Butler Bear News
August 1, 2024

Vol. 2025 Issue 3
August 22nd, 2025
GOOD THINGS
*If you have a "Good Thing" you would like to share, please email Mrs. Michal and it will be added to our next newsletter.
NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
Parents:
Thank you for another amazing week of school! So proud of your students and staff! What a great place to be!
If you have not signed up for access to FOCUS, please do so when you can. "How to" information is in this newsletter. You can also speak to your child's teacher. FOCUS is where you can see your child's grades, attendance, etc. Once you have a FOCUS account, you can then sign up for ROOMS. ROOMS is our new district app that will replace REMIND. ROOMS allows you to see messages pushed directly out by the office as well as send and receive messages from your child's teacher. Both mom and dad can sign up for ROOMS, and even grandparents and other emergency contacts can have access as well!
I was sorted into a House today - Altruismo! I'm so glad we have opportunities and programs for students beyond academics. It is what makes school fun and something to look forward to each day!
Thank you for supporting our school and what we do!
Dr. Hawthorne
P.S. From our Assistant Principals
Attention Bus Riders: Please be aware that some of the bus routes have changed this year. In some cases, students who have ridden the same bus for years are now on a different bus. All bus riders must be issued a new bus tag each year. This allows us to verify the address and ensure the student is on the correct bus. If your child has not received a new bus tag for this year, please reach out to your child's teacher or the front office. If your child has already received a new bus tag for the school year, either at Sneak Peek or during the first week of school, no other action needs to be taken.
WORD OF THE MONTH: RESILIENCY
This month, we're celebrating resiliency! Each month, Resiliency Florida features a Resiliency Characteristic of the Month.
Teachers will find ways to incorporate the word "resiliency" into their lessons, and we appreciate it if parents can use this word too!
MONTHLY CALENDAR
- We will begin inviting parents to join your student(s) during their lunch on August 25th. You can join your students on Mondays and Fridays throughout the school year.
- Be advised, we do not allow lunch visitors on days that we are hosting school events, such as House Day, early release, etc.
- Make sure to bring your I.D. to check in at the front office before enjoying lunch with your student(s).
UPCOMING EVENTS
SIP/SAC/AVID Meeting Information
Our first SIP/SAC meeting will be Tuesday, August 27th from 2:40–3:15 in the PD room. These meetings are open to anyone, and they’re a great way to stay connected to the exciting things happening at Butler. During these meetings we will be talking through data, sharing upcoming information, and discussing A+ money.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes with our school planning, this is a great opportunity to come, listen, and join the conversation. Your voice matters, and we would love to see you there!
Please stop by if you have questions, or better yet—join us on the 27th. We’ll be happy to have you!
2025/2026 Accelerated Reader Information
To learn more about our Accelerated Reader (AR) Program, click the document link below. You will find information about expectations, point system, and rewards.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Attention 5th Grade Brainy Bears!
Make plans now to participate in the Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest! The topic for 2025-2026, which is due December 5, is "Lunch with a Signer". Parents, this is a great opportunity for your fifth grader to expand their horizons and work on a project at home. For more information, see the attached flyer and rules.
MORNING DROP OFF
Everyone has been wonderful in our car line this week. Thank you for your patience! We also want to give a shout out to staff for battling both the hot sun and also the downpours of rain! Here are a few reminders to keep our car line moving and safe:
For morning drop off, please pull all the way down to the next available number. We will teach students how to walk to their correct entry point.
For morning drop off, if you are parking in the parking lot, you are responsible for walking your child through the parking lot to the manned cross walk. Students cannot be dropped off in the parking lot to circumvent the line. Please know the crossing guard's job is to keep the line moving, then individuals can cross once the line has stopped. This will help cut down on our 30A traffic.
For afternoon pick up, thank you for rolling down your window when you approach Mrs. Gomillion to hear which number to drive to.
For afternoon pick up, if your child does not come out in a timely manner, feel free to ask the staff member at your number to recall your child's name.
For both morning and afternoon, thank you for staying in your car and allowing us to assist your student. This will help keep the line moving.
FOCUS
In order to ensure a seamless experience, it is highly recommended you visit or create a FOCUS Parent Portal account to ensure your contact information is up-to-date. You may do this by visiting https://www.walton.k12.fl.us/o/wcsd/page/parent-portal.
STAY CONNECTED
ROOMS is the new district-wide teacher/parent communication platform. This program will take the place of Remind. To use ROOMS, you can download the mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store using the QR codes below.
You can also use ROOMS on a desktop device by visiting www.thrillshare.com to login.
You will receive a text message to authenticate your account and establish the connection between you and your student’s teachers at the start of school.
Greetings from the Art Lab!
We are busy creating our beginning of the year Community Art piece!
Be sure to see all of our work throughout the year by clicking the link below!
BUS INFO
Please contact the front office if you have questions or changes regarding your student's transportation. You can also check your student's bus online by visiting the link below and sign up for the Here Comes the Bus tracking app using the attached flyers below.
SIX HOUSES, ONE FAMILY
The Ron Clark Academy House System is a dynamic, exciting, and proven way to create a positive climate and culture for students and staff. Students are celebrated for their efforts through a process that builds character, empowers academic excellence, fosters school spirit, enhances relationships, and promotes a culture of belonging for all.
Click on the Houses below to learn more.
House of Givers
House of Friendship
House of Courage
House of Kindness
House of Dreamers
House of Success
CAPTURING KIDS HEARTS
"If you have a child's heart ... you have a child's mind" - Flip Flippen / Founder & Chairman
We are proud to be a National Showcase School for CKH!
Check out the links below to see what is happening for the month of August.
WALKERS
Parents residing South of Hwy 98 and West of Co Hwy 393 to 30A have the option to walk with their child to and from school each day. A walker pass MUST be obtained in the office. Please provide a proof of residency when applying for the pass. Walker passes are not available for parents who wish to park in the parking lot and walk up to retrieve their child. Parents who wish to have their child walk or bike to school unaccompanied must get administrative approval and have a written note on file at school.
LUNCHROOM
NURSES NOOK
FREE Child Find Screenings
Do you have concerns about your child's speech, communications, learning, behavior, vision or hearing? Freeport Learning Center provides FREE screenings year-round.
Need to schedule an appointment? Check out the PDF below to see the next steps.
KNOW YOUR SCHOOL
The Know Your Schools Portal is a valuable resource. The site provides clear insights into the performance of Florida's districts and schools in terms of student achievement and success.
PTO CORNER
The Butler Parent Teacher Organization is a volunteer group that strives to enhance academic technology, and school spirit experiences for students and staff at Butler through various fundraisers and events all year.
SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING
FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. All studens will learn about FortifyFL during the first week of school.
Dr. Jennifer Hawthorne
Allison Harber
Hannah Gomillion
Follow Us On Instagram
We Are BEARS!
Van R Butler Elementary School
6694 W. Co Hwy 30A
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
850-622-5041