Dear Butler School District 53 Families and Staff,
As I compose this note on a dreary morning, I think about what is to come after the storm; sunshine, new growth, greener grass, calmer waters, and perhaps a rainbow.
The Butler D53 family of students, guardians, and staff have been navigating a sort of storm for the past 9 weeks. No one could have ever predicted the duration or severity. I am so very proud of the entire D53 community, as I see that you are not only navigating this storm, but you are riding ahead of the waves, determined not to let the situation sink your ship.
The building principals have been communicating the scheduled events of year-end milestones: DARE graduation, Student Council, Fine Arts showcase, Kindergarten Graduation, rising 6th graders, and 8th Grade Recognition/Virtual Celebration.
We have retiring teachers which have collectively given 91 years of their talents to Butler D53: Peter Sompolski (31 years), Jon Frink (31 years), and Colleen Tarantino (29 years). Their energy, passion, and true love of teaching our future generation will be greatly missed. Although I have only known them personally for one year, what they have shared with me, and what I hear from former and current staff and families, I know that they will always be a Butler D53 Dolphin and Viking at heart. We applaud these individuals and wish them much happiness and well deserved relaxation.
The PTO, and administration have created ways to make these events memorable. Though the students experiencing milestones, and staff leaving are not able to receive the pomp and circumstance that they so rightly deserve, we hope that they know that they are Butler D53 strong - and resilient, beyond all limits.
Stay well, be safe -
Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools