Bates Family Newsletter

The home stretch...

By the time you read this, there will be five more wake ups until vacation! This week will bring with it excitement, joy, anticipation, and, in some cases, anxiety. The holiday season can be overwhelming for some students. If you feel like your student might need a little extra TLC next week, let us know. That's what makes Bates great. We're a team, and we care about one another.

Since there won't be a "regular" newsletter next week, I wish a Merry Christmas to those families who celebrate, and Happy New Year to all. I'm looking forward to a great 2024 filled with lots of learning, fun moments, and opportunities to come together as a school community. Wishing you and yours good health and happy times.

Now for some fun! - Reminder that these are optional😀

Bates School Theme Week - December 18-22
My Favorite Color Monday - Wear your favorite color!
Team Tuesday - Wear sports team apparel / colors of your house colors!
Wacky Wednesday - Wear your wackiest outfits and hairdos!
Twin Day Thursday - Dress the same / similar as a friend or staff at Bates!
Finally PJ Day Friday - Wear your pajamas to school!

Next week, students will be asked to make cards for first responders, the elderly in local nursing homes, community workers, etc. We love to shine our light on others, and during this holiday season, we are trying to shine the light super bright on those in our community who might need a little extra praise and attention. Way to go, Bates Beacons.

Students in grades K-5 take STAR assessments in early literacy and/or reading, and math three times per year. Star tests are computer adaptive, which means they adjust in difficulty to each answer students provide. This helps teachers get the best data to help students in the shortest amount of testing time (about one-third of the time other tests require). We'll be sending our your student's STAR testing results during the week of 12/18. Please check your student's backpacks as they will be send hard copy.

Mrs. Smith will host a parent/caregiver meeting on Tuesday, 12/19, via Zoom at 3pm to provide a brief overview of the reports and answer any questions you may have. A link will be sent via Parent Square before the meeting.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM:

We are pleased to offer a universal breakfast, lunch, and snack to all students for free, regardless of income. Breakfast is served in the classroom at the start of the day. Hot and cold lunches are available for all students. Students may also bring lunch from home. The weekly lunch menu is posted on our website. A peanut-free table is designated in the cafeteria for any student with nut allergies.

HEALTHY SNACKS ALTERNATIVES:

When sending a snack in with your child, please make sure it is healthy. Candy, cakes, peanut products, and high-sugar drinks are not permitted. Some examples of healthy snacks include fruit, granola, yogurt, and bottled water. For celebrations such as birthdays, please refrain from bringing in cupcakes or birthday cakes. We ask that you find a healthy alternative such as fruit salad or vegetables and

This week, we wrapped up talking about big and small problems. Next week, we'll delve into perspective taking. It'll be interesting to hear students share their perspectives on a variety of topics next week.

The school menus are posted on the SPS website. Find them here.

School will be closed for the winter break from Monday, December 25th, through Tuesday, January 2nd. Students and staff will return to school on Wednesday, January 3rd.

Our multilingual learners will start their Access testing on January 10th. I'll send a letter early next week via Parent Square to all families who have students involved in testing.

Reminders:

We ask that students wear shoes that have backings. Slides and crocs are not safe for the school playground. There have been many accidents from students not having backings on their shoes. Sneakers are the best option when in school.

Please reach out to our City Connects Coordinator, Sari Rudolph, at srudolph@salemk12.org. Ms. Rudolph will be able to help you with winter clothing, connecting you with the Family Resource Center, and with other needs you may have.

Please visit the Salem Public Schools webpage here for guidance on the district's homework policy.

Did you know you can earn money for our school just by scanning your grocery receipts? All you need to do is download the Boxtops app, and scan those receipts! Don't want to scan? No worries, you can always send receipts into school with your student in an envelope marked, "PTO Boxtops".

Again, we're stressing that if you MUST leave your car during drop off, pull up past the school entrance and drive as far down the sidewalk as possible. Adults are exiting vehicles close to "the rock" causing a cars to back up into the street. This is unsafe. Please follow the drop off rules.

Our Bates spirit rock is available for weekly rentals. Celebrate your student's birthday or other accomplishments by painting a message on our rock. Please click here to rent the rock!

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.