Bulldog News - November 2024
It Takes More To Be a Bulldog
Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s)
I hope this month’s newsletter finds you well. As we transition into autumn, we’re surrounded by the November’s beauty – the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, the warmth of bonfires, the comfort of hot apple cider, and the joy of corn mazes. It truly is a time to embrace and appreciate all that this season offers.
Our District continues to build upon our successful start to the school year. At Butler High School, we are nearing the end of the First Marking Period, while Aaron Decker Elementary and Richard Butler Middle Schools are approaching the end of their first Trimester. Time seems to be flying by! Please keep an eye out for important communications from your child’s school regarding report cards and, if applicable, information about upcoming parent-teacher conferences.
As November begins, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this time of year. November provides us with a special opportunity to pause and express gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. While we all face challenges, both big and small, we are also fortunate in countless ways. A simple yet powerful way to support those we care about is by letting them know how much we appreciate them. Expressing gratitude can have a profound impact.
On that note, I’d like to share some of the things for which I am personally grateful:
- I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community. Since joining Butler, I have been welcomed with open arms, and the relationships I’ve formed have enriched my life in countless ways.
- I am grateful for the dedicated and talented staff I work alongside every day. The strength of a school lies in its classrooms, and our staff’s commitment to our students’ success and well-being is unparalleled.
- I am fortunate to work with the Butler Leadership Team, a group of individuals who go above and beyond, wearing many hats to create wonderful opportunities and experiences for our students.
- Finally, I am immensely grateful for my supportive family. My wife and children have also embraced the Butler community wholeheartedly, and their love and laughter provide the balance that keeps me grounded.
This is just a small glimpse of the many things I am thankful for, and I hope it inspires you to reflect on the things in your own life that bring joy and meaning.
I trust that this month’s newsletter will provide you with useful information as we continue our journey through the school year. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Butler Schools.
Be Well!
Dr. J.
Week of Respect
PEER Leaders facilitated CharacterStrong lessons for our 9th and 10th grade students. The lesson was “From Bystander to Advocate” in honor of Week of Respect
The Bark
The Butler High School Broadcasting Class has officially begun producing daily morning announcements. These are posted on the Butler High School Web Page for anyone who would like to follow. The students and Ms. Ring are doing a phenomenal job!
Fall Drama - The Great Gatsby
Gatsby rehearsals are in full swing! Who is excited to see this awesome show come to life on the BHS stage this November? The show is scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd - Hope to see you all there!
RBS STEAM/Literacy Night
Recently, RBS hosted our annual Parent Institute at Richard Butler Middle School - STEAM and Literacy Night. It was a great night, and, as always, it was well attended. Our admin team and teachers deserve so much appreciation for their efforts in making this night an annual success, as it demonstrates to our community how committed we are to healthy partnerships, while also highlighting the creativity in the lessons we provide our students daily.
Ms. Woodcock - Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Sansone - ADS School Counselor
Ms. Kretschmaier - PE and Health Teacher
Ms. Kretschmaier, our new middle school PE and health teacher, has made an extraordinary impact on both students and staff at Richard Butler Middle School. Through her commitment to building positive relationships and her daily positive demeanor, Ms. Kretschmaier has begun transforming the culture of PE into an engaging, interactive experience focused on lifelong fitness. Her innovative approach encourages students to view physical education as a fun and meaningful part of their lives, fostering an inclusive and energetic environment. Ms. Kretschmaier’s influence is evident in the school’s vibrant climate, and we are grateful for her efforts in making RBS an amazing place for everyone.
Ms. Krauze - Gifted and Talented Teacher and Intervention Specialist
Ms. Krauze, our talented middle school gifted and talented teacher and intervention specialist, has been an incredible asset to Richard Butler Middle School. She has dedicated herself to building and leading the GATEways program, providing our gifted students with a challenging and enriching environment. Ms. Krauze’s passion for student engagement is further evident in her founding of the Broadcasting Club and morning announcements, as well as her commitment to taking students to debate competitions. As a driving force behind our RtI efforts, she works tirelessly to ensure all students receive the support they need to thrive. With her consistently positive attitude and genuine care for her students, Ms. Krauze is a trusted and invaluable member of our school community. We are grateful for her enthusiasm, expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success.
