Smore logo
remove_red_eye 784
page background

April 2026 Community Newsletter

April 2026 Community Newsletter
April 2026Community Newsletter

April-a gentle reminder that life’s transformations are beautiful and inevitable April-a gentle reminder that life’s transformations are beautiful and inevitable

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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

Spring has a way of making visible what has been quietly growing beneath the surface, and, as we enter April, that is exactly what we are experiencing across the Butler School District. The stories and milestones captured in this newsletter are not isolated events. They are the fruits of long-term, intentional investments in our students, our programs, and our community partnerships.


Students in our 7th Grade Tech Trek class recently presented their original invention - PureFlow, a storm drain filtration system designed to reduce environmental pollutants before they enter local waterways - at the regional STEAM Tank Challenge. The judges' feedback was exceptionally positive, and our team is considered a strong candidate to advance to the State Finals in May.


The creativity, confidence, and technical thinking these students demonstrated are exactly the outcomes we hoped to cultivate when we expanded STEM learning at the elementary level seven years ago. That connection matters. When we launched hands-on coding and engineering programming at Aaron Decker School, we knew the full impact would take years to surface. We are now watching those seeds bloom in real time at the middle school.


March also brought an extraordinary day to Butler High School. On March 6th, we launched Bulldog Built: Be Well – Be Butler a district-wide wellness initiative built with and for our high school students. Guided by a Student Advisory Committee, the day focused on Mental Fitness, Leadership Readiness, and Performance Optimization. With keynote speaker Cornell Thomas, a "Zen Den" featuring therapy dogs and guided breathing, and a dozen community organizations on hand, the day was vibrant, authentic, and deeply meaningful. The feedback from students, speakers, and community partners was unanimous: Butler treats its students as whole people, not just data points.


We were also pleased to welcome Dr. Mike Ryder, Bloomingdale's new superintendent, to our district on Monday, March 23rd. Dr. Ryder spent the morning visiting our buildings and meeting with our administrative team; beginning at Aaron Decker and progressing through each of our schools. This visit reflects a relationship that is already off to a strong start: our curriculum teams have developed meaningful connections with Bloomingdale's new supervisor of curriculum, and we are enthusiastic about what we can build together. Our shared goal is clear - to strengthen curriculum alignment, collaborate on professional development, and enhance the academic pathway from Richard Butler School and Walter T. Bergen through to Butler High School. Our students will be the direct beneficiaries of this work.


Finally, the budget presentation included in this newsletter deserves your attention. The numbers tell a story we are proud of: a district that continues to grow its programs and deepen its commitments to students, while exercising the fiscal discipline our community deserves. Expansion and responsibility are not in tension here...they go hand in hand.


Butler is a proud district that does not stand still. We plan with the long view in mind, we invest in relationships, and we measure our success not only in test scores, but in the confidence of a student presenting an original invention to a panel of judges, or the gratitude of a young person who felt truly seen on a Wednesday in March. We are proud of where we are, and even more excited about where we are headed.


Be Well!

Dr. J.

2026-2027 Butler School District Budget 2026-2027 Butler School District Budget

Butler School District

Butler School District 2026 - 2027 DISTRICT BUDGET PRESENTATION ENSURING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE THROUGH FISCAL RESILIENCE Presented by Dr. Daniel R. Johnson, Superintendent and Mrs. Pamela Vargas, Business Administrator

launch docs.google.com

We are pleased to share our 2026–2027 school budget with the Butler community. This budget was presented at the March Board of Education meeting, and it was formally submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education for approval this week.


I encourage you to watch both the presentation and the short summary video included in this newsletter. We know that school funding can feel complicated, and that social media posts sometimes makes it feel even more confusing. These presentations were designed specifically to cut through that noise; to show you, clearly and honestly, where your money goes and why it matters. We think you will find that the numbers tell a story worth knowing.


Here is the context we want every Butler resident to have: for the third consecutive year, Butler has not received the full state aid funding we are entitled to under S2, which is New Jersey's school funding law. Over those three years, that cumulative shortfall has reached $3 million. For a district of our size, that is a significant and ongoing challenge that shapes every budget decision we make.


