The process for students to request courses for 2019-2020 school year will occur during the week of January 22-25. The 2019-2020 Program of Studies is available by clicking here. (The document is also located under the Docs/Forms drop-down tab on the Butler homepage.) It is time for all students to begin studying their course options for next year. Butler students will receive scheduling request forms and further details from their counselors during class meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Students will need to enter all course requests in the Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) by Friday, Jan. 25. They also will need to turn in their completed registration form of course requests and alternates with parent signature to the guidance office by Friday, Jan. 25.

There will be a scheduling meeting for parents of current 8th-grade students on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in the PAT. Counselors will visit 8th-grade students at Morton on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Students will need to turn in their completed course request forms to Ms. Megan Reinhart by Friday, Jan. 25.

2019-2020 Program of Studies

We are very excited to announce the addition of several new courses to our 2019-2020 Program of Studies, including several STEM courses!

• CCP English Composition II (Sinclair College 1201 Course at Butler)
• Advanced Placement Psychology
• Principles of Biomedical Science
• Computer Science Essentials
• Drone Technology and Design
• Advanced Woods
• Music Technology
• Strength and Conditioning
• Introduction to Engineering
• Robotics
• Certified Production Technician Credential

The last three courses are being offered on campus at Butler as part of a satellite STEM program through an arrangement with Miami Valley Career Technology Center. The 2019-2020 Program of Studies is available by clicking here.

Additionally, we are in the process of forging a similar opportunity for our French students that is currently being enjoyed by our Latin students. Qualifying students enrolling in French 3 may elect to take this class as FR 2010 Intermediate French 1, earning 3 college semester credit hours from Wright State University.  And, qualifying students enrolling in AP French 4 may elect to take this class as FR 2020 Intermediate French II, earning 3 college semester credit hours from Wright State University. 

ACT for Juniors

All high schools are required by the State of Ohio to administer either the ACT or SAT for all Juniors in the Spring. At Butler, all of our Juniors will take the state-mandated ACT on March 12. The results of this ACT will be used by Juniors both for college admission purposes and as one of the ways by which each student in Ohio can show the level of standardized academic mastery necessary for graduation. The State of Ohio is paying for the March 12 ACT. Juniors, you have an awesome opportunity! Juniors who earn at least a Math subscore of 22 on the March 12 ACT will be exempt from taking the final exam in May in their Math class.  Juniors who earn at least an English subscore of 18 and at least a Reading subscore of 22 on the March 12 ACT will be exempt from taking the final exam in May in their English class! So, practice and prepare! Take advantage of the online programs in the CCRC during your study halls on Mondays-Wednesdays.  Also, see the resources listed in the Guidance News section below.

Addition State of Ohio Graduation Pathways Approved

In addition to the Butler requirement of 22 credits, the State of Ohio requires students to satisfy one of the following three pathways in order to graduate: earn required numbers of points on State of Ohio End-of-Course Tests; earn “remediation free” scores on a nationally recognized college admission exam, e.g., ACT; earn required points for a State Board of Education approved industry recognized credential plus a minimum WorkKeys workforce readiness score. Recent Ohio legislation extended additional graduation options to the classes of 2019 and 2020 where students can satisfying the state graduation pathway requirement by meeting a minimum of at least two of these additional options - click on the year of 2019 or 2020 to read about the options. (State law modified the criteria available for the class of 2020 and not all of the original criteria are available to students in the class of 2020.) 

OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal

All Butler students, you have the wonderful opportunity to earn the Ohio Department of Education’s OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal for your diploma and transcript. By showing you are prepared to contribute to the workplace and our community, you can earn the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal which is a formal designation indicating you have the personal strengths, strong work ethic and professional experience that businesses need.

To earn the OhioMeansJob Readiness Seal, motivated high school students must demonstrate certain professional skills required for success in the workplace. Students work with at least three experienced and trusted mentors who validate the demonstration of these 15 skills in school, work or the community. Click here for further information found on the Ohio Department of Education’s website, and click here for a one-page overview sheet. Click here to read the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal rubric, and click here for the validation form. Aviators, after you complete at least part 1 (pages 1 and 2) of the validation form, turn it in to your guidance counselor. It must be submitted by the end of the 3rd Quarter (March 14).

One more benefit for obtaining the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal - it is one of the additional State of Ohio pathways for graduation which can be used by the classes of 2019 and 2020.

