Butte School District Updates

July 26, 2021

Dear Families,

Once again it is my privilege to welcome you to a new school year which holds the promise of yet another extraordinary year of opportunities and possibilities for all our students. We were all uplifted by our success in 2020- 2021 as we were able to offer in-person instruction and we look forward to an even more complete return to normalcy for the 2021- 2022 school year. However, the success to the upcoming year is largely dependent on our commitment to community-wide vaccination. As never before, education hinges on parents and the community; we literally can’t stay open without COVID-19 immunity.

We know that our parents can help us achieve this as Butte is one of the leaders in state-wide immunity percentages but there is still more that we need to do in order to reach that recommended 85%. Everybody wants to see our kids safe, especially as we start back to school so please remember, vaccination is our front-line defense against COVID-19.

With the emphasis on student health and safety, we plan to return to our normal, five-day, full-time schedule. We remain committed to all health and safety protocols established during the pandemic, and as in 2020-2021, we have a tiered intervention plan for continuing education in the event of an outbreak. But for right now, we are committed to that return to normalcy and that is cause for celebration. We will continue to keep you updated on any changes that may occur prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Details regarding health and safety procedures and protocols can be found on our website at www.bsd1.org

We also have much to celebrate in regards to our building upgrades. We have enhanced our building safety design in all elementary schools, and we continue to progress towards the completion of our remodeling project at East Middle School. Again, parents and community took the lead here in approving the mill levies that financed these improvements. I am so appreciative of all your support!!!

With your help and support, we hope to make 2021-2022 our best year ever!!!. We are going to stay open, we are going to remain healthy, and we are, as always, going to provide our kids with a quality, rigorous, and student-centered educational experience!!!

Thank for getting vaccinated and keeping you, your families, our children and the entire Butte community healthy and safe!! Together we are Butte School District Proud

Sincerely,

Judy Jonart

Superintendent

Butte School District

Butte, MT 59701

February 11, 2021

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

With student safety of paramount importance, our goal this year has been to open our school doors and remain open for the entire school year. In order to ensure the health and safety of your child and our staff, we have and will continue to implement health related guidelines in collaboration with the Butte Silver Bow Health Department.

These guidelines include:

· Staff and students wearing a face mask.
· Limiting student contacts through the use of cohorts that reduce contact numbers
· Eliminating hallway congestion through staggered dismissals
· Serving breakfast and lunch in the classroom.
· Restricting visitors to all buildings
· Building sanitation.

The Butte School District is operating under Phase II of our reopening plan which requires that all staff and students wear face masks. I sincerely appreciate all your help in making sure we are following these health and safety protocols. With good news on the horizon in the form of vaccines, I know that as a community we can push through this peak period and look back with pride in the measures we took to keep our kids safe while still providing for a quality education.

THANK YOU FOR WEARING YOUR MASK!!

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

November 24, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

The start of the 2020-2021 school year has been exciting and definitely very different than any other year. The District is offering both in person and remote instruction for all our K-12 students. It is no easy task to provide instruction on two different platforms however, our teachers and families are working together to make these programs successful. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to all the teachers who have gone above and beyond to ensure all students are receiving the same quality, student centered, progressive education that has always been the hallmark of the Butte School District.

On behalf of the Butte School District, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks at this holiday season for all you do in support of our Reopening Plan. We are so appreciative of your flexibility regarding scheduling that has allowed us to apply our three-tiered plan for ensuring student health and safety. Even though the pandemic has increased our community wide incidence of infection, we have been able to successfully complete two grading periods of both in-person and remote learning environments.

Please take every opportunity to give thanks with your family and I would also like to offer some suggestions provided by the Center for Disease Control. The CDC recommends sharing your Thanksgiving virtually to eliminate travel or by celebrating it with your immediate family to limit COVID exposure. We know that Thanksgiving is often shared outside the nuclear family, but it is recommended at this time that gatherings be limited to 10 or less. Additionally, they recommend that outdoor activities for family and friends with appropriate social distancing provide the best outlet for much needed recreation and play.

In closing, history tells us that times of difficulty provide opportunities for greatness and Butte is certainly steeped in that tradition. With good news on the horizon in the form of vaccines, I know that as a community we can push through this peak period and look back with pride in the measures we took to keep our kids safe while still providing for a quality education.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

October 16, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

The corona virus required major changes to our in-person instruction and as usual our students have stepped up and embraced these changes. The students have also been absolutely terrific in adhering to the protocols including wearing masks, adhering to 6 feet physically distance when possible, adjusting to block schedules, and having lunch in the classroom. In spite of all the changes to their daily routines students are really thriving and making steady progress in this new learning environment.

