Paw Power Press
Butler Elementary School - Volume 12 - February 2026
Butler's Pledge: Be Respectful, Responsible, & Kind
Happy Valentine's Day
Thank You, School Counselors!
Our School Counselors, Mrs. Milotich and Mrs. O'Connell, are an essential part of who we are as Butler Bears, and their dedication to students’ academic, social, and emotional growth makes a meaningful impact every day. Whether they are leading announcements, working behind the scenes, or supporting students beyond the school day, they guide children through challenges big and small while partnering closely with families. Their teamwork and steady presence strengthen our classrooms, our school culture, and our ability to meet the needs of every learner. We are truly grateful for the heart and connection they bring to our school!
Mrs. Milotich
Mrs. O'Connell
Important Information
5th Grade Writing Contest for Trip to Harrisburg: Submissions Due by 2/19
"Stories from our Backyards: Bringing Central Bucks to Harrisburg" invites current fifth grade students to write a paragraph on a topic of local historical or natural history significance for a trip to Harrisburg to visit the Capitol Building and the National Civil War Museum. See more details in an email sent to fifth grade families on Feb. 5.
Outdoor Recess During Winter Season - Reminders and FYIs
When possible, Butler anticipates holding recess outdoors. Health and wellness are important to the whole child and children benefit from fresh air and exercise. During the winter months, we manage our decision on whether there is precipitation and if the air temperature is at a safe level - following defined procedures provided to us by our CBSD health department. We encourage parents to have their children prepared for outdoor recess even if we need to decide to remain inside from day to day. While recess is a half-hour of time, we want to be sure students are safely prepared and dressed appropriately with coats/hats/gloves/and long pants. All students will be outside - so be prepared!
Also, if missing winter items like coats, sweatshirts, hats, and gloves - we have a collection of clothes ready to be reclaimed! Parents, please visit the front office for help and/or encourage your students to visit our lost and found located by our gymnasium.
Anticipated PSSA Schedule - Grades 3-6 (2026)
Please refer to the tentative schedule below. All assessments will be digital this spring. more information to come in the coming months.
PSSA Schedule (Tentative):
English Language Assessment - 3-Sections - 4/21-4/23 (Grade 3-6)
Math - 2-Sections - 4/28 & 4/29 (Grade 3-6)
Science - 1-Section - 4/30 (Grade 5)
Butler Cell Phone/SMART Watch/Personal Device Policy
When in school, personal student cell phone/SMART Watch/device usage are to be silenced and remain in backpacks during the school day. In some instances, students need their device to monitor health status through each day, and this will remain in place. However, should there be a need for any student/home communication, it will take place with the support of the teacher/school office during the school day. These district expectations have been shared with students, and we appreciate your support with your children as we navigate each school day.
We invite you to watch a short video as a reminder about the guidelines for student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, in our schools.
Student 1:1 Device Assistance
District Messages & Announcements
All Students New to CB in 2026-27 Can Now Register!
Congrats to February Lock Screen Winner, Next Round of Submissions Due 2/27
Congrats to 7th-grader David Martinez-Cortes at Tamanend for winning the February round of CBSD's "See the Good, Be the Good" lock screen contest and earning a gift card to his restaurant of choice! February's theme was "See the Good, Be the Good in Challenges" and David's original artwork will be featured on district devices throughout the month. Students can try their hand in the next round of the contest, "See the Good, Be the Good Through Leadership." Submissions are due Feb. 27. More details
Check CBSD "e-Flyer Folder" Regularly for Info on Community Events
Did you know there's a webpage on CBSD.org where you can get information on various community events and activities happening around Central Bucks? Check it out now! Recent additions include information on a Junor Cheer Clinic and a CB West Softball Clinic.
Round Up at GIANT to Support Barclay Farmers Market
From now through March 31, the GIANT Company invites customers to join in supporting its "Feeding School Kids" initiative by rounding up at the register. The GIANT Company will directly support customers’ generosity by matching all donations up to $100,000. The Barclay Elementary School Farmers Market is the beneficiary of the funds, which help to support families across CBSD's 23 schools. Participating GIANTs are at Town Center in New Britain, Easton Road in Warrington, and Swamp Road in Doylestown.
February Edition of "The Feed" Food Service Newsletter by Aramark
The February issue features the legendary LTO Cheeseburger Nachos with Pickle Queso, highlights from the creative Snowman Pancake lunch, and an invitation to join in honoring International Friendship Month. Read the issue now!
Aramark - Please Remember to Pay Lunch Balances
All parents and guardians are asked to please check their MySchoolBucks account to view their balance and, if negative, to please make a payment. Even if you pack a lunch for your child(ren), they still may be purchasing cafeteria items.
To make a payment: Log in to MySchoolBucks and click MAKE A PAYMENT. Click CAFETERIA MEAL PAYMENT. Select or enter a payment amount. Click ADD TO BASKET. Click CHECK OUT NOW to complete the payment process.