Lisa Kindzierski. - School Nurse
Mrs. Lisa Kindzierski, affectionately known as Mrs. K by students and staff, became a valued member of the Bulldog family in January 2024. After over five years in her previous district, she was drawn to Butler’s welcoming “small town, big heart” atmosphere. Mrs. K brings a wealth of experience from her career in OB/GYN and women’s healthcare, where she worked for six years before earning her school nurse certification and a master’s degree in health and wellness education. Outside of school, she enjoys quality time with her husband and two children, along with hobbies like hiking, weightlifting, and running. We are fortunate to have Mrs. K’s expertise and dedication at BHS!
Lisa Chestnutt - Business Teacher and DECA Advisor
Mrs. Chestnutt is a dedicated and dynamic member of the Butler High School faculty, where she teaches a range of business and marketing courses. As the DECA chapter advisor, work-based learning coordinator, and manager of the school store, she plays a pivotal role in shaping students' real-world business understanding. After earning her finance degree from Florida Atlantic University, Mrs. Chestnutt entered the investment banking industry. Though the business world was highly engaging, she felt drawn to education and transitioned into teaching. Since then, she has earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, working diligently to connect classroom learning with practical business applications. Now in her tenth year of teaching and her sixth year at Butler High School, Mrs. Chestnutt continues to inspire students with her industry experience and enthusiasm. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and their goldendoodle puppy, Gucci, who also serves as the school's beloved therapy dog. Mrs. Chestnutt’s vibrant personality, marked by her signature "pink flare," is a welcome addition to Bulldog Nation!
Aaron Decker Elementary School - Mr. J. Manco, Principal
October was a very exciting month for the Aaron Decker students and staff:
Fall Scholastic Book Fair - Thank you to the PTA for all their work in making the week a success!
ADS held their first Culture and Climate whole school monthly meeting of the year.
Fourth graders visited Sterling Mines.
Students and staff recognized the Week of Respect and School Violence and Vandalism week during the month. Thank you to the Butler Police Department for visiting during our lunches.
Congratulations to our first-year school counselor, Ms. Theresa Sansone for being the ADS Bulldog of the Month. She has done an exceptional job in her role! She has seamlessly integrated Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into our school environment while providing crucial support through individual counseling, group sessions, and classroom guidance. Her dedication to fostering student well-being and creating a positive school culture has truly made an impact!
Richard Butler Middle School - Mrs. M. Papa, Principal Mrs. J. Molina, Asst. Principal
As we move into November, we want to express our gratitude for the continued support and engagement from our families, staff, and students. This month, we are focusing on cultivating a strong sense of community and gratitude. As the holiday season approaches, we encourage everyone to reflect on what they are thankful for, both inside and outside RBS. Our students will have the opportunity to participate in service projects and activities designed to foster empathy, collaboration, and respect for others.
We had such an eventful October with all of the special awareness weeks. Students participated in a variety of activities and programs that support healthy choices, respectful behavior, and positive interactions. We’re so proud of how eager our students were to contribute to their school community as we’re all reminded of how to make RBS the best place to be for all. Special thanks to RBS Counselor Mr. Fischer, presenter Mr. Patrick Fennell, Sergeant Fontanazza with the Butler PD, and the RBS staff for all of their efforts in making the month of October an enriching and inspiring time for our students!
We are excited to continue the RBS Veterans Day Breakfast sponsored by the BEA and RBS Student Council on Monday, November 11 at Memorial Field. If you know of any veterans who are interested in attending, please contact Ally Spellman at aspellman@butlerboe.org. Our Student Council Food Drive has begun, and we are once again partnering with BHS National Honor Society. All donations will go to the Butler United Methodist Church food pantry, so please consider donating items to help local families in need during this holiday season. The collection runs now through November 26, and the grade level that collects the most items wins a special prize during lunch.
Bulldog of the Month - Ms. Wyszkowski
Please join us in congratulating RBS Teacher of Special Education Ms. Alexa Wyszkowski as she has been named Bulldog of the Month for October here at RBS. This is Ms. Wyszkowski's first year at RBS, and she is currently serving as in-class support for students in grades 5 and 8. She has already made such an impact on our students, and they are showing excellent growth in the areas in which she supports them. Ms. Wyszkowski has worked hard to get to know the students and staff so that she can best support us. She has taken on the RBS yearbook as well and has already been leading our student members through the process. We're excited to continue to see how Ms. Wyszkowski shines at RBS!
