Bear Bulletin

Baker-Butler where... Together we learn, Together we belong.

December 18, 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.

From the Bear Cave

As we head into Winter Break, we want to wish you and your family a joyful, restful, and safe holiday season. We hope this time brings opportunities to slow down, connect, and enjoy being together.

While school will be on pause, learning never truly stops, especially when it happens naturally through family interactions. Simple moments at home can build essential skills in meaningful ways:

Read together—a bedtime story, a recipe, a comic, or a favorite chapter book
Play games that involve counting, strategy, problem-solving, or teamwork
Talk together—ask your child about their ideas, opinions, and wonderings
Write and create—cards, lists, journals, drawings, or building projects
Explore the world around you—on a walk, in the kitchen, or during family traditions

These shared experiences help strengthen reading, math, communication, and critical-thinking skills—while also building relationships and lasting memories.

Thank you for being such strong partners in your child’s learning. We are grateful for the ways you support our school community and help make Baker-Butler a place where students feel connected, supported, and excited to learn.

We look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready to learn in the new year.

Warm wishes for a happy Winter Break,
The Baker-Butler Elementary Team

Counselor's Corner - 5th Grade to Middle School Transition

As we move into the second semester, we will begin a series of transition activities for our 5th grade students to help prepare them for middle school. These experiences are designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally as they get ready for this important next step.

Throughout the spring, students will participate in age-appropriate opportunities such as:

Choosing
Learning about middle school routines and expectations
Discussing organization, responsibility, and self-advocacy
Asking questions and talking through common hopes and worries
Participating in transition events coordinated with Lakeside Middle School

These activities are intentionally spread out over time and are meant to build confidence, answer questions, and help students feel prepared—while still honoring the importance of finishing their final year of elementary school strong.

Look for communication from Cheryl Drew, 5th grade counselor about transition events, including dates, purposes, and any opportunities for family involvement. Our goal is to work closely with families to ensure students feel supported every step of the way.

We are proud of our 5th graders and look forward to helping them approach middle school with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.

Our 10 finalists who competed in an oral spelling competition.

Baker-Butler Spelling Bee

All 3rd-5th graders had the opportunity to participate in the first round of the Baker-Butler Spelling Bee, and most of them did! The top 10 spellers made it to the final round - an oral spelling bee. Congratulations to these finalists who competed in the Baker-Butler Oral Spelling Bee!

Regina won the competition and will represent Baker-Butler at the Albemarle County Spelling Bee on February 5th. Jonathan was the runner-up. If, for some reason, Regina is unable to attend the ACPS Bee, Jonathan will compete in her place.

Congratulations to Regina and Jonathan!