Paw Power Press
Butler Elementary School - Volume 2 - September 2026
NAESP - Beyond the Bell: Finding Your Family’s School Year Rhythm
Every new school year takes a bit of time to adjust, not just for teachers and students, but for families, too! The return to school schedules and fall activities helps to maintain a flow into the school year. This opening school year article from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP): Beyond the Bell publication reminds how to set strong routines for a successful year ahead. Structure is good, not only for students, but hectic daily lives of everyone, as well!
"By mid-September, the first-day excitement has started to fade, and the real pace of the school year begins to take shape. It can take a little time to find a rhythm that works. These simple ideas can help your family settle into the school-year routine and handle the day-to-day with a little more ease."
To access this 1-page edition of NAESPs: Beyond the Bell Newsletter, please click here.
Important Safety Update - Bicycle, Scooter, Motorized Devices at Butler
An Important Message from our Crossing Guard:
As a crossing guard, I have noticed that some students are crossing the street while riding bicycles, scooters, and other wheeled devices on their way to school.
For the safety of the children, motorists, and myself, I have reminded some students to dismount and walk their bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or similar devices when crossing the street. This helps ensure that crossings are made safely and allows me and drivers to better anticipate student movements.
I would appreciate any assistance the department, the school, and their families can provide in speaking with the children for the safety of all!
Standard School Day - Butler "C-School" Hours
Butler School Day - "C" School:
Kindergarten through Grade 5 - 9:05 a.m. — 3:45 p.m.
"2-Hour Delay" Schedule:
Delayed Opening Arrival - 10:45 a.m. (K-5)
Normal Dismissal - 3:45 p.m. (K-5)
** Early Dismissal Days / Or Scheduled Half Days - 12:25 p.m.
Schoolhouse Driveline: Carline Program & Procedures
Butler always strives to achieve smooth dismissal procedures for our students, families, and staff! The system in place works well when EVERYONE follows the plans of the school. There is always a learning curve the first few days/week of school. Soon after, the efficiency of the system becomes optimal once everyone is familiar with the plan (Students/Staff/Families). Butler will again be using Schoolhouse Driveline assigning a specific number to each family. A placard will be provided to hang around the rearview mirror. Staff will enter this number into the system upon parent/guardian arrival to quickly identify and organize students to the flow of the carline. If you need more, please contact the main office.
School Backpacks for Students
Student 1:1 Device Assistance
Join Superintendent, Dr. Joanna Wexler, at October Community Forums
All Central Bucks School District parents and guardians, community members, teachers, staff, and students are invited to join Superintendent Dr. Joanna Wexler at one or more community forums on Monday, Oct. 5 at CB West High School; Monday, Oct. 12 at Holicong Middle School; and Monday, Oct. 26 at Jamison Elementary School. Each event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. and is designed to be informal and conversational. Attendees are welcome to stop in anytime to meet Dr. Wexler and share any questions or topics of interest. Register now!
ANNUAL STUDENT INFORMATION UPDATE - MUST COMPLETE by 9/30
Each year, all families are required to review and update information on their student(s) in our database. This annual update is critical for the dispensing of medication, reaching you in emergencies and urgent situations, and receiving important communications from CBSD and your school(s).
Updating your information is also required before you will be able to access student schedules and busing information when these details become available.
To complete this process, log in at www.cbsd.org/parentportal. Once signed in, select "More" from the menu then "Annual Student Information Update."
If you need help, you can contact parentportal@cbsd.org.
Thank you for completing this important process in advance. While the deadline is September 30, we hope you will update your information as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you and your students soon!
2026-27 Family Handbook Now Available, Please Read Closely
2026-27 District and School Events Calendars Now Available
District and school events for 2026-27 are available online to help families plan for the school year. Visit your school’s homepage and click the circular “Calendar” icon below the large image banner to view school-specific events.
A new printable PDF of the complete 2026-27 events calendar is also available with the dates of several events having been updated since initial publication. The new format allows families to print the full calendar or individual months as needed and replaces the district’s previously printed 12-month flip calendar, reducing printing and distribution costs while providing convenient, on-demand access.
Please note that dates and events may change. Online district and school calendars will provide the most up-to-date information.
September Food Services Newsletter
Free & Reduced-Pricing Meals 2026 - Qualifying Families Can Apply - Now Available
2026-27 One-to-One Technology Fee and Digital Wellness Initiative
Families are encouraged to review important information about student devices, the district’s One-to-One (1:1) Device Program and new digital wellness resources.
Families of students entering grades four, seven, and 10, as well as students who are new to CBSD, must complete the 1:1 enrollment process before receiving a district device. This includes reviewing the 1:1 Handbook, completing the User Agreement and, when applicable, paying the $60 device usage fee through MyPaymentsPlus. Schools will share device distribution details directly with families.
