Bates Summer Newsletter #1
August 3, 2026
It's August Already!
Dear Bates Families,
It's hard to believe, but August is here, and that means we start thinking about coming back to school. There's still plenty of summer left to enjoy, however, so get out there and enjoy the sunshine😃
For those who are new to Bates, welcome! We can't wait to meet you all in person. I'm including a picture of the admin team here so you know what we look like when you see us around. I'm Ms. Smith, the principal, and this is my sixth year here as an administrator. Mr. Macarelli (AKA Mr. Mac - right) is our assistant principal. He's starting his third year in this role, and Mr. Lister (left) is our special education administrator who is entering his fourth year in his position. We're here in service of you, so please reach out if you need anything at all.
We'll send more updates as the weeks roll on. For now, here's some back-to-school information to get you started. Enjoy the hot weather, Bates Beacons!
Our best,
Ms. Smith
Mr. Mac
Mr. Lister
Meet Ms. Julie and Summer Office Hours
When you call the main office (978.740.1250), you'll be greeted by Julie Diogo, our school secretary! Ms. Julie. is starting her third year at Bates, and she's always ready to take your calls, lend a helping hand, and keeps our school running efficiently.
Ms. Julie is here throughout the summer, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. If you call before or after that, please leave a message, and she'll get back to you.
Early drop off, regular drop off, and school dismissal time!
Early Drop Off:
Our early drop off starts at 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 times:
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
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 in the coming weeks. 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 31, September 1, September 2 - All staff return to school for professional development
September 3 - First day of school for students in grades 1-5 (full day)
September 4 - Full day of school for students in grades 1-5
September 7 - No school, Labor Day
September 8 - Popsicles with the Principal for students and their families in PreK and Kindergarten - 5:00-6:00 pm - PreK/K playground
September 10 - First day for our PreK and Kindergarten students
September 16 - Curriculum night and potluck dinner, 5:30-7:00 pm
September 23 - Early release for students (PreK at 10:55, Kindergarten at 11:00, Grades 1-5 at 11:05)
Summer Reading
Dive Into the Bates Elementary Summer Reading Challenge 2026!
Dear Bates Families,
How's your summer reading going? Salem Public Schools has invited everyone to keep the learning magic alive by participating in our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge!
Reading over the summer is one of the best ways to keep your child’s mind sharp, and all you have to do is encourage them to pick up their favorite books. To make things even more exciting, Bates Elementary is offering extra prizes this year! Students who participate will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win awesome book packs tailored to each grade level.
Everything you need to get started is available on the Salem Public Schools Summer Website, but we’ve broken down the most important steps and links for our Bates families below:
Step 1: Register Your Child - There's still time!
To kick things off, please fill out the official registration form so we know your child is participating:
Click Here to Register for Summer Reading (Look for the Bates registration Google Form link on the page)
Step 2: Access Endless Books (Free!)
Don't worry about running out of reading material! Use these two essential links to unlock thousands of books for your child this summer:
Get a Physical Library Card – Visit your local library branch to grab a card and explore the shelves.
Get a Library eCard or use Libby – Perfect for travel! Instantly borrow ebooks and audiobooks wherever your summer adventures take you.
Step 3: Log Your Reading & Win Prizes!
As your child reads throughout the summer, make sure to track their progress. Filling out the reading log enters them into the Bates raffle for those grade-level book packs!
Submit the Bates Summer Reading Log (Fill out this Google Form with the titles of the books they read by August 15)
Quick Tip: Whether it's a comic book, a mystery novel, or reading aloud together before bed—it all counts! The goal is simply to foster a love for reading.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you for your incredible support in keeping our students growing, learning, and reading all summer long!
Happy reading,
Ajlida Koci
Librarian & Digital Learning Specialist
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.
