Welcome to Eugene J. Butler Middle School (EJBMS) for the start of the 2011-2012 school year.  As your principal, it gives me great pleasure to be your leader and I look forward to moving the new EJBMS “Home of the Pirates” to the next level.  I am very excited and enthusiastic about this upcoming school year. With the merger of the Butler and Paxon communities, this school year brings new challenges and experiences for all stakeholders.  With the new editions to EJBMS, all students can and will achieve excellence through hard work and dedication.  Students are and will always be my main focus in this educational institution.  All decisions will be based on what is best for students.  Students will be held to high standards and expected to demonstrate the skills, abilities and knowledge to be successful academically and socially.

In addition, my goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment conducive to student learning.  Safety is always our greatest priority.  To assist with this effort, a mandatory uniform policy has been implemented this school year.  All students will be required to wear school uniforms beginning Monday, August 22, 2011.  Students and parents will not have the option of opting out of the uniform policy.  Research shows that a mandatory uniform policy increases school safety for all students.  In addition, it improves overall discipline and increases academic performance amongst students.  Failure to adhere to school’s uniform policy will result in alternative classroom placement to ISSP or Out-of-School suspension.  Uniforms can be purchased at your local Wal-mart, K-Mart, JC Penny’s, and Target stores.  We have a partnership with Total Impact where uniform shirts can be ordered for $6 each.   I’ve enclosed the uniform policy and order forms for Total Impact.  Total Impact Order forms can be dropped off in the school’s main office.  Along with uniforms, you will need to purchase a clear book bag.  

With that being said, all administrators, instructional and support staff members are committed to working as a cohesive unit to ensure your safety and readiness to learn at EJBMS. You are expected to come to school prepared and ready to learn daily.  All necessary school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, folders, etc.) are mandatory each and every day at EJBMS. Leave all electronic devices (IPods, MP3 players, game systems) and other non-educational items home.  Your are not permitted to wear hats, bandannas, or any other head garments on campus.  All students must adhere to the uniform policy and dress code outlined by the district. 

On the first day of school all students will report to their assigned homeroom that is enclosed with this letter.  During homeroom, students will receive their schedule and other important documents.  Many of the documents must be signed and returned to school.  Please complete all necessary paperwork and return to school with your student immediately. 

I embrace and welcome the Paxon students, parents and community to EJBMS family.  I look forward  to working with you in making EJBMS a place “Where a World-Class Education is Valued and Treasured.” I challenge each of you  to rise to your highest potential and make EJBMS a model school. 

Respectfully,

Maurice NeSmith

Principal