December 2024 Community Newsletter

November 20th, 2024

Let's wrap up the year with warmth, wonder, and a shared love of being a Bulldog

Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s):

Happy December! As we welcome the final month of 2024, it seems a perfect time to reflect on and celebrate the incredible accomplishments that have made this year one of success and progress in the Butler School District. Together, we have achieved milestones that showcase our commitment to excellence and the continued growth of our students, staff, and community.

Here are just a few highlights:

Richard Butler Middle School earned recognition as a School to Watch by the State of New Jersey, becoming only the 13th school in the state to receive this prestigious designation.
Butler High School opened its state-of-the-art I-Lab Robotics Lab, a collaborative achievement made possible through our partnership with the BBEA, fulfilling our vision for K-12 STEAM education and computer coding.
Aaron Decker Elementary School upheld its status as a National School of Character, celebrating its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.
Richard Butler Middle School and Butler High School were proudly listed among US News and World Report's Best Schools.
Expanded opportunities for concurrent enrollment at Butler High School, offering students college-credit courses through partnerships with Montclair State University and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Recognition of the Butler School District as a Best School District for Music Education by NAMM.
Introduction of exciting new co-curricular options across the district, including our Robotics Team, Math League, Debate Club, AV and Light Crew, and Lego Mindstorms.
Enhanced elective offerings at Richard Butler Middle School to provide students with greater opportunities for exploration and learning.
14% of BHS's graduating class were honored as AP Scholars, a testament to their hard work and achievement.
Expansion of AP course offerings at BHS, giving students access to 12 Advanced Placement courses.

Additionally, with the partnership and support of our staff and community, we successfully passed a vital referendum. This will allow us to address critical safety, operational, and facility needs, ensuring that future generations of Bulldogs have the resources to thrive in an exceptional learning environment.

Over the summer, we completed several key projects, further strengthening our district for the year ahead:

Visitor Vestibules

We are proud to share that we have enhanced security measures at Richard Butler Middle School and Aaron Decker Elementary School by installing visitor vestibules. These secure entry points provide a more efficient and controlled system for managing visitors, ensuring an added layer of safety for our students, staff, and community.

Additionally, we have expanded our security team by adding a third RPO Security Staff member to the district. These proactive measures reflect our unwavering commitment to creating a safe and secure learning environment for all members of the Bulldog community.

RBS and BHS Locker Updates

We are proud to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive locker upgrade in both Richard Butler Middle School and Butler High School. This project addressed longstanding issues, including outdated, improperly functioning locks, inadequate sizes, and disrepair, which had rendered the lockers virtually unusable for students. Over the summer, we replaced all student lockers, ensuring they are now secure, functional, and spacious. These updates have had an immediate positive impact, as students no longer need to carry all their belongings throughout the day and now have a reliable and secure place to store their personal items. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to providing practical solutions that enhance the daily experience for our students.

Restroom Updates

We are pleased to announce the successful remodeling of restrooms at both Richard Butler Middle School and Butler High School, ensuring they are now fully ADA compliant and accessible to all members of our learning community. This important project reflects our commitment to inclusivity and equal access for every student, staff member, and visitor.

In addition to meeting ADA standards, we have also updated all fixtures and lighting, addressing long-standing concerns and enhancing the overall functionality and comfort of these vital areas. These improvements are a testament to our dedication to providing a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all.

Parent Drop Off and Pick Up Lane

We are proud of the completion of the Aaron Decker Elementary School Drop-Off Lane, which has been in use since the start of the school year. This newly constructed lane significantly enhances safety and security for our students, staff, and families. It effectively addressed the previously hazardous blind turn and unsafe driving practices in front of ADS, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing the potential for accidents.

The addition of this drop-off lane has not only improved safety but has also streamlined the process for drop-off and pick-up, allowing for a more efficient and organized experience for everyone. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure and well-managed environment for all members of the Butler community.

Butler High School Gymnasium

We are proud to announce the completion of the Butler High School gymnasium upgrades, a significant project that enhances both safety and accessibility for our students, staff, and community. As part of this renovation, we addressed several key concerns to ensure that the gym meets modern standards for safety and ADA compliance.

