see you all during the month. Let's finish this year strong!

Be Well!

Dr. J.

Valedictorian - Veronica Brynczka - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Salutatorian - Hailey Ferrier

Attending Villanova University - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Attending Bryn Mawr College

We are proud to share that the New Jersey School Performance Reports have been released, and the data confirms what we see every day in our classrooms, hallways, and school events—Butler is the best small school district in New Jersey.

Our schools continue to offer students a well-rounded, high-quality education that balances strong academics, robust social and emotional supports, and rich extracurricular opportunities—all driven by a staff and administration who are deeply committed to every child’s success.

• Aaron Decker Elementary School earned a strong placement, ranking 11th amongst elementary school districts in Morris County.

• Richard Butler Middle School also continues its steady success, now ranked 8th in the county.

• Butler High School continues to make strides, climbing to 15th in the county, with momentum we are excited to build on.

These rankings reflect years of hard work—from curriculum development and program innovation to relationship-building and student support. We may be a small district, but our offerings rival those of much larger systems. From academic rigor to a large variety of electives, AP courses, and dual enrollment options; from arts to athletics - we continue to offer all that larger districts may, but in an environment where Butler students do not have to choose between opportunity and belonging—they get both.

In Butler, students are known by name, encouraged to explore, and empowered to achieve. These small but consistent gains prove that when community, staff, and students work together, growth isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable!

Let’s celebrate this progress, and let it fuel the next chapter of excellence.

The Butler School District is excited to once again offer summer enrichment opportunities for our students. This is the fifth 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 23rd - we will not be able to accept any late sign ups, so please act when you are done reading this if you are interested.

This year the tuition for the Summer Enrichment Program is as follows:

• $115 for one week (2 sessions in total)
• $200 for two weeks (4 sessions in total)
• $275 for three weeks (6 sessions in total)

Summer Enrichment remains 4 days per week - Monday through Thursday.

• Week 1 - June 30th through July 3rd
• Week 2 - July 7th through July 10th
• Week 3 - July 14th through July 17th

This year, the Summer Enrichment program returns to Aaron Decker Elementary school, and each day will start at 8am and will end at 12pm.

Families will be contacted during the week of May 28th with confirmation of sessions and information as to how to pay the tuition.

We look forward to another great summer of learning and fun!

Each year, we take time to celebrate the incredible people who teach, support, and care for the children of Butler—and it’s a celebration that’s well deserved!

Teaching is not just a job—it is a calling. It takes a remarkable kind of person to devote their life to guiding, challenging, and uplifting young people. Our staff does far more than deliver lessons; they build relationships, nurture confidence, and create safe, supportive environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired.

The staff at Butler consistently go above and beyond—working late into the night, planning engaging activities, attending events, and often carrying the emotional weight of their students’ struggles and triumphs with them. They are not just educators—they are mentors, role models, and everyday heroes.

As I have said before—and will continue to say—Butler is home to some of the finest educators I have had the privilege of working with in my 30+ years in education.

As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week, I encourage all families to take a few minutes to thank a teacher or staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life. A simple note of appreciation can mean more than you know. These selfless professionals give so much of themselves, and your kind words help remind them just how deeply their work matters.

Please use the link below to share your message of thanks with the staff at your child’s school. Let’s flood our schools with the gratitude these difference makers so richly deserve.

Thank you for being partners in celebrating the people who make Butler such an extraordinary place to learn and grow.

Housel Fun and Fitness

Thank you to our amazing PTA for sponsoring this awesome assembly! Housel Fun and Fitness taught our students how to stay healthy both physically and mentally. We all have the choice to put down our devices and interact with each other!

Third Grade Explores Ellis Island Through Interactive Experience

Our third grade students recently participated in an engaging, hands-on program that brought the history of Ellis Island to life. Through interactive activities, students stepped into the shoes of immigrants arriving in America, learning about the journey, the challenges, and the hope that defined the experience. This program deepened their understanding of immigration and the diverse paths that led people to the United States. It was a meaningful way to connect history to real-life experiences and foster empathy and curiosity.

DC Education Solutions

For the 2025/2026 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.

DC Education Solutions

For more information, contact:

DCeducationsolutions@gmail.com

862-417-DCES

Upcoming Important Dates at ADS:

May 5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 9 - 4th Grade Visit to RBS

May 12-16 - Grade 3 NJSLA Testing

May 14 - 4th Grade Trip to Sussex County Miners Game

May 19- 23 - Grade 4 NJSLA Testing

May 23- Grade 2 Field Trip: Growing Stage

May 26 - Memorial Day (School Closed)

May 27 - School Closed

May 29 - 4th Grade visit to RBS

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!

