Baker-Butler where... Together we learn, together we belong.
August 28, 2025
This is a weekly publication for Baker-Butler families. Each week's edition is published on the Home page. Previous editions are linked and titled by date.
a cozy, behind-the-scenes peek into school life with reflections and updates from Principal McCullen.
In the days leading up to welcoming our students to start the year, we worked together as a staff to craft a unifying message that captures the heart of our school community: “Together we learn, together we belong.” This slogan reflects both our daily work and our shared vision—that learning is not something any of us do alone, and that belonging is essential for every child and adult in our building. It’s more than words on a page; it’s a commitment to building a school culture where every voice is valued, every learner is supported, and every person knows they are an important part of the Baker-Butler family.
As I walked around the school today, I saw many examples of students learning together in ways that demonstrated our slogan. I will share two with you here.
In first grade, students were partnering to sort shapes by various attributes. They used important social skills like taking turns, listening to each other’s ideas, and making decisions together. At the same time, they applied mathematical vocabulary as they developed their understanding of shapes.
In the gym, teams of upper-grade students raced to get a ball into a bucket about 15 feet away using half-pipes (made of PVC). Each team had a ball, and each team member had a section of pipe. They formed a line to pass the ball from one section to the next. The task required cooperation, focus, balance, and persistence. The fact that the challenge was not easy was clear from the joyful screams of success after a few tries!
These are just a couple of the many moments throughout the building and the day that show when we come together, our students not only learn—they know they belong.
Your children did an outstanding job of following procedures for our first fire drill last week! Practicing what to do when and if necessary to keep safe is not unlike practicing math or reading skills. The repetition creates muscle memory so the response becomes automatic. For this reason we practice a fire drill (a form of evacuation) every month.
Our first of two state-required lockdown drills is scheduled for Friday, September 5 at 8:10am. During a lockdown drill, teachers lock the classroom door and pull down the shades. They will guide students to spread out in their classrooms and remain quiet while waiting for directions. In a real life crisis, each situation may call for a slightly different responses. School staff members are all trained to be alert to their surroundings and choose from options for maximizing safety. This is why students are taught to listen carefully to their teacher.
We know that these drills can feel sensitive for some students and families. To reduce anxiety, we will prepare students beforehand by reviewing what the drill will look like and reminding them often that it is only practice. Teachers will use calm, age-appropriate language to help children understand that these drills are one of the ways we keep them safe.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Need a Snack? We’re Here to Help!
If your child ever forgets a snack or needs a little something extra during the school day, we’ve got them covered! They’re welcome to ask their teacher to go to Ms. Hukill or Ms. Drew’s office for a quick snack.
If your family could use help consistently providing snacks, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to support in any way we can and set up a schedule. Otherwise, it’s helpful to send an extra snack from home if you’re able.
Thanks for helping us keep our students happy, healthy, and ready to learn!
Questions or concerns?
Contact:
Ms. Hukill – ahukill@k12albemarle.org
Ms. Drew – cdrew@k12albemarle.org
Picture Day - September 23, 2025
Here's a digital copy of the picture day flyer. Visit www.strawbridge.net and us the code FM481465 to order pictures.
Mark Your Calendar: Join us for our first general PTO meeting on September 9th, at 7pm in the school library. Light refreshments will be provided. We'll be hosting 4 general meetings this year: September 9th, November 11th, February 10th, and May 12th.
Spirit Wear For Sale! Go to bakerbutler.itemorder.com and check out our collection of t-shirts, hoodies, and more. This is our big once-a-year spirit wear sale with a portion going towards the PTO to support our work. The online store will be open until September 15, and orders can be shipped for free to the school (and will be distributed to students) or shipped directly to your home for a fee. Thank you for supporting the BBES PTO!
Website: www.bakerbutlerpto.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bakerbutlerpto
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bakerbutlerpto
Monday, September 1st - Labor Day - School Closed
Wednesday, September 3rd - Kindergarten Field Trip to Carter's Mountain
Thursday, September 4th - 1st Grade (Drago, Richards, & Zehnter) Field Trip to Wildrock
Friday, September 5th - 1st Grade (Hephner & Smith) Field Trip to Wildrock
Friday, September 5th - Lockdown Drill - shortly after arrival
Tuesday, September 9th - PTO Meeting in the Library beginning at 7PM
Thursday, September 25th - Back to School Night from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Thursday, September 26th - School Closed for Students (Professional Learning Day for Teachers)