Bates Family Newsletter
August 31, 2025
Welcome Back!
Dear Bates Families,
We were thrilled to welcome our Bates Beacons back this week. If you were with us on Thursday, what a "welcome back" that was! Throughout the day on Thursday and Friday, we kept finding ourselves saying, "Welcome to Bates! What's your name?" because there are so many new families with us this year.
For those who are joining us for the first time (and for those who have been with us forever!), each school year brings "new" feelings. It reminds us of the saying, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
Our longtime families may notice that we’re introducing some new traditions and initiatives this year, while our brand-new families will simply see them as “how we do things at Bates.” Either way, please know that everything we do, whether it’s something we’ve done for years or something we’re trying for the very first time, is always with one goal in mind: making our school the very best it can be for our students and families.
While we truly believe that everyday is a great day to be great, there's always room for improvement, and with your help, this year is going to be our greatest year yet!
Our best,
Ms. Smith
Mr. Mac
Mr. Lister
Reminder - No School Monday
We'll see you on Tuesday!
Our Priorities
We work off of three basic priorities here are Bates: Center Belonging, Empower Educators, Elevate Student Learning. You'll notice that our weekly newsletters are divided into these three sections for a reason - We always work toward our goals, and we want to keep you informed as to how we're doing it!
Welcoming Events!
Meet Some Staff!
Who are some of the people who take care of your precious humans Monday through Friday? Please meet Ms. Amanda and Ms. G. (Gojanovic), Student Adjustment Counselors, Ms. Rudolph, City Connects Coordinator, and me, Ms. Smith, your principal!
I recorded this welcome back message for students that we played on Friday to start building trust with our new students and maybe reveal a thing or two about myself that our "old" Beacons didn't know! Check it out if you have a few minutes.
Ms. G.
Ms. Amanda
Ms. Rudolph
Introducing....Happy Mail!
This year at Bates, we’re kicking off something brand new called “Happy Mail”! Our admin team is excited to spread more joy by sending home short, cheerful notes via Parent Square that highlight the amazing things our students are doing.
These little messages will share the kinds of moments that make caregivers smile and feel proud whether it’s an act of kindness, a show of responsibility, or a moment of hard work and perseverance. Depending on the week, we’ll send them out daily or weekly so that many different students get a chance to be celebrated.
Because really...who doesn’t love getting happy mail?
Just for Fun!
Our educators outdid themselves this year with our annual "chalk the walk" artwork. Thanks to all who participated!
It went pretty smoothly on day 1. Thanks for helping us keep kids safe! A few reminders:
1. Don't let students get out of vehicles until you are pulled up very close to the front doors.
2. There is NO passing in the drop off line. You move when the person in front of you rolls forward.
3. Adults stay in vehicles. If you have child locks and need us to open the door, we're happy to do so.
This is all done so everyone stays safe!
Early Release PD - September 17th
Our first early release day is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17. PreK will be dismissed at 10:55, K at 11:00, and grades 1-5 at 11:05. Teachers and staff will remain at Bates to engage in important professional development.
A New Opportunity!
We have amazing news! Bates was just awarded a MA Cultural Council grant for $5,000. This is BIG news! This grant will allow us to bring amazing enrichment opportunities to all of our learners. More on this as we navigate the details of the grant. Shout out to Amber Shomo, grade 4 parent, for assisting us with securing this grant.
It's almost time - More details coming soon!
Halloween is going to be here before we know it, and the Grand Parade is just around the corner. Mr. Bleckley has some cool ideas for this year's theme: Stronger Together, The Magic of Us. We'll send more information soon. For now, mark your calendars, and join us!
Mark your calendars!
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) and our first Town Hall - More on that soon!
September 19 - School picture day - SMILE😀
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.