The project included the installation of new wall mats for added protection, the replacement of outdated flooring with new, safe materials, and the installation of ADA-compliant bleachers to accommodate all individuals. In addition, we upgraded the electrical system, introduced new equipment, and installed stanchions to improve functionality and organization.

These improvements not only make the gym safer but also more accessible for everyone who wants to support our Bulldogs. This project is a testament to our commitment to creating an inclusive, secure, and welcoming environment for all members of the Butler community, as we continue to foster a culture of pride and excellence in all that we do.

Butler High School Addition

As many of you have seen, our most significant undertaking—the addition at Butler High School—continues to make steady progress. This ambitious 12-16 month project has been met with challenges, largely due to the age of the existing facilities. However, we have remained committed to addressing these issues thoroughly, particularly with respect to the campus's plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, before moving forward with any new construction.

In the coming weeks, you will begin to see the steel framework go up, marking the next phase of the project. This addition will connect the previously separate buildings on campus, enhancing both the safety and operation of the high school. Once completed, students will no longer need to leave the building to move between areas, ensuring secure, streamlined travel. Additionally, we are creating a centralized, easily identifiable front entrance, which will help limit unnecessary movement within the school and further increase safety for all students and staff.

This expansion is not just about convenience—it’s about securing the future of Butler High School. As part of this project, we will be addressing crucial areas such as windows, HVAC systems, and making important updates to the media center and auditorium to better serve our community’s needs.

Security has been a longstanding concern at the high school, one that has been discussed for years, even before I joined the district. From fencing to limiting student movement, solutions have been explored, but it is only through strong collaboration with our community that we are now able to implement the most secure and effective solution. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made and cannot wait to share the final result with everyone. This addition will truly transform the campus!

These accomplishments are a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and pride of our entire Butler learning community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our students and schools. Let’s finish 2024 strong and look ahead to even greater success in the year to come!

Be Well!
Dr. J

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

The Great Gatsby

Our Fall Drama production, The Great Gatsby, was a tremendous production. Our Bulldogs definitely demonstrated why the Arts are such an important part of our overall program, as well as why we are so proud of the successes within that area!

Cheerleaders Win!

The Cheerleading Squad took home two first place trophies this past fall for their routine. Their hard work paid off!

Wreaths Across America

Boys soccer and field hockey joined together this morning serving breakfast for the Wreaths Across America fundraiser. A fun morning helping out for a great cause

8th Grade Parent Night

BHS recently welcomed parents from Butler and Bloomingdale to Butler High School to learn more about the great educational program, exemplary co- and extra-curricular activities, and positive, nurturing school climate.

School Attendance

As part of our ongoing commitment to student success, the Butler School District is actively working to address the challenges surrounding chronic absenteeism in alignment with New Jersey’s state-wide mandate for all public schools to do so.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason (excused or unexcused). Chronic absenteeism can significantly impact a student’s academic achievement and long-term success.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular school attendance is a critical factor in ensuring students achieve their full potential. Research has shown that:

Chronic absenteeism in early grades can lead to difficulty mastering reading and foundational skills.
Middle school absences often correlate with struggles in staying on track for high school success.
High school attendance impacts graduation rates and future college or career readiness.

To place it in clearer context, while missing a day of school on occasion may not seem like much, over time, those absences may add up. In example:

An elementary student who misses two days of school a month

will miss 20 days a year
will miss 30 hours of math instruction over the course of one year
will miss 60 hours of reading and writing over the school year
will miss over 1 full year of instruction by the time they are set to graduate

It is important to note, that children who are taught accountability for regular attendance at school develop essential life skills that are foundational for future success in college, work, and their personal lives. These include:

Responsibility

They develop an understanding of obligation
They learn time management

Self-Discipline

They develop the ability to build a routine to help structure their lives
They learn rigor and how to overcome challenges

Resilience

Children learn to deal with adversity
They develop a commitment for improvement

Goal-Oriented Behaviors

They learn how to set goals and achieve milestones
They develop an understanding of accountability

