Bates Family Newsletter
June 9, 2024
Believe, Be You, Belong...at Bates!
We had an epic week!
As we sit and look at all the pictures we took last week, we can't believe how many amazing events we had! Huge shout out to Mr. Richmond, the PTO, and all the volunteers who made field day such a fun and memorable event for all of our students. There were lots of smiling faces out there.
Another huge shout out to some of our student leaders who presented at the School Committee meeting last Monday night. These fifth graders, Sloane, Evelyn, Savannah, Darius, and Dylan D., absolutely nailed their presentation. Each year, all the schools get a chance to send student representatives to present at School Committee about something we've accomplished as a school community that makes us proud. Our students presented on our new motto: Believe, Be You, Belong...at Bates. It was a heartwarming presentation that was gracefully executed. Thanks, Mr. Mercier, for being there and assisting them with their presentation.
Fifth graders also got to participate in the Amazing Shake, and it was awesome! There were nervous feelings mingled with excitement and a great sense of accomplishment when it was over. Shout out to our finalists, Savannah, Alessandra, Aubrianna, Darius, Amelia, Hannah, Evelyn, Emily, Dylan P., and Sloane for advancing to the next round. These students will present an SEL lesson to the students in the younger grades next week. The winners from that round will get to present speeches at the grade five moving on ceremony! Thanks to all the judges...job well done!
There's lots more exciting stuff to report, and it's all captured in photos below. We wish you a stellar weekend, and we look forward to an awesome last full week of school next week!
We hope you're having a wonderful weekend,
Ms. Smith, Mr. Mac, and Mr. Lister
The Amazing Shake!
Student Showcase at School Committee!
Amazing Shake Finalists!
Bates Basketball League Champs!
Grade 2 and Salem Sound Coast Watch - Exploring Erosion
Grades 3-5 Chorus Concert - Thanks, Ms. Berman and Ms. Puga!
Field Day and Staff Sliming Fun - Thanks, Mr. Richmond, PTO + Volunteers!
Feel Good Fridays
Who doesn't love a little fun?
6/14 - Fan day - Wear some fun gear in honor of your favorite singer, athlete, character, etc.
6/17 - Rainbow day - Wear rainbow or your brightest colors!
School menus are posted...
The school menus are posted on the SPS website. Find them here.
Student Attendance
20.3% -- Chronic absenteeism
Our goal is 18.2% or under in the "Chronic Absence" category.
HUGE SHOUT OUT to grade 1 (AGAIN and AGAIN!!!) for having the lowest chronically absent students at Bates during the past week at 13.8%. They were closely followed by grade 4 at 16.2%. Good work! Let's finish the year strong. If you need any assistance with getting your student to school, please reach out to Rosalyn Guevara, Family Engagement Facilitator at rguevara@salemk12.org.
Dates to Remember!
Upcoming performances to note:
June 11th - Final 4/5 Instrument Concert
June 12th - Pre-K Graduation at 1p ๐
June 13th - Kindergarten's End of the Year Celebration at 10 am ๐
June 14th - Last Day of School for Pre-K & Kindergarten (It's a Full Day)
June 18th - Last Day of School for Grades 1-5 (Early Release Day at 11:15 am)
June 18th - 5th Grade Graduation will be at 9 am ๐
International and Multicultural Celebration!
Community News
Box Tops!
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".
Drop off reminder
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 cars to back up into the street. This is unsafe. Please follow the drop off rules.
Rent the Rock
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!
School Mission
Bates Elementary School, in partnership with our families and community, will provide all students with a culturally responsive, student โ centered, and equitable learning experience that celebrates our studentsโ diverse backgrounds, creative pursuits, and their academic, social, emotional success.