Bates Family Newsletter

We want to wish everyone a safe and healthy winter break. This has been a been a year we will always remember. But thank you for all that you do for our students. We could not do it without all of your support. I hope everyone has the opportunity to rest and spend quality with loved ones. Please let us know if you need anything!

Sincerely,

Gavin Softic, principal

Today marks the beginning of Winter Break. There will be no school next week. We will return to school on January 3rd, 2022.

Thanks to the City of Salem & the state of Massachusetts, Salem Public Schools is able to provide one kit of two tests to every student and staff member in Salem Public Schools today. These are at-home test kits that provide results in 15 minutes.

Here are our expectations for use:

• Test 1: Please use the first test in the morning before your largest gathering over the winter break. If you will not be gathering with others outside of your household, then you can use the test any day in the middle of the break.
• Test 2 – Required: All staff and students should use the second test on Sunday, January 2nd, before returning to school on Monday, January 3rd. We are asking every member of our community to participate to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Instructions for Use: Each test provides more detailed instructions.

• You can find video instructions online here
• Please read the full instructions in the pamphlet or it is available online here in 11 languages
• For more general information about self-tests, go here (you can change the language in the top right corner)

If the results are positive, please isolate the individual and reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Anyone who has a positive result over winter break cannot return to school on Monday, January 3rd.

Once you have isolated the positive case, write down the date of the test and contact the school nurse on Monday, January 3rd and report the result. We recommend a follow-up PCR test. School nurses will be able to provide a timeline to be able to return to school.

With these rapid tests, negative results are not perfect but they generally indicate you do not have an infectious case of COVID-19. If the test is negative, you are all set and we look forward to seeing you Monday, January 3rd!

If you would like more tests for your family, please check the City of Salem website and local pharmacies, as we are asking you to please use both tests for the student or staff member. Individuals that have been positive in the last 90 days are exempt and should not use the tests. Thank you!

If you have questions, please reach out to C19Test1@learn.salemk12.org. Please note there may be a delay in responding over the holidays but we will do our best to respond to all emails.

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!

This week's Town Hall focused on competition and sportsmanship. Each grade level competed with each other in "Minute to Win-It" games. Students who were not participating in the games did an amazing job cheering and celebrating each other. We were so proud of all of our students today. It was a day that we all realized how lucky we are to be at Bates!

Early Childhood Expo (formerly known as the Kindergarten Expo):

• This year’s Early Childhood Expo will include information about how to register for both Kindergarten and preK seats. Below is important information pertaining to preparing for this annual event:

• Event time and location--Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 6:30p-8p (snow date: January 27, 2022). Save the date notifications will be sent to current SPS families via ParentSquare and prospective new families via USPS mail.

Our new school website has launched. Please check it out: https://spsbates.salemk12.org/

We will begin to post regularly on this site. ​This includes updates and newsletter.

Our Bates spirit rock is available for weekly rentals. Celebrate your student's birthday or other accomplishments by painting a message on our rock

Tinyurl.com/spiritrock21-22

As the year progresses I would like to make sure we take time to pause and reflect. I would love to hear from our parents. If you are interested in meeting with me or talking over the phone please fill out this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4bkIhvhZqYki9KvyMNLOS4niORTOC-WXgJx--RpaZKiX0-A/viewform

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!

As a Title I School we are required to create a School Improvement Plan each year. Please take a look at our goals and action steps this year!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HHtvZ9sVEbIx1x3woloCR1c27UQYzSD1ybmjKKb8lgw/edit

The updated Bates Elementary School Handbook is updated. You can find it here:

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WxzB5lyKeyuo7kKzah3FfN4KdH2D8NsPzNCIACWM5Xw/edit
  

Please let us know how your child is getting home. If dismissal plans change please communicate to your homeroom teacher or the main office. 978-740-1250. We want to make sure they get home safely!

If you have not done so already, Parents and guardians can apply online through ParentSquare using the form below or print the application form here and return it to the transportation office.

A reminder that ParentSquare is the district platform for communication. You will receive communication from the district, your school, and your student's classroom all in one space. You can communicate 1-to-1 with teachers, sign up for parent-teacher conferences, and more.

This is how the schools will communicate with families districtwide going forward. Please be sure you are receiving messages from ParentSquare. If you are having trouble, contact your school's front office. You can visit www.parentsquare.com for more information.

Gavin Softic, gsoftic@salemk12.org

978-400-6378

Email: gsoftic@salemk12.org
Location: 53 Liberty Hill Avenue, Salem, MA, USA
Phone: 978-740-1250
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bateselementarysalem/
Twitter: @sps_bates