8th Grade Newsletter November 2024

Please feel free to reach out to any Grade 8 Team member with questions. Thank you!

Q1 Report Cards will be available in the Aspen portal on Wednesday November 13th.

Please make sure to sign into the Aspen portal to view the progress report on this date. If you are having trouble with your Aspen login or need some support on accessing the Progress Report, please reach out one of the 8th grade teachers.

Please note: Students should be checking Aspen on a regular basis to review progress throughout the quarter in each class. We will be working with students during classes this week to help them reset passwords and to make sure they can access their Aspen accounts.

Parent Conferences will be held on Thursday November 14th from 5:00 - 7:00pm.

Here is the link to sign up for a conference: https://signup.com/go/NakvfdE

All conferences will be scheduled for a 10 minute time slot. We look forward to meeting with you!

The Q1 Grade 8 Awards Assembly will be held on November 21st at 10:00am. All families are welcome to attend.

Students who have Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and Perfect Attendance will be recognized at this time. There will also be special recognition for Academic Awards, Allied Arts Awards, and Citizenship Awards.

If your child will be receiving a special recognition, someone from the team will reach out to let you know!

Students have also learned about one more type of transformation called a dilation. They are tying into their 7th grade work of scale factors to see how enlarging and reducing figures also affects the coordinates of a figure.

November is a deep dive into the government of the United States in Civics class. With the results of the election rolling in, we will be examining the impact of the vote and what comes next for America. We will also be looking back to the Foundations of Democracy and consider how and why the 13 Colonies decided to fight for Independence.

We will be taking a look at influential documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation as well as examining the creation of the United States and its government.

Start next week we’ll switch gears to work on Central Ideas and review themes from throughout the novel.

These past few weeks have been a blast getting back to teaching after being on maternity leave. We kicked off by reviewing Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, which is a method of writing scientific responses.

We then transitioned into learning about chemical reactions by learning about what makes a bath bomb fizz. We will continue to learn about what is in the bath bomb, what gas is being released from the bath bomb, and how new substances can be created from older ones.

At the start of the school year, all students were given an agenda book. The agenda book has calendar pages, pages to keep track of homework and daily assignments, as well as many resources available to students.

All 8th graders are expected to be using their school agenda books daily for tracking homework assignments, projects, assessments, and grade progress.

We are making it part of our practice to have all students write down homework at the end of each class period. When there is no assigned homework, students should be writing "no homework" in that class section. Please ask your student to see their agenda to help support the classroom teachers in making this happen.

We encourage families to pack and promote healthy snacks and drinks to support our students' health and academic success. Research shows that certain foods and beverages can impact brain development and overall well-being. To help our students stay focused and energized, we ask that you discourage your child from bringing caffeinated or high-sugar items to school, such as soda, energy drinks, coffee, and large servings of sugary drinks. Processed and "junk" foods are also highly discouraged.

Please partner with us by talking with your child about bringing nutritious snacks, which will help them make the most of their learning experience. For clarity, the following items will be confiscated & discarded if brought to school:

• Oversized bags of chips
• Bags of candy
• Large, sugary drinks (e.g., Arizona tea, soda)
• Any share-sized portions of unhealthy snacks

Thank you for your support in helping us create a healthier school environment for all students.

The Butler Administration Team

Please see the School calendar for other important dates and events!

• Tues., November 5th: NO SCHOOL (Election Day)
• Mon., November 11th: NO SCHOOL (Veterans' Day)
• Thurs., November 14th: PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES (5-7pm)
• Wed., November 27th: Early Release (Thanksgiving Recess)
• Thurs., November 28th: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Day)
• Fri., November 29th: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Recess)
• Wed., December 4th: Early Release (dismissal at 12:50)

Family Math Night is an event where parents can learn helpful strategies to support their children’s math learning at home. Through engaging activities, parents will also gain insight into what students are working on in the classroom and discover ways to make math fun and accessible for the whole family. Join us to connect, learn, and support your child’s mathematical journey!

Each month, one 8th grader will be chosen from each homeroom to be out Students of the Month. These are students who represents the Butler core values, follows the PBIS school-wide expectations, and/or is making good choices during the month.

Below are the students who were chosen for October. Students pictures will be posted outside the library to celebrate this accomplishment!

Homeroom 227: Arianna Sun

You consistently bring a positive attitude to classwork and to our school community. You work to help those around you both in and out of class. It’s clear you’re a leader in our community. We appreciate you!

Homeroom 229: Anna Clara De Oliveira

We notice the effort you put into everything you do. You are conscientious and always strive to do your best. You elevate your classroom community each and everyday. We appreciate you!

Homeroom 230: Yizara Avila

You’re a driven student that consistently shows those around you what it means to be a Butler Bulldog. You stay focused, on task, and continue to work toward excellence daily. We appreciate you!

Homeroom 236: Skyla Morse

Your attitude toward classwork and our school community is commendable. You work to make sure that the class is running smoothly and that we are all working to our potential. We appreciate you!

Homeroom 236: Fabian Yaguachi

Fabian exerts 100% effort into his work everyday. His drive to do more and do better inspires other students to do the same. He's an amazing helper to his peers and his teacher and brings his positive attitude everyday to his learning. We appreciate YOU!

Homeroom 237: Nia Suong

You serve as a role model to your peers. Not only are you rocking it in all of your classes, you are also an example to those around you of the standard they should all be working toward. We appreciate you!

Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Students visited the Greater Lowell Tech on Friday October 25th. Students were able to hear information about the school as well as visit some of the shops they have to offer.

If your student is interested in attending Greater Lowell Tech and has not applied yet, you can find the application at this link: https://www.gltech.org/domain/41

Applications are due February 1, 2023, in order to be considered for initial acceptance.

There will also be an Open House for all families of incoming 8th graders on Thursday December 12th from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

Tour New Lowell High School Facilities Meet 9th Grade & LHS Campus Faculty Learn About Academic & Extracurricular Programming

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 50 Fr. Morissette Blvd., Lowell, MA

5 p.m. - 6:30 : 00 p.m.

Here is the link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc25_A7vG85pY8FHCPRgtFhF0DYaI1ew0de-JXog5SVEnAyyA/viewform?pli=1

For questions related to the event please contact AGobbi@lowell.k12.ma.us

The Lowell Latin Lyceum is an academically challenging, four-year, college preparatory program within Lowell High School. Students gain admission through an entrance exam, teacher recommendation, entrance application and essay, and their academic transcripts. The Latin Lyceum challenges students in an intellectually stimulating environment that emphasizes instruction through traditional models of a humanistic education, whether directed toward the liberal arts, mathematics, science, or the fine arts. All courses in the Lyceum are offered at the Honors, High Honors or Advanced Placement level,

Applications for the lyceum can be found here: https://forms.gle/qewD1s9s4LXP7Akr6

Application forms and teacher recommendations must be submitted by December 15, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. Students will also have to take an admissions test that will take place sometime in December.

Help sessions with high school applications

The guidance counselor will be offering help with high school applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Oct. in the Library. Students may drop in for a help session and/or reach out to Mrs. Luongo to schedule.

Sessions will be offered on 10/29, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/19, 11/21, 11/26 from 3-4:00 pm

The Butler School Social Workers have opportunities through the school year to assist parents with providing food for their families. Such as, Friday afternoon groceries sent home with the children, holiday meals and other opportunities that develop over the year. If this would be helpful to your family please email or call.

Kadeen Healy

Butler School Social Worker

Khealy@lowell.k12.ma.us

978-937-8973 ext. 46817"

Attendance Updates:

The grade level Social Workers are responsible for ALL attendance matters. Please make sure to call to report your student absent each time they are not in school. Grades 5 & 6 should call Ms. Healy x46817 and Grades 7 & 8 Ms. Casey x46866.

There are no quarantine requirements for COVID anymore. This is treated like all other illnesses now. Once the student is fever free for 24 hours and not vomiting, they should return to school. Dental appointments will not excuse a full day absence, unless it is dental surgery.

Please call ahead if you are planning to take a family vacation during the school year. Also, please inform us if you are moving. We need to confirm enrollment in the new school before we remove your student from our school.

Students that have had 10% or more unexcused absences will be expected to attend our Saturday School attendance recovery program to make up the missed time on learning. Students will receive a formal letter inviting them to this program.

Holiday Gift Giving:

Community Teamwork Sun Santa Fund - apply online first week in November

Applications will be taken starting Sunday, November 1. The full name and date of birth of each child 16 & under is required. Applicants will self-certify their information. Due to COVID-19, no hard copy/upload documents will be required.
Questions? Contact Christine DeFeo: Send an email.

Salvation Army Sun Santa Fund - apply online beginning October
Applications will be taken until capacity is reached
Must have the following items to upload: birth certificates for children age 16 and younger (or guardianship papers), photo id for parent or guardian, proof of address, and a valid email address. No bikes or electronics. For families of 2 or more.
Questions? Contact Diane James 978-458-3396 or Send an email

Community Teamwork Toys for Tots

Families who are current clients of Community Teamwork may apply for Toys for Tots through Community Teamwork. Applications for Toys for Tots will be available online only November 1st through November 8th 2024. Please see the attached flyer below for more info.

Please note that for Sun Santa Fund you can only apply through ONE agency. Only one person for each family can apply. Any family applying through more than one agency will not be eligible. Toy vouchers will be available for children through age 16. Children over age 16 are not eligible.

Math Teachers:

Mrs. Guerriero aguerriero@lowell.k12.ma.us

Mrs. Pappalardo cpappalardo@lowell.k12.ma.us

ELA Teachers:

Ms. Leire jleire@lowell.k12.ma.us

Ms. Sayles jsayles@lowell.k12.ma.us

Science Teacher:

Mrs. Cabrera alcabrera@lowell.k12.ma.us

Social Studies Teacher:

Mr. King aking@lowell.k12.ma.us

Special Education Teachers:

Ms. Loughlin aloughlin@lowell.k12.ma.us

Mrs. St. Louis kstlouis@lowell.k12.ma.us

Mr. Gibson kgibson@lowell.k12.ma.us

Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/butler
Location: 1140 Gorham Street, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: 978-937-8973