The district’s remote learning program also included significant changes from what was implemented last spring. Remote learners participate in some synchronous class meetings (student and teacher work together at the same time) and/or teleconferences and asynchronous learning activities (students completing learning activities on their own) each day. Students are asked to participate in daily check-ins with their teacher complete assignments available online. Additionally, each grading period we are asking that our remote learners come to school to meet with their teachers. This scheduled in person meeting time allows for the distribution of new materials as well as giving students an opportunity to ask questions or get additional support. More importantly, it helps build a connection between student and teacher. Thank you to all the families for their continued support of our remote learners.

To ensure that we can successfully operate in our current phase, we will need the collaboration and cooperation from all our families. We are asking that we all dedicate ourselves to working together to ensure that everyone continues to adhere to the safety protocols and procedures that we have put in place. These include; staying home when sick, wearing masks, maintaining 6 feet physical distancing when possible, washing hands, and cleaning and disinfecting. These simple preventative steps are necessary in order for us to continue to operate under Phase II of the reopening plan.

Congratulations to all our students, staff, and families in successfully completing the first grading period of the 2020-2021 school year!!!

THANK YOU FOR WEARING Your Mask!!

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

August 23, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

Once again it is my privilege to welcome you to another school year that holds the promise of yet another “Butte Can Do” challenge. This year, perhaps more than any other year, holds the promise of reflection, a reflection on challenges faced and challenges met. The 2020-2021 school year will see an opening unlike anything in previous years as the corona virus necessitates major changes in regards to student health and safety.

With student safety of paramount importance, our goal this year is to open our school doors and remain open emphasizing the same quality, student centered, progressive education that has always been the mission of the Butte School District. In order to ensure the health and safety of your child and our staff, we have instituted health related guidelines in collaboration with Governor Bullock’s office and the Butte Silver Bow Health Department.

These guidelines include limiting student contacts through the use of cohorts that reduce contact numbers to 50 or less, by eliminating hallway congestion through staggered dismissals, and serving breakfast and lunch in the classroom. Also, in addition to social distancing, the district is committed to an emphasis on personal hygiene, the use of masks, and building sanitation.

In closing, I cannot adequately express my gratitude to all our parents, staff and the entire Butte community for their overwhelming support of our school district and our students. How very fortunate I feel to be part of such a wonderful school district and community. Rest assured that we will use all the resources at our disposal to ensure that our students and staff have a safe and productive school year.

THANK YOU FOR WEARING YOUR MASK!!

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

July 27, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

On Monday July 20, 2020 the Butte School District Board of Trustees approved the Butte School District 3 -Phased Reopening Plan (see plan posted on page). The plan offers three different instructional programs that are unique to each of the phases. The remote learning option will be available to students throughout the duration of the COVID -19 crisis. Please know the health and welfare of all our students, staff, and community is our priority. The plan was designed taking into consideration the unique needs of each grade level and include safety measures that will help keep our students, staff and our entire community safe.

Currently Montana is in Phase II of the Governor’s Reopening plan and therefore, we will be opening school on August 31, 2020 under the provisions contained in Phase II of this plan. All students will be attending school every day. Phase II includes a block schedule that allows us to schedule students in cohorts, limiting the risk of exposure. This instructional model also includes a modified daily schedule that is needed in order to implement the cohort schedule, sanitize and disinfect properly, and facilitate lunch in the classroom. This instructional model will be in effect for at least the first semester of the school year in order that we cover all content areas and that students can earn appropriate semester credit. Please note that based on the spread of the virus and depending upon any new directives from the Governor, the District may need to move into Phase 1 of the plan or go 100% remote learning depending on state and local directives. We will continue to keep you updated on any changes that may occur prior to August 31, 2020.

Families will also be receiving information in the mail regarding our remote learning option. We are asking all families to review the information contained in the mailing and respond immediately if you are interested in the remote learning option. We appreciate your cooperation in getting this information back to us as soon as possible in order that we can finalize our instructional schedules.

