ADS Corner News

We are looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with fun activities. September starts off strong with our first spirit day, back to school night, and fun STEAM challenges. The Butler School District is entering year two of CharacterStrong's Social Emotional Learning Lessons to develop a deep understanding of our values and their impact on including everyone at Aaron Decker School. Each month we will focus on one trait that supports students' executive functioning: Be Kind, Be Strong, Be Well.

September: Respect

October: Responsibility

November: Gratitude

December: Empathy

January: Perseverance

February: Honesty

March: Cooperation

April: Courage

May: Creativity

4th grade started the school year off with a team building STEAM project. Students were only given two sheets of newspaper (no other materials) and had to figure out how to build a standing tower. Students then described their procedural steps, listed forces acting upon their tower, and measured their towers. The tallest tower in Ms. Silverstein's group was 246 cm!

Third grade students working in their cooperative learning groups.

First day activities for second grade emphasized respecting each other and getting to know their peers and teacher. Welcome to Second Grade Mrs. Holl, Mrs. Guarino, Ms. Kenny, Ms. Rocks, Ms. Malone!

Mrs. Holl's students participated in an awesome team building activity where each group worked together to get Fred into his lifesaver and back on his boat using only 4 paper clips. The challenge is they cannot touch the cup, Fred the gummy worm, or the gummy lifesaver. Each group worked together and completed the challenge!

Ms. Gilroy's class-read Pete the Cat! This book presents the positive message about being yourself, making good choices and trying your best, which are all great ingredients for a great start to the school year.

Kindergarten and first grade are learning about music, sounds, and vibrations with the triangles!

To enhance our media center/ library, last year's fourth grade legacy project was a donation of flexible seating. Flexible seating is available to the students to assist not just for comfort, but to help students stay focused.

"Flexible seating allows them to wobble, rock, bounce, lean or stand, which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow and core strength. In turn, this burns more calories and increases metabolism. It also helps keep young minds more alert and focused.

(https://smithsystem.com/smithfiles/top-10-benefits-flexible-seating-classroom/#:~:text=Flexible%20seating%20allows%20them%20to,minds%20more%20alert%20and%20focused. )"

(Left to Right) Ms. Kenny and Ms. Rocks in Second Grade. Ms. Faust in 4th grade. Ms. Economou in third grade. Ms. Goldsmith in World Langauge. Ms. Ballistreri in 1st grade. Mrs. Ventrella, Media Specialist/Librarian.

Hello ADS, my name is Ms. Tagariello. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Student Assistance Counselor, and this is my 4th year in Butler. I have been based at Richard Butler Middle School, and have done some work with the 4th grade team over the past few years. This year I will be joining ADS on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help support our elementary students.

I will be working with ADS staff to identify students that need mental health support and counseling services, and will be available to meet with "drop-in" students on the days I am here. I will also be identifying students for small group counseling and SEL lessons in classrooms as needed. I will continue to focus on our 4th graders as they move throughout the year and prepare to transition to middle school.

Looking forward to another great year! You can reach me at (973) 492- 2037 ext. 3505 or via email: etagariello@butlerboe.org. Follow me on Twitter & Instagram! @mstagariello