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School counselors play a crucial role in supporting students’ academic, emotional, and social development. During School Counselor Week, we celebrate their dedication to helping students navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Their compassionate guidance and unwavering support make a significant difference in the lives of countless students every day.

"Thank you" to Mrs. Milotich and Mrs. O'Connell!

Fostering social-emotional learning at home encourages open communication, models empathy, and creates a supportive environment where your child feels safe to express their feelings. These practices help build strong emotional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. In this week's National Association of Elementary School Principals - Report to Parents article, Fostering Social and Emotional Learning at Home, learn how to work with your child to build confidence in recognizing and managing their emotions."

"Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a framework that gives students the skills to recognize and manage emotions and help solve problems effectively by establishing positive relationships. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), encouraging SEL yields positive results for students, adults, and school communities. Parents can use these tips to help foster SEL at home."

To read the 1-page article, please click here.

This year's PSSA Calendar has been set and Butler wanted to share our scheduling plans. Please review if your child is in Grades 3-6.

Please note, Science PSSA will be completed in the 5th Grade ONLY at Butler - a CBSD email was shared outlining the State's planning earlier this year.

When possible, Butler does anticipate 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.

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.

At Butler, the use of student cell phone/SMART Watch/personal device usage in school is prohibited (medical exemptions apply). As a reminder, these devices are to be silenced and remain in backpacks during the school day. Should there be a need for communication, that would take place with the support of the school office during the school day. Please be sure to share these expectations with your child as this policy will be enforced by teachers/staff in coordination with District policy.

CBSD provides a written review of Policies and Expectations for all students (and families) in the Central Bucks Family Handbook.

Additionally, Butler has a Parent/Student Handbook that applies these district policies specific to our school.

Please familiarize to both important documents as we continue throughout the school year.

Visit the CBSD Technology and Innovation website to troubleshoot issues with any district-provided device. Place a Help Desk Ticket through the website if the tips listed on the website do not resolve the issue.

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

As we begin program planning for middle school, we want to share updates to our secondary mathematics program. A summary of courses, placement criteria, and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the district mathematics website: Mathematics / Elementary to Middle School Transition.

Math course recommendations will be available in Infinite Campus starting on March 6.

A comprehensive directory of local supports for families; a guide for special education services in the district; and information about Title IX are three of several new resources that have been recently added to the district's "Making Practices Public" webpage. We invite families and community members to visit the page often for regularly added resources in our efforts to keep everyone informed!

Congrats to Bridge Valley 5th grader Avantika Bose for winning the February round of CBSD's lock screen contest! Her original artwork inspired by the "Balanced Individuals" attribute of CBSD's Portrait of a Graduate will be featured on district devices throughout February. Students can now try their hand at winning the next round of the contest, inspired the "Thoughtful Collaborators" attribute. Submissions are due Feb. 20. More details

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? Flyers that used to go in backpacks or were sent home with students are being collected on the district's "e-Flyer Folder" webpage. Check it out now! Recent additions include information from Bucks County Grandfamilies Support Group

Waffles meet pizza in the most delicious way possible! In this edition of "The Feed," a food services newsletter from Aramark, get the inside scoop on the February limited-time-only item: the sweet and savory Pizza Waffalaco! Also read heartwarming stories from holiday events in the CB community and learn about school lunch vs. packed lunch. Read the newsletter.

Many students across the district currently have negative balances in their lunch accounts. We ask all parents and guardians 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.

From January 1 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.

Learn more about options for the capital needs at Doyle, Kutz and Linden Elementary schools and share your feedback with district leadership at a town hall meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at CB East. No pre-registration is required. Learn more and submit comments or questions. Can't make it? Join us at the next town hall on March 27 at CB South.

The CBSD instructional calendar for the 2025-26 school year was approved by the Board at its monthly meeting on Dec. 2. View the calendar

Have a Student Who Will be New to CBSD in 2025-26? Register Now!

Welcome to CBSD! Please register ASAP! Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open for families of students who will be eligible for kindergarten in CBSD and students in all grades who will be new to CBSD next school year. Learn more about registration here and start a new registration application here.

