Welcome to another fantastic month in the Butler Schools —where every achievement and upcoming event is a reminder of our vibrant, forward-thinking District. We are kicking off the Spring with plenty of reasons to celebrate!

Congratulations to Taylor Peters, our very own North 1 Group 1 State Champ High Jumper, who continues to soar to new heights. In addition, our DECA team has once again made us proud by earning the Gold Certificate for the DECA School Store, making us one of only eight schools in New Jersey to receive this prestigious honor. And if that isn’t enough, the formation of the renewed Butler Municipal Alliance is paving the way for even more opportunities to benefit our students.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for some exciting events:

• Aaron Decker STEAM Night on March 6th – a night of exploration, innovation, and hands-on fun.
• NJGPA Testing at the High School – where our students will showcase their academic prowess.
• SEL Day on March 14th – a day dedicated to social-emotional learning, because we care about the whole student.
• The Spring Musical - The Wedding Singer – get ready for an entertaining evening that will have you laughing, singing, and feeling the Bulldog pride.
• RBS is excited to have over 20 presenters planned for Career Day on March 25. We're grateful to the Butler community for spreading the word and donating their time to our amazing students!
• National Junior Honor Society is bringing back the ever-popular RBS Amazing Race competition on March 31 where students will compete in challenges around the building to crown a champion!

As spring approaches, bringing with it the beauty of blooming flowers and the promise of fresh beginnings, we stand proud to be Bulldogs. Our district may be small, but our spirit is strong. We're not just a community—we're a family that leaps over obstacles (sometimes quite literally, thanks to our champion high jumper) and embraces each new day with genuine care, optimism, and resilience.

Here is to another month of excellence and new beginnings in the best small school district in New Jersey. Go Bulldogs!

Be Well

Dr. J.

District resident students who are enrolled full-time in grades 9–12 at a charter school or an Interdistrict Choice School—including County Academies—are not eligible to participate in Butler High School’s championship athletic programs, regardless of whether the school they are enrolled in offers that sport. This policy is in place to maintain the unity and competitive spirit of our Bulldog teams. We take great pride in our championship athletic programs, and this update ensures that every member of our team shares in our Bulldog Pride. If you want to experience the full thrill of our athletics, we encourage you to remain a part of our high school community and be part of something truly special.

The update to this policy has a similar intent in order to create continuity in our approach that only students enrolled in our district’s schools are eligible to participate in our co-curricular programs. We are proud of the diverse and enriching activities Butler High School offers and want to ensure they remain a special opportunity for our students. While we understand that other schools may or may not offer similar activities, participation in our programs is limited to those who are part of our school community. We invite everyone to join us and experience all that Butler High has to offer.

The 2024-2025 Butler School Calendar included 4 emergency closing days built into the calendar. To date, we have only used one of those emergency closing days, leaving us with 3 days to be scheduled into the calendar.

The revised calendar includes the following dates as school closure days:

• March 24, 2025

• April 11, 2025

• May 27, 2025

In the event that we experience another emergency closing day - or multiple closings - we would make the following adjustments as noted on the calendar:

• One Additional Emergency Closing - we would have school on March 24th

• Second Emergency Closing - we would have school on April 11th

• Third Emergency Closing - we would have school on May 27th

• Any additional Emergency Closing beyond the three still built into the calendar would be taken from Spring Break starting with Friday, April 18th and working backwards as needed

At the February Board of Education meeting, the 2025-2026 school calendar was adopted. The first day of school for students will be September 4, 2025. We have worked to change our teacher in-service days to early dismissal as opposed to delayed openings to accommodate parental feedback. As we have done prior, the calendar includes 4 emergency closing days.

We are excited to continue to share updates on our referendum project, and the progress has been nothing short of excellent. In both the addition and the media center, we have made significant strides with the roof improvements: an opening has been cut for a new RTU unit, a roof curb has been installed, and the new unit has been craned onto the roof. Following this, our team has closed and sealed the area around the rooftop unit, ensuring a secure and efficient installation. Work on installing a second RTU unit is also underway—with the roof curb, deck penetrations, blocking, and flash-in processes already started—demonstrating our commitment to enhancing the school’s functionality. Additionally, the process of infilling floor outlets has started while our electrician has begun conduit runs for data connectivity. Ductwork installation is in full swing, further improving the environment for our students and staff. Additionally, we’re pouring a concrete ramp and completing floor infill at the media center’s floor boxes, which will enhance safety and accessibility. Masonry work, including CMU installation around the building, is ongoing, weather permitting, and every day brings us closer to our goal.

