Bates Family Newsletter

It feels like the winter break was such a long time ago, doesn't it? We've accomplished so much in the short time we've had together in January with this week being especially busy here at Bates. The "big" news right now centers around welcoming prospective PreK and Kindergarten families to Bates for tours. If your student reports that they see lots of people walking around with Ms. Rosalyn, that's what they're here for!

On that note, our PreK/K expo this past week was a huge success. So many families stopped by the Bates table, and we kept hearing the same thing over and over. These new families said they were drawn to visit us that evening because of such positive things they've heard from friends and family members of current Bates Beacons. That's a real testament to our community, and we thank all of you for being our greatest supporters!

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Our best,

Ms. Smith

Mr. Mac

Mr. Lister

If you do pick up or drop off at Bates, you may have noticed we have a new sign out front. Our "kiss and go" policy is simple! We do a live drop off which means no parking in the lane right out front of school. Remember, stay in line, and no passing the folks in front of you. Thanks, as always, for keeping our kids safe!

January 23 - Grades 3, 4, and 5 Winter Showcase, 1:00-1:45 pm (Families are welcome to wait in the lobby until the gym doors open at 12:45 pm.)

Note: Ms. Berman sent home a message to families in grades 3, 4, and 5 asking if you will be dismissing your child/children after the show. It is VERY important that you fill out that form so we can ensure a smooth transition right after the show is over.

We’d like to give a big shout-out to our multilingual learners as they begin ACCESS testing. This assessment is an important opportunity for students to show how much they’ve grown in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English, and we are so proud of their hard work and perseverance.

A special thank-you to our teachers for preparing students and creating a calm, encouraging testing environment. Your dedication makes a meaningful difference.

Families can help by making sure students come to school well-rested and with a good breakfast on testing days. A full night’s sleep and a healthy start help students do their very best.

We’re cheering on all of our students as they show what they know! 🌟

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!

Each week at Bates, we shine a light on our Beacons of the Week, our rockstars who have truly embodied the social-emotional skill we’re focusing on. Their teachers share the many beautiful ways these students have shown up for themselves and for others, and how they personify what it means to live out our values.

Beacons of the Week this week showed great skills in being able to change the channel in their brains. Ask them about this skill!

Griffin Holden

Alicea Romero

Violet Woodbury

Eliezer Beauchamps

Chloe Todd

Maeve Cullinan

Wally Lobsitz

Clarice Vieira

Abby Clarkin

Henry Schelfhaudt

Myrie Tarasuik

Caiden Sobezenski

Alihany Pacheco

Joangel Polanco

Lilah Cournoyer

Bryson Ruiz

Gabe Hottel

Dezmin McKinney

Anthony Collins

Makayla Taveras

We'll be hosting school tours for prospective incoming PreK/K families on January 20th and January 22nd. Tours will take place from: 8:00-8:30 AM, 9:00-9:30 AM, 10:00-10:30 AM, 1:00-1:30 PM, and 3:00-3:30 PM. You can sign up for the tours by sending an to email Rosalyn Guevara, Family Engagement Coordinator at rguevara@salemk12.org.

We'll also host a Virtual Early Education Town Hall on Thursday, January 29, from 6:30-8:00 PM. All of the elementary schools will be represented online. This is another opportunity to learn more about each school and ask questions about PreK/K programming.

Any questions you have about this process should be directed to Ms. Guevara. She has access to application deadlines and can answer any questions you may have. We're looking forward to welcoming an incoming group of Beacons for the 26/27 school year!

Nothing makes us smile like spirit days! Mark your calendars for these upcoming fun opportunities to show your true spirit!

Friday, January 30th - Sweatshirt/Hoodie Day - Wear your most favorite sweatshirt/hoodie! Represent your favorite sports team, mantra, or character. Share your school pride. The sky is the limit!

We can’t wait to see your in some fun gear😀

This week we launched a self-regulation reset using the book, “Hunter and His Amazing Remote Control”--ask your student what they remember about Hunter’s “brain remote” and how they may be able to use it to help be their BEST SELF in 2026!

It's always a good idea to be familiar with our general operating rules and procedures. Please take some time to read through our Bates School Handbook. Thank you!

If your child’s dismissal plans change, please notify Ms. Julie in the Main Office at (978) 740-1250 as early in the day as possible.

Please do not inform your child’s teacher directly, as this interrupts classroom instruction. Ms. Julie will make sure the teacher is notified.

Planning Vacations During the School Year
As you plan, please keep the school calendar in mind when scheduling family vacations. Below are the vacation dates for the 2025–26 school year:

• February 16 – 20
• April 20 – 24

Thank you for making school attendance a priority. We look forward to partnering with you to support your child in the year ahead!

January 19 - No school due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 20 - PTO meeting, 6:30, Bates School Library

January 23 - Grades 3, 4, and 5 Winter Showcase, 1:00-1:45 pm (Families are welcome to wait in the lobby until the gym doors open at 12:45 pm.)

January 30 - Favorite sweatshirt/hoodie Day

February 10 - PTO meeting, 6:30, Bates School Library

February 12 - School Site Council, 7:45-9:00 am

February 13 - Red, pink and white/heart gear spirit day!

February 16-February 20 - February vacation! See you back here on Monday, February 23

Look no further! Sign up to rent the rock here.

Reserve the spirit rock from the PTO for the following: Birthday, ½ Birthday (summer birthday), school spirit, congratulating someone, etc. Spirit Rock is a PTO fundraiser for the school year of 2025-2026. Funds raised will help pay for school programs and/or initiatives.

A School Site Council (SSC) is a representative group of stakeholders - parents, teachers, and the principal, who work together to improve the school. Our main role is shared decision-making around our school’s goals, programs, and budget.

Here’s what our SSC typically does:

• Develops and reviews the school improvement plan
  

• Advises on the use of certain funds
  

• Monitors progress toward goalsBrings stakeholder voices together
  

• Builds transparency and trust

• Meetings are public and our agenda is posted below.

We meet monthly, and our agenda is here. Please let Mrs. Smith know if you'd like to join in for an meeting. Upcoming meetings: 2/12, 3/12, 4/16, 5/14, 6/4 - 7:45-9:00AM.

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.

School Hours:

Monday through Friday

PreK - 7:45 - 2:10 pm

Kindergarten - 7:45 - 2:15 pm

Grades 1-5 - 7:45 - 2:20 pm

Early Release:

PK at 10:55 am

Kindergarten at 11:00 am

Grades 1-5 at 11:05 am