Butler High School - Mr. R. Fitzgerald, Principal Mr. M. Tobin, Asst. Principal Mr. D. Hall, Asst. Principal
As we move deeper into fall and the holiday season approaches, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and involvement in our school community. November is a month of reflection, giving thanks, and preparing for the busy weeks ahead, and we have several important updates to share with you.
November 1 - Delayed Opening Teacher in Service- 9:55 am start time for students
November 5 - BHS MP 1 Ends
November 6 - BHS MP 2 Begins
November 7 and 8 - NJEA Convention Schools Closed
November 15 -BHS Report Cards Posted on Parent Portal at 3:00 pm
November 20 - BHS 8th Grade Parent Night - 6:30 PM -Auditorium
November 22 & 23 - BHS Fall Drama - The Great Gatsby
November 27 - Early Dismissal -12:40 pm - Thanksgiving Holiday
November 28 and 29 - No School Thanksgiving Holiday
November 28 - Booster Club Turkey Trot
Supporting Our Students: As the first marking period winds down, we encourage you to stay engaged with your child’s academic progress. This can be a challenging time for many students, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers or our counseling staff if your child needs extra support. Together, we can ensure that they finish the marking period strong.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to our students’ success. We are grateful to have such a wonderful community at Butler High School, and we look forward to continuing our work together as we head into the winter months.
Wishing you a wonderful November and a Happy Thanksgiving!
We had a great Pink Out Night at Memorial Field where $1100 was raised during the Breast Cancer Awareness Miracle Minute. DECA members, with the help of Interact, ran around collecting as much money as possible in one miracle minute. With added profit from Pink Out shirts, bracelets, and ribbons; the DECA chapter will be donating $1,000 to Bulldog Alumni currently battling breast cancer.
BHS October Bulldog of the Month - Mr. Tyler Wheelwright - Social Studies
Congratulations to Mr. Tyler Wheelwright for receiving the BHS October Bulldog of the Month Award! In the short time since joining BHS, Mr. Wheelwright has made a significant impact on students, colleagues, and the school community. His passion for education, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to student success have set him apart as an exemplary educator.
He demonstrates exceptional ability to engage students in learning. Whether it's through interactive discussions, creative projects, or real-world connections to history and social issues, Mr Wheelwright ensures that every student is involved and motivated to succeed. He has created a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions, fostering critical thinking and open dialogue. We are lucky to have Mr.Wheelwright at Butler High School.
The Butler School District proudly recognized the annual Week of Respect from October 7th through October 11th, embracing a meaningful week focused on kindness, respect, and anti-bullying awareness. Each of our schools participated in engaging activities, including special assemblies, classroom discussions, and school-wide projects, all underscoring the importance of empathy and positive behavior. Together, our students and staff are building a culture of respect and inclusion, making Butler a safe and supportive community for all.
We’re also excited to announce that our ninth-grade students have recently begun their journey with YouScience, an innovative platform that aligns students' natural strengths and interests with potential career paths. Through interactive brain games and targeted aptitude assessments, our students are discovering their unique talents and exploring careers across various fields. We’re confident that YouScience will empower our students to make informed decisions about their future!
Additionally, the Butler School District is committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone. During the third week of October, we recognized School Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week across ADS, RBS, and BHS. Our students participated in activities and discussions centered on peaceful conflict resolution, self-respect, and respect for peers, teachers, and school. On October 23rd, students and staff wore orange to symbolize our unity and shared commitment to a safe, inclusive environment. Thank you to our school community for supporting this important initiative!
Finally, Red Ribbon Week 2024 was a resounding success! This year’s theme, "Life Is a Movie, Film Drug-Free!" encouraged students to see their lives as a story where they are the star, with each choice shaping their future. The District organized a series of engaging activities promoting conversations about staying drug-free and making responsible decisions. To show our collective commitment, students and staff wore red on Wednesday, October 30th, uniting in support of a drug-free future for our children. Thank you to everyone for making Red Ribbon Week so impactful this year!