Each of these updates represents our unwavering commitment to making Butler High School a top-tier learning environment - every step of this project is designed to enhance our comprehensive high school experience. We are thrilled to be moving forward with such excellent progress. The anticipation is growing as we edge closer to completion - Thank you for standing with us as we build a brighter future for our Bulldogs!

We have been working to craft the school budget for the 2025-2026 school year, with our goal remaining the continued advancement of the Butler School District, building on our many successes over the past years.

As many may have seen, Governor Murphy’s speech on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, highlighted rising school funding and aid; however, our district—as well as every district across the state—was informed prior to his speech to anticipate a 3% reduction in aid in key areas such as transportation and special education, where costs have soared over the past two years.

In addition, all districts, including Butler, experienced reductions in SEMI funding this year. SEMI (Special Education Medicaid Initiative) is a program in schools where federal Medicaid funds are used to help cover some of the costs of services provided to students with special education needs. We learned of these changes only through the final distribution letters from the NJDOE—a process that left many of us having to call for clarification.

Our fiscal hurdles are not new. Last year, due to home assessment and valuation changes, the Butler School District experienced a reduction of $1 million in state aid. As we planned for this school year, we were already aware that we would need to offset the one-time stabilization aid of $420,000 received last year—a loss that had to be accounted for in our budget planning. Coupled with an additional reduction of over $20,000 in SEMI funding and ongoing price increases, we have taken on the challenge of developing a fiscally responsible budget that will continue to advance our schools.

Despite these obstacles, our commitment to providing the highest quality education for our students is stronger than ever. We remain dedicated to preserving all of our programs, maintaining smaller class sizes, and continuing our full range of activities and athletics—a testament to the pride we take in our accomplishments.

The final school allocation notification for FY26 is set for Thursday, February 27, 2025, and we look forward to presenting our 2025-2026 budget at the March Board of Education meeting. That presentation will be available on our website for everyone to view.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust as we continue to build a bright future for our Bulldog community.

The Butler School District is committed to fostering an environment where every student can grow academically, socially, and emotionally as a caring member of our Bulldog community. To support this vision, we have woven SEL into our daily practices—through programs like Character Strong, Mindful Breaks, targeted professional development for our staff, increased counseling opportunities, and parent institute nights. These initiatives help our students build healthy identities, manage emotions, and form supportive relationships, laying the groundwork for both personal and academic success.

Our annual SEL Week, which kicks off with SEL Day on March 3rd, is a special time to showcase, promote, and advocate for these essential skills. SEL empowers our young people to develop empathy, set and achieve meaningful goals, and make responsible decisions. Research shows that when we nurture these abilities, our students not only thrive in the classroom but also contribute to a more positive and inclusive school climate.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated counselors—with special thanks to Mrs. Molina—and to the local businesses that partner with us each year. Your support is instrumental in helping us lead the way in SEL, and last year’s recognition as one of the nation’s leading SEL programs is a testament to our collective efforts.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration for 2025-2026 school year is now open. Please click on link for more information: 2025 Kindergarten Registration Welcome Letter

ADS 100 Day Celebration

ADS Celebrated 100 days of school on February 12, 2025. Here are some ways we celebrated this special day:

100 Ways to Show We Care Project

As part of our 100th Day of School celebration, Aaron Decker School successfully completed a hygiene supply drive to support our local communities. Students and families generously donated essential items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal care products.Many families in need struggle to afford these everyday essentials, as food assistance programs often do not cover them. These donations go beyond hygiene—they provide confidence, comfort, and a sense of dignity to those who need them most.Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this initiative a success!

ADS Bulldog of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Lillian Faust, ADS Bulldog of the Month!

Ms. Faust’s dedication to her students and teamwork make her an invaluable part of the Aaron Decker School community. As a 4th-grade teacher, she goes above and beyond to create a warm, supportive, and engaging classroom where every student feels valued and motivated to do their best.

Beyond academics, she teaches kindness, empathy, and perseverance, helping students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals. She is also a true team player, always working with colleagues to improve the learning experience for all.

Congratulations, Ms. Faust, on this well-deserved recognition! Your hard work and passion make a lasting impact on your students and the school community.

Upcoming Important Dates at ADS:

March 3-7 - Read Across America Week

March 3-7- SEL Week

March 6 - ADS Literacy/STEAM Night - 6:00pm

March 7 - Delayed Opening - Teacher In-Service 10:00 AM

March 19 -Trimester 2 Grades Posted

March 19-21 - Parent Teacher Conferences; Early Dismissal each of these days-12:10 pm

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!

March is a bustling month at Richard Butler Middle School, with a wide array of events and activities planned to enrich RBS students' educational experiences. We have the Butler School District’s SEL Week, preparations for the TREP$ Marketplace will begin, we’ll hold Career Day and the Amazing Race, and rehearsals and set construction for the RBS drama, Wishful Thinking will continue. Further, Trimester 2 ends on March 14, and Spring Conferences will be March 19-21. Each grade level has a staff member point of contact, so please refer to the RBS Spring Conference Letter that was sent last week for information about how to schedule a conference. For students in special programs, you will receive a reservation form from your child’s teacher. We encourage all of our RBS families to continue to join us in fostering a culture of learning and curiosity as we move through a month filled with inspiration and discovery.

RBS continues to promote literacy and a love of reading with our students. We’ll have a variety of activities for this month’s Read Across America Week. Additionally, we’re excited to partner with Nothing Bundt Cakes for the Books & Bundts Youth Reading Program. The program starts this month and runs through the end of the school year so please encourage your child(ren) to participate! Please contact the RBS main office with any questions.

Additionally, the PTA Scholastic Book Fair is scheduled for March 31-April 4, so please see the flyer for more information.

Richard Butler Middle School is planning a Career Day program for our students on March 25, 2025 from 8-11am. As partners in educating our students, we are asking parents, relatives, and community members to volunteer their time and present to our future leaders. We are looking for volunteers from a variety of occupations who are interested in sharing the tasks of their job, the preparation needed to achieve their career, and how content and skills taught in grades 5-8 are relevant within their line of work. Each volunteer will be assigned a table, and students will participate in a gallery walk to gain information from each presenter. Please complete this form if you’re interested in volunteering.

RBS National Junior Honor Society is excited to hold the Amazing Race once again! Teams will compete against each other by playing fun, fast-paced games and will receive points at the end of each activity. Then, teams will be given an envelope with a clue for the next challenge. The winning team will have earned the most points throughout the event!

Congratulations to the newest inductees of the Bulldog Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society! These outstanding students were recognized for their excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship during a special ceremony held in the RBS All Purpose Room. Families, staff, and peers gathered to celebrate their achievements as they took the NJHS pledge and received their official membership certificates. The event featured inspiring speeches from school leaders and current NJHS members, highlighting the importance of service and academic dedication. We are incredibly proud of these students and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in our school and community!

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. Happy Spring, Bulldogs!

As we step into March, Butler High School is buzzing with excitement! With spring on the horizon, our students are gearing up for a season filled with academic challenges, athletic competitions, and school-wide events. This month brings important milestones, from upcoming exams to the start of a new sports season, along with opportunities for community involvement and personal growth. Stay tuned for all the latest updates, and let’s make March a month to remember!

Important Dates:

• February 27 - Access Testing Begins

• March 3 - 7 BPS SEL Week

• March 4 - College Fair 9:50 - 11:00

• March 4 - BHS PEER to ADS for Read Across America Week

• March 7 - Delayed Opening Teacher In-Service

• March 8 - SAT @ BHS @ 7:30AM

• March 10 -14 BHS 11th Grade NJGPA Testing

• March 11 - BHS Pops Concert - 7 pm

• March 21-23 - BHS Spring Musical

• March 27 -10th and 11th Grade College Planning Night 6:30 pm

• March 31 - End of MP 3 BHS

Important Testing Information

• March 10 -14th - NJGPA 11th Grade Testing - See link below:

BHS NJGPA Parent Letter 2025 (11th Graders)

Shout outs:

• Once again, our BHS PEER Leaders will be reading with our friends at ADS for Read Across America Week! They look forward to visiting each classroom to read stories and share their love of reading!

Mrs. Reda’s Honor’s Psychology classes completed a successful unit project on Child Development over the past couple of weeks.