Professionalism

They develop positive skills in preparation for the workplace
They come to understand how to a build positive reputation

Prioritization and Commitment

Students learn to balance priorities
They develop a commitment to success

Our Goals

To support our students, the Butler School District is committed to:

Raising Awareness: Helping families understand the importance of attendance and the effects of chronic absenteeism.
Identifying Barriers: Working collaboratively to address challenges that may prevent students from attending school, such as transportation, health concerns, or family responsibilities.
Fostering a Supportive Environment: Ensuring that schools are welcoming, safe, and engaging for every student.

How We’re Taking Action

Enhanced Communication: Families will receive regular updates on their child’s attendance patterns, as well as tips and resources for improving attendance. Please be certain to log into your parent portal at least once weekly to check for this communication, along with other important information.
Intervention Plans: If a student’s attendance begins to show signs of concern, our counseling staff will work with families to develop a plan to support consistent attendance as part of our RtI efforts.
Family Partnerships: We want to partner with our families in an effort to demonstrate the importance of attendance at school for all children. We encourage you to attend school events, be a part of the PTA, volunteer to help strengthen connections with your child's school(s). Our schools are also ready to assist whenever/wherever we can by connecting families with local organizations that offer resources for counseling, food programs, and the like.

How You Can Help at Home?

We are asking families to:

Prioritize Attendance:

Schedule appointments and vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.
Set attendance goals with your child and track their progress on a calendar at home
Help your child get a good night's sleep

Communicate Early: Let your child’s school know about any issues affecting attendance so that we can work together to find solutions.

If your child has a chronic health concern, such as asthma, allergies, seizures, etc., work with our school nurses to develop a health plan that we can partner with you on
If your child seems anxious about attending school, talk to teachers or school counselors for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning

Stay Engaged: Celebrate progress and achievements in attendance to help reinforce its importance for your child.
Be Informed: Certain absences are considered excused by the State of New Jersey:

Religious Observance
College Visitation - up to 3 days for grades 11 and 12
Take Your Child To Work Day
Participation in Veteran’s Day Observance
Attendance at a Civic Event - one day for grades 6-12 with specific requirements

If your child attends an event listed above, please let the school know so that we can log it

correctly in our system.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering a culture of achievement and engagement in the Butler School District.

Below, I encourage you to watch a conversation between myself and Dr. Portas, the Superintendent of the Pequannock School District regarding this topic.

Staff Spotlight

GOVERNOR'S EDUCATOR AND EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our educators who have been recognized as this year’s New Jersey Governor’s Educator of the Year (GEOY) Award winners! This prestigious honor highlights educators who have gone above and beyond to positively impact the lives of students, families, and the school community.

Ms. A. Kreisinger - Kindergarten Teacher, Aaron Decker School

Congratulations to Ms. Allison Kreisinger for being Aaron Decker School’s recipient of the Governor’s Educator of the Year award! This honor recognizes her dedication to our Kindergarten students and her tireless efforts to create engaging and impactful learning experiences. Ms. Kreisinger has created a positive learning environment where her students are actively engaged in meaningful activities, displaying happiness, excitement, and an eagerness to learn. She goes above and beyond, often staying after school to plan, prepare, and support her students, ensuring their success and well-being. Beyond her classroom, Ms. Kreisinger’s commitment to teamwork and her contributions across the school community make her an invaluable asset to Aaron Decker School. Her passion, creativity, and dedication to education continue to have a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the entire school. Congratulations again to Ms. Kreisinger on this well-deserved recognition!

Mrs. K. Lomascola - School Nurse, Aaron Decker School

Congratulations to Mrs. Karen Lomascola for being Aaron Decker School’s recipient of the Educational Service Professional of the Year award. As the school nurse at Aaron Decker School, Mrs. Lomascola goes above and beyond to ensure the health and well-being of every student. Whether treating everyday scrapes or managing complex health needs, she does so with kindness, professionalism, and a calm demeanor. Her warm and approachable nature creates a safe environment where students feel comfortable and supported. Mrs. Lomascola takes the lead in health education, performs medical screenings for all students, and provides invaluable support during crises and medical emergencies. She consistently puts students' needs first, forming meaningful connections with every child in the building. Her care and compassion extend to staff members as well, making her a vital part of our school community and truly deserving of this honor. Congratulations again to Mrs. Lomascola on this well-deserved recognition!

Mr. J. Kurpick - English Language Arts Teacher - Richard Butler Middle School

Mr. Kurpick is being honored as this year's Educator of the Year at Richard Butler Middle School. Mr. Kurpick is an exemplary teacher, coach, mentor, colleague as he shows immense dedication to the field of education. Mr. Kurpick has a distinct ability to make learning the challenging skills and content of the language arts accessible to all students. Mr. Kurpick is creative and innovative in his teaching methods, ensuring to think of novel ways to engage his students. Most of all, Mr. Kurpick has a massive heart for kids as evidenced by his patience, persistence, and kindness. He serves as a role model for students so much so that they consistently come back for support after they are no longer in his classes. Mr. Kurpick is an invaluable part of the RBS community, consistently working to support both students and colleagues. His dedication to fostering a positive learning environment inspires everyone around him. Through his hard work, compassion, and leadership, Mr. Kurpick makes a lasting impact that strengthens the entire school community. Congratulations, Mr. Kurpick!

Mr. J. Fischer - School Counselor, Richard Butler Middle School

Mr. Fischer has received the Education Service Professional award this year for Richard Butler Middle School. Mr. Fischer's commitment to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being has positively influenced a safe and nurturing environment at RBS where every student feels valued and heard. His ability to listen, empathize, and provide guidance to students has made a lasting impact on countless young lives. Whether it's leading the drumroll as students spin the wheel to recognize Students of the Month or pulling tickets for Caught Being Kind Challenges, Mr. Fischer brings enthusiasm and joy to the middle school. Mr. Fischer excels at collaborating with teachers and parents, and this has strengthened communication and built a support network that helps RBS students thrive. Mr. Fischer is a true team player as he is willing to assist in any way he can to support his colleagues to ensure all students are successful. Congratulations, Mr. Fischer!

Sr. M. Penilla - Spanish Teacher, Butler High School

Since 2009, Mr. Mauricio Penilla has dedicated over 15 years to teaching Spanish. He graduated with a degree in Finance and Business in his native country, Colombia. In 2007, he became a teacher's aide for a special education student, and that experience sparked his passion for education.

Over the years, Mr. Penilla has worked in several school districts. He became an AP Spanish Language and Culture instructor in 2016 after completing his training at Fordham University in New York City. He has excelled at teaching AP-level students, achieving higher scores and promoting an appreciation for the Spanish language and culture.

Mr. Penilla is deeply committed to his students and his classes at BHS. He believes in fostering effort, commitment, respect, and a sense of community within the classroom, ensuring that every student feels comfortable and valued. Mr. Penilla encourages his students to never give up on their dreams and to be role models and essential community members.

What truly sets Mr. Penilla apart is his ability to connect with students of all backgrounds and inspire them to excel. He has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to fostering language proficiency, cultural awareness, and global citizenship among our students.

He establishes a strong rapport with his students. He cultivates a love for learning by introducing them to various aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures, including food, dance, entertainment, and places of interest. Mr. Penilla utilizes authentic resources in his lessons, allowing students to engage and practice their communicative skills in the target language. His positive attitude and good spirit bring warmth to our district.

Additionally, Mr. Penilla is always available to help and support his colleagues, serving as a translator during meetings with guidance and the administration at BHS. He finds the time to address any concerns that his students have and is always supports them in their personal journeys

In his free time, Mr. Penilla enjoys traveling with his wife to different countries to explore various customs and traditions. He also loves watching soccer games and enjoying a good movie with his wife, Martha. For all he does for Butler and its students, we are proud to spotlight Mr. Penilla!

Mrs. L. Urbina - School Counselor, Butler High School

Mrs. Lisa Urbina has been a valuable member of our Butler School Counseling Department for 5 years. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in School Counseling from Villanova University, adding complimentary counseling certifications from Montclair State University throughout the years. In her 14 years as a high school counselor, she has dedicated herself to helping students feel heard and understood, allowing them to reach whatever goals they have set for themselves. While no two students experience high school the same way, there is a common thread of wanting to be validated, and Mrs. Urbina works hard to meet each student where they are with their academic, career, interpersonal, and social-emotional needs. She knows the best way to support students is through a collaborative relationship with students, parents, teachers, administrators and support staff, so she can often be found throughout the buildings working on one matter or another.

Mrs. Urbina is also a tireless advocate for mental health awareness and has implemented initiatives such as workshops and activities for our students during lunch. She works well with our counseling, CST team in making key decisions in granting our students access to the resources they need to thrive.

Mrs. Urbina embodies the essence of an exemplary educational service professional through her unwavering commitment to our students’ well-being and success.

In addition to her counseling responsibilities. Mrs. Urbina is currently Butler High School’s AP Coordinator, RTI Coordinator and NHS Advisor. She coordinates the HOBY Award and assists with the Unsung Hero and Morris County Caring Award.

Outside of school, Mrs. Urbina enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, primarily chasing the kids from one activity to the next, before finding time to either watch Friends reruns (again), or watch Big East college basketball, specifically the Villanova Wildcats!

The GEOY program reminds us of the collective effort that drives success in our schools. While we celebrate these individuals, we also be remiss if we did not acknowledge the entire Butler staff, whose teamwork and dedication create an environment where excellence can flourish. Together, we are building a bright future for our students and our community.

Winter Recess

The Butler Schools will be closed from December 23rd through January 1st for the Winter Recess. This time of year provides an invaluable opportunity for our entire school community—students, staff, and families alike—to spend quality time with loved ones and engage in holiday celebrations. It is also a much-needed moment for all to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the second half of the school year.

During this break, we ask for your understanding as our teachers, administrators, and staff will be away from email and other work-related communications. We recognize the importance of this time for them to rest and rejuvenate, and we greatly appreciate your patience.

Please note that any messages sent during this period will be addressed upon our return in the new year.

On behalf of the entire Butler Schools community, we wish all our Bulldog Family a joyful and restful holiday season.

Curriculum Corner

Reading At Home

As many of you may already know, prior to becoming an administrator, I was an English teacher. I have always had a deep love for reading, and that love remains to this day. Over the summer, it is not unusual for me to read ten to fifteen books. During the school months, I try to always have at least one book that I read - often two. My bride is also a teacher - third grade in the Jefferson School District. As such, we worked to read to our two sons at an early age, and, as they grew, we continued to read to them and eventually read with them. My son and I will work, at times, to still read the same books so we can talk about them and share what we loved about them.

Research has consistently demonstrated that reading to or with your children has a profound and positive impact on their development across several areas. These benefits include, but are not limited to: cognitive, emotional, social, and academic growth. Below is a brief listing of what research has shown to be the benefits of this great activity you can do at home:

Cognitive Benefits:

Reading with your children may help them develop strong language skills, expanding their vocabulary by exposing them to a wide range of words
Reading to your children benefits them as they learn to understand sentence structure and word usage, enhancing their own communication abilities
Reading aloud to children introduces them to the sounds of language, a critical precursor to reading on their own
As you read with your children, you can ask them questions that encourage them to make predictions, infer meaning, and analyze stories, strengthening their critical thinking abilities
Books are a great way to introduce students to scenarios that require them to problem-solve by thinking through challenges and solutions.

Social/Emotional Benefits:

Reading together fosters a sense of closeness and strengthens the emotional bond between parents and children, contributing to a secure attachment.
Stories expose children to diverse characters and situations, helping them understand and empathize with others
As you read with them, discussing different character's feelings help children identify and manage their own emotions

Academic Achievement

Children who are read to regularly are more likely to enter school with advanced pre-literacy skills, giving them a strong foundation for academic success
Research indicates that students who were read to regularly achieve higher scores in reading, writing, and math as they progress through school
Early exposure to books can spark a lifelong interest in reading, which is tied to academic and professional success

News From Our Schools

Aaron Decker Elementary School - Mr. J. Manco, Principal

November was a very exciting month for the Aaron Decker students and staff:

ADS students and families participated in a food drive for Thanksgiving. Donations were made to a local food pantry. Thank you!
ADS once again supported the BBCO’s Annual toy drive by collecting Gift Cards. Not only are the gift cards given to children and families as gifts, they are used to fill in the gaps to purchase toys that may be needed. Thank you!

Trail of Thanks - We would like to thank everyone who participated in Aaron Decker School's "Trail of Thanks" in honor of our Veterans. With the contributions that we received, we will be able to make a donation to Wreaths Across America. Please click on the link to see many of our Veterans connected to the Aaron Decker School Community. 2024 ADS Veterans Day

ADS Governor’s Educator of the Year and Educational Service Professional of the Year Recipients

Each year the New Jersey Department of Education celebrates educators and educational specialists throughout the state with the Governor’s Educator of the Year Awards and Educational Service Professional of the Year Awards.

This year we are proud to announce that the following teachers are the recipients of this prestigious award:

The Governor’s Educator of the Year recipient is: Ms. Allison Kreisinger

The Educational Service Professional of the Year recipient is: Mrs. Karen Lomascola.

Congratulations to both teachers!! Ms. Kreisinger and Mrs. Lomascola will be honored at the January Board of Education meeting at Butler High School.

ADS Bulldog of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Napoli for being named ADS Bulldog of the Month! Each day, Mrs. Napoli’s dedication, compassion, and expertise in the classroom truly shine. She goes above and beyond to support her students, creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that fosters growth and success. Mrs. Napoli’s dedication to her students’ social and emotional well-being, along with their academic success, sets an example for all. Her patience, creativity, and kindness make her an invaluable member of the ADS family. Congratulations, Mrs. Napoli, and thank you for making a difference every day!

Some events to look forward to in December:

Grade 1 Winter Concert - December 6, 2024
Hour of Code with BHS students - December 10, 2024
PTA Cookies with Santa - December 13, 2024
Parent/ Teacher Conferences - December 11, 12, 13; Early Dismissals at 12:10 each day
ADS Holiday Class Parties - December 20, 2024
Early Dismissal - Friday, December 20, 2024
Winter Break - December 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025

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!

Richard Butler Middle School - Mrs. M. Papa, Principal

As we approach the end of another exciting year at Richard Butler Middle School, we are delighted to share the latest news and happenings in our building. This year, there is an early dismissal at 12:30pm on Friday, December 20, Winter Break is December 23-January 1, and we return to school on Thursday, January 2, 2025. We wish all of our RBS families a safe and healthy holiday season and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, refreshed and ready to learn.

The first trimester is coming to an end on December 4, and Parent-Teacher Conferences are December 11-13. Please consider scheduling a conference with your child’s teachers as these are extremely beneficial meetings for our families; the deadline to schedule a conference is December 6, and more information can be found here. Trimester 1 report cards will be available in the Genesis Parent Portal on December 11, 2024. If you have any questions regarding your child’s progress, please reach out to the grade level team or related arts teachers.

We will continue with our highly competitive Winter Door Decorating contest during homeroom and academic assistance. The homeroom with the best door wins a special prize! Additionally, our holiday “Caught Being Kind” Challenge is underway. Students are working toward earning a class wide holiday-themed reward as staff notice and recognize acts of kindness. Also, if you’d like to have your own December Kindness Challenge from home, please see the calendar below for more information.

We are so proud of our school community for donating 1,045 items, including 29 turkeys, to the Butler Methodist Church this holiday season. The heart our students, staff, and families have for this awesome community is ever-growing. We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families!

Congratulations to the RBS Students of the Month for November - LEADERSHIP

Grade 5 - Sara Lorenc and Waylan Harmon

Grade 6 - Joseph Natale & Mia Fernandez

Grade 7 - David Johnson and Brianna Switaj

Grade 8 - Francesca Horanic and Kimberley Lopez

Please join us in congratulating RBS Teacher of Social Studies Ms. Elizabeth Fellman as she is our Bulldog of the Month for November. Ms. Fellman has been at RBS as a member of the Special Education Department for almost three years and graciously accepted a position as a social studies teacher in her fourth year. Prior to this, she worked as a paraprofessional as well. Ms. Fellman has embraced her new role as she worked quickly to acquire the content and skills necessary to teach 6th grade social studies. She's been able to use her experiences supporting students with special needs to successfully implement Universal Design for Learning in her lessons, and all of her students are benefitting! Congrats, Ms. Fellman!

Students in grades 5-8 will participate in the upcoming “The Hour of Code,” which is a national event specifically designed as an introduction to computer science and coding skills. During the month of December, we will also be conducting class spelling bees and a school-wide contest in preparation for the Scripps County Spelling Bee this spring. We will continue to offer wellness programs through the NJ Department of Health and Morris County Prevention is Key throughout the beginning of the new year during health classes. We’re also happy to bring in the American Heart Association to work with our 5th graders on Kids Heart Challenge. Students participate in the challenge at ADS, so it’s great to be able to continue it at the middle school this year!

We are so proud of our music program at Richard Butler Middle School! The RBS Winter Music Concert is Wednesday, December 4, and we are very excited to experience our student performances. Special thanks to Dr. Nishimura, Ms. Bocchino, Ms. Lowndes, RBS staff chaperones, & our families for all of the support. We are always accepting students in our Band and Grade 8 Choir, so if your child is interested, be sure to contact us.

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. We wish all of our RBS families a magical holiday season!

Butler High School - Mr. R. Fitzgerald, Principal

As December unfolds, we’re embracing the joy and warmth that this season brings! It’s a time to reflect on our achievements, celebrate our shared successes, and look forward to the opportunities that await in the new year.

From the classroom to the field, the stage to the community, Butler High School shines brighter every day because of the dedication, talent, and spirit of our students, staff, and families. Whether it's the excitement of our fall successes, the anticipation of our winter sports, the creativity of holiday performances, or the giving spirit of community service projects, there’s so much to be proud of and grateful for.

As we head into the holiday season, let’s carry that Butler pride into everything we do. Take time to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and celebrate all we’ve accomplished together. Here’s to a joyful and safe holiday season and a new year filled with growth, success, and Bulldog pride!

A big shout out to the BHS Counselor, BHS SAC, and National Honors Society Advisors Mrs. Urbina and Ms. Tagariello, and their students for their efforts in the annual food drive. Over 75 families were able to receive a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. NHS was able to raise close to 1000 dollars to help support our community, with additional goods donated by our RBS community. The remaining food was donated to the food pantry at United Methodist Church. Thank you, NHS!

Congratulations to our BHS First Marking Period Top Dawgs. (Top students of the marking period in each department)

Congratulations to our Leaders of the Pack for Resilience for the 1st Marking Period. Our Leaders of the Pack was developed by our Culture and Climate Committee which wanted to identify our students who model our district's Portrait of a Graduate.

2024 HOBY WINNER- The Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference is a weekend seminar offered to Sophomores throughout the country who were nominated by their schools as leaders amongst their peers. The New Jersey seminar will take place at Drew University later this Spring. Our nominee who will attend this year is Julia Bauer, and our alternate attendee is Natalie Roszkowski.

Mrs. McCarthy’s Computer Science students will travel down to ADS on Thursday, December 10th, for an “Hour of Code” with the Third and Fourth-grade students. High School students will work with the elementary students in coding exercises. It’s a great chance for students to engage in learning across the grade levels; and the little kids LOVE having the High School students visit them!

The BHS Winter Concert is on December 11, 2024, at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. Please feel free to join us for some great music and celebrate the talents of our students and staff.

Butler’s DECA program took a trip to Metlife Stadium for Sports Business Day.

DECA also hosted their annual Fall Fest Pancake Breakfast at Applebee’s on Sunday (11/3). They were able to serve an estimated 215 breakfasts to the community!

The BHS Interact Club is once again supporting the Morris County Toys for Tots Campaign. The Interact club with the help of the entire Butler community has set a goal to collect 100 toys! They can be dropped off at Ms. McNear’s classroom #338 in the Arts Building anytime until December 12! These donated gifts will be hand-delivered Saturday, December 14th directly to "Operation Toy Train", right here in downtown Butler at around 2 pm for anyone who would like to join the club for this community service activity!

Check out last year’s photo below, it was a really nice event!

BHS DRAMA DEPT. ANNOUNCEMENT: The FALL DRAMA: The Great Gatsby. The performance took place November 22nd and 23rd at 7 pm in the auditorium. Actors had rehearsed since September and did a wonderful job with Miss Daniels, bringing this classic story to the stage! What a performance!

The BHS Art Department had an exciting day at Butler Senior Community, where they engaged in arts and crafts. The students enjoyed helping the residents while bonding over shared experiences and exchanging stories.

Students in our Foods I class took part in honoring local Veterans by baking delicious Blueberry Muffins for the annual community breakfast at RBS. They prepared individually decorated bags with muffins and included heartfelt messages expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women to protect our freedom. Additionally, some members of the Interact Club contributed by setting up decorations and arranging tables on the morning of the event.

Butler High School is thrilled to recognize Ms. Lyn Lowndes for receiving the November Bulldog of the Month. Ms. Lowndes continues to make Butler shine with her dedication and commitment to the music program. Ms. Lowndes has consistently gone above and beyond to inspire students through the universal language of music.

Ms. Lowndes has built a program that is not only a source of pride for our school but also a transformative experience for our students. Under her guidance, our music ensembles have earned accolades at numerous events, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students.

What makes Ms. Lowndes truly exceptional is her ability to connect with students. She creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, regardless of their skill level. From early morning rehearsals to late-night performances, Ms. Lowndes approaches every challenge with enthusiasm, patience, and a deep passion for the arts.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Lowndes is a tireless advocate for music education. She regularly organizes events and fundraisers fostering a love of music that extends beyond our campus. Students describe Ms. Lowndes as inspiring, supportive, and fun! Her colleagues admire her for her continued dedication to Butler High School. We are lucky to have her at Butler High School.

Athletics and Activities

Congratulations to our Football Team for winning the Group 1 North 1 Section Final Game - Sectional Champs!

Congratulations to our Cheerleading Team for winning their tournament at West Milford

Congratulations to our Butler HS Marching Band on their Tournament of Bands State Championship - winning 1st place in Group 3A, as well as Group 3A Best Visual and Best Music.

Congratulations to Butler High School Band students Julia Fuzy, Steven Keene and Natalie Roszkowski, who were selected to participate in the The College of New Jersey Honors Festival on November 24, 2024. They were among 170 students from the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area that participated in the group.

On The Horizon

December 4 - End of 1st Trimester ADS/RBS (60 days)
December 5 - Beginning of Trimester 2 ADS/RBS
December 4 - RBS Winter Concert @ 7pm
December 6- ADS Winter Concert Grades 9:00 am
December 7 - SAT @ BHS @7:30AM
December 9 - ADS Winter Concert Snow Date 9:00am
December 10 - RBS Winter Concert Snow Date @7pm
December 12 - ADS Hour of Code with BHS students
December 11-13 - ADS/RBS Parent-Teacher Conferences (½ Day)
December 11 - BHS Winter Concert 7:00 PM
December 11 - ADS/RBS Trimester 1 Grades Posted
December 11 - RBS Hour of Code
December 16 - NHS Candy Gram Fundraiser
December 16 - 20 - BHS Spirit Week
December 18 - BHS Winter Concert Snow Date
December 20 - BHS Winter Pep Rally
December 20 - Early Dismissal
December 23 - December 31 Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
December 27 and 28 - BHS Holiday Basketball Tournament