Thank you so very much for your patience and cooperation I am looking forward to a very successful reopening!! Please stay safe and healthy and remember to maintain social distancing and wear a mask! If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

May 28, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

June 3, 2020 marks the end of the 2019-2020 school year. This has been a most atypical school year with definite highs and lows. However, like in other years, it is very appropriate to celebrate our successes! Teachers rallied their students, and threw their support behind parents. Administrators, bus drivers, food service, secretaries, and monitors all adjusted schedules to provide lunches or give individual support to students, families and staff. Nurses and other support staff worked with families and students to ensure their individual needs were being addressed. Parents did pick-up and drop off lessons and provided instruction in between. Who knew there were so many ways to solve a math problem?

As I reminisce, I can remember asking the community’s support regarding school closures and I knew, based on prior experiences like the overwhelming acceptance of the safe schools and technology levy, that Butte people would again step up. Butte did not disappoint. Parents assumed the role of the teacher, businesses donated supplies, local media groups helped get the most up- to -date information out to our community, Butte Silver Bow, Mt. Tech, St. James, and other local agencies all stepped up to provide support to our students and staff. Most importantly, our students stepped up and continued to put in the hard work and consistent effort in an entirely new remote learning environment. Our kids, are the real stars, and once again have shown us why Butte School District is so very special!!!

Looking to the summer, we feel somewhat of a disconnect as we move through the phases of quarantine because of the unknown. During the next several weeks, we will be working to finalize our schedules for summer programs as well as developing our reopening plans for Fall 2020. Parents, please take every opportunity to access the district website for updates as we will be providing information throughout the summer. (Please note: Action Inc. will continue to provide grab and go lunches and breakfasts through the summer starting June 8, 2020. Any child between the ages of 1-18 is eligible to receive a free lunch and breakfast. The complete list of pick up sites and delivery times is posted on our website.)

Congratulations to our Butte High School Class of 2020!! What an amazing group of students who met the challenges and adversity of this last semester with remarkable grace and determination!! You are definitely Butte’s “CAN DO CLASS”, and I can’t wait to see you shine as you begin your new adventures!!!

Thank you so very much for your patience and cooperation throughout this school year. I wish you a very safe and healthy summer. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

April 28, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

On Monday April 27, 2020 the Butte School District declared a state of emergency and voted to continue to facilitate instruction through remote learning consistent for the remainder of the school year.

The procedures for distributing and dropping off instructional materials will remain the same as in previous weeks. Individual school schedules are listed on the website. As a reminder; It is critically important to adhere to the Governor’s directive of keeping a distance of six feet from others while picking up or dropping off materials. Therefore, we appreciate your cooperation in following the schedule as posted. Please contact your individual school if you have any questions regarding the schedule or need to make alternative arrangements for pick-up. Additionally, please check with your individual school if you have any questions regarding the process for submitting completed work.

We are continuing to develop our plans for our Butte High School graduation. We will continue to keep you updated as we finalize our plans.

The Butte School District will continue to provide grab and go lunches and breakfasts through the remainder of the year. Any child between the ages of 1-18 is eligible to receive a free lunch and breakfast. Please note that parents may pick up lunches without children being present. No identification is needed. Please see the complete list of pick up sites and delivery times posted on our website.

Please know how very much we miss all of our students and how we appreciate your continued support and patience as we transition to remote learning. Our students are working hard and staying engaged and that is the direct result of the support they are getting from their families. We celebrate your student’s achievements and look forward to their continued success!!

Thank you so very much for your patience and support. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

April 22, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

On Wednesday April 22, 2020 the Governor announced a Directive implementing Executive Orders extending school closures through May 6th. This executive order requires all public schools K-12 to continue to facilitate remote learning consistent with his earlier directives. Beginning May 7, 2020 all schools will have the option to continue to provide instruction through remote learning or resume instruction through an in-classroom delivery model.

During the next week, the Butte School District will continue to provide remote learning opportunities for all K-12 students. Additionally, we will also take this week to plan and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding how the Butte School District will provide instruction after May 6, 2020. All families will be contacted next week regarding the District’s finalized instructional plans beginning May 7 through the end of the school year. Graduation ceremonies will also be included in this final plan.

Thank you so very much for your patience and support. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

April 10, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020 the Governor announced a Directive implementing Executive Orders extending school closures through April 24, 2020. This executive order requires all public schools K-12 to continue to facilitate remote learning consistent with his earlier directives. Please see the entire directive posted on our website.