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, May is a time of reflection, celebration, and looking ahead. Our students have shown incredible growth, resilience, and curiosity throughout the year, and we’re proud of all they've accomplished. This month brings exciting events like end-of-year field trips, the music concert, art expo, TREP$, and promotion preparations! We also have Staff Appreciation Week when we express gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our incomparable educators. Be sure to check the calendar and stay involved. Let’s finish strong together and make these last few weeks meaningful and memorable!

Here’s a list of upcoming events at RBS:

May 6 - Morris County Middle School Leadership Dinner

May 7 - RBS TREP$ Marketplace

May 8 - School Nurses’ Day

May 9 - RBS Plant Sale (PTA)

May 12-20 RBS NJSLA Testing

May 15 - RBS Spring Concert @7pm

May 16 - BHS Teen Arts Festival

May 20 - RBS Grade 6 Trip - The New Weis Center

May 22 - Art Expo BHS - Media Center

May 23 - RBS Field Day

May 26 - Memorial Day No School

May 28 - RBS Grade 8 Trip - Medieval Times

May 30 - RBS Field Day (Rain date)

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.

Please join us in congratulating Teacher of Social Studies Mr. Jon Calabro as he is the Bulldog of the Month for April. Mr. Calabro has been with us for 21 years and is still going strong! Both students and colleagues alike rely on Mr. Calabro's calm demeanor and steady presence. He brings ancient civilizations to life with thoughtful, engaging instruction that helps students connect history to the world around them. Mr. Calabro consistently models an approach to learning that combines curiosity with enthusiasm, which truly resonates with our middle schoolers. Congratulations, Mr. Calabro!

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. The community newsletter, the RBS Review, is updated frequently as well. Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Molina at jmolina@butlerboe.org or Mrs. Papa at mpapa@butlerboe.org. We wish you all the best during these final weeks of school!

As we step into the month of May, Butler High School is buzzing with excitement and momentum. This time of year is filled with meaningful milestones—our students are preparing for NJSLA testing, our seniors are eagerly anticipating prom and graduation, and our entire school community is taking a moment to recognize the incredible efforts of our faculty during Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s a season that highlights both the hard work and heart that define Butler. I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished together and look forward to celebrating these important moments in the weeks ahead.

The Fred “Doc” Ingold Award is presented annually to the freshmen student who epitomizes Mr. Ingold’s qualities –Leadership, Citizenship, and Academic Integrity.

Gavin epitomizes the essence of the Fred "Doc" Ingold Award with his leadership, citizenship, and academics. Gavin is an excellent student as well as respectful to all his teachers and administration. He is involved in school activities and an overall polite young man. Gavin is an honors student that always strives to do well. He is supportive of classmates and is able to guide them when they don't understand a question or in any setting where someone might need help. Gavin is also a student athlete, making sure that he both does well balancing school and sports.

His academic achievements reflect his dedication to excellence, while his commitment to community showcases his genuine concern for others. His outstanding character, coupled with his athleticism and academics, make him a truly deserving candidate for this award. Gavin Boasso embodies the spirit and legacy of Fred "Doc" Ingold, making him an ideal recipient of this honor.

Congratulations to Oscar Zacharski, recipient of the 2025 Eisenhower Leadership Award! This prestigious honor is awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to their school and community—and Oscar embodies all of these qualities and more. Whether leading by example in the classroom, on the field, or through his involvement in student activities, Oscar constantly inspires those around him. His ability to lead with humility, purpose, and a strong sense of service makes him a role model for his peers and a true asset to Butler High School. We are incredibly proud of Oscar and all he has accomplished!

BHS April Bulldog of the Month - Mrs. Reid McCarthy

We are proud to recognize Mrs. Reid McCarthy as this month’s Bulldog of the Month! Mrs. McCarthy gives her all to the Butler High School community—she’s here early, stays late, and opens her classroom every lunch period to students who need a place to feel supported and seen. She’s a constant presence at school events, celebrates our students at pep rallies, and works hard to create an inclusive, positive environment for all of our students.

This year, Mrs. McCarthy has gone above and beyond in countless ways. She stepped up to help lead Student Council during a time of transition, took on computer science courses to meet the needs of our students, and assumed responsibility for an AP class with no prior experience—spending her own time finding resources and refining her instruction to give those students the teacher they deserve. She never waits to be asked; she steps in the moment she sees a need.

Known affectionately as our “welcoming committee,” Mrs. McCarthy goes out of her way to support new staff, foster collaboration, and model the values we want to see in our community. Her dedication to our students, our staff, and our mission is inspiring. Congratulations Mrs McCarthy, and thank you for everything you do!

Kasey Lewis was honored as the BHS Morris County Unsung Hero on April 2, 2025, 2025. Congratulations Kasey!

