Dear Bates Families,
Thank you for your support for another Magnificent Day of Play. While the day may feel like play in comparison to a regular school day, our students worked hard as they invented and created. They solved problems, collaborated with others and persevered through challenges. Thank you to all who volunteered to organize supplies, help students while they worked and to assist in cleaning up. Your support helped make this a successful day for all.
I am pleased to announce that the installation of our school’s security upgrade package is nearly complete and our system is expected to go live very soon.
What this means for us at Bates is that our security infrastructure now includes the following components:
- Enhanced communications:
- New P.A./intercom system
- Portable 2-way radios with direct communication to the WPD
- Relocation/addition of “panic” (duress) buttons
- Fortified access controls:
- Access control system (including exterior doors) – staff will need a proximity card to gain entrance
- Classroom (interior) security locks/doors
- “3M Scotchshield” safety and security film for main entrance glass
- Improved ability to monitor and/or assess:
- Surveillance system – with cameras mounted near all entryways and outside (but not in any teaching spaces, offices, bathrooms or locker rooms)
- Motion detector lighting
Just as important as the professional installation of all this equipment has been our ongoing training around safety protocols. This has included training on the A.L.I.C.E. model (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) with our staff participating in an active shooter simulation facilitated by the Wellesley Police Department (WPD) earlier this fall. We are also in the process of developing new evacuation drills for students, in collaboration with the WPD and Wellesley Fire Department, that we plan to practice later this year.
While our facilities improvements and training represent important aspects of our district security strategy, what has not changed is our diligence in knowing our students well, encouraging students to look after each other, and ensuring that strong lines of communication remain open between school and