October Newsletter
Butler Middle School
DATES TO REMEMBER
October 4th - Progress Reports
October 8th- Vape presentation
October 9th - Early Release (12:50 Dismissal)
October 14th - No School
October 16th - Picture Day
October 17th- Principal Coffee ( in spanish)
October 21st - Afterschool Begins
October 24th- Trunk or Treat
October 25th- 7th Grade PBIS Activity
The Importance of Student Engagement in Middle School
We hope this message finds you well. As we embark on another exciting school year, we would like to emphasize the crucial role of student engagement in your child's middle school journey. Student engagement is an area of focus for us as a school and as a school district.
Student engagement is not just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of effective learning and personal growth. Here's why it matters:
Active Learning: When students are engaged, they are actively participating in the learning process. They ask questions, explore ideas, and think critically. This active involvement enhances their understanding and retention of information.
Motivation: Engaged students are more motivated to attend school, complete assignments, and strive for excellence. They have a sense of ownership over their education, leading to increased effort and better outcomes.
Social Development: Engagement often extends beyond the classroom. It fosters teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills, which are essential for success in school and in life.
Problem-Solving: Engaged students develop strong problem-solving skills. They learn to tackle challenges independently, building resilience and adaptability.
Long-term Success: Developing a habit of engagement in middle school sets a solid foundation for future academic success. It instills a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
As a school, we are doing:
- Weekly classroom walkthroughs with a focus on accountable talk
- School displays for students to view that encourages and describes student engagement
- Incorporate student discussion time into activities.
- Encourage peer-to-peer interactions (tutoring, mentoring,etc.)
- Increasing opportunities for student voice in everything we do (teacher teams, student-led teams, student leadership group that meets with principal monthly)
To support your child's engagement in school:
Encourage open communication: Ask your child about their day, their interests, and any challenges they may be facing. Listen actively and provide guidance when needed.
Create a conducive learning environment: Ensure a quiet, organized space for homework and study, free from distractions.
Celebrate achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child's successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in boosting engagement.
Stay involved: Attend parent-teacher conferences, and school events, and engage with teachers to stay informed about your child's progress.
Remember that student engagement is a shared responsibility between the school and parents. Together, we can empower your child to reach their full potential and make the most of their middle school years.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to a productive and engaging school year ahead.
We are digital - Parent Portal is open - First Progress Report
Parent Login - https://ma-lowell.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do
We are excited to announce our transition to a digital platform, marking the launch of our parent portal on Aspen. This portal serves as a valuable resource for parents to closely monitor their child's academic progress and attendance. It is a key initiative prioritized by our leadership team, aimed at enhancing parent engagement.
We firmly believe that the introduction of our portal will achieve the following:
- Empower students to take ownership of their academic journey.
- Foster improved communication between parents and teachers.
- Strengthen the vital connection between the school and home, ultimately benefiting our students' education and development.
We are enthusiastic about this effort and eagerly anticipate the ongoing enhancement of our efforts to strengthen the connection between our school and your home.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to a productive and engaging school year
Cross Country Season is Here
Cross Country Schedule
https://sites.google.com/lowell.k12.ma.us/butler-cross-country-2024/home
Meets Start @ 4:00 @ Shedd Park
All meets are held at Shedd Park. Thank you for your support and Let's Go Bulldogs!
ABSENT TARDY DISMISSAL
Important Attendance Information
Student attendance will be taken daily and entered into our database system by our school clerk.
If students are sick, please call the school at 978-937-8973 for record keeping and doctor’s notes must be sent with students, emailed, or faxed to the school to excuse absences.
Dismissals should be for important/emergency reasons only.
To minimize disruptions to the end of our school day, we ask you not dismiss your child after 2:30 pm
No dismissal or pick-up changes will be made after 2:30 pm
After School Programming
Afterschool programming planning is underway for the Fall. We will post more information soon.
A couple of friendly reminders:
- After-school programs start promptly at 3pm ( Students receive a healthy and hearty snack)
- Students are dismissed at 5pm
- Guardians who are picking up their students need to arrive promptly at 5pm
Program administrator:
Neyder Fernandez
Community School Program Manager
The Butler Middle School
(978) 937 8973 (Main office)
Principal/Parent Coffee Hour 8:30 - October 17th
Coffee Hour Dates: 10/17, 11/21, 12/19
NEED HELP WITH STUDENT CHROMEBOOK
Lowell Public Schools Help Desk ph. 978-674-2024 To open a HelpDesk ticket: Email: Helpdesk@lowell.k12.ma.us (Use your student email account to email this address) or Http://helpdesk.lowell.k12.ma.us (Use the same username and password that you use for your school email)
Butler Middle School
VISION- All students will demonstrate at least one year of academic, personal, and community growth at the end of every school year.
MISSION- Our mission is to provide our students with highly-effective, standards-based instruction and enrichment experiences that reinforce our school’s core values and support efforts to close achievement gaps and accelerate growth for all students.
CORE VALUES: Take Care of Self, Each Other and Our Community (I care for myself , I care for others , I care for my school)
Email: jmoody@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/10
Location: 1140 Gorham Street, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: 978-9378973
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpsdbutler/