Dear Bates families,
Thank you for your support for the many special events at school this month. Our Magnificent Day of Play was a huge success! Thank you to every family who helped their child plan and gather materials and to our volunteers who supported students as they worked and even helped to clean up after all the fun. At the end of the day we asked students to reflect on what they learned. Students shared thoughts such as: “I learned it does not turn out the way you want every time,” and “I learned that mistakes turn into wonderful things.” Others noticed, “You have to compromise when you work with a partner.” We also heard, “It’s fun to challenge yourself.”
Teachers also asked students what they were most proud of on the Day of Play. Many students acknowledged their effort and their ability to overcome challenges with their project or challenges they had while working with a partner. They were also proud when others were able to appreciate the results of their hard work. These are important lessons that we hope students will use in all they do.
Last week we also enjoyed a beautiful Winter Concert performance by our band, orchestra and fifth grade chorus. Thank you to all of our performers, our music teacher Beth Perry, band director Julie Verret and orchestra director Russell Wilson. Looking ahead to next year, I hope families will join us for our all school concert performance on Tuesday, Feb. 16. All students will perform songs from around the world.
Finally, as we head into the holidays and year end vacation, I wish you all a restful and relaxing break. We all look forward to seeing our students back on January 3, 2017.
Warm regards,
Toni Jolley
Upcoming dates:
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 School resumes
Thursday, January 5 Walk to School Day
Friday, January 6 Spirit Day