Bateman Buzz; VOL 1

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What an incredible week it has been at Bateman! Our school came alive with the joyful sounds of students finding their classrooms, meeting new friends, and greeting their teachers with excitement. As we celebrate such a wonderful start, our hearts are full of gratitude for our amazing educators, our enthusiastic students, and the caring community that makes Bateman so special.

As we begin a new school year, we are excited to share that our Bateman Family is growing! With several educators moving on to new life adventures and the expansion of our Dual Language Program, we have the honor of welcoming some wonderful new team members to our school community:

• Mr. Randy Crowder - Dean/School Culture Coordinator
• Ms. Alina Cordero - 5th/6th Grade ELA [Monolingual/ Dual]
• Ms. Brittany Zoldan - 3rd Grade [Monolingual]
• Mr. Richard Schreiber - Art Teacher [5th-8th Grade]
• Ms. Maggie Parada - 7th/8th Grade Science [Monolingual/ Dual]
• Ms. Megan Flanagan - Teacher of Diverse Learners
• Ms. Myreliz Romero - Special Education Classroom Assistant
• Mr. Charles J. Lambert - Special Education Classroom Assistant
• Ms. Jennie Ceisel - Special Education Classroom Assistant

Please join us in giving them a warm Bateman welcome!

As we proudly step into our 10th year together as an administrative team (our diamond anniversary!), we are inspired by the incredible educators, students, and families who make Bateman such a special place. Together, we are building a school culture that values every child’s unique strengths, embraces learning through both successes and mistakes, and ensures that joy is at the heart of education each and every day.

At Bateman, we come together for one reason—our children—and with your partnership, we know this will be our best year yet!

Warmly,

Ms. Davos & Ms. Kloepper

WOW! What an amazing playground! We are so grateful for your patience and support throughout the construction process. While the playground isn’t fully complete just yet, we are thrilled with the progress and wanted to share a few important updates as we get closer to the finish line:

1. Playground Usage During the School Day
   Last week, we were informed that students would not be able to use the playground—but after advocating on their behalf, we were thrilled to learn on Monday morning (first day of school) that our request was approved! Students have been overjoyed to play on the new equipment, and we are working to ensure all age groups can enjoy the space safely.
   
   

2. After-School Playground Usage
   We know how much our students want to keep playing after school, so we’ve set aside time from 3:00–3:25 pm for families to enjoy the playground together. At 3:25 pm, we kindly ask all families to exit so we can secure the gates for students participating in the Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club After-Care Program and sports teams. Thank you for helping us keep all children safe.
   
   

3. No Dogs on the Playground
   For the safety and cleanliness of our play space, dogs are not permitted on the playground at any time.
   
   

4. Weekend Playground Usage
   Since construction is still ongoing, crews may need access on weekends. If you see the gates closed, that means work is scheduled. We appreciate your patience as the finishing touches are completed and kindly ask everyone to help us take great care of the space.
   
   

We are beyond excited to be able to provide our students with a safe, beautiful, and welcoming place to play every day. This playground has been a dream for our community, and together, we are making it a reality!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, August 25-Friday, August 29: Fall Sports Tryouts

Monday & Wednesday: SpongeBob The Musical Auditions

Tuesday-Thursday, August 26-28: Dine to Donate: Big League Burgers | 3734 W Irving Park | 11am-9pm

Tuesday, August 26: BFC Bingo Night at Templestowe from 7pm-9pm

Monday, September 1: No School | Labor Day

Wednesday, September 3: LSC Meeting @ 3:30p | Library

Wednesday, September 3: Bateman Boosters Meeting @ 6pm | Horner Park

SAVE THE DATES

September 11: Curriculum Night

September 17: School Picture Day

September 19: Q1 Progress Report Distribution

September 20: Kids Day @ Horner Park Farmers Market

September 26: No School | Professional Development Day

October 3: Bateman Walk-A-Thon

Homework Policy

In order to provide families flexibility and developmentally appropriate expectations, students in PK -2 will:

• PK: No Homework

• K: Optional Homework Packet

• 1st-2nd: Weekly Homework Packet

• Additional Standards Based Practice

• Reinforcement of class work / unfinished work
• Projects
• Estimated 30 minutes per evening

Cell Phone & Smart Device Policy

Cell phones, smart watches and any other communication devices may not be used or worn while in school. If you feel your child must have a cell phone or smart watch, it must remain in their backpack, TURNED OFF while in their locker at school. Texting and videotaping are not permitted anytime during the school day. The school is not responsible for the security of the cell phone. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in detention and confiscation of the phone. The cell phone or smart device may be retrieved by the parent at the end of the day. This policy is in effect throughout the entire school day while on school grounds.

**Please see the entirety of these policies and more in the Parent & Student Handbook.**

*6th-8th Grade Boys Soccer Tryouts

Tuesday, August 26th, and Thursday, August 28th from 3:00-4:00

**This year, boys soccer games will be on Saturdays. This applies to the girls' season in the spring as well.

*6th-8th Grade Girls Volleyball Tryouts

Monday, August 25th, and Wednesday, August 27th from 3:00-4:00

*We are adding 6th-8th grade cross country this fall. More information will be provided over the next few weeks.

*Students must complete a teacher recommendation form prior to attending tryouts. These forms must be returned to Mr. Nowak by Monday morning, August 25th. You can view the form here: Sports Tryout Recommendation Form Sports team fees will remain $50 per student. If we have non-competitive practice teams, the fee is $25 per student.

We are excited to announce that our annual After School Opportunities for students are now live! We anticipate offering more options as we await updates regarding Out of School Time funding. We appreciate your patience! Click below to view the offerings!

Parents-the Bateman Back-to-School Sale is now live! Order your gear today to wear for the start of the school year. Shop now and save 25% off site wide, NO CODE NEEDED: https://1stplace.sale/29008

Sale Details

• Sale Dates: 8/11/2025 - 9/16/2025
• 25% off all merchandise
• Free shipping on orders over $75

Tuesday, August 26th from 7pm - 9pm

Join the Bateman Fathers' Club at Templestowe for a night of Bingo fun! All are welcome to attend. Proceeds go towards Fathers Club programming. Bingo card purchase is cash only ($5/card). It is highly recommended to arrive a touch early to grab a spot! Please contact the BFC [batemanfathers@gmail.com] with any questions!

Tuesday, August 26th - Thursday, August 29th from 11am - 9pm

It´s our first Dine to Donate of the school year! Stop in to Big League Burger and mention ´Bateman´ and they will donate 15% back to the school!

For dine in or carryout only (through their website: https://www.bigleagueburgersusa.com/). No delivery or 3rd party vendors.

Monday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 27th from 315-5:15pm

We’re looking for volunteers to serve as room parents this year! Room parents help coordinate classroom events, organize volunteer opportunities, and support our teachers in keeping families connected. It’s a fun way to be involved, meet other families, and make a big difference for our students.

If you’re interested (or just curious to learn more), please fill out the form below.

We’d love to have you join our team!

We have a very limited quantity of purple and black BLAZE gear available for purchase, as well as previously worn basketball jerseys and brand new BLAZE water bottles. Please use this link BLAZE Sale Items to view what items are available. All sales are final. Cash or check only. Contact Mr. Nowak at jdnowak@cps.edu with any questions or if you would like to make a purchase.

This year’s Walk-a-Thon will take place on Friday, October 3rd! All students participate, but you must register your child and receive a donation in order to be in the raffle. You need to register again even if you registered for previous events. This event is incredibly important in supporting our students, PE/Health classes, sports teams, and coaches. Our goal is to raise $50,000.

​The Bateman Local School Council (LSC) supports our school by making decisions that affect our children, their education, and the environment of the school. The primary responsibilities of the LSC include the following:

• to select the school’s principal & renew the principal’s contract,
• approve the Continuous Improvement Work Plan (Bateman CIWP)
• approve the school’s budget for the school year.

Monthly meetings will take place in the Bateman Library on a rotating morning and afternoon schedule. Morning meetings will be at 8:15am and after school meetings will take place at 3:30pm.

Please join us for our first BAC meeting where we will learn about the bilingual and dual language program. We will also elect new officers for the school year.

Please join us for our first PAC Meeting where we discuss Bateman Elementary's CIWP. We will also elect new officers for the school year.

The Bateman Boosters (a "friends of" organization) is a 509(a)(2) organization whose mission is to raise money to support Bateman Elementary School. Our organization consists of school families, neighborhood friends, and faculty - anyone committed to supporting efforts to bring extra opportunities to Bateman students. We encourage local families to attend their neighborhood school and get involved in Bateman's educational and community programs.

Monthly meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm, alternating locations between the Bateman library and Le Village Cowork (3146 W Irving Park Rd).

Join us in making a difference in young lives! As a sponsor, you'll provide essential resources and support that help shape the future of our children. Your contribution can fund educational programs, enrich classroom experiences, and create a thriving community. Together, let’s empower the next generation to reach their full potential. Sign up today and be a champion for education!

If you're interested in sponsoring Bateman or learning more, please contact Meg Dempsey, Mary McConville or Daniella Cornue at friendsofbateman@gmail.com Let’s invest in the future—one child at a time!

Click here to join and follow upcoming events with the Bateman Fathers' Club!