Turnabout Dance

This year’s Turnabout Dance will occur on Saturday, Feb. 2, 8-11 p.m. The theme for the dance is “Super Heroes.” Attire: Dress up or dress down as you favorite super hero…..just dress school appropriate! Cost: $10 per person or $20 per couple. Tickets go on sale during lunch, January 28 to February 1. There will be no tickets sold at the door. Students taking classes at CTC can contact Ms. Sue Zurn (Sue.Zurn@vbcsd.com) to make arrangements for tickets. Outside dance request forms (click here) for the Turnabout Dance are due to Mr. Kevin Longley by Wednesday, Jan. 30.

January Ohio Math League Contest

It is time again for the Ohio Math League Contest. Butler’s Math Department is looking for good math students to compete in the third Ohio Mathematics League Contest of the year which will take place during 3rd period on Tuesday, Jan. 15. This contest is open to all Butler students. Our top scoring students from the December contest were: Ben French and Ethan Sanderson! We are competing against other high schools throughout Ohio and the rest of the country. Aviators, if you know your math and want to represent Butler in the Math League, please sign up using the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/p1xqv19674CQZ4nl1.  All students are welcome to compete! Please see Mr. Brett Smith or your math teacher for further details.

Butler Two-Hour Delays on Tuesdays

A reminder – if a 2-hour delay occurs on a Tuesday morning when an 8:45 a.m. Late Start is scheduled due to Teacher Team Time, then the Teacher Team Time is cancelled and classes at Butler begin at 9:45 a.m.

Auditions for Chicago, The Musical

Aviators, we need a lot of people for both cast and crew. Please join us for this awesome show! Auditions for the spring musical, Chicago, The Musical, will take place this week: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 3:10-5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 16, 3:10-4:30 p.m. Prepare, in advance a short segment of an appropriate song of about 1 minute. Also, you will be asked to read some brief excerpts from the script, which will be provided for you. Sign up for an audition time on the choir room door. 

Driver’s Education Classes

AAA Driving School offers driver’s education classes five times per year at Butler for our students. The next session of classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 3:00-5:00 p.m., January 22 thru February 28. This Winter class is limited to the first 35 students who submit applications. The cost of the full program is $415 which includes 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of on-the-road instruction with a certified instructor. Click here for an application and click here for application requirements and specific dates when the AAA Driving School representative will be at Butler to directly accept applications and payment.

Student Aides

Click here for the student aide contract form. New aides may apply for 2nd semester, and all current aides need to refill out a new form to continue. Approvals are based on 2nd quarter grades. Submit the form to Mrs. Cindy Snyder in Guidance.

Reminder of District Study Table Policy

Students are reminded that according to Board policy, “In order to be eligible for any co-curricular, interscholastic and noninterscholastic extra-curricular activity, a student must have, for the preceding grade period, a 2.0 grade point average, and/or no more than one ‘F.’ Students who do not meet this standard but who wish to continue to participate in co-curricular activities must attend a mandatory ‘Study Table’ until the standard is met.”

Congratulations to --

• Gabe Warren on signing this week to continue his academic and athletic career at Xavier University

Parent Tips from KNOW!

KNOW! provides parents (and grandparents and other caregivers) with twice monthly, FREE KNOW! Parent Tips by email that contain current facts about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as action steps they can take to help children resist peer pressure to use. To sign up to receive the email tips, e.g., the latest one, “Know! The Three Steps to a Happy New You,” go to https://preventionactionalliance.org/about/programs/know/.

SENIOR ONLY NEWS     

Graduation Date

Reminder, Graduation for the Class of 2019 will be on Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m. in the SAC.

Senior Exam Exemption

Seniors have the opportunity to earn final exam exemptions if they meet certain criteria listed in our School Handbook. To review the criteria, you may click here.

Butler Senior Exit Project (BSEP)

Click on the following links for further information: 2019 BSEP Overview, 2019 BSEP Deadlines, 2019 BSEP Participating Classes.

Senior Field Trip to Cedar Point

Seniors will be taking the annual senior field trip to Cedar Point on Thursday, May 23. Click here for the permission form and further information. The deadline for submitting the $50 deposit and permission form to Mrs. Kim Thaler is Friday, Feb. 1.

Senior Panoramic Picture

Seniors, if who wish to purchase a copy of the senior panoramic picture that was taken on Thursday, you need to turn in your picture order form to Mrs. Kim Thaler in the main office.

Award Letters

As you start to receive your award letters from colleges, even if you are not planning on attending that college, please give a copy of them to our Guidance Office so we can recognize your accomplishments in the Commencement Program!

