Bates Summer Newsletter #2
August 14, 2025
Only 10 More Wake Ups!
Dear Bates Families,
That's right...only 10 more wake ups until we say, "Welcome back!" to our students in grades 1-5. We hope you're making the most out of the precious time that's left of summer vacation. There's lots of work going on over here in preparation to welcome back all of our Bates Beacons. We'll give you a sneak peek at what's going on inside...and outside! Take a look below, and we'll see you soon. You can expect another newsletter before the first day with more important information so stay tuned.
And, as always, "It's a great day to be great!"
Our best,
Ms. Smith
Mr. Mac
Mr. Lister
- Our IT department is still working on creating class schedules.
- Many of the students in grades K-2 have accurate schedules, and that's progress.
- They are still actively working on grades 3-5 behind the scenes.
- We know many of you are eager to find out your child’s homeroom teacher. While you may see schedules listed in Aspen, please keep in mind these are not yet finalized. Any homeroom information shown right now may be incorrect, and we’d hate for you to get the wrong impression about your child’s placement. We’ll share the official assignments as soon as they’re ready.
- After speaking with IT today, we are aiming to have those lists for you early next week (fingers crossed!).
Farewell Message to Bates Families from Ms. Puga
Dear Bates Community,
I wanted to share that I've made the incredibly difficult decision to leave my position as music teacher at Bates to pursue my next opportunity. These past six years have been such a special chapter in my life, and it’s all because of the amazing community that we have at Bates! It has been a joy to teach and make music with our amazing students and to work with such wonderful families and colleagues. I am so grateful for all the support and memories, and I will truly miss this community. Thank you for everything, and I wish you the best of luck in the year ahead!
-Ms. Puga
Welcome, Ms. Flewelling - Our New Kindergarten Teacher!
I am so excited to be joining the Salem Public Schools team this year! I went to Endicott College for my Early Childhood Education Degree as well as for my Masters in Reading and Literacy. I love going to the beach and spending time with my family and two dogs, Maggie and Tessie. This year I look forward to building a strong foundation in literacy, exploring math, science, and social studies topics, and fostering positive relationships. I can't wait to meet you soon!
Reminder - Important change to our early drop off and school dismissal time!
Early Drop Off:
Our early drop off time has changed from 7:20 am to 7:25 am. Children in grades PreK-5 can be dropped off as early as 7:25 at our main doors. Staff will be available to supervise students in the gym.
"Regular" Drop Off for Grades 1-5:
Students must be in the building by 7:45 am. If your student is dropped off after 7:35 am, they will report directly to their homeroom. Any students arriving after 7:45 will be marked tardy.
"Regular" Drop Off for Grades PreK and Kindergarten:
If you don't need to utilize the early drop off (7:25 am) at the main door, PreK and K students will be dropped off at the PreK/K playground side of the building starting at 7:35 am. If your PreK/K student has an older sibling, they can enter together either through the main doors or can be dropped off at the PreK/K door. There is no need to do two drop offs! The PreK/K doors will be closed at 7:45 am, so if you're late, please drop off at the main entrance in the front of the building.
Dismissal:
Our dismissal time has changed!
PreK - 2:10 pm
Kindergarten - 2:15 pm
Grades 1-5 - 2:20 pm
Early release times:
PreK - 10:55 am
Kindergarten - 11:00 am
Grades 1-5 - 11:05 am
Dismissal doesn't follow the same procedure as drop off. See below for additional details.
Videos will be posted!
School pick up and drop off can be confusing sometimes, and we want to make our procedures as clear as possible. To that end, we'll be posting drop off and pick up "how to" videos next week. We'll also have plenty of staff on hand to assist new families during the first days of school.
Mark your calendars!
Just a quick list of the most important dates to get you started:
August 25, 26, 27 - All staff return to school for professional development
August 28 - First day of school for students in grades 1-5 (full day)
August 29 - Full day of school for students in grades 1-5
September 1 - No school, Labor Day
September 2 - Popsicles with the Principal for students and their families in PreK and Kindergarten, and PreK/K playground ribbon cutting ceremony, 5:00-6:00 pm -- So exciting!
September 4 - First day for our PreK and Kindergarten students
September 10 - Curriculum night and potluck dinner, 5:30-7:00 pm
September 17 - Early release for students (PreK at 10:55, Kindergarten at 11:00, Grades 1-5 at 11:05)
September 19 - School picture day - SMILE😀
Back to School Fair!
Save the date for Salem Public School's amazing Back to School Fair which will be held on Wednesday, August 20, at Saltonstall School Playground from 4:00 - 8:00pm. There will be books, backpacks, burgers, and much more. See the flyers below for more information and to register to receive a backpack for your child.
Summer Reading
How's your summer reading going? SPS has a summer reading challenge with a really cool prize. Any student who completes a reading log will be entered into a drawing to win a ride (with a parent) on the Salem Harbormaster patrol boat! There will be one winner per school.
ALSO...if 500 or more students participate across the School District, the Mayor and Superintendent will jump into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean to support Mental Makeover. All are welcome to join.
We hope to have lots of Beacons participate!
Reading log (English)
Reading log (Spanish)
Reading log (Portuguese)
School Mission
Bates Elementary School, in partnership with our families and community, will provide all students with a culturally responsive, student – centered, and equitable learning experience that celebrates our students’ diverse backgrounds, creative pursuits, and their academic, social, emotional success.
