October 2024 Community Newsletter

I hope that each of you have had a wonderful start to this school year. As the crisp autumn air settles in, we are excited to reflect on what has been a fantastic start to the school year! It has been a true joy spending time in classrooms, seeing the incredible warmth and care of our staff, and engaging with our students who are already off to an amazing start.

October brings even more opportunities and events to look forward to in our district. From activities and programs to exciting new initiatives, this month has so much to offer for students and families alike. We hope this newsletter keeps you informed and highlights the many great things happening in our schools.

Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a wonderful October!

Be Well!

Dr. J.

We are extremely proud of our staff within the Butler School District. This month, we are excited to introduce Staff Highlights, where we will shine a spotlight on Bulldog Staff members whose exceptional work truly exemplifies our District's vision. From innovative teaching methods to the extra time spent supporting students outside the classroom, these committed individuals' contributions are noticed and appreciated by all.

I thank them for making our schools places of learning, compassion, and excellence. They are the heart of what we do!

Please help us celebrate the following staff members...

Please help us celebrate the following staff members...

Please help us celebrate the following staff members...

A few years ago, the Butler School District created an American Sign Language program as part of our Languages Offerings at Butler High School. Ms. Perrone, our ASL teacher, was integral in the creation of our incredible ASL program, and, as part of that program, she worked to organize September's Deaf Awareness Month. Her passion for teaching and advocacy has made such a positive impact on the Bulldog community, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the Deaf culture. Through her dedication and vision, Ms. Perrone has enriched our students' learning experiencse and empowered students to communicate in a beautiful and essential language. Thank you, Ms. Perrone, for all that you do—you are truly inspiring!

Butler School District has partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office on an anonymous tip application program called "RSVP-3 Morris County, NJ" to enable students or parents to report potential acts of violence.

The app is called “RSVP-3 Morris" and may be downloaded in either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. The app allows an individual to report a potential act of violence anonymously. Said report will be received immediately by local law enforcement and forwarded on to designated school personnel if the act concerns a student or school.

This effort is a part of our continued dedication to safety as part of our Behavioral Threat Assessment Team (BTAM) procedures, as well as to supplement our partnership with BPD and County Law Enforcement.

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, we welcomed back our entire staff and students for the 2024/2025 school year. A big thank you goes out to the following people for all the work they did in preparing Aaron Decker School for this upcoming school year and for making the first week of school a success.

• Administrative Assistants

• Custodians/Maintenance

• Teaching Staff/Paraprofessionals

• District Technology Department

We are looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with fun activities. September started off strong with our first spirit day (Red, White, and Blue day in honor of National Day Of Remembrance/ Patriot Day), class meetings, Back to School Night, and the PTA Ice Cream Social.

October Events

We have some great events planned at ADS for the month of October. The PTA will be hosting the Fall Scholastic Book Fair in our library the first week of October. Students and staff will also recognize the Week of Respect the first week of October and will continue with School Violence & Vandalism Week October and Red Ribbon Week The Butler Fire Department will be visiting Aaron Decker School on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Students will sit through a small presentation by our firefighters and then take a tour of a few fire trucks. On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Aaron Decker School will host their annual Halloween Parade at 8:45 AM. All classes will participate and parade around the ADS field in costume. Families are welcomed to attend. More information will be sent out in the next few weeks regarding the parade and class parties.

ADS Bulldog of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Lori Milone for being named our September ADS Bulldog of the Month! In her first month here at ADS, she has run the main office efficiently and has been both welcoming and proactive to students , staff and our school community. We’re excited to welcome her to the ADS family, and her efforts have helped set a strong foundation for the rest of the year.

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!

Welcome to October! We have wrapped up an extremely successful first month of school, and we are so proud of how well our students have followed expectations and gotten right into learning! Let’s keep the momentum going as we work together for a successful academic year!

October is always a busy month at Richard Butler. From delving into historical explorations during National Hispanic Heritage Month to embracing the joys of reading during National Book Month, our students are encouraged to engage their curiosity and expand their horizons. October also marks several awareness campaigns, including Week of Respect, School Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week, and Red Ribbon Week. These events provide us with crucial opportunities to reinforce our commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for every member of our school community. In addition, there are fun events like the Butler STEAM & Literacy Night, PTA Pumpkin Decorating event, and Halloween Fun Afternoon. As we look forward to exciting fall festivities and continue our academic pursuits, let's embrace the spirit of October and all the promise it holds for personal growth and collective success.

Elevating Student Voice at RBS!

