Dear Bates families,
On November 1 I was proud to share with the Wellesley School Committee the Bates 2016-2019 School Improvement Plan. I would like to thank the Bates faculty and the Bates School Council for their hard work and collaboration over the past 9 months to articulate the goals and action steps of our plan. Our plan focuses on the district priorities of supporting students’ social emotional growth, developing creativity in our students, providing differentiated or tiered instruction for all learners and deepening our work around cultural competency.
As part of our work to develop creativity in students, we are planning for our third annual Magnificent Day of Play, scheduled for Wednesday, December 14. For our new families, The Magnificent Day of Play is an all day opportunity for students to imagine, plan, create, collaborate and build anything out of cardboard and recycled materials. We need parent volunteers to help make this day a success, so please save the date if you are able to join us for this exciting day. Also, start saving your cardboard boxes and other interesting recyclable materials. I’ll send more details about the Day of Play including a volunteer sign up and what to expect for new families in a few weeks.
In lieu of a Thanksgiving assembly this year, we are planning a special all school performance for families on February 16 at 9:00. We hope you will be able to join us! In addition, Thursday, December 15 at 9:00 a.m. is our Winter Concert during which our band, orchestra and fifth grade chorus will perform. We look forward to sharing these special performances with you.
In looking ahead to next week, I hope you and your family enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving. If you are traveling for the holiday, I wish you safe travels. We look forward to our students’ return on Tuesday, November 29. Finally, thank you for continuing to be mindful of idling in our car line!
Warm regards,
Toni Jolley
Upcoming dates:
November 24-28 No School
Friday, Dec. 2 Spirit Day – wear red or Bates spirit wear
Thursday, Dec. 8 Walk to School Day
Wednesday, Dec. 14 Magnificent Day of Play 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15 Winter Concert, 9:00 a.m.