Click here to see the schedule and details regarding First Semester Exams, which are December 19-21.

The Night Before Exams

From our Guidance Department, click here to read 7 things to think about the night before an exam.

Math Lab & Study Tables

Students who may be struggling are encouraged to seek extra academic help first from their teachers. Additionally, there are two extra structured ways of assistance available: Math Lab every school day 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 Tuesdays and Thursdays. Great resources to use as part of students’ preparation for semester exams!

Preparing for January

Students will receive Semester 2 class schedules this week which will include a reminder of their locker location and combination. We will be recommending to students that they use these upcoming two weeks to practice using their lockers and think ahead about their paths throughout the school day. It would be good to actually practice going to lockers between classes, as needed. Also, as we prepare for January when students will not be able to carry backpacks/book bags during the school day, the following are some items students will be able to use to help carry school supplies and personal items: small purse, pencil bag, small fanny pack, zipper binder. Students who have questions are encouraged to see a member of our administrative team for help.

December 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 third Ohio Mathematics League of the year. The next contest will take place during 2nd period on Tuesday, Dec. 11. This contest is open to all Butler students. Our top scoring student from the November contest was: Ben French! 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/EzRcvY7ANrOjmbQL2. All students are welcome to compete! Please see Mr. Brett Smith or your math teacher for further details.

Annual Adopt-a-Box!

Thank you to all of our Aviators and Staff member who signed up to do an Adopt-a-Box! Please bring the items for your Adopt-a-Box and identification paper to school on Monday, Dec. 17 and place them in your locker. Boxes, wrapping paper, and bow are supplied - all you have to do is fill the box which is no bigger than a normal shoe box. Examples of items to put in your box...Hot Wheels, Crayons, pens/pencils, small Lego sets, small toys/stuffed animals, socks/gloves, hair accessories, small puzzles/games, stickers, markers, and so much more. You will wrap your Adopt-a-Box on Tuesday, Dec. 18, after school in the cafeteria, and the boxes will be delivered to our elementary schools by Friday, Dec. 21! If you are unable to wrap your Adopt-a-Box after school on the 18th, please give it and your identification paper to Mrs. Jennifer Donovan in Guidance on the 17th and she will take care of it.

Fall Canned Food & Toy Drive

To help serve our great community, please support our 5th annual Fall canned food and toy drive, organized by our National Honor Society. The collection of cans and new toys is running through Friday, Dec. 14. Items collected will provide much-needed assistance to our Vandalia Food Pantry. Students, please bring items to your 1st period class.

Aviators for a Cure Game

Friday, Dec. 14 is the Aviators for a Cure game when our Boys’ Basketball Team hosts Troy. Freshmen play at 4:30, JV at 6:00 and Varsity at 7:30 in our SAC. This is a family event with kid-friendly games, raffles, and prizes. Proceeds benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a childhood cancer foundation. Everyone is encouraged to wear your Aviators for a Cure t-shirt or just wear yellow to help us YELLOW OUT. Click here for a flyer with additional information.

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, starting Wednesday, Dec. 12, to directly accept applications and payment. (The following AAA Driver’s Education classes are scheduled as a Spring class: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, April 2 through May 16.)

Butler Choir Tour

Our Butler Symphonic and Women’s Choirs will be visiting the other schools of our District on Thursday, Dec. 13 to present Holiday concert performances for their students and staff.

Holiday “Ugly” Sweater Day

Our annual Holiday “Ugly” Sweater Day will happen on Monday, Dec. 17. Students and Staff who wear a Holiday Sweater will be entered into a drawing for some seasonal gifts!

Pajama Day

Pajama Day will happen on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Butler Band Winter Concert

Make a note to enjoy the musical talents of our Aviators by attending the Butler Band Winter Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the PAT.

Pep Assembly

On Friday, Dec. 14, we will have a pep assembly. Students taking classes at CTC, the afternoon buses will be at CTC early so you can return to Butler in time for the pep assembly.

Early Release Requests

Seniors and Juniors, request forms for 3rd Quarter early release are to be completed and turned in to Mr. Kevin Longley no later than Friday, Dec. 21.

Seniors: Baby Pictures

Seniors, please bring in a baby picture to either Mrs. Jennifer Cornell or Ms. Martha Thomas for yearbook and Spring Senior Dinner. Please submit them by Friday, Dec. 14.

Jostens

Jostens will be at Butler on Tuesday, Dec. 11 during lunch to deliver class rings. All rings must be paid in full to be picked up. Jostens will also be taking graduation and class ring orders on Tuesday.

Congratulations to --

Salma Albezrah who will represent Butler HS at the 2019 Southwest Ohio HOBY Leadership Seminar.

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! To Give and Receive the Gift of Kindness,” go to https://preventionactionalliance.org/about/programs/know/.

GUIDANCE NEWS

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.

Class of 2019 – Graduation Names

All seniors intending to graduate as the Class of 2019, you need to stop by Guidance to check the spelling and accuracy of your name on the Class of 2019 Potential Graduation List. This is how your name will appear for graduation – diploma, graduation program, etc.

Seniors: 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!

Guidance Office Closed

Our Guidance Office will be closed over winter break. Be advised, there are some colleges and scholarships that have a deadline of January 1. If you need a transcript, please let us know by December 19 so we have time to upload or mail it for you.

Sinclair College Lab Tour

Butler High School and Sinclair Community College have collaborated to offer a College Lab Tour visit on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Students will tour the campus and have the opportunity to visit several SME (Science, Math, and Engineering) labs that may include robotics, drones, automotive and fire science, as well as health science just to name a few. Students will leave Butler at 8:30 a.m. and return at 2:00 p.m., with lunch being provided on campus. 

Sinclair Scholarships

Sinclair Community College is currently taking applications for academic scholarships. If a senior plans to attend Sinclair next year and has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at Butler, please see Mrs. Julie Pratt in the CCRC to apply to the college and get scholarship information. Students must apply and be accepted before submitting a scholarship application. The scholarship deadline is Saturday, Dec. 15.

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.

ACT and SAT

• The next ACT will occur on Saturday, Feb. 9. Registration deadline will be January 11.
• The next SAT will occur on Saturday, Mar. 9. Registration deadline will be February 8. 

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.

Wright Scholar Research Assistant Internships for High School Seniors and Juniors

For students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career fields, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson AFB has a tremendous opportunity for high school juniors and seniors who plan on becoming our next generation of scientists and engineers. Since 2002, the Wright Scholar program has competitively selected some of the brightest high school juniors and seniors for a paid, hands-on, summer internship in AFRL. These student research assistants are provided the opportunity to perform high-level work on mentor-assigned research projects during their 9-week internship. Additionally, Wright Scholars participate in a number of classes and workshops through the University of Dayton, The Ohio State University, and Wright State University, along with tours and weekly lectures designed to broaden their knowledge of STEM fields. Requirements for applicants: Must be high school juniors or seniors at time of application; Must be at least 16 years old by program start on June 3, 2019; Must be a U.S. citizen; Must have GPA of 3.5 or higher; Must have transportation to/from their work place on base if selected; Must be able to participate 40 hours/week for 9 weeks (students cannot exceed 5 days of time off during their paid internship); Must have a keen interest in STEM career fields. The application period ends on Jan. 8, 2019. For program details, dates, and application procedures, please click here. They also offer a limited number of internships for students interested in medical fields.

The Connor Group Scholarship

The Kids and Community Partners Department of The Connor Group has launched a scholarship program for high school seniors and current college enrollees. Click here for further information. Deadline to apply is January 1.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

• Tues, 12/11 – 8:45 a.m. Late Start due to Teacher Team Time
• Tues, 12/11 – AAA Driving School representative in main office to accept applications and payments, 7-8 a.m.
• Tues, 12/11 – Jostens scheduled to be at Butler to deliver class rings and take graduation orders, during lunch
• Tues, 12/11 – Sinclair College Lab Tour
• Tues, 12/11 – Ohio Math League Contest, period 2, lecture room
• Tues, 12/11 – Chamber Choir singing for Vandalia-Butler Optimist Club, period 5
• Tues, 12/11 – Study tables, 3:05-4:00 p.m., media center
• Wed, 12/12 – Butler Band Winter Concert, 7 p.m., PAT
• Thurs, 12/13 – Butler Symphonic and Women’s Choir performing at other schools of our District
• Thurs, 12/13 – Study tables, 3:05-4:00 p.m., media center
• Fri, 12/14 – Final day for Fall Canned Food Drive and Toy Collection
• Fri, 12/14 – Pep Assembly – special schedule
• Fri, 12/14 – Aviators for a Cure Alex’s Lemonade Stand Game
• Mon, 12/17 – Holiday “Ugly” Sweater Day!
• Mon, 12/17 – AAA Driving School representative in main office to accept applications and payments, 7-8 a.m.
• Mon, 12/17 – Bring items for your Adopt-a-Box and your identification paper to school and place them in your locker
• Tues, 12/18 – Pajama Day!
• Tues, 12/18 – AAA Driving School representative in main office to accept applications and payments, 8-9 a.m.
• Tues, 12/18 – Adopt-a-Box wrapping, after school, cafeteria
• Wed, 12/19 – Semester Exams: periods 3,4,6 and regular class: period 5 – special schedule
• Wed, 12/19 – Let Guidance Office know if you need a transcript for some colleges and scholarships that have a deadline of January 1
• Thurs, 12/20 – Semester Exams: periods 1,2 – special schedule
• Thurs, 12/20 – Last day for MVCTC Quarter 2
• Fri, 12/21 – Semester Exams: periods 5,7 – special schedule
• Fri, 12/21 – Deadline for submitting Quarter 3 early release request forms to Mr. Longley
• Fri, 12/21 – End of 1st Semester
• Tues, 1/8 – Classes resume, Start of 3rd Quarter

REMINDERS OF ACTIVE ITEMS           

Letter from Superintendent Robert O’Leary

As you’ve likely heard, students will no longer be permitted to carry backpacks/book bags throughout the school day starting January 8. Students can continue to bring them to/from school, but the backpacks/book bags must be stowed in their locker during the school day. Please click here to read a letter from Superintendent Robert O’Leary to parents/guardians regarding the change.

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.

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 January 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 January 18, 2019. Students born between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2012 are encouraged to enter. Click here for further information.

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

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.”

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.

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