During the next two weeks, the Butte School District will continue to implement a comprehensive plan to provide remote learning opportunities for all K-12 students. The plan is designed to offer students a hybrid model for remote learning utilizing on-line programs/communications as well as traditional paper/pencil activities to provide off-site learning for its students. The implementation of this hybrid model will ensure that content and services are equitable for all K-12 students. Administrators, teachers, and instructional support staff will continue to monitor the implementation of the plan. Revisions to our procedures will be made based on the results from this monitoring process.

Instructional materials for the week of April 14-17 2020 will be distributed beginning Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The distribution schedules for all schools are posted on our website. It is critically important to adhere to the Governor’s directive of keeping a distance of six feet from others while picking up materials. Therefore, we appreciate your cooperation in following the schedule as posted. Please contact your individual school if you have any questions regarding the schedule or need to make alternative arrangements for pick-up. Additionally, please check with your individual school if you have any questions regarding the process for submitting completed work.

Following the Governor’s Directive, the Butte School District will continue to provide grab and go lunches and breakfasts through April 24. Any child between the ages of 1-18 is eligible to receive a free lunch and breakfast. Please note that parents may pick up lunches without children being present. No identification is needed. Please see the complete list of pick up sites and delivery times posted on our website.

Important reminders: At all times, including when picking up materials and meals, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any person. In addition, the CDC is recommending that we wear a cloth mask while out in public settings.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

March 30, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

On Thursday, March 26, 2020 the Governor announced a Directive implementing Executive Orders 2-20202 and 3-2020 providing measures to stay at home and designating certain essential functions. The directive considers education as an essential function requiring all k-12 public schools to continue to facilitate remote learning consistent with the Governor’s prior directives regarding school closures. Please see the entire directive posted on our website.

During the next two weeks, the Butte School District will be implementing a comprehensive plan to provide remote learning opportunities for all K-12 students during the school closures. The plan is designed to offer students a hybrid model for remote learning utilizing of on-line programs/communications as well as traditional paper/pencil activities to provide off-site learning for its students. The implementation of this hybrid model will ensure that content and services are equitable for all K-12 students. Administrators, teachers, and instructional support staff will be monitoring the implementation of the plan and revisions to the plan will be made weekly based on an analysis of the results from the progress monitoring data.

Instructional materials for the week of March 30- April 3 will be distributed beginning Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The distribution schedules for all schools are posted on our website. It is critically important to adhere to the Governor’s directive of keeping a distance of six feet from others while picking up materials. Therefore, we appreciate your cooperation in following the schedule as posted. Please contact your individual school if you have any questions regarding the schedule or need to make alternative arrangements for pick-up.

Following the Governor’s Directive, the Butte School District will continue to provide Grab and Go lunches and breakfasts through April 10. Any child between the ages of 1-18 is eligible to receive a free lunch and breakfast. Please note that parents may pick up lunches without children being present. No identification is needed. School locations are listed on the website.

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020 the Butte School District bus drivers and monitors will be delivering free meals to alternative locations throughout Butte Silver Bow. Please see the complete list of alternative sites and delivery times posted on the website.

Important reminder: At all times, including when distributing meals, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any person who is not a member of the immediate household, to the greatest extent possible.

Thank you so very much for your patience and support. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

March 24, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

This afternoon the Governor issued an Executive Order directing all K-12 public schools closed through April 10, 2020. He further ordered that school districts follow the planning guidance outlined in his March 19, 2020 Directive that requires developing an initial plan to provide students with (1) quality public education through remote learning, (2) provide for meals for students (3) provide services to students with disabilities, (4) provide other services customarily provided to students in school. The initial plan will be presented to the Butte School District Board of Trustees for approval this week at a Special Board meeting scheduled for Friday March 27, 2020. Upon Board approval, the plan will then be submitted to the Governor for final approval.

It is important that we note that the Governor has also issued Social Distancing requirements that prohibits the non-essential social and recreational gatherings of individuals outside of a home or place of residence of greater than ten people, if a distance of at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained. Please see the entire Governor’s Directive posted on our website.

Butte School District began distributing instructional learning packets for the week of March 23-27. Please contact your school if you have any additional questions regarding distribution. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation throughout this process. Butte families are the BEST!!

Grab and Go lunches and breakfasts started this MONDAY March 23. Please see the list of locations and pick up times posted on our webpage. Any child between the ages of 1-18 is eligible to receive a free lunch and breakfast. No identification is needed.

Thank you so very much for your patience and support. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

March 20, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

Butte School District will begin distributing instructional learning packets for the week of March 23-27. All parents will be notified of distribution schedules via our District automated calling system. The pickup schedules will also be posted on the website. Please contact your school if you have any additional questions regarding distribution.

On March 19, 2020 the Governor sent a Directive Implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 and providing additional direction related to school closures. The Governor has directed all school districts to use this upcoming week to develop and plan ways to implement a quality public education for all students through remote learning and provide school meals in the event there are school closures beyond March 27. Butte School District will use this week to finalize our plan and we will continue to share information as we complete the planning phase. Please see the latest update from Governor Bullock posted under Important links.

Grab and Go lunches and breakfasts will start MONDAY March 23. Please see the list of locations and pickup times posted on our webpage. Any child between the ages of 1-18 is eligible to receive a free lunch and breakfast. No identification is needed.

All MHSA spring activities will be indefinitely suspended until further notice. This includes practices and contests/meets/festivals. The Executive Board will reevaluate this situation on April 13th and any additional information regarding spring activities will be provided as it becomes available.

If spring activities are resumed, the practice requirement for sports at that time will be five practices from resumption except for golf which will be the normal two practices required.

Information regarding registration and schedules for the Summer 2020 Driver’s Education Program will be posted when school resumes.

Adult Education classes are suspended please contact cannonka@bsd1.org or call 533-2968 for more information.

Please remember to stress the importance of social distancing with your kids. A six-foot perimeter should always occur when anyone is out in the public and that should only be when necessary.

Thank you so very much for your patience and support. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

March 18, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

March 18, 2020

Dear Families,

This week we have been working to finalize our plans for lunches and supplemental learning opportunities. Instructional staff will begin compiling assignments and lessons next week which will include the use of a variety of classroom materials. All families will be contacted early next week regarding how the materials will be distributed.

The Butte School District recently received state approval to begin providing Grab and Go lunches and breakfasts starting MONDAY March 23. Please see the list of locations and pick up times posted on our webpage. Any child between the ages of 1-18 is eligible to receive a free lunch and breakfast. No identification is needed.

If spring activities are resumed, the practice requirement for sports at that time will be five practices from resumption except for golf which will be the normal two practices required.

Information regarding registration and schedules for the Summer 2020 Driver’s Education Program will be posted when school resumes.

Please continue to access our website for updated information. Thank you so very much for your patience and support.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org.

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District

March 18, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

In an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19 the Butte School District has closed all its buildings to the public until further notice. Central Administration staff is available to answer all your questions. Below is a list of contacts if you have any questions or need assistance.

Business Department: 533-2505
Central Administration Receptionist: 533-2500
Curriculum Office: 533-2548
Human Resource: 533-2506
Superintendent Office: 533-2527

We sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time.

Thank you,

Judy Jonart

Superintendent

March 15, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families,

Governor Bullock announced the closing of all Montana’s public K-12 school Starting March 16 until March 27. Butte School District will be working with the Governor’s Office, Montana Office of Public Instruction and our Butte Silver Bow local health officials to provide support to all our families.

This week we will be working to finalize our plans for lunches and supplemental learning opportunities. More information regarding these programs will be sent out later this week.

We have also included a few resources you might find useful when talking to your child about school closing:

This is an unprecedented situation and we sincerely appreciate your continued support and patience as we work through these issues.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office jonartjm@bsd1.org

Sincerely,

Judy Jonart

Superintendent

March 6, 2020

Message from the Superintendent

March 5, 2020

Dear Families,

In response to the national health concern regarding the coronavirus, we are sharing the following information to assist in keeping our homes, schools, and community safe and healthy environments.

As of March 4th, there are no COVID-19 cases in Montana

Best practices for prevention and response to any communicable diseases should be practiced:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue (or your elbow).
Stay away from work, school, or other people if you become sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

In the event of a coronavirus case in our Butte community, we will work with local and state health officials as they determine the level of response. A small number of cases with minor symptoms will most likely result in at-home self-quarantine. It would not necessarily mean that we would have to close a school.

In an effort to keep everyone informed on the latest most accurate information several sites have been created to help families stay updated. Please use the link to the right to view these informational sites.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact your local school or you can contact my office at jonartjm@bsd1.org

Sincerely,

Judy Jonart
Superintendent
Butte School District