And yet, because of careful, disciplined stewardship of your tax dollars year after year, Butler is one of the few school districts that will not lose a single teaching position next year as a result of state aid reductions. That is not luck. It is the result of a deliberate commitment to running a lean, efficient operation that puts students and classrooms first.


At the same time, fiscal responsibility has never meant standing still. Even while managing these pressures, Butler has continued to expand and enrich the student experience. From STEM programming at Aaron Decker, to wellness initiatives at Butler High School, to the career-connected and project-based learning taking place at Richard Butler School...running lean does not mean doing less for kids. It means being smart about how we do more.

We understand that questions about school spending are natural, and we welcome them. The best thing we can offer in response is transparency. The budget presentations speak for themselves, and we are confident that anyone who watches them will come away with a clear picture of a district that takes its responsibility to you seriously.


We are proud of what this community has built together in Butler, and we are committed to continuing to earn your trust, one responsible, student-centered decision at a time. We are the best small school district in New Jersey. We believe that wholeheartedly, and it shows in the budget.

Butler School District 26-27 Budget

Curriculum Corner Curriculum Corner

Ms. Peg Lynch, Supervisor of STEAM

Mrs. Suzanne Greco, Supervisor of Humanities

NJSLA Adaptive Testing (Grades 3–11)

This spring, students in grades 3–11 will participate in the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), which are computer-adaptive assessments designed to measure student progress toward meeting New Jersey’s academic standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science (grades 5, 8, and 11).


Unlike the NJSLA exams students have participated in prior to this year, the new NJSLA claims to be able to adjust the difficulty of questions based on a student’s responses. As students answer correctly, questions become more challenging; when they struggle, the assessment adjusts accordingly. The goal behind this is to allow for a more accurate and individualized measure of student learning.


How Are NJSLA Scores Used?

At the State Level:
NJSLA results are used by the state to:

  • Measure how well students are mastering the New Jersey Student Learning Standards
  • Inform statewide educational policy and funding decisions
  • Provide accountability data for schools and districts
  • Compare performance across districts to ensure equity and access


Within the Butler School District:
We take this data seriously, and we use it thoughtfully. NJSLA results help us:

  • Identify students in need of additional support or enrichment through our MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework
  • Inform class placements and instructional groupings
  • Guide curriculum adjustments and instructional practices
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives
  • Ensure we are meeting the needs of all learners

Bottom line: this is not just a test; it is a tool that helps us make better decisions for your children.


Why Student Effort Matters

We need students to give their best effort on these assessments, not just for the sake of a score, but because:

  • It ensures they are placed appropriately in classes and support programs
  • It gives teachers accurate information to tailor instruction
  • It reflects the true quality of education happening in our classrooms

When students rush, guess, or disengage, the data becomes unreliable, and that impacts decisions that directly affect them. This is where home and school partnerships matters most.


How Families Can Support at Home

You do not need to be a content expert to make a big difference. A few simple actions go a long way:


Before Testing:

  • Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep
  • Provide a healthy breakfast (protein + hydration = focus)
  • Keep routines consistent and reduce unnecessary stress


Build Confidence & Mindset:

  • Reinforce that effort matters more than perfection
  • Encourage your child to take their time and think through answers
  • Remind them: “This is your chance to show what you know.”


Practical Test-Taking Strategies to Share:

  • Read each question carefully, there is not need to rush
  • Eliminate wrong answers before choosing the best one
  • Double-check answers if time allows
  • Stay calm...if a question feels hard, that is actually a sign the test is working correctly


During Testing Weeks:

  • Avoid scheduling appointments or early dismissals when possible
  • Encourage a positive attitude. Positive energy is contagious
  • Check in, but don’t pressure. Support beats stress every time


Our Commitment

The Butler School District is committed to providing an exceptional education for every student. The NJSLA is one of several measures we use to ensure we are delivering on that promise—and improving every year. When students put forth their best effort, and families support that effort, we get the most accurate picture possible, and that benefits everyone.


Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Learning Without Limits Learning Without Limits

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Dr. Michelle Papa, Director of Student Instructional Services

Mr. Ryan Brown, Supervisor of Special Education

Limitless Leader - Ms. Gashler


Ms. Gashler is an excellent middle school teacher at Richard Butler School who truly excels at building strong, caring relationships with her students. She clearly cares about each one of them deeply, and it shows in the way she goes above and beyond, always having healthy snacks on hand to keep everyone fueled and focused, and offering the kind of extra support that makes students feel seen and valued every day.


What makes her classroom special is her welcoming demeanor and creative approach to teaching. She’s constantly finding new and engaging ways to connect her content to her students’ lives, turning lessons into something meaningful and fun. Thanks to her, the environment she creates is one that students genuinely look forward to being a part of. We are so lucky to have Ms. Gashler making such a positive, lasting impact at Richard Butler, thank you for everything you do!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Limitless Leader - Mrs. Montesino


Mrs. Montesino does an excellent job at the middle school. Anytime I enter the room, she can be found helping all of the students with a smile on her face. She’s always right there, working one-on-one, making sure students understand the work, and keeping things positive and calm. She never hesitates to jump in and help in whatever way is needed, and that really makes a difference for our students every day.


She’s especially great at navigating the language barriers that exist, helping students from different backgrounds feel included and supported. We are lucky to have Mrs. Montesino at Richard Butler, she doesn’t get enough credit for the impactful work she does for our students and the whole school. Thank you, Mrs. Montesino, for everything you do behind the scenes and out in the open! We appreciate you so much.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Autism Awareness Month


April is Autism Acceptance Month, a perfect time for our Butler Public Schools

community to recognize and celebrate students, families, and staff on the autism spectrum. This year's focus, "Celebrate Differences" encourages us to move beyond basic awareness and embrace the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives that neurodiversity brings to our schools and town every student deserves to feel valued and included. In Butler, we're dedicated to creating supportive classrooms, sensory-friendly spaces, individualized supports, and ongoing training so all kids can thrive. Quick ways to get involved this month: wear blue or puzzle pieces to spark conversations, talk with your kids about kindness and understanding differences, Let's make acceptance part of who we are in Butler, all year long, take a look below to see how Aaron Decker is celebrating Autism Awareness Month!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

April Special Education Parental Advisory Group


Our final SEPAG session of the year is coming up!


It will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Butler Media Center.


This month's topic: Parent/Caregiver Support for Children on the Autism Spectrum. We'll create a safe, supportive space where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find encouragement. You'll walk away with practical tools to support your own mental health, practice self-care, and handle the daily challenges of caregiving. This session is presented by the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services Parent Academy for our Special Education Parental Advisory Group (SEPAG).

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

News From Our Schools News From Our Schools

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Aaron Decker Elementary School

Mr. James Manco, Principal

Kindergarten Registration


Kindergarten Registration for 2026-2027 school year will begin on Monday, February 2, 2026. Please click on link for more information: 2026 Kindergarten Registration Welcome Letter


Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month


Aaron Decker School will be recognizing Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month during the month of April. This is a time to build awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals with autism. It’s about recognizing that everyone learns and experiences the world differently, and making sure all students feel supported, included, and valued in our school community.

To help bring awareness to this, we will be holding a Spirit Week from April 20–24. This will be a great opportunity for our students and staff to come together, show their support, and continue building a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

Please click on the link for more information: Autism Awareness Week

ADS Bulldog of the Month


Congratulations to Mrs. Talasco on being named Aaron Decker School’s Bulldog of the Month. Since joining us in November, she has done an outstanding job creating and building a classroom to support our students with ASD, providing a structured and supportive environment where they can succeed. She is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of her students and has created a calm, positive space where they feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. Mrs. Tolasco has also been a great addition to our staff and we are grateful for the impact she has made in such a short time.

Thank you to our PTA for bringing in author Maddie Frost. Our students learned all about graphic novels.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Read Across America Week


What a fantastic Read Across America Week at ADS! Our week was filled with fun and engaging activities that celebrated the joy of reading. Students had a blast “Dropping Everything to Read” right in our hallways, creating a schoolwide moment dedicated to getting lost in a good book.


We were also excited to welcome guest readers from the BHS PEER group who shared their love of reading with our students. And of course, one of the highlights of the week was a very special visit from Tucker the dog, who brought plenty of smiles and excitement!


Thank you to everyone who helped make this week such a wonderful celebration of reading, and a big shoutout to Mrs. Ventrella for organizing a great week of activities!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Kids Heart Challenge


The Aaron Decker School community showed incredible heart during this year’s Kids Heart Challenge in support of the American Heart Association. Together, our students and families raised an outstanding $10,700, allowing us to reach our fundraising goal for the first time in several years. This achievement reflects the generosity, compassion, and teamwork of our school community. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the families who donated and supported this important cause, helping to make a meaningful difference in the fight against hear

Upcoming Important Dates at ADS:

April 2- Early Dismissal-12:10 pm

April 3-10- Spring Break

April17 - First Grade Field Trip - Turtle Back Zoo

April 27 - May 1 - PTA Spring Book Fair

April 30 - 4th Grade Concert/ School-wide Art Show



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!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Richard Butler Middle School

Mr. Michael Tobin, Principal

As we head into April, we reflect on a busy and exciting March at RBS. Our SEL Week and Caught Being Kind activities highlighted the positive culture we continue to build together, while the 8th-grade vs. faculty volleyball game brought great energy and school spirit.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Our 8th-grade students also had valuable opportunities to prepare for the future, including visits from BHS PEER leaders and participation in a World Language Fair, where they learned more about opportunities at Butler High School.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

In addition, our 8th-grade Gateways students represented RBS at a Model United Nations conference at William Paterson University, showcasing collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

We also proudly recognized our Trimester 2 Honor Roll students for their hard work and achievement.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Congratulations to our Students of the Month, who were nominated by the RBS staff for exhibiting exemplary TEAMWORK.

  • Grade 5 - Jayson McMinn & Alina Suric

  • Grade 6 - Michelle Trejo-Rivera & Waylan Harmon

  • Grade 7 - Kayla Cusano & Aditya Patel

  • Grade 8 - Daynara Leon & Haylee Menoski

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Please join us in congratulating our Bulldog of the Month, Mrs. Koptyra! Mrs. Koptrya supports and inspires students at RBS by always looking for new ways to connect with them. She takes time to ask about their week and what they did on the weekends, which helps build strong relationships with her students. She also adjusts her teaching strategies to meet the needs of her students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn and succeed. By connecting with her students and supporting their individual needs, she creates a positive and encouraging classroom environment.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Butler High School

Mr. Rory Fitzgerald, Principal

Mrs. Jackie Molina, Assistant Principal

Mr. Derek Hall, Assistant Principal and Director of Athletics and Activities

As we welcome the month of April, it’s hard to believe how quickly the school year has flown by! This month, we are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and staff, with spring sports in full swing and numerous upcoming events to look forward to. We encourage all of our students to continue pushing forward and finishing the year strong. Whether it’s focusing on final projects, preparing for exams, or participating in extracurricular activities, your efforts truly make a difference. Thank you to our dedicated teachers, staff, and families for your unwavering support and commitment to making Butler High School a vibrant and thriving community. Let's continue to work together to ensure a successful end to the school year.

In March, BHS World Language teachers and students went to RBS to present a world language fair for 7th Graders and showcase our world language programming at BHS.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Congratulations to BHS’s Top Dawgs for the 3rd marking period


English - Hayden Harrison

Math -Nathalie Roszkowski

Science - Mia Cammarata

Social Studies - Adrianna Rago

Physical Education - Evan Garcia

Business - Oscar Zacharski

Art - Cheyenne McMaster

Music-Dice Smith

Foods -Kayla Bitondo

World Language -Vaola Herard

ELL - Maria Morataya Rodriguez

Shared-Time Student - Brooke Frawley

The Culture and Climate Committee identifies students that model the tenets of our portrait of a graduate. Our Top Dawgs are already recognized for being Academically Strong. So, each marking period, we identify one student per grade level that exemplifies one of the other tenets. These students may not always be recognized for their academic performance but have proven themselves in other ways. For the 3rd marking period, we focused on Compassionate Leadership. This Bulldog balances confidence with care, standing up for ideas while uplifting others, ensuring that every voice is respected and considered. Congratulations to these Leaders of the Pack:
    • 12th grade -

    • 11th grade -

    • 10th grade -

    • 9th grade -

The Morris County School Boards Association (MCSBA) and the Passaic County School Boards Association (PCSBA) partner with the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) to recognize students whose quiet contributions make a powerful difference in their schools and communities. These students have made a significant impact through unique and often-overlooked efforts, such as overcoming adversity and showing exemplary citizenship, usually through quiet contributions behind the scenes.


Kacie Paduch was honored as the BHS Morris County Unsung Hero on March 5th, and Samantha Nogrady was honored as the BHS Passaic County Unsung Hero on March 25th. Congratulations, Kacie and Samantha!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
Congratulation to Butler High School’s 2025 NJ Boys State Nominees -


Delegates: Bloomingdale - Chris Wild Butler- Oscar Zacharski

Alternates: Bloomingdale- Nate Martinka Butler - Anthony Boudaher

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
  • Congratulations to Butler High School’s 2025 NJ Girls State Nominees -


Delegate: Mia Boasso, Alternate: Stacey Rengifo

The Butler High School Art Department proudly announces that the following students have had their artwork accepted into the Mt. Olive High School National Art Honor Societies Annual Invitational:

  • Leela Jaskowski

  • Cheyenne McMaster

  • Maddie Durren

  • Sierra Roche

  • Nigun Sarikaya

  • Sotero Ramos

  • Mia Boasso

  • Lilliana Elias-Gonzalez

A particularly special congratulations goes to the following award winners:

Maddie Durren: Awarded a $5,000.00 scholarship to Montserrat College of Art.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Lilliana Elias-Gonzalez: Secured 2nd place in Digital Media and a $25,000.00 scholarship to Moore College of Art.


Sierra Roche: Won 2nd place in the Open category and received a $132,000.00 scholarship to Hartford Art School.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Please see our 2026 spring assessment letter for important information regarding AP, NJSLA, and Final Exam testing and schedules:


BHS 2026 AP, NJSLA and Final Exam Testing Letter

BHS Bulldog of the Month - March - Mrs. Reid McCarthy - BHS Math Teacher/Student Council Advisor

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Butler School District is proud to recognize Mrs. Reid McCarthy as our March Bulldog of the Month. An excellent math teacher with a truly student-centered approach, Reid consistently creates engaging, well-structured lessons that meet the diverse needs of all learners. Her classroom is a place where organization, enthusiasm, and individualized support come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.


Reid goes above and beyond by making herself available to students outside of class time, regularly inviting them in during lunch for extra help or extended testing time. Her commitment to student growth and well-being is evident in everything she does.


In addition to her impact in the classroom, Reid serves as a dedicated Student Council Advisor, fostering leadership, school spirit, and a strong sense of community among students. She is also a highly collaborative colleague and mentor, always willing to share ideas, provide thoughtful feedback, and support fellow staff members. Her mentorship is marked by consistent check-ins, constructive guidance, and a genuine investment in the success of others.


Reid plays a vital role in strengthening staff culture as well. From organizing small celebrations to recognizing milestones like birthdays, she brings people together in meaningful ways, whether through a shared coffee, a signed card, or a group gathering after school. Her efforts help build a positive, connected environment that embodies the spirit of Bulldog Nation.


Congratulations to Mrs. McCarthy on being named March Bulldog of the Month. Your dedication, leadership, and positivity truly make Butler better every day.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

2026 DECA State Winners


Top Winners Eligible to Attend DECA Nationals:


  • Team of Evan Croker, Andrew Combs, & Oscar Zacharski: Finaled and were moved up to compete at nationals in Start-up Business Plan

  • Two Students to Compete in School Based Enterprise Gold Certification

  • Two Students to Attend Leadership Academy in Georgia

Congratulations to Sarah Bird, Alex Cardell, Nate Martinka, and Natalie Roszkowski for being accepted to perform in the Rutgers Honor Band on March 22 and with the New Jersey Wind Symphony on April 16.

Get ready for a fairy tale like no other! The BHS Drama Club is proud to present Shrek the Musical, a hilarious and heartwarming adventure featuring everyone’s favorite ogre and a cast of unforgettable characters. Join us for an “ogre-the-top” fun performance on Friday, April 24 at 7 PM, and Saturday, April 25 at 2 PM and 7 PM. With lively music, colorful costumes, and plenty of laughs, this is a show the whole family will enjoy. Don’t miss out—come support our talented students and experience the magic of live theater!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Upcoming Events


APRIL:

  • April 1 - Start of MP 4 BHS

  • April 1 - Sophomore/Junior College and Career Planning Parent Night - 6:30 PM - BHS Auditorium

  • April 2 - BHS Spring Pep Rally

  • April 2 - Early Dismissal - 12:40 PM - Teacher - In-Service

  • April 3 through 10 - No School - Spring Break

  • April 17 - BHS MP 3 Grades Posted

  • April 23 - Take Your Child to Work Day

  • April 24 -25 Shrek - The Musical



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

BHS Social Accounts

Butler High School (Instagram & Twitter) - @butlerhsnj

Athletics Twitter - @bhsbulldogsnj

Athletics Instagram - @bhsathletics1

BHS Counseling Instagram - @butlerhscounseling

BHS SAC - @sacbutlerhs

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Athletics and Activities Athletics and Activities

Mr. Derek Hall, Director of Athletics and Activities

Congratulations to Alex Cardell for representing Butler in the 2026 NJMEA All State Symphonic Band in Atlantic City! Alex is the first student to make the All State Band from Butler in over 25 years!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

The Butler Boys Volleyball team had their first official match in history on March 26th! We had a great crowd and an electric atmosphere!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Counselor's Corner Counselor's Corner

Mrs. Jackie Molina, Supervisor of Counseling

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. This month focuses on raising awareness of alcohol misuse and providing resources for prevention, recovery, and support, particularly for youth and families. Find out more information at https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/alcohol

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

On April 14th the Roxbury Police Department will be hosting speaker, Matt Bocchi, to speak with parents about his battle with depression, PTSD, and addiction following the loss of his father on 9/11. We hope parents and guardians will be able to attend and hear his powerful message.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Junior Post-Secondary Planning - High school counselors will be working closely with juniors to support planning for life after high school. This begins with course selection meetings, where counselors help students choose classes that align with their interests and future goals. Counselors visited junior classes March 31st to provide an overview of post-secondary options and explain the college application process, helping students and families feel informed and prepared. Our counselors also host a parent information night for Sophomore and Junior parents, to share the same overview of options, timelines, and the application processes for what lies ahead.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Wellness Wire Wellness Wire

Spring Into Healthy Habits

As the days get longer and the weather begins to warm, April offers the perfect opportunity to reset, recharge, and refocus on our health. Spring is a season of growth, and that applies just as much to our students’ well-being as it does to the world around us. In Butler, we know that healthy students are better learners. A strong focus on wellness, physical, mental, and emotional, helps our students show up ready to learn, participate, and thrive.


Managing Spring Allergies

For many students, spring also brings seasonal allergies that can impact focus, attendance, and overall comfort during the school day.


Common symptoms include:

  • Sneezing, congestion, or runny nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Fatigue or difficulty concentrating


Helpful strategies for families:

  • Keep windows closed at night to limit pollen exposure
  • Encourage students to shower and change clothes after outdoor activities
  • Stay consistent with any prescribed or over-the-counter allergy medications (as advised by your healthcare provider)
  • Communicate with the school nurse if symptoms are impacting your child during the school day


A well-managed allergy season can make a big difference in your child’s energy and ability to focus in class.