For complete instructions on how to use your MySchoolBucks account, go to http://learnmyschoolbucks.com/Parent. You can also use MSB to monitor what your student is purchasing for breakfast and lunch and check your child(ren)'s account balance(s). If you have questions or concerns related to your child(ren)’s account(s), please call the Aramark Food Services office at 267-893-5758.
Feb. 26 School Board Meeting Moved to CB West
The Central Bucks School District School Board Meeting scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2026 at the school district’s Educational Services Center located at 16 Welden Drive in Doylestown, Pennsylvania has been moved to the CB West auditorium (375 West Court Street, Doylestown).
Rescheduled: April 2026 Policy and Education Committee Meetings
Department Updates
The Art Palette
Second grade artists demonstrated their knowledge of color theory to blend and make the secondary colors (orange, green, and violet) out of the primary colors (red, yellow, and blue). Then they decorated their heart color wheel like muralist Chris Uphues.
Third grade artists demonstrated their understanding of the element of art; value. Value includes tints, tones, and shades. By adding a highlight and shadow to the Jeff Koons inspired Balloon dog sculpture, students gave the illusion of form. They used ink to draw a city. Paint sticks were used to add value to the balloon dogs.
Counselors Connect: NOVA - Smarter Parents, Safer Kids Workshop
Open and honest communication is key to protecting your child from sexual abuse, but these conversations can be tricky to navigate.
Parents and caregivers will learn:
- Strategies to protect children from abuse
- Healthy sexual development throughout childhood
- How to tackle tough conversations with your child
- Small, easy steps to create a safer environment
There are 2-dates of which to choose: **February 19 and March 3.
**2/19 - All attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and be entered for a chance to win a raffle prize.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: jamie.pfister@novabucks.org.
February 19
March 3
Englich Language Department - World's Fair Family Event - 2/11/26
On Wednesday, February 11th, the ELD department hosted our first Butler World’s Fair. Butler’s gym became a global event showcasing table displays from Guatamala, the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Belarus, China, Russia, Vietnam, France, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. We enjoyed a Kiowa Fancy Dance performed by Gabe C-T, a Jingle Dance from Rosie C-T and our counselor, Mrs. O’Connell, sang a beautiful Vietnamese song. It was a great time to enjoy and celebrate some of the many cultures of the families from Butler – this is one of the many things that makes this such a great school community! We appreciate all the families who presented/performed and those who chose to spend time with us! We will love to showcase even more countries next year!
Library Corner w/ Mrs. Hanna
Fifth-grade students are conducting research on natural disasters in Library class. After receiving instruction on the various types of natural disasters, students selected a topic of interest. They have engaged in reading to develop background knowledge and are prepared to begin the note-taking process. Upon completion of note-taking, students will create a digital product using Canva and will use NoodleTools to support proper source citation and the creation of a bibliography.
Music Behind the Notes
This month in music was filled with creating, performing and responding to music! From singing puppet shows, to music centers for improvisation, to acting out famous operas, we had a blast!
PEN Spotlight
Primary - We are focusing on enriching core curriculum.
Second Grade - Junior animators are close to wrapping up their animation unit. Once their claymation videos are complete, we will be moving on to Detective Science.
Third Grade - Most recently, these Gaming Gurus have learned about theme and abstract games, as well as game variations. They are continuing to learn about components and mechanics to possibly use in their board game designs later this year.
Fourth Grade - Our invention teams are in the process of collecting and analyzing the feedback they have received related to their invention ideas. Next up, we are beginning the engineering and marketing phase of preparation.
Fifth and Sixth Grade - These roboticists have been hard at work attempting a variety of challenges in the pursuit of the gold, in our Robotics Olympics. Their ability to build and program is growing exponentially!
Phys Ed: Active Updates
During physical education classes in January and early February, students in grades 1-6 participated in activities related to unit 4- manipulative skills. Kindergarten learned and practiced non-locomotor and locomotor skills. 1st and 2nd grade students have been working on their underhand and overhand throwing skills and incorporating those skills into games like "trasketball" and clean up the yard.
Students in grades 3-6 just completed a tennis unit. During the unit, they worked on individual skills, forehand and backhand hits, and keeping score. The culminating activity for 5th and 6th grade was a mini tennis tournament. We have several good tennis players at Butler!
QUEST: Creative Concepts
Third grade students are exploring chain reactions using KEVA Contraptions Reaction Sets, allowing them to learn through hands-on building. This experience supports 21st‑century skills as students design, test, and revise their creations. By predicting outcomes, troubleshooting challenges, and improving their designs, students develop strong critical-thinking and problem‑solving skills.
