Passing compliments about Butler Elementary School is both pleasurable and easy. Significant change was the perfect fuel for recent accomplishments at Butler. Praise for our hard working students, praise for the support of parents and community, and praise for the skilled professionals is well deserved. Pride is the result of our shared commitment.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Education continues to measure academic performance, and Butler continues to shine with fine academic progress (see NCLB Report Card). Butler opened this past September with a significant increase in its student population as well as many new additions to the staff. With excellence as a focus, both the students and teachers continue to demonstrate that hard work is worth the investment by the team.

Our library opened this year as a new learning hub. Not only was the space enlarged by more than thirty percent during remodeling, but it was also redesigned to facilitate instruction through the addition of new shelving, modern furniture, and a secondary computer lab. The non-fiction book collection received a surge of new titles.

Butler is especially privileged to share our technology advancements. Daily live television broadcasts are delivered from our television studio. In addition to two computer labs, teachers have access to multiple portable Smartboards, and a portable laptop computer lab. Two grade levels, third and fourth, can boast about handheld computers at the fingertips of students. One entire classroom in each of these two grades has piloted the integration of technology as a daily tool to learning.

"Positive Paw Power" is a school-wide affective education initiative, and it’s the slogan behind our efforts to inform both children and adults about bullying. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is our model, and the themes of the program are routinely woven into daily interactions. Our PTO has supported the program already with two complimentary assemblies.

In addition to regional academic opportunities, Butler students can now shine at another venue outside the classroom – the stage. With the addition of the full size gymnasium came a full size stage complete with lights and sound. A cast of more than 120 amazing students wowed audience members during the school’s first musical. This community event was so well received that plans for another musical have already solidified.

This brief message certainly paints an accurate picture of Butler’s accomplishments. However, I am certain that all of our successes rest on the millions of small daily accomplishments made by each and every member of our school community. It is my hope that perhaps one day you will visit Butler Elementary School and experience first hand what is often called "The Butler Family".

Sincerely,

Sue Klimpl