Dear Bates Families,
The month of December is off to a great start at Bates. As we enter the winter months, I would like to remind families of our goal of an on time arrival at Bates for all students. Please help by making every effort to help your child arrive at school before 8:30, as instruction begins promptly at 8:30. During the winter months please allow an extra 5-10 minutes for arrival, particularly if you are using the car line. Tardy arrivals affect the whole school community, so thank you in advance for making every effort to arrive on time.
As you may be aware, the forecast includes snow tomorrow and next week! We make every effort to play outside when temperatures permit, so please remember to send children to school prepared to play outdoors in the snow with snow boots, warm coats, hats and mittens. In addition, students who bring snow pants can climb and play in the snow.
On Wednesday we had our monthly Community Meeting. We shared the book Iggy Peck, Architect and discussed the upcoming Day of Play. We also heard our kindergarteners sing a song in Spanish, learned about some of the fifth graders’ first experience with the Student Council, and shared a video made by our own students that showed what the Bates’ 3Bs looks like and sounds at recess. Ask your child to share with you what it looks like to be responsible, respectful and safe at recess and to sing you the song “Dreams of Harmony.”
Thank you those who have volunteered to help on the Day of Play next Wednesday. It will be another magical day of creativity and collaboration, and we are excited to share this experience with our families. If you would like to volunteer, there are still many spots. Please sign up here or call the Bates office. We encourage you to send in materials in a labeled brown paper bag between Monday and Wednesday. If you have any questions, please reach out to your classroom teacher.
Finally, I ask your help with a safe arrival and dismissal. Please avoid parking on or adjacent to the crosswalks on Elmwood Road or those on nearby streets. This will allow pedestrians to have full visibility of oncoming traffic. In addition, I ask cars in the car line to avoid blocking any intersection, particularly the intersection at Westgate Road and Stanford Road. If you park and walk up to Bates, please avoid parking at the end of Westgate Road, as this causes further congestion for car line and our neighbors on Westgate. Thank you.
Enjoy the snow this weekend and to our Jewish families and friends, Happy Hanukkah!
Warm regards,
Toni Jolley
Upcoming dates:
Wednesday, December 13 Day of Play
December 25 – January 1 End of Year Vacation
Tuesday, January 2 School Resumes