The open-ended design of these materials inspires creativity and innovation, while collaborative builds strengthen students’ communication and teamwork skills. As students experiment and revise their work, they develop perseverance and a growth mindset by learning that mistakes are a natural part of the engineering process. Together, these experiences build systems thinking and real‑world understanding, helping students see how small actions lead to larger effects and preparing them with essential skills for future learning and careers.
School Calendar & Updates
School Calendar
February:
Feb. 16 - School Holiday: Building Closed/No Students - Presidents Day
Feb. 17 - School Holiday: Office Open/No Students - Lunar New Year
Feb. 18 - Open House at Mill Creek (For Affected Butler Boundary) - 6:00 PM
Feb. 20 - Family Fun & Fitness Night - 6:30 PM (2/27 Snow Date)
Feb. 23 - 5th & 6th Grade Middle School Parent Orientation Night - Unami Auditorium - 7:00 PM
Feb. 25 - CBSD Wellness Fair - CB South (6:00 PM)
Feb. 26 - CBSD School Board - CB West High School - 7:00 PM
March:
Mar. 2-6 - Read Across America Week (See Below Themes)
Mar. 9-13 - 5th & 6th Begin Human Growth & Development during PE
Mar. 9 - School Assembly - Jared Campbell Music Show
Mar. 13 - End of Trimester 2 - Spirit Assembly
Mar. 13 - Half Day for Students; Dismissal Begins at 12:25 PM
Mar. 13 - PM Kdg Attends, No AM Kindergarten
Mar. 13 - End of the 2nd Trimester
Mar. 17 - St. Patrick's Day - Wear Green!
Mar. 17 - Butler Musical School Assembly
Mar. 18 - Butler Musical Finding Nemo, Jr. (Evening Performance)
Mar. 19 - Butler Musical Finding Nemo, Jr. (Evening Performance)
Mar. 20 - School Holiday - No School; Offices Open
Mar. 23 - Spirit Day - Rock Your Socks (Fun/Bright/Crazy Socks)
Mar. 24 - AM Kdg. Attends at 9:05 AM; No PM Kdg. (Parent Conferences)
Mar. 25 - PM Kdg. Attends at 1:00 PM; No AM Kdg. (Parent Conferences)
Mar. 26 - Half Day for Gr. 1-6 Students (No Kdg); Dismissal Begins at 12:25 PM; PM Conferences
Mar. 27 - Half Day for Gr. 1-6 Students (No Kdg.); Dismissal Begins at 12:25 PM; PM Conferences
Mar. 28 (Saturday) - Butler Spring Fair - 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Mill Creek Open House - Affected Butler Boundary Families - 2/18 @ 6:00 PM
Butler Elementary School Families impacted by the most recent boundary adjustment
Mill Creek and Butler Elementary Schools invite you to attend a special Open House for your family. This event will be Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mill Creek Elementary School. Please plan to enter through the Main Entrance (Yellow Door).
The evening has been thoughtfully planned to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about Mill Creek Elementary School and to support you during this transition and decision-making process.
The program will include:
- Introductions of the Mill Creek Elementary administration team
- A greeting from the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education
- An overview and informational sharing about Mill Creek Elementary School
- A guided tour of the building
- A question-and-answer period with administration
We hope this evening offers your family a welcoming environment to learn more about our school community, our programs, and the opportunities available to your children.
Family Fun & Fitness Night - 2/20
We hope you can join us for Family Fun & Fitness Night on February 20th! - 6:30-8:00 PM
CB South Lacrosse Clinic - 2-Dates
Check the QR Code to register for upcoming CB South Lacrosse Clinics!
5th & 6th Grade Middle School Orientation - Save the Date - 2/23/2025 (Monday Evening)
Dear 5th & 6th Grade Parents - Please join the Middle School Staff at Unami on Monday, Feb 23rd from 7-9 pm. More details will be shared in anticipation of the date. Unami Middle School is excited to host the parents of future 6th & 7th graders!
Butler Dine & Donate (Part Deux) - New Britain Inn 2/23
Join us for a second chance at enjoying a family dinner at New Britain Inn - with proceeds going to the Butler PTO. See details below - and this time we hope for no snow!
Save the Date: Annual CBSD Wellness Fair at CB South - Feb. 25
The district will host its annual Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at CB South, offering an evening focused on mental health, support, and community connection. The free event begins with a featured presentation by a representative from Minding Your Mind from 6 to 6:40 p.m. in the auditorium, where the speaker will share a personal and relatable mental health journey. This will be followed by the fair in the cafeteria featuring more than 50 local and regional wellness, mental health, and family support organizations. The event is open to all CB students, families, employees, and community members and pre-registration is not required. Learn more
Read Across America Spirit Week - 3/2-3/6
The first week of March will be spent celebrating the joy of reading! Please see our daily themes below to celebrate our reading initiative! We hope the children enjoy the excitement of a GOOD BOOK!