12th grade- Keira Petrera

11th grade- Eric Pawlik

10th grade- Erin Croker

9th grade- Gianna DePascale

Congratulations to our BHS MP 3 Top Dawgs

Math - Annabella Cole

Science - Julianna Gangi

Social Studies - Ervin Ventura Perez

World Languages - Kayleen Leyva

ELL - Jesus Escobar Hernandez

Language Arts - Mia Boasso

Fine/Practical Arts - Melany Encarnacion, Art - Jason Okken, Music - Luciano Scorsone, foods

Physical Education - Jayden DiNatale

Business - Emily Loganchuk

Shared Time Student - Mackenzie Napoli

2025 Take Your Child to Work Day - Several BHS Staff members brought their child to work on April 24, 2025. It was a fantastic day!

April 10th Letter

BHS 2025 AP, NJSLA and Final Exam Testing Letter

May 1st Letter

2025 BHS NJSLA Parent Testing Letter Follow up

The Butler High School Art Department would like to congratulate Winnie Jiang, Jack Hou, Leela Jaskowski, Kylie Mecca, Floyd Amaya, and Rose Tomaselli for having their work accepted into the Black Street Student Art Show. Winnie Jiang won 1st place for her b/w charcoal drawing and Kylie Mecca won 3rd place for her color pencil drawing. Only a small number of works are accepted in the show and Butler High School had over ⅔ of the submitted work accepted to be put on display. Great job everyone!

Kudos to Mrs McNear and the dedicated members of the club

Please continue to stay connected with us through social media. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for news, announcements, and celebrations.

BHS Social Accounts

Butler High School (Instagram & Twitter) - @butlerhsnj

Athletics Twitter - @bhsbulldogsnj

Athletics Instagram - @bhsathletics1

BHS Counseling Instagram - @butlerhscounseling

BHS SAC - @mstagariello

May is Mental Health Month! Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This May, the Butler School District will host a Mental Health Month spirit week from May 5-9. Announcements with information, facts, and resources will be shared weekly, and the Counseling Department will have initiatives and activities throughout the month to highlight the importance of mental health.

MAY:

• May 1-2 ADS Book Fair

• May 3 - SAT at BHS 7:30 am

• May 5 - 16 BHS AP Testing

• May 6 - Morris County Middle School Leadership Dinner

• May 7 - RBS TREP$ Marketplace

• May 8 - School Nurses’ Day

• May 9 - RBS Plant Sale (PTA)

• May 12-20 RBS NJSLA Testing

• May 12-23 ADS NJSLA Testing

• May 14 - BHS Spring Concert 7 p.m.

• May 14 - ADS 4th Grade trip to Miners Game

• May 15 - RBS Spring Concert 7pm

• May 16 - BHS Teen Arts Festival

• May 19 - 22 BHS NJSLA 9th Grade ELA/Math and 11th Grade Science

• May 20 - RBS Grade 6 Trip - The New Weis Center

• May 22 - BHS NHS Induction Ceremony - 7:00 pm - moved from May 1, 2025

• May 22 - Art Expo BHS - Media Center -

• May 23 - RBS Field Day

• May 23 -BHS NJ4S Mindfulness Sessions for staff

• May 26 - Memorial Day No School

• May 27 - No School - Inclement Weather Day

• May 28 - RBS Grade 8 Trip - Medieval Times

• May 29 - ADS 4th Grade Transition Day RBS

• May 30 - Senior Athletic Awards Breakfast - 8 am

• May 30 - BHS Prom @ Brownstone - 6 pm

• May 30 - RBS Field Day (Rain date)

• May 29 - Kindergarten Orientation Night ADS 6:30pm

JUNE:

• June 2-3 8th Grade Trip Gettysburg

• June 2 - Grade 5 Field Trip - Liberty State Park

• June 3 - MC Val/Sal Dinner - 6:00 pm

• June 3 - RBS Grade 7 Trip - Camp Mason

• June 4, BHS Senior Awards Night - 6 PM

• June 7 - SAT @ BHS at 7:30AM

• June 10 Athletic Physicals 5:00 p.m.

• June 10 BHS End of 4th MP

• June 4 - 4th Grade Picnic

• June 5 -4th Grade Picnic (Rain Date)

• June 11 - PC Va/Sal Breakfast - 8:00 am

• June 11 - 18 - Early Dismissal (Final Exams - BHS)

• June 12 - Kindergarten Spring Promotion Ceremony/Concert 9:00 am

• June 12 - RBS 8th Grade Dance

• June 13-ADS Field Day

• June 16 - ADS Field Day (Rain Date)

• June - 17 PreK Graduation 11:00am

• June 17 - RBS Promotion Ceremony - 6pm

• June 18 - BHS Graduation Ceremony - 6 pm

• June 18- ADS/RBS End of Trimester 3 (62 Days)

• June 18 - 4th Grade Clap Out 10:00am

• June 18 - 8th Grade Promotion Picture 10am

• June 18 - RBS PTA Stony Brook

• June 25 - ADS/RBS Final Grades Posted

• June 25 - FG/MP 4 Grades Posted BHS