Student voice in middle school is a powerful tool that encourages students to express their thoughts, participate in decision-making, and take ownership of their learning. By empowering students to contribute ideas and perspectives, schools create a more inclusive environment that fosters leadership, self-confidence, and a deeper sense of community.

Through open dialogue and collaboration, the RBS Student Advisory Council for grades 5-8 helps shape school policies, organizes events, and provides valuable input on issues ranging from curriculum enhancements to campus improvements. The Council ensures that the educational environment at RBS remains inclusive, responsive, and student-centered. We meet by grade level with Mrs. Molina and Mrs. Papa once per trimester during Academic Assistance or recess, so please encourage your children to join by filling out the form in homeroom Google Classrooms! We still have RBS Student Council as well, and students are welcome to get involved in both leadership activities.

As mentioned, we will continue with our Caught Being Kind challenges, which are aligned with our RBS PRIDE values, so students will earn PAWS for demonstrating preparedness, respect, inclusivity, determination, and empathy. We’ll pull tickets for fun prizes on Fridays during lunch. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our students who make RBS a welcoming and respectful community for all! We’ll also continue honoring students with Students of the Month, which will be aligned to Character Stong’s monthly topics. We’re hoping all of the positive reinforcement will support our Bulldogs to be the best they can be!

The Power of Words

During the Week of Respect, Mr. Patrick Fennell of Empowerment Solutions will be presenting his programs to students in grades 5-8. “The Power of Words” for 5th-7th grade is an interactive session designed to help students reflect on the impact of the words that they use, think about their own experiences, and collaborate with each other to identify solution-oriented ways to reduce name calling and make others feel respected, valued, safe, and included. Since Mr. Fennell met with current 8th graders last year, the Class of 2025 will participate in “My Words Matter and So Do You,” which is designed to assist students to navigate conflict in a respectful way. Students will explore the causes of conflict that they face, the impact of social media on conflict, recognize their individual approaches to conflict, and identify effective ways to handle conflict when it arises. Through Mr. Fennell’s unique approach, he will equip students with the tools to harness the immense potential of their words, whether in personal development, leadership, or effective communication.

RBS has a Little Library!

I'd like to recognize Abigail Jorda and Erin Khieu for achieving their Girl Scout Bronze Award with the installation of a Little Library, which is located on the side of RBS near the fields. It makes us proud to know that the love of reading has been instilled in our students as we continue to promote literacy in our district. We encourage everyone to visit soon!

We have several ways for you to stay connected to RBS. 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. Thank you for your continued support!

As we step into the heart of autumn, I am reminded of the excitement and energy that fills our school community during this time of year. October brings a sense of rhythm and focus, as students settle into their routines, and we prepare for a number of important events and activities. October is filled with great opportunities for growth, learning, and fun!

October is also a great time to remind everyone about the importance of health and wellness. As the seasons change, it’s crucial to stay active, eat well, and get plenty of rest. We continue to emphasize mental health and well-being in our school programs, and I encourage you to reach out if you or your student needs support.

It’s been a very busy September starting off with our pep rally and food truck fest! We had a nice turnout at Back To School Night on September 18th We had our 9th and 12th grade parent night on September 25th where many parents came in to find out more about what BHS had to offer.

Mr. Fitzgerald, BHS Principal - Mr. Hall, BHS Assistant Principal / AD - Mr. Tobin, BHS Assistant Principal

October has many more events to look forward to! Below are some of the highlights:

• September 30 - October 4 - BHS Spirit Week

• October 2: 11th and 12th Grade Parents Financial Aid Seminar

• BHS PARENT FINANCIAL AID NIGHT - 2024

• October 3: BHS Hall of Honor Dinner

• October 4: BHS Homecoming Football Game

• October 5: BHS Homecoming Dance

• October 7: - 11: NJGPA Retakes

• October 7 - 11 BHS Week of Respect

• October 14: No School - Teacher In Service Day

• October 16: Digital PSAT’s for 10th and 11th graders, 9:55 Arrival for 12th graders not taking PSAT Test, 9th Grade You Science Aptitude Assessment and Assembly

• DIGITAL PSAT BHS Parent Letter - 2024

• October 21 - 25: School Violence & Vandalism Awareness Week

• October 28 - November 1: Red Ribbon Week

Congratulations to Mrs. Shannon Neville-Greenwood and Mr. Michael Connors for receiving the September Bulldogs of the Month. Mrs. Neville-Greenwood supports and inspires students by dedicating her time to energy each and every day. She arrives early, stays after school, meets with students during lunch and her prep time and makes herself available to her students. She truly cares about her students, and celebrates all their small and big achievements. Mr Connors is a great presence in our inclusion classes and always pushes students to be the best version of themselves. He makes students feel good about themselves and encourages them to participate in class. He volunteers whenever he can to make Butler High School a better place. This September, both Mrs. Neville-Greenwood and Mr. Connors stepped up and covered many different classes in addition to their own schedules, sacrificing their time to ensure our students' needs were met in the classroom.

BHS YouScience Introduction Letter

September 25th - 9th Grade and 12th Grade Parent Night was a very informative event led by our school counselors and SAC.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. At our Suicide Prevention table on 9/24 Claudyne Bedell from Caring Contact visited to provide students with information about the 988 helpline. We had meaningful conversations about connections, support, ways we cope, and what we are looking forward to for our futures!

September 27 - The Activism Alliance Club celebrated Hispanic Heritage with a Fiesta during lunch last week!

October 5 - BHS Homecoming Dance - Disco Fever!

October 7 - 11 - Participate in our district-wide spirit week to recognize Week of Respect

October is a busy month in the School Counseling Department. We will be setting up different activities and events for School Violence Awareness Week (10/21-10/25) and Red Ribbon Week (10/28-11/1). Students can stop by tables that will be set up at lunch with activities at resources, we will have morning announcements with facts and quotes, PEER Leaders will be helping to “chalk the walk” with positive messages, we will be continuing our drug and alcohol trivia challenge from last year, and more!

• BHS Halloween Guidelines

A look ahead:

• November 1, 2024 - Delayed Opening

• November 20th, 8th Grade Parent Night - 6:30 p.m.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 973-492-2000 ext 7102 or rfitzgerald@butlerboe.org . Thank you always for your continued support!

ss

We’re excited to recognize Week of Respect, a valuable opportunity for our schools to focus on fostering environments that are welcoming, supportive, and inclusive for all students. Throughout this week, we will be engaging students in meaningful activities and programs aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB).

This initiative aligns with National Bullying Prevention Month, observed every October, further strengthening our efforts to promote kindness, respect, and inclusion throughout our district. Together, we can continue to build a school community where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to learn and grow.

On October 16, 2024, ninth grade students will begin their journey with YouScience, a cutting-edge platform designed to help students discover their unique talents, strengths, and potential career paths. Through a series of brain games, aptitude assessments, and interactive tools, YouScience allows students to explore various career options, understand the educational pathways to achieve their goals, and make informed decisions about their futures. We believe YouScience is a valuable resource that will significantly enhance our students' journey toward their future careers and college aspirations!

We have had a tremendous start to the fall season for both our athletic teams and our varied activities. If you have not had the opportunity to spend time with us at an event, we invite you to come by and watch our Bulldogs as they make us proud!

October 13th - Bulldog Marching Band Competition will be at Memorial Field 1:00 pm

October 21st - Boys Soccer Senior Night - 7:00 pm

October 22nd- Field Hockey Senior night - 5:00 pm at Memorial Field

October 22nd, -Girls Soccer Senior Night - 7:00 pm at Memorial Field

• October 1-4 - ADS Book Fair

• October - Annual Alumni Field Hockey Game, 9:30 a.m.

• October 2 - BHS Financial Aid Night - Grade 11 and 12 Parents @ 6:00 PM

• October 3 - Class of 2024 BHS Hall of Honor Ceremony - 6:00 pm - Barn and Carriage House

• October 4- Homecoming Football Game/HOH Ceremony

• October 5 - Homecoming Dance

• October 5 - SAT @ BHS @ 7:30AM

• October 7-11 Week of Respect

• October 7-11 - Fall NJGPA Administration

• October 13 - Tournament of the Bands Competition

• October 14 - Columbus Day - No School, Teacher In-Service

• October 16 - PSAT Grades 10 and 11

• October 17- 4th grade Field Trip to Sterling Mines

• October 19 - Butler Day on Smith Field

• October 21-25 - RBS Book Fair (PTA)

• October 21-25 - School Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week

• October 23-31 - Red Ribbon Week

• October 23 - BHS Underclass Portrait Retakes

• October 23 - College Fair, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• October 24 - STEAM/Literacy Night @ RBS @ 6:00PM

• October 25 - RBS Pumpkin Decorating (PTA)

• October 27 - ACT @ BHS @ 7:30AM

• October 28- SEPAG 6pm

• October 31 - ADS Halloween Parade -8:45 am

• October 31 - BHS Halloween Costume Contest

• October 31 - RBS Halloween Fun Afternoon