It's Musical Season in CB: Feb. 28-April 18
Shining Knights Chess Club at Butler - Registration Information Below
March 18 to May 20, 2026; Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:00PM
All equipment provided. No chess club on school holidays. All grades and skill levels welcome.
Registration for the Spring chess programs at Butler will open on February 12 at 12:00 PM on www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome.
Questions regarding registration, please contact Anu Raman - Araman@cbsd.org or call 267-893-5707
See more information and read FAQs on-line at www.shiningknightschess.com or Contact Cindy at 484-228-8457
Butler Spring Fair - 3/28 Save the Date!
Planning is in full swing for our Traditional Spring Fair Event - It is the biggest fundraiser of the year and supports all of our supports for the school. We hope you can join us! March 28, 2026 (10:00 am - 3:00 pm).
Spring Concerts - Save the Dates Gr.1-4, 5th & 6th Gr. School Musical
Please mark your calendars for our Spring Concert Series for chorus/music.
-Ms. Griffin
Butler Spirit Day Calendar
Please see the attached calendar for our Spirit Day Themes!
Save the Dates for our 5th & 6th Grade Butler Promotions - June 2026
Please save the dates for our upcoming 5th & 6th Grade Promotions which will be held on two different nights in June - both beginning at 7:00 PM. We have coordinated our night events with those of Unami, CB South, and MBIT in order to avoid any potential conflicts (as best as possible) in order to maximize participation for our students and families!
School Happenings
100th Day of School!
This week, our school celebrated the 100th day of school with a variety of creative and hands‑on activities. Students explored the number 100 in math class through counting challenges, pattern building, and problem‑solving tasks. Many children dressed as if they were 100 years old, adding some laughs to the day. Others decorated their shirts with 100 items, proudly showing off their collections as they marked this fun milestone together.
3rd Grade Heroes - Wax Museum
Our 3rd Grade Hero Projects were a success! Over the past few weeks, students researched an influential individual of their choice—someone they viewed as a hero. After gathering facts and learning about their hero’s life and contributions, students "Became" their chosen figure for a special presentation day. Dressed in character, they delivered speeches and shared their projects with classmates, showcasing both creativity and hard work!
The Butler PTO - Butler Ball - 2/6/26
The Butler Ball was a truly memorable night! Families arrived in their finest attire and filled the room with smiles, laughter, and energy. Parents and children danced the night away, creating wonderful memories together. This special event would not have been possible without the incredible dedication and creativity of our parent volunteers. Thank‑you to everyone who helped make the evening so much fun!
Butler's Kindness Week - Random Acts of Kindness!
We celebrated Kindness Week at Butler! Each day featured a fun dress‑up theme, and students proudly shared random acts of being kind - highlighting one of our core Butler Pledges: Kindness. Our school community shines when we care about one another.
Student Showcase
Paw Power Winners -2/6 & 2/13
Simon Butler's students and staff embrace the Butler Pledge, the foundation of our school's positive behavior program. Our Butler Community promises to:
Be Respectful * Be Responsible * Be Kind
This pledge to all Butler Bears upholds our traditional Pillars: B.U.T.L.E.R.
Butler (at its Best!); Understanding; Teamwork; Leadership; Educational Excellence; Respect
Each week, students earn Positive Paw Power Coupons for their good deeds and honorable actions as recognition. Children enter them into our collection bins where names are drawn to earn a special reward from the Choice Board!
2/6 Winners: Eli Di. (Kdg.), Crew T. (Gr.1), Nolan W. (Gr.2), Mira S. (Gr.3), Owen V. (Gr.4), Jackson C. (Gr.5), Grace Mc. (Gr.6), Staff Leader - Mrs. Brown
2/13 Winners: Colin Mc. (Kdg.), Walt F. (Gr.1), Alexander N. 9Gr.2), Hunter G. (Gr.3), Thomas Mc. (Gr.4), Bradley W. (Gr.5), Liam B. (Gr.6), Staff Leader - Mrs. Kuhn
Student Choice Board Celebrations
Students are celebrated for their positive behaviors
VIP Lunch
Game with Staff
Game with Staff
Positive Phone Call Home
From the Butler PTO
The Butler PTO Newsletter
Butler PTO Family Directory
District Details
Central Bucks School District
Interim Superintendent: Charles Malone, Ed. D.
Assistant Superintendent-Secondary: Charles Malone, Ed. D.
Assistant Superintendent-Elementary: Helen Sclama-Zaleski, Ed. D.
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools/
Simon Butler Elementary School
Principal: Karl Funseth
Principal's Secretary: Peggy Bernabei
Assistant Principal: Melissa Brevic
Assistant Principal's Secretary: Michele Droxler
Website: https://www.cbsd.org/butler
Location: 200 Brittany Drive, Chalfont, PA, USA
Phone: 267-894-4250