Get Outside and Get Moving

After a long winter, students benefit tremendously from fresh air and physical activity. Spring is an ideal time to build (or rebuild) healthy routines.


Simple ways to stay active:

  • Family walks or bike rides around the neighborhood
  • Outdoor sports, playground time, or unstructured play
  • Limiting screen time and encouraging movement breaks

Even 30–60 minutes of daily activity can improve mood, boost energy, and support better sleep, which are all critical for academic success.


Support Mental and Emotional Wellness

Spring can be busy and sometimes stressful, especially as the school year begins to wind down. Helping students maintain balance is key.


Ways to support your child:

  • Keep consistent routines at home, especially with sleep schedules
  • Encourage open conversations about school, friendships, and stress
  • Build in downtime to recharge. Unstructured time matters
  • Model healthy coping strategies like exercise, time outdoors, or simply unplugging

A calm, supported student is a more confident and resilient learner.


Fuel the Body, Fuel the Mind

Nutrition plays a major role in how students feel and perform each day.


Spring wellness tips:

  • Prioritize balanced meals with protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Keep students hydrated; water intake often drops when temperatures fluctuate
  • Pack healthy snacks that sustain energy throughout the day

Small adjustments can lead to big improvements in focus and stamina.


Rest and Recharge

With more daylight and busy schedules, it’s easy for sleep routines to slip. Consistent, quality sleep remains one of the most important factors in student success.


General guidelines:

  • Elementary students: 9–11 hours per night
  • Adolescents: 8–10 hours per night


A well-rested student is better equipped to manage academics, activities, and social demands.


Our Shared Goal

Spring is a time to build momentum, not just academically, but in overall wellness. By working together, home and school, we can help our students finish the year strong, healthy, and confident. Let’s take advantage of the season and continue to support habits that set our students up for success now and into the future.


Healthy habits today. Stronger students tomorrow.

On The Horizon On The Horizon

April

  • April 1 - BHS MP 4 Starts

  • April 1 - BHS 10th and 11th Grade College Planning Night

  • April 2 - Early Dismissal - Teacher In Service

  • April 3 through 10 - No School - Spring Break

  • April 17 - BHS MP 3 Grades Posted

  • April 23- Take Your Child to Work Day

  • April 24-May 1 - ADS Book Fair

  • April 24 and 25 BHS Spring Musical

  • April 24 - 29, DECA International Competition - Atlanta, GA

  • April 30 - ADS Grade 4 Spring Concert and Art Show-6:00pm

May

  • May (Whole Month)- Spring Benchmark Assessments

  • Mental Health Awareness Month (whole month)

  • May 2 - SAT at BHS 7:30 am

  • May 4-8 - Staff Appreciation Week

  • May 4-15 - ADS NJSLA Testing Grades 3 and 4

  • May 5 - Morris County Middle School Leadership Dinner - 6pm

  • May 7 - ADS Plant Sale (PTA)

  • May 8 - RBS Plant Sale (PTA)

  • May 4-15 BHS AP Testing

  • May 11-20 - RBS NJSLA Testing

  • May 13 - RBS Spring Concert

  • May 18,19,20,21 BHS NJSLA 9th Grade ELA/Math and 11th Grade Science Testing

  • May 19 - BHS Night of the Arts - Spring Concert and Art Expo

  • May 21 - BHS NHS Induction Ceremony - 7:00 PM

  • May 21- Kindergarten Parent Orientation Night ADS - 6:30 pm

  • May 21 - RBS Grade 8 Trip - Medieval Times

  • May 22 - Emergency Closure Day Give Back - No School

  • May 25 - Memorial Day No School

  • May 27 - RBS Grade 5 Trip - Liberty State Park

  • May 28 - Senior Athletic Awards Breakfast - 8 am

  • May 28 - BHS Stephen Hill Pre- Prom Assembly - 10:15am

  • May 28 - BHS Prom @ Legacy Castle- 6 pm

Community Bulletin Board Community Bulletin Board

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Dan Johnson
Dan is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter