September Newsletter

September 2nd - WELCOME BACK ALL STUDENTS

September 7th - No school

September 16th -17th - Hearing & Vision Screening 9-12 pm

September 15th - Start of Hispanic Heritage Month

September 24th Back to School Night 5-7 pm

September 21st- 25th- Book Fair

We are excited to begin another dynamic school year at Butler, and we are so grateful for the fantastic start we’ve had together. It has been wonderful to welcome new students and families into our community, and we are looking forward to connecting with even more of you at Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 24th.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, we’d like to share a few important reminders:

Arrival

• For your child’s safety, please do not drop off students before 7:45 a.m. At that time, our crossing guards are on duty and teachers are arriving, so we can provide safe supervision.

• We know some families may need earlier care, so beginning October 5th we will be offering Morning Gym starting at 7:15 a.m. Once students enter the building for this program, they must remain inside. This option will give students a positive and structured start to their day. More details will be shared soon.

Dismissal

• Dismissal is at 2:50 p.m.

• Families who walk to pick up their children should wait in the designated area near the flagpole. This helps us keep students safe as they exit the building quickly and excitedly.

• If you are driving, please do not enter the front main parking lot (marked with cones). This area is reserved for buses. We want to avoid any risk of students crossing between buses and cars.

Community Spaces (Dunkin’ Donuts)

• We are fortunate to have Dunkin’ Donuts as a supportive community partner, especially for our monthly parent coffee hours.

• They have asked that students not wait inside the store for pick-up, as it can create congestion for customers. If your child stops there, please remind them to represent Butler proudly by being respectful.

• For safety, students should remain on campus until their ride arrives. If you anticipate being late, please call the school—we will have your child wait in the main office.

Partnering Together

We value our partnership with you and your children, and we know these routines will help ensure safety and a smooth school day for everyone. We invite you to join us for our first Principal’s Coffee Hour on Thursday, October 8th, at 8:30 a.m. For families who are unable to attend in the morning. l

With Butler Pride,

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th in the United States, is a vibrant and significant observance that recognizes and celebrates the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the nation's history, society, and culture. This month-long celebration begins on September 15th, marking the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

It is important because it provides an opportunity for people across the United States to acknowledge and appreciate the diverse tapestry of Hispanic and Latino cultures. This includes recognizing the numerous achievements and the invaluable impact that individuals and communities of Hispanic descent have made in various fields, such as politics, arts, science, sports, and more.

Furthermore, Hispanic Heritage Month promotes cultural awareness, fosters unity, and encourages cross-cultural understanding. It's a time when people of all backgrounds can come together to learn about Hispanic and Latino communities' customs, traditions, languages, and histories. By doing so, it helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

In a broader sense, this celebration underscores the importance of cultural diversity in the United States and highlights the role of immigrants and their descendants in shaping the nation's identity. It serves as a reminder that the United States is a mosaic of cultures, and each one contributes to the nation's unique and dynamic character. Ultimately, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to embrace and celebrate the richness of the Hispanic and Latino cultures that have become an integral part of the American experience.

At Butler, we know that reading is the foundation for all learning. Research shows that students who read regularly at home—whether independently, with a parent, or by listening to a story—develop stronger vocabulary, better comprehension, and greater confidence across all subject areas. In fact, the simple act of reading 20 minutes a day has been linked to higher achievement, improved focus, and stronger problem-solving skills.

This year, we are excited to introduce our new literacy curriculum, which is designed not only to strengthen skills in the classroom but also to encourage a love of reading at home. The curriculum includes:

• Engaging, diverse texts that reflect our students’ lives and broaden their perspectives.

• Family-friendly strategies and activities to make reading at home enjoyable and meaningful.

• Tools that help parents support comprehension and conversation about what students are reading.

When schools and families partner together around reading, students thrive. By fostering routines at home—such as setting aside time each evening for independent reading, reading aloud together, or discussing what your child read that day—you are helping build habits that last a lifetime.

We invite you to join us on September 25th as we discuss this further and share additional resources to support reading at home.

Thank you for joining us in this important work. Together, we can empower every child to see reading not just as a school task, but as a doorway to curiosity, imagination, and opportunity.

With Butler Pride,

We are excited to share that Butler Middle School is piloting Scoir this year, an online career and college readiness platform designed for students in grades 6–12. All of our students in grades 6–8 will be enrolled.

At the middle school level, Scoir equips students with tools to explore careers and develop early college and career readiness skills. Through the platform, students can discover their strengths, connect their interests to possible career pathways, and begin building the foundational skills they’ll need for success. This early exposure helps ensure a smooth transition into high school and beyond.

As they move on to Lowell High School, students will continue to use Scoir to support college searches, career exploration, financial planning, and the college application process—building on the foundation they start here at Butler.

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Nicole Luongo, Guidance Counselor, at nluongo@lowell.k12.ma.us.

At Butler, we believe being college- and career-ready means preparing every student to confidently pursue their goals beyond middle school—whether that path leads to college, a skilled trade, or another meaningful career. This includes nurturing academic growth, building essential life skills, and fostering a sense of purpose and possibility.

This year, we are being intentional about making this vision a reality. Through REACH Days, Early Release programming, and opportunities to visit college campuses and high school pathways, our students will engage in real-world learning that connects today’s efforts to tomorrow’s opportunities. They’ll take part in workshops, explore future careers, and strengthen the habits of mind and heart needed for long-term success.

Together, with our families as partners, we are laying the foundation for every student to imagine, prepare for, and achieve a future full of promise.

It is helpful for teachers, parents, and administrators to understand the difference between bullying and conflict. While both can cause harm, they require different responses. Use this guide to help identify and respond appropriately.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is different from normal conflict. It involves repeated and intentional harm, where one person uses power to control or hurt another.

• Intentional – not an accident.
• Repetitive – not a one-time incident.
• Power imbalance – the bully has more power (often social status, strength, or popularity).
• Impactful – the target is harmed emotionally, socially, or academically.

What is Conflict?

Conflict is a normal part of relationships and growing up. It usually happens when two or more people have a disagreement or opposing views.

• Disagreement between peers.
• May be a one-time event.
• Both individuals have relatively equal power.
• Resolution is possible through communication and problem-solving.

Why the Difference Matters

Understanding the difference between bullying and conflict helps adults respond in the right way. Conflict can often be resolved with communication and problem-solving, while bullying requires adult intervention to ensure safety and stop harmful behavior.

Cross Country Schedule

Meets Start @ 4:00 @ Shedd Park

All meets are held at Shedd Park.

9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22. Thank you for your support and Let's Go Bulldogs!

VISION- All students will demonstrate at least one year of academic, personal, and community growth at the end of every school year.

MISSION- Our mission is to provide our students with highly-effective, standards-based instruction and enrichment experiences that reinforce our school’s core values and support efforts to close achievement gaps and accelerate growth for all students.

CORE VALUES: Take Care of Self, Each Other and Our Community (I care for myself , I care for others , I care for my school)

Email: jmoody@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/10
Location: 1140 Gorham Street, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: 978-9378973
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpsdbutler/