Beech Tree News Network

I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome all of our students back for an exciting school year.  Our maintenance staff and custodians at each of the schools have been working diligently to make sure each of our facilities are clean and ready for every child to come through the doors that first day.  We are still in the process of replacing the existing tile at Morgantown Elementary with new bright white tile.  The entrance area for Butler County High School has also received some renovation this summer.  We know that where we learn and work makes a difference.  We know that our operations must support learning, by creating a learning environment that reflects the realities of the 21st century and are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.  Our transportation staff has also been busy making sure that all of our buses are clean and ready to move on the first day of school.  We have great drivers who have attended training and been updated this summer on the various policies and procedures that comes along with their job.  They will be ready to greet the children that first day with a smile.  Our administrators and teachers are some of the best across the state.  They have attended professional development sessions in the area of assessment, data, and some of the best practices for delivering instruction.

We are pleased with our technology plan.  We have been moving in a direction to have each school totally wireless.  Beginning this school year, a child will be able to log on to the internet from virtually any area of any school in our district.  We are finalizing plans so that if students want to bring a device from home such as an Ipad, Kindle Fire, or a laptop, they would be able to use that device at school.  We will be sending home some information regarding this shortly after the beginning of school.

Our three words that we will focus on during this school year will be Model, Connect, and Involve.  Teachers and staff will model lessons and outcomes for all of their students.  We will work hard to connect with each student.  Lastly, we want to involve students in lessons and activities that will encourage success.  There is no doubt we have the best students in the state.  They have proven themselves many times and many different events and competitions.  The partnership formed by the students, parents, and school is crucial to making sure this success continues.

I encourage you stay involved in your child’s education.  Please make plans to visit the schools and talk to the principals and teachers.  We have great cafeteria staff at each school who would love for you to join us for breakfast or lunch.  As always, if there is anything I can do for you,  please don’t hesitate to contact me.  I certainly look forward to seeing all of the children on opening day.  It is my hopes that everyone has a great start to the new school year.

Scott Howard, Superintendent
Butler County Schools