This year, CBSD is also expanding its Digital Wellness Initiative, including increased access to Lightspeed tools that provide families with greater visibility into student web activity on district devices outside the school day as well as help the district better understand screen-time trends.
Visit the CBSD 1:1 Program webpage for device requirements, fees and additional information about the district’s student technology program.
Has You Changed Your Address?
If you have moved, please make sure you update your address with Central Registration. The office can be reached at 267-893-2111 or centralregistration@cbsd.org.
Art Palette - News from Mrs. Casey
First grade artists were read the story The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds. We reflected on the value of perseverance in art and learning. Then we used the QuiverVision app to make their dots come to life with augmented reality.
Health Room Update - Required Health Exams for the 26-27 School Year
Required Health Examinations - Pennsylvania mandates the following health examinations as indicated:
Physicals: School Entry
Dentals: School Entry, Grade 3
Parents are urged to have physical and dental examinations completed by their family physician or dentist and submitted prior to October 15th of the year that they are due. Exams may be completed any time after September 1st of the prior calendar year. Forms can be found by clicking HERE. Please submit these forms to the school directly or via email to cbbutlernurses@cbsd.org.
The Library Corner w/ Mrs. Hanna
Butler students visit the library weekly for literature, library skills instruction, and research. Library book selection and book checkout also occur during this time. Students in first through fifth grades may borrow two library books for a one-week loan period. Kindergarten students may borrow one library book per week.
Our library policy is not to charge overdue fines but to send an overdue notice if a student has not returned a book within the scheduled loan period. We hope, by sending this reminder, the book will be returned. To maintain our library collection, we must charge a replacement fee for books that have been lost or damaged (Please note we are unable to accept replacement copies of books in lieu of payment, as books are ordered from a library book vendor that provides library-bound books, cataloging, and processing). If a lost book is located and returned within 30 days of payment, a refund will be issued. After 30 days, the payment is used to purchase a replacement copy.
Thank you for your support of our Butler Library!
Music: Behind the Notes
Ms. Griffin is beyond thrilled to welcome Kindergarten to music this year! We have enjoyed singing, dancing and moving safely around the music room.
Music Instrumental Enrollment - Grades 3-5 Eligible
Please scan the QR code below to sign up for instrumental lessons. Returning students from last year should also re-enroll online.
String Lessons are available to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
Band Lessons are available to 4th and 5th graders only.
In the first weeks of school, we hold an assembly for 3rd-5th grade students to demonstrate all the different instruments, answer questions, share the joy of being a musician, and how to join the music program. We always encourage students to pick the instrument that they like the sound of the most. Mrs. LaRose (String Director) and Mr. Robinson (Band Director) hope to see new band and string students this year, and we cannot wait to get started - especially for our 3rd graders!
If you have any questions, please email the string or band teacher:
STRINGS: Ashley LaRose – alarose@cbsd.org
BAND: Mike Robinson – msrobinson@cbsd.org
Physical Education: Active Updates w/ Mrs. Engart
Unit 1 in physical education class is personal responsibility, which includes participating safely in physical activities.
- During the first two weeks of school, students in grades 2-5 practiced GAGA and reviewed the rules.
- 1st graders learned GAGA for the first time!
- 3rd-5th grade classes also did a “Get to Know You Fitness BINGO” activity. During the activity they learned a lot of new things about their classmates.
It has been a great week of activity in PE Class!
QUEST: Creative Concepts w/ Mrs. Augustine
In QUEST, students in all grades worked collaboratively as they explored, designed, and built using a variety of materials. They used critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to test their ideas, make adjustments, and overcome challenges along the way. Most importantly, students showed their creativity and imagination while learning through hands-on STEM experiences.
Student Support Department: Introductions
Butler benefits from the expertise of two school counselors who support students in a variety of ways based on their ongoing and immediate needs.
- Working with Kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th Grades is Mrs. Linda O'Connell. Mrs. O'Connell is beginning her 8th year at Butler and 22nd year in education! loconnell@cbsd.org
- Working with 1st, 3rd, and 5th Grades is Mrs. Kathy Milotich. Mrs. Milotich is beginning her 18th year at Butler and 35th year in Central Bucks! kmilotich@cbsd.org
- Our School Psychologist is Mr. Jesse Everhart. He has been a school Psychologist for , six-years in Central Bucks. He is starting his second year at Butler!
If ever you need assistance with your children, please contact your child's school counselor.
School Calendar
September Continued:
Sept. 16 - Unami BTSN (Gr. 6/7/8)
Sept. 18 - Butler PTO Bingo Night - 6:30 PM
Sept. 21 - School Holiday - No School for Students (Offices Open)
Sept. 22 - Butler PTO Dine & Donate - McDonalds from 4:30-7:30
Sept. 24 - CB School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM - 16 Welden (ESC)
Sept. 28 - PTO General Meeting - 7:00 PM, Library
Sept 29 - CB South Mini-Thon Movie Night - CBS Auditorium @ 6:00 PM
Sept. 30 - Half-Day for Students (12:25 PM Dismissal)
Sept. 30 - **Annual Student Update Information Due (Click Here)
October:
Oct. 2 - Butler PTO Monster Mash - 6:00 PM (Grades K-2 Only) - NOT a Drop-Off Event
Oct. 5&6 – 5th Grade Ropes
Oct. 9 – Spirit Day (TEAMWORK)
Oct 13 – 5th Grade Ecology (Peace Valley)
Oct. 14 – Emergency Preparations – Mandatory Lockdown Drill (9:30 AM)
Oct. 22 -CB School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM - 16 Welden (ESC)
Oct. 23 - Haunted Gym - 6:30 PM (Grades 3-5 Only) - Not a Drop Off Event
Oct. 26-30 – Red Ribbon Week (Spirit Days TBD)
Oct 28 – Picture Retake Day – Bring Original Photos
Oct. 30 – Halloween Festivities AM (Half Day Dismissal - 12:25 PM)
Oct. 30 - Halloween Parade - 9:30 AM (Outside - Weather Permitting)
Oct. 30 - Classroom Parties - Timing TBD (Following Parade)
Oct. 31 - Halloween (Saturday)
Butler Family Bingo - 9/18
When: Friday, September 18 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Where: Butler Gymnasium
Join us for the first PTO event of the new school year... Butler Family Bingo! There will be light snacks and water, as well as fun prizes to win! We hope to see you there!
Please note, this is a family event (i.e. not a drop off event).
The Butler PTO Monster Mash (K-2 Event Only) - 10/2
When: Friday, October 2nd | 6:00-7:30 PM
Where: Butler Gymnasium and Cafeteria
There will be music, crafts, Halloween activities, and a costume parade at this years Butler Monster Mash! We hope to see you there! Please note, this is a family event for current K-2 students (i.e. not a drop-off event).
Butler Back to School Nights 2026
Town Hall Meeting - School-Wide Assemblies Introducing to the New School Year
Red, White, & Blue Day - September 11th
Instrumental Music Assemblies - 9/3
Grade 3 String Assembly
Grade 4&5 Strings and Band
Kindergarten Kickoff and Classroom Opening!
During Kindergarten Kick-Off the first week, students rotated among our classroom teachers to experience Butler Elementary School for the first time! Following those important days, students had Friday the 4th off of school as school staff created our classroom placements! On Tuesday, September 8th, the children entered their official classrooms for the year and made instant connections with their teacher! It was a celebratory day - and every day - in Kindergarten!
Butler Picture Day - 9/11
On Friday, September 11th, Butler held our Picture Day for all classrooms. Students and staff were looking great as we took official school photos - both class and individual pics. It was a busy day! Photo retakes is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th if your child was absent or needing a retake.
Paw Power Winners -9/11
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!
9/11 Winners: Joseph J. (Kdg), Jojo J-B (1st), James M. (Gr.2), Zayd N. (Gr.3), Daphne K. (4th), Madelyn F. (Gr.5), Staff Leader - Miss Post
9/11 Winners
9/11 Staff Leader - Miss Post
Your 26-27 Butler PTO Board!
President: Kelly Kaufman
Co-Vice Presidents: Heather Contes & Sarah Villamayor
Treasurer: Christine Hartman & Meghan Dippel (Asst. Treasurer)
Co-Recording Secretaries: Anne LeClercq-Hyk & Elisa Zizza
Co-Family Programming Chairs: Gelena Tonkonogi & Julie Welsh
Fund Raising: Colleen Ciccariello & Shira Wade
The Butler PTO Newsletter
Butler PTO General Meeting - 9/28 - 7 PM
Central Bucks School District
Superintendent: Joanna Wexler, Ph. D.
Assistant Superintendent-Secondary: Charles Malone, Ed. D.
Assistant Superintendent-Elementary: Helen Sclama-Zaleski, Ed. D.
Website: cbsd.org; Phone: 267-893-2000
Location: 20 Weldon Drive, Doylestown, PA, USA;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools/
Instagram: @cbsdschools
Twitter: @CBSDSchools
Simon Butler Elementary School
Principal: Karl Funseth
Principal's Secretary: Peggy Bernabei
Assistant Principal: Melissa Brevic
Assistant Principal's Secretary: Michele Droxler
Website: cbsd.org/butler
Location: 200 Brittany Drive, Chalfont, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-4250