Transcripts

Seniors, if you need a set of your transcripts sent for a scholarship or college application, please let your guidance counselor know at least 2-3 schools days before the deadline. Thank-you!

Time to Apply for Scholarships

Click here for a description of Local Scholarships offered through the Dayton Foundation’s ScholarshipConnect (https://www.daytonfoundation.org/scholars.html). Remember that while these scholarships are only offered to Butler High School seniors – there are many more scholarships on ScholarshipConnect that are offered to graduating seniors in Montgomery County. For a complete list of those scholarships stop in the Guidance Office! (TIP – you can use your common app essay for the general application. Many of them also require an additional essay – do NOT use the same essay for multiple scholarships – there are committees that are established to read and evaluate the scholarships and each committee overseas several of these scholarships!)

Yearbook Picture

The deadline to have your yearbook picture taken by Easterling is Thursday, Jan. 31. Please schedule it today if you have not already done so. Easterling Studios: 937-222-8410 or visit their website at http://www.easterlingstudios.com. Any questions, please contact our yearbook advisor, Ms. Martha Thomas, at martha.thomas@vbcsd.com.

Baby Pictures

Seniors, Thursday, Jan. 31 is also the final deadline to submit your baby picture to Mrs. Jennifer Cornell (Jennifer.Cornell@vbcsd.com) or Ms. Martha Thomas (Martha.Thomas@vbcsd.com). These pictures will be used in the yearbook and at the Senior Dinner.

Parents of Seniors

There is still time to purchase a senior recognition ad in the 2018-2019 Butler High School Airlog Yearbook for your son/daughter. However, space is limited. So, please reserve your ad as soon as possible. This is a wonderful way to highlight your child’s accomplishments throughout these past four years of high school and to wish them the very best. Recognition ads can be purchased in the following sizes: $55 for ? page (3” wide by 1” high), $95 for ¼ page (4” wide by 5” high), $175 for ½ page (8” wide by 5” high), and $325 for a full page (8” wide by 10” high). The deadline to purchase a senior ad is Sunday, Mar 31. Please contact Ms. Martha Thomas (martha.thomas@vbcsd.com) for more information.

GUIDANCE NEWS

ACT and SAT

• The next ACT will occur on Saturday, Feb. 9. Regular registration deadline has passed. Late registration deadline is .
• The next SAT will occur on Saturday, Mar. 9. Registration deadline will be Friday, Feb. 8.

PSAT Scores Interpretation Meeting

All students who took the October 2018 PSAT will need to attend a scores interpretation meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 8 a.m. in the lecture room. Students will learn how to interpret their results, as well as the next steps. Students must attend this meeting to get their results. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kelly Stevens in guidance at 937-415-6312 or at kelly.stevens@vbcsd.com.

Part-Time Student Job Opportunity

City of Vandalia Parks Department is looking for part-time custodians for year-round, 20 hours per week work schedule. Pay is $8.55 per hour with raises after 1500 hours worked. Must be 16 years old and preferably a driver. Hours are somewhat flexible. The open position is at the Justice Center, and the hours are 4-8 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Duties include cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, sweeping and moping among other duties. This can be an ideal job for a high school student or college student attending a local school.

Guidance Bulletin

Click here to read the latest Guidance Bulletin, posted December 7. Also, keep checking on the big scholarship search engines for scholarships. You can find the links to the search engines on the Guidance Page of the Butler website.

FAFSA

We encourage EVERY senior and her/his parents to complete the FAFSA form. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form families fill out as the first step in applying for most federal, state, and college-provided financial aid for students. Although it says “federal,” many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. Seniors and parents, as soon as possible, please complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), at fafsa.gov, along with any other financial aid applications your chosen school(s) may require.

Practice Preparing for the ACT and SAT

• The following ACT and SAT prep books are available in our media center: Amsco’s Preparing for the ACT Mathematics and Science Reasoning and Preparing for the New SAT Mathematics
• Click here for a publication from ACT. It contains full-length practice tests, including a writing test; information about the optional writing test; strategies to prepare for the tests; and what to expect on test day.
• Click here for sample questions from the CollegeBoard to help prepare for the SAT.
• Kaplan offers various ACT prep online courses through their ACT Kaplan Online Prep Live. 
• TorchPrep offers various ACT prep course options. For additional info and dates, visit www.torchprep.com or call 888-382-8174.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