CBSD welcomes qualified candidates to apply for a range of full-time career opportunities, many with benefits. School bus aides might be the perfect fit for parents and others looking to make a difference while working the same hours as a school day. View all available positions and apply now!

Second grade artists were introduced to the artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954), with the book Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter. Matisse was an Abstract Expressionist who was part of a group of artists known as the “Fauves”, or “Wild Beasts”. Students learned how to draw from observation utilizing a growth mindset and how to create a wax resist with crayon and watercolor paint. They completed a master study of Cat with Red Fish by Matisse, focusing on filling the space with repetitive lines.

From time to time, the health room provides clothing options for students to change into due to unanticipated incidents on the playground (mud, wet, etc.) or during the school day. Currently, our office needs both boy and girl clothing for students who have to borrow an item. We are especially in need of pants (for either gender) in all sizes including larger sizes. If anyone can donate, thank you in advance!

- Nurse Gina

6th grade students have spent the past few weeks learning about Opera in Music class. We learned about different vocal ranges, opera-specific terms, and performers like Marian Anderson and Andrea Bocelli. Each class donned costumes and props as they expertly acted out the classic Bizet opera “Carmen”.

• 2nd Grade- Junior Detectives are hard at work applying their forensic science skills to solve mysteries. So far they have learned about handwriting analysis, fingerprints, and shoe prints. Also,

  Second grade PEN students visited the Fab Lab (Photo) to put their design skills to work. They explored the facility and practiced applying a variety of stop-motion techniques and tools. It was an opportunity to demonstrate all they had learned throughout our animation unit.

• 3rd Grade- Students have been learning about the game mechanics for a variety of new and challenging games. In addition to dice rolling, they have also learned about cooperative games, area control, grid movement, and tile placement.
• 4th Grade- These young inventors are hard at work brainstorming invention ideas to make the world a better place. They are researching related topics to refine their designs and validate the need for their inventions.
• 5th and 6th Grade- Students have successfully graduated from PEN Law School after passing all portions of the PEN Bar Exam! There are definitely some future lawyers in the making! Currently, students are honing their legal knowledge to apply it to a variety of law-related scenarios.

First-grade students are actively learning about the importance of tools. Like engineers, they select the right Makedo tools for their creations. Makedo tools are excellent for elementary students because they promote hands-on, creative problem-solving while being safe and easy to use. These tools allow young learners to build and explore using cardboard, fostering engineering and design skills without the need for sharp blades or glue.

In this challenge, students are creating a cardboard creature or animal. They began the planning process by applying their math skills to identify shapes and using rulers to measure the cardboard needed. Their work is just beginning, and we are excited to see all the amazing creations. We hope that, with Makedo tools and an generous supply of cardboard, students will engage in open-ended, imaginative creation that strengthens their fine motor skills and confidence.

February Continued:

Feb. 17 - No School - President's Day (Office Closed)

Feb. 19 - PJ Whelihan's PTO Dine & Donate

Feb. 21 - Family Fun & Fitness Night - 6:30 PM (Non Drop-off Event)

Feb. 25 - *UPDATE* 6th Grade Parent Middle School Orientation - 7:00 PM (Unami)

March:

Mar. 3-7 - Read Across America Week

Mar. 9 - Daylight Savings - "Spring Ahead" (Sunday)

Mar. 14 - Early Dismissal Day (12:25 PM Dismissal Begins); PD Staff (PM)

Mar. 17 - St. Patrick's Day (Monday) - Wear Green!

Mar. 20 - First Day of Spring (Free Rita's Water Ice)

Mar. 21 - Spirit Day - Rock Your Socks (For Down Syndrome)

Mar. 22 - Butler Spring Fair (Saturday - 10:00 AM-3:00 PM)

Mar. 27 & 28 - Half-Day Dismissals (12:25 PM Dismissal Begins)

Mar. 27 & 28 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (PM)

See below for more information.

The CB South Middle School Hockey Teams continue to perform with the AA team is sitting one point out of a playoff position with one game to go against the 2nd place team. The B team is in second place and heading to their playoff! Best wishes to our Butler Bears on the Middle School Teams. Upcoming schedule below to show support!

Plan dinner and support Butler for February 19th at PJ Whelihan's! The tIming of our event occurs from 4 PM-9PM - Thank you PTO!

Please see details below about the CB East Children's theater Workshop:

Calling all elementary school students! Do you love to sing and dance? You are invited to be a "Junior Patriot Player" for the day!

February 22, 2025 - 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM; CB East Auditorium (Front Entrance). Proceeds benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.

Dear 6th Grade Parents - Please join the Middle School Staff at Unami -NOW- on Tuesday, Feb 25th from 7-9 pm. More details will be shared after the New Year in anticipation of the date. Unami Middle School is excited to host the parents of future 7th graders!

Communication and planning support family-efforts on important school events. See below!

Please be sure to mark your calendar for our 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony - held at Butler Elementary on Tuesday, June 10th - beginning at 7:00 PM. More details to be shared as we get closer to the momentous event!

#100 is a great day when it involves elementary students in school! On Tuesday, February 11th, our Butler Bears reached that momentous day and celebrated in many different ways. So many fun activities occurred like . Some students even decided to dress up in a special way - whether it was "looking 100 years old or wearing 100 things on our clothes! Thanks to everyone for being so festive on the 100th Day of School!

Third Grade was bursting with “egg-citement” as they welcomed their chick eggs last week to kick off their Life Cycles unit! Students cared for the eggs until they hatched, then then cared for the baby chicks as they studied their growth, development, and habits throughout the week. The children were thrilled for the hands-on learning that took place! The chicks will return to the farm today, so the children shared their goodbyes following an exciting week!

The Butler Ball was a truly magical night as our school gym was turned into an ocean full of dancing and music! The "Under the Sea" theme was so much fun as parents/loved ones had a special night with their son or daughter. There were sweet treats and colorful streamers at the event as the DJ filled the air with great songs to enjoy. Thanks to the Butler PTO and Butler Ball Committee for hosting such an incredible event!

Students and Staff had a blast as we prepped for the big game at our school-wide Eagles Assembly on Friday, February 7th. Our staff's spirit committee revved up the crowd and set the stage for what it was going to take for a BIG Eagles Victory! Students showcased their touchdown dancing, and the staff had a football throw accuracy contest! Everyone was ready for the Super Bowl by the end of the day!

Our Spirit Committee was in full creativity mode when designing our spirit days for the week leading up to the Super Bowl in New Orleans! From Mardi Gras Day to team gear - it was Kelly Green in the halls of Butler!

In collaboration with the Kind Like Joey Foundation, Butler Elementary highlighted World Kindness Week in honor of former Butler Bear, Joey Edwards. Each day, we celebrated a theme of Kindness - which is one of our 3-Pledges at Butler!

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 "Breakfast with the Principals".

2/7 Winners: Emmanuel A. (Kdg.), Jasmine McC. (Gr.1), Fiona W. (Gr.2), Vail Y. (Gr.3), Lucy S.(Gr.4), Nicolas J. (Gr.5), Dylan W. (Gr.6), Staff Winner - Mrs. Matteson

2/13 Winners: Nathan D. (Kdg.), Maeve W. (Gr.1), Antonio M. (Gr.2), Nozima K. (Gr.3), Ariana C. (Gr.4), Zoe D. (Gr.5), Miles S. (Gr.6), Staff Leader- Mrs. Conzelman

Individual student winners choose a special activity from the "Choice Board" - where they identify a special event in which they will participate.

"Welcome Back!" - The Butler PTO Newsletter is an informative publication that provides insight and info for events hosted by the Butler PTO. Please click here to open the newsletter.

Superintendent: Steven Yanni, Ed. D.

Assistant Superintendent-Secondary: Charles Malone, Ed. D.

Assistant Superintendent-Elementary: Nadine Garvin, Ed. D.

Website: cbsd.org
Location: 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools/
Twitter: @CBSDSchools

Principal: Karl Funseth

Principal's Secretary: Peggy Bernabei

Assistant Principal: Lauren Dowd

Assistant Principal's Secretary: Michele Droxler

Website: https://www.cbsd.org/butler
Location: 200 Brittany Drive, Chalfont, PA, USA
Phone: 267-894-4250
Twitter: @CBButlerElem