Senior - Haley Ferrier

Junior - Anthony Boudaher

Sophomore - Niki Torres

Freshmen - Trinity Pang

Congratulations to BHS 2nd MP “Top Dawgs” (Students of the MP in specific subject area)

Congratulations to Butler High School’s 2025 “Unsung Heroes”

Come see our Pop’s Concert on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 7:00 pm where BHS choirs will be singing as well as a surprise performance by some very special people!

Bulldog Bulletin Spring 25.pdf

Brandon’s Heart & Sole Foundation!

All socks will be sent directly to homeless shelters in New Jersey communities and beyond, providing warmth and comfort to those in need.

📍 Drop-off Locations: Collection bins are available at all three Butler Schools.
📅 Donate by: March 28th

Congratulations to Natalie Roszkowski, Nate Martinka, and Alex Cardell for successfully auditioning and being accepted into the North Jersey Area Band for 2025! The concert was held at Mount Olive HS on January 11.

The Award Winning Butler High School Marching Band is getting ready for the Fall 2025 Season! If your child is interested in participating in the Band, Color Guard, Drum Line, or Front Ensemble, please email Ms. Lowndes: llowndes@butlerboe.org

Come see The Wedding Singer Musical on March 21st & March 22nd at 7pm and March 23rd at 2 pm. Tickets can be purchased by using the link below.

https://www.showtix4u.com/event

10th and 11th grade parents: Join us on March 27th for a college and career planning presentation hosted by BHS school counselors Mrs. Maurer and Mrs. Urbina.

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

Athletics Twitter @bhsbulldogsnj

Athletics Instagram @bhsathletics1

BHS Counseling Instagram @butlerhscounseling

BHS SAC @mstagariello

BHS Band @butlerhsbands

BHS Marching Band @butlerhsmarchingband

Congratulations to Brandon Trujillo - Butler's District 3 Champ!

Congratulations to Taylor Peters and Anna Totyik for placing 1st and 4th in the high jump. And Taylor for placing 4th in the 55 hurdles.🏅💙💛

Congratulations to Butler’s representative for National Girls and Women in Sports Day Emily Costello!

Congratulations to our bowling team for winning the NJIC Colonial Division this year!

Congratulations to PJ Coffey for scoring his 1000th point in boys basketball

March is National Nutrition Month—a perfect time to refocus on healthy habits that nourish both body and mind. We are excited to share some tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

Kickstart your day with a nutritious breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, and a colorful mix of fruits and vegetables. A well-rounded meal not only fuels you for the day ahead but sets the tone for making healthy choices.

Remember, healthy snacks can keep your energy levels steady between meals. Look for a combination of foods—think fruit with a handful of nuts or yogurt with granola—to give you a balanced boost of nutrients when you need it most.

Regular physical activity is key to overall wellness. Children and teens should aim for 60 minutes or more of exercise per day, while adults should target at least two and a half hours each week. Whether it’s a post-dinner walk, a spontaneous dance session at home, or any exercise that fits into your day, every bit counts!

Staying hydrated is also essential, especially if you’re active. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day to ensure you’re getting plenty of fluids.

Lastly, consider making mealtime a family affair. Set regular meal times, turn off the TV and devices, and use that time to connect with one another. Involve your kids in meal planning and cooking—it's a fun way to teach them about good nutrition and create lasting memories.

Here’s to a month of healthy habits and shared moments. Let’s make National Nutrition Month a celebration of vibrant living for all our Bulldogs!

• March 4 - BHS Peer to ADS Read Across America

• March 4 - College Fair 9:50 - 11:00

• March 6 -ADS STEAM/Literacy Night 6:00 pm

• March 7 - Delayed Opening Teacher In-Service

• March 8 - SAT @ BHS @ 7:30AM

• March 10 - 14 BHS 11th Grade NJGPA Testing

• March 11 - BHS Pops Concert - 7:00 pm

• March 14 - End of Trimester 2 ADS/RBS (62 days)

• March 17- Beginning of Trimester 3 ADS/RBS

• March 19 - ADS/RBS Trimester 2 Grades Posted

• March 20 - BOE Meeting - Budget Presentation

• March 19-21- Parent/Teacher Conferences ADS/RBS

• March 21-23 - BHS Spring Musical

• March 25 - RBS Career Day

• March 27 -10th and 11th Grade College Planning Night 6:30pm

• March 28 - RBS Career Day SNOW DATE

• March 31 - RBS Amazing Race

• March 31 - End of MP 3 BHS

• March 31-April 4 - RBS Scholastic Book Fair (PTA)