Butterworth News - January 2018

Mission: The Butterworth community will provide a quality education in a safe environment which promotes success and encourages lifelong learning.

From the Principal

Happy New Year! I wish you all a healthy and happy 2018. Many people think of these cold months of January and February as a time to hibernate and rest. I’ve always thought of these days as a time of growth. Many students experience some of their biggest gains and areas of growth during the winter months. As teachers

we see students finally master what they struggled with all fall, the proverbial light bulb goes off. We talk to our students often about this struggle and celebration. We encourage them not to give up, to keep trying, to persevere, to believe that they can and will succeed. Learning new things can be hard and uncomfortable, but it can also be some of the most rewarding work that children do. We believe in the power of the word: yet. I can’t make a basket in gym, yet. I can’t play that song on my instrument, yet. I can’t do long division, yet. But, with effort and support and time all students can achieve their personal best.

Butterworth Bobcat Behavior Matrix - This month we will be reviewing and reteaching behavior expectations with all students. Here at Butterworth, we expect students to Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. Students can show us correct behavior in the hallway, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the bathroom, during assemblies and drills, during arrival and dismissal and riding the bus, and in the classroom. Later this month we will be celebrating our outstanding behavior with a “snowball” fight and hot cocoa in the gym. Feel free to ask your child about what is on our behavior matrix.

PTA News - The next meeting will be January 18th at 6:00 in the library.

Testing and Assessment - This month all students will be taking the MAP test in the computer lab. All students take this test in the fall, winter, and spring. This test is an excellent predictor of success and shows student academic growth. Butterworth staff is encouraging all students to take their time during testing and to try their best. The results of the test help us to target

what students need to learn next. The results can also be shared with you during conferences. Please contact your child’s teacher or the office if you have any questions.

Cold Weather Reminder - It is the district policy that we go outside for recess unless it is colder than 11 degrees. Please make sure that your child has the appropriate outerwear. If students want to go into the snowy areas they must wear snow pants and boots. Please check the district website - www.molineschools.org to view the winter weather school closings policy.

Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Winners - Congratulations to Camilla Velasquez, Nathan Tsogbe, Ava Ethridge, and Kendan Spicer. All four students will compete against other students from Moline and Rock Island schools on January 6th. Good luck!

Reminders● Dismissal time is at 2:40 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and at 1:30 on Wednesday.● If your child will be late to school, please call the office (743-1604) before 8:30 and let us know the reason and if your child will need a

school lunch. ● Please do not drop your child off at school too early. School starts at 7:55. Students can line up on the playground at 7:45. If your

child will be eating breakfast they can arrive at 7:15.

Butterworth Vision: Staff, families, and students will share the responsibility of accomplishing challenging goals. We will keep striving for success and accept no excuses so that every student achieves at least one year’s growth each year and demonstrates strong character.