• Mon, 1/14 – AAA Driving School representative in main office to accept applications and payments, 7-8 a.m.
• Mon, 1/14 – JCOWA meeting, 3 p.m., room 120
• Mon, 1/14 – Board of Education Organizational Meeting/Work Session, 5:30 p.m., Board Office
• Tues, 1/15 – 8:45 a.m. Late Start due to Teacher Team Time
• Tues, 1/15 – Ohio Mathematics League Contest, 3rd period
• Tues, 1/15 – Auditions for the spring musical, Chicago, The Musical, 3:10-5:00 p.m.
• Wed, 1/16 – Senior BSEP: Partner sign-up outside Mrs. Rinesmith’s room 156
• Wed, 1/16 – AAA Driving School representative in main office to accept applications and payments, 7-8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Wed, 1/16 – Prom Committee meeting, after school, room 222
• Wed, 1/16 – Auditions for the spring musical, Chicago, The Musical, 3:10-4:30 p.m.
• Fri, 1/18 – AAA Driving School representative in main office to accept applications and payments, 7-8 a.m.
• Fri, 1/18 – Kickline Pageant Preview, PAT
• Mon, 1/21 – No classes: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

CONTESTS, PROGRAMS, ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS             

Vandalia-Butler Optimist Club Essay Contest

The Vandalia-Butler Optimist Club is excited to once again sponsor its annual essay contest! The contest is open to any students living within the boundaries of the Vandalia-Butler School District, including home-schooled students. Contest information is being distributed to St. Christopher School, homeschool groups, as well as Smith Middle School, Morton Middle School, and Butler High School. Monetary prizes will be awarded to students submitting the top essays. Essays will be judged based on three age categories: Grades 4/5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Winners will be invited to attend the noon Optimist meeting on March 5, 2019 with their families to share their entries and receive their prize. The overall winner will also be entered into the District contest. The winner of the District contest will receive a plaque and a $2,500 scholarship. Essay subject: “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?" Entries must be submitted on or before Friday, Feb. 1 to Darrell Wacker, contest chairperson, by email at dwacker@aimmediamidwest.com. Click here for additional rules and entry information.

Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest

The Rotary Four-Way Test: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWELL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Butler speeches are due by Tuesday, Mar. 12. Three cash prizes. See. Mrs. Jennifer Cornell for contest guidelines.

2019 Profile in Courage Essay Contest

In Profiles in Courage, President John F. Kennedy stated, “Always do what is right, regardless of whether it is popular.” Students are encouraged to enter the 2019 Profile in Courage Essay Contest by describing and analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year of John F. Kennedy’s birth. Students have a chance to win several financial awards and possibly an expense-paid trip to Boston to receive recognition at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Deadline for submission is Friday, Jan. 18. Click here for further information and guidelines.

Aviation Art Contest

The National Association of State Aviation Officials presents their 2019 International Aviation Art Contest, “My Dream to Fly.” Deadline to submit an entry is Friday, Jan. 18. Students born between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2012 are encouraged to enter. Click here for further information.

Young Women’s Leadership Camp

There are a few spaces remaining in Bowling Green State University’s Young Women in Business Leadership program set for June 23-27 on the BGSU campus. This residential camp is exclusively for current female juniors who have an interest in improving their leadership skills and their business knowledge. The camp will cover topics such as leadership development, dining etiquette, social and professional networking, speed interviewing, and much more! The only cost for the camp is the $150 registration fee. All other expenses are underwritten by BGSU’s Women in Business Leadership Conference and professional organization. To learn more and register, click here. Registration will close Friday, Feb. 16, or sooner if capacity is reached.

Milton Kantor & Brother’s Scholarship

Click here for the 2019-2020 school year Milton Kantor & Brother’s Scholarship application, criteria, and further details. Due date is Friday, Apr. 19. They prefer applications not be folded, and each packet be stapled in the upper left corner. Send applications to: Wendy Johnson, MK&B's Scholarship Fund, 2200 Butts Road, Suite 200, Boca Raton, FL,  33431  OR  wendyj@vwg.com.

Edison State to Honda Manufacturing Pathway Program

Edison State Community College invites current high school students and parents to learn about their direct pathway developed to lead students into a highly technical career at Honda. This student internship (Co-Op) program allows students to earn a two-year degree while learning measurable skills on the job. Equipment Service Technicians are currently in demand at Honda and require technical and analytical skills to identify and solve problems quickly. Participants in the program will make at least $16 per hour, and those who go on to full-time employment at Honda will start at more than $53,000 per year. The Edison State to Honda Manufacturing Pathway program will help prepare students with the skills needed to take on these in demand roles. Eligible Programs at Edison State: Electronics Engineering Technology; Electro-Mechanical; Automation and Robotics. Requirement: 2.5 GPA/unlimited work authorization in the U.S. There is an information session on Thursday, Feb. 7, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Robinson Theater of the Piqua Campus of Edison State Community College. Honda will be providing pizza and drinks. To RSVP, contact Veronica French by calling 937-778-7865 or emailing vfrench@edisonohio.edu, please leave your name, phone number and number of attendees. 

Youth Arts Coalition of Springfield College Arts Expo

The first Youth Arts Coalition of Springfield College Arts Expo will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the John Legend Theater. The Youth Arts Coalition of Springfield (YACS) is a consortium of organizations dedicated to promoting the fine and performing arts for young people in Clark County.  The group includes representatives from the following groups: The John Legend Theater, National Trail Parks & Recreation, Ohio Performing Arts Institute, Project Jericho, Springfield Arts Council, Springfield Civic Theater, Springfield Museum of Art, and Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The College Arts Expo will be a day for area high school students interested in majoring, minoring, or participating in the arts during their college careers to learn about various programs and offerings, as well as to attend workshops and panel discussions related to their chosen disciplines. They currently have representation from 13 different colleges and are still seeking a few more. Click here for a link where students can register for this event if they have interest.

REMINDERS OF ACTIVE ITEMS   

Yearbook

Don’t forget to order your yearbook online at http://www.yearbooksforever.com or students can pick up an order form in Room 105.

Calamity Day Parent Letter

Click here to read Superintendent Robert O’Leary’s Calamity Day Parent Letter for the 2018-2019 calendar year. Please note, if a 2-hour delay occurs on a Tuesday when we have a Butler late-start scheduled due to teacher team time, the team time is cancelled, and classes at Butler begin at 9:45 a.m.

Math Lab & Study Tables

Students who struggle are encouraged to seek extra academic help first from their teachers. Additionally, there are two extra structured ways of assistance available throughout the week when school is in session: Math Lab during 5th period in room 107 and Study Tables stationed by teachers in our media center from 3:05 to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

From Our School Nurse: FLU Season is Among Us

With the holidays coming up and extended family and friends sharing time and food together, these reminders are probably worth repeating in order to avoid the flu. Remember:

• Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating.
• Do not cough or sneeze into your hands
• Above all, do not put fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth!

We also ask that if your student is sick and has a fever >100, to please keep her/him home from school until fever free for 24 hours, without fever reducing medication. 

Old Yearbooks for Sale

We a limited number of yearbooks from the years of 2018 to 2009 available for sale. Click here for more details.

From Yearbook: Yearbook Snap

Download the free app called Yearbook Snap and search for Butler High School. Use the code BHS2019 to send pictures of students and school related events to the yearbook. Be sure to add a note to your upload with information about the event. Anyone who sends pictures will be entered in a drawing for a free 2019 yearbook. Start snapping! Follow the yearbook: Facebook – Butler Yearbook 2019; Twitter – butleryearbook; Instagram – butleryearbook2019

STAY INFORMED

Twitter

@ButlerHSLuebbe, @VBaviatorAD, @Vandaliabutler, and numerous Butler staff and organization Twitters!

Instagram

ButlerHSLuebbe, vandaliabutler

Website

www.vbcsd.com

Facebook

www.facebook.com/vandaliabutlercsd

Guidance Department Text Reminders

All Aviators and parents are encouraged to sign up to receive text messages or emails distributed by our Butler Guidance Department specific to each graduation class. Go to http://www.vbcsd.com/1/Content2/390 and click on the appropriate link for your daughter/son’s graduating class for specific directions. If you have children in different graduating classes at Butler, you will need to sign up separately for each one. 

Weekly E-Newsletter

Parents, please keep your primary and secondary email contacts always up-to-date in PowerSchool. Thanks!

School Gmail Account for all Students

All students have School Gmail accounts available so they can receive important information, such as this e-Newsletter, directly from Butler High School and Vandalia-Butler City School District. To activate, students need to sign in at www.google.com using their student “ID@vbaviators.com” -- for example, 987654@vbaviators.com is a correct username format. Their initial password is their 8-digit birthdate. For example, April 10, 1990 is 04101990 with leading zeros for single digit months and days. Aviators, in the real world, many adults have separate professional and personal email accounts and use them accordingly. This school Gmail account is to be used only for school usage. It is NOT to be used for personal reasons. Aviators are to check their school Gmail regularly for important messages.

We ARE Aviators!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION