Paw Power Press
Butler Elementary School - Volume 15 - March 2025
Butler's Pledge: Be Respectful, Responsible, & Kind
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Welcome Spring!
Important Information
Spring into Reading w/ Rita's (Chalfont)!
We are excited to announce our 2025 Spring Reading Incentive: Spring into Reading with Rita’s! For the first two weeks of April, Butler Bears in K-6 are asked to read (or be read to) at least eight times between April 1st and April 16th. If your child completes the challenge, they will receive a coupon for FREE Rita’s Water Ice to be redeemed at Rita’s on 178 E. Butler Ave in Chalfont.
When your child completes the challenge, please record your child’s reading using the QR code or link below by April 23rd. If you have any questions, please reach out to Leesa Meade at lmeade@cbsd.org
Health Room - Clothing Donations Appreciated
Since our last message, several families have been able to donate clothes for the health room - which are used with students during any given school day. Thank you to those who donated clothes which no longer "fit" their needs - it is very appreciated!
Updated: 2025 PSSA Schedule - Grades 3-6
Please see the below schedule for family planning purposes. Students in grades 3-6 will take the state assessment on the following dates. For more information, here are PSSA FAQ's.
Please contact Mrs. Dowd, Assistant Principal - ladowd@cbsd.org, with any questions specific to the upcoming assessment.
Butler Cell Phone/SMART Watch/Personal Device Policy
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.
CB and Butler Handbooks
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.
Student 1:1 Device Assistance
District Messages & Announcements
CB South Community Book Collection - 4/12 (Saturday)
CB South National Honor Society is hosting a book collection on Saturday, April 12th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. CBS is looking for gently used and new children's books for families to drop - look for bins in the main lobby ledge parking in front of CB South school. The donated books will go to children's hospitals and local daycares in need of children's books.
Registration Open for 2025-26 School Year!
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.
Early Admission to Kindergarten Now an Option in CBSD
Central Bucks School District recently made a change to the age of admission for student enrollment in kindergarten. Effective beginning the 2025-26 school year, students may be admitted to kindergarten who will be five years of age from September 1 through October 31. Learn more and access information on how to apply.
CB South Internship Program Seeking Businesses to Participate, Hosting Informational Event April 24
CB South is actively seeking local businesses interested in participating in the school's Community Internship Program. Companies looking to mentor and support students in their professional growth can contact Internship Program Director Will Melvin at wmelvin@cbsd.org for more information. Interested businesses are also invited to an informational event on Thursday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at CB South (1100 Folly Rd., Warrington). RSVP is requested by April 18. See flyer to learn more.
April Board Meeting Rescheduled from April 17 to April 24
Notice is hereby given that the Central Bucks School District’s April 17, 2025 School Board Meeting has been rescheduled. The April School Board Meeting will be held on April 24, 2025. The location and start time remain the same: 7 p.m. in the board room of the district's Educational Services Center located at 16 Welden Drive in Doylestown, PA.
Congrats to March Lock Screen Winner, Next Round of Submissions Due 4/20
Congrats to Barclay 5th grader David Martinez-Cortes for winning the March round of CBSD's lock screen contest! His original artwork inspired by the "Thoughtful Collaborators" attribute of CBSD's Portrait of a Graduate is featured on district devices throughout March. Students can now try their hand at winning the next round of the contest, inspired the "Adaptable Innovators" attribute. Submissions are due April 20. More details
CBSD Art Show T-Shirt Sale - "In My Artist Era"
The CBSD Art Department is excited to announce our annual T-shirt sale, aimed at raising funds to support exceptional HS Seniors. One talented senior from each of our 3-high schools will receive a scholarship to continue their artistic journey! This is a fantastic opportunity to support our talented students while looking fabulous in a special, one of a kind design. All Colors and sizes are $15 and can be ordered on "My Payments Plus". Order a T-shirt and wear your school spirit with pride! Sale Dates: March 7 to April 11! Thanks for your support!
Check CBSD "e-Flyer Folder" Regularly for Info on Community Events
Join the CBSD Team: Bus Aides and Other Fulfilling Positions Available
School Calendar & Updates
School Calendar
April:
Apr. 2 - Spirit Day - Light it Up Blue for Autism (Wear Blue)
Apr. 3 - United in Music Concert - CB West 7:00 PM
Apr. 8 - PTO School Assembly - Chinese Acrobats (PM)
Apr. 11 - PTO Lip Sync (5th & 6th Only) - 7:00 PM
Apr. 17 - No School for Students (Thursday) - Staff Development
Apr. 18 - School Holiday - No School
Apr. 21 - No School for Students (Monday) - Staff Development
Apr. 23-25 - PSSA English Language Arts (ELA) - Gr. 3-6
Apr. 26 - CB Kids Triathlon (Pre-Registrants Only - See details below)
Apr.29-30 - PSSA Math - Gr. 3-6
May:
May 1 - PSSA Science - Gr. 5 (ONLY)
May 13 - Butler PTO Dine & Donate - McDonalds Chalfont (4:00PM-8:00PM)
CB: United in Music Concert Event - 4/3/2025
Student musicians and bands from each CBSD high school will come together on Thursday, April 3 for "United in Music," a special concert to benefit the Corinne Sikora Memorial Scholarship, in the CB West auditorium from 7-9 p.m. A long-time Holicong teacher who also worked in the district’s student services and staff development departments, Corinne passed away from a brain tumor in November 2020 at just 49. The scholarship in her name provides $1,000 to a college-bound senior from CB East, CB South or CB West who exemplifies Corinne’s spirit and passion for promoting education and helping people in a variety of ways. The event is being organized by Corinne's son Frankie Sikora, currently a junior at CB West. All proceeds will be donated to the scholarship. Learn more.
Enjoy a night of music on April 3rd at CB West - Donations accepted using the QR code below.
*FREE* CB South Titans Wrestling Sessions - K-8
Students will learn, it’s not a matter of size, skill, or natural athletic ability. Champions come in all shapes and sizes! Participating schools include all buildings that feed into CB South. Sessions held at CB South Wrestling Gym will combine wrestling-based drills along with gymnastic-style games that introduce the sport to your child - forging the basic skills of our sport into future wrestlers. NO EXPERIENCE is necessary.
Wrestling teaches and instills:
- Overall mental and physical fitness.
- Good listening skills.
- Self-confidence and independence.
- Self-discipline and respect for others.
- The ability to cope and deal with failure.
- The value of hard work in pursuit of one’s goals.
- Self-defense (Wrestling is the Ultimate Martial Art)
Head Coach Dan McAuley, JR Titans - (Tamanend-Unami); dmcauley@cbsd.org; 267-614-6322
CB Aquatics - Spring Sign-Ups
Central Bucks Aquatics offers clinics in the spring for swimming and diving. We also offer lifeguard courses. Please see the links below for information about these programs and reach out to me at jsteinberg@cbsd.org with questions.
- Spring swim clinic (program for swimmers who want to get ready for participation with a swim team and those who already have team experience)
- Spring dive clinic (program for new divers and those with team experience)
- Lifeguard courses (initial certification and recertification available)
Music Performances (Spring) - Save the Dates
Communication and planning support family-efforts on important school events. See below!
Get Active!: Register Now for CB Kids Tri and CB Kids Run Registration
Calling all kindergarten to 6th-grade students -- it's almost time lace up your sneakers for the first annual CB Kids Run event on Saturday, April 26. Then get ready to TRI something new at the third annual CB Kids Triathlon on Sunday, June 8. Registration for both events is now open. Learn more and register!
Butler Dine & Donate - McDonald's Night!
Our local McDonald's (@ Butler/County Line in Chalfont) has scheduled a Butler Dine & Donate for Tuesday, May 13th - between 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM! Fifteen (15) % of proceeds will come back to the Butler PTO to support our school community! They hosted a wonderful fall event that we are excited to support their business this spring!
6th Grade Promotion - Save the Date - Tuesday 6/10
Save the date for 6th Grade Promotion - to be held on Tuesday, June 10th in the Butler gymnasium. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM - with more information to be sent from the school later this spring. We look forward to celebrating this group of special Butler Bear students!
Important Music Dates for Grade Level Concerts
Please note the concert date change for the orchestra / band / choir concert - NOW ON THURSDAY, JUNE 5th!
Summer CB Music Camp - 2025
Check out the schedule for opportunities with upcoming summer music camps in CB!
School Happenings
Butler Spring Fair - Saturday, March 22
The Butler Elementary PTO hosted our largest annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 22nd! The Butler Spring Fair was well-attended by students, families, and staff - all here to enjoy the games, food, prizes, and fun! Games and events were housed around the school, where students used punch cards and tickets when awarded prizes. Thanks to all the individuals and groups who kindly donated items for the auction and raffle. The teacher's "staff raffle" will be a great time with students! Thanks to all our volunteers - students from Unami and CB South, teachers, and parents! We appreciate everyone's attendance and participation!
Spirit Day - Rock Your Socks for Down Syndrome - 3/21
Butler celebrated National Down Syndrome Rock Your Socks Day held annually on Friday, March 21st. Butler students and staff showed our support for individuals with Down syndrome as we were encouraged to wear colorful, mismatched socks as a symbol of acceptance and diversity. This initiative aims to highlight the unique abilities and contributions of those with Down Syndrome, fostering a sense of community and understanding while advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with this condition.
Phillies Spirit Day! - Home Opener - 3/31!
Butler Bears were wearing their favorite Phillies gear to celebrate the new season and the hope of a successful season! March 31st was the first home game and our students and staff celebrated in Red, White, and Blue style!
6th Grade MBIT Virtual Presentation - 3/26
Across the last few weeks, Mrs. O'Connell has been exploring with 6th Grade classrooms the MBIT program options offered in High School. They have been discussing the idea of "jobs" versus "careers" - "interests" versus "skills", etc. As a culminating activity, the MBIT students and staff hosted 6th grade students across the school district in a virtual visit across all areas of their technical school. This took place on Wednesday, March 26th.
Student Showcase
2025 Bucks IU Student Art Gallery Reception - Butler Student Honored!
On Thursday, March 27th, Butler 6th grader Hara J., attended the Bucks County IU Student Art Gallery Reception with other students from around Bucks County! Her art was the lone submission from Central Bucks created during Mrs. Casey's art class! Her painting was voted on to represent all CB schools, displaying her skill in painting, drawing excellence, and her eye for design and creative expression. Dr. Yanni, CB Superintendent, also attended the event to support and recognize Hara! It was a special night for Hara and the other attendees - Congratulations!
Paw Power Winners - 3/7 & 3/14
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".
3/21 Winners: Amelia L. (Kdg.), Aadhya J. (Gr.1), James M. (Gr.2), Seohyun L. (Gr.3), Ethan W. (Gr.4), Marissa McC. (Gr.5), Kellan T. (Gr.6), Staff Winner - Miss Montana (Gr.6)
3/28 Winners: Rachel Maco (Kdg.), Harper R. (Gr.1), Alice M. (Gr.2), Luci T. (Gr.3), Shay D. (Gr.4), Jadyn H. (Gr.5), Corbin S. (Gr.6), Staff Winner - Mrs. Zahustecher (Gr.4)
Individual student winners choose a special activity from the "Choice Board" - where they identify a special event in which they will participate.
VIP Table (Lunch)
Special Announcer
Positive Phone Call Home!
Positive Phone Call Home!
From the Butler PTO
The Butler PTO Newsletter
District Details
Central Bucks School District
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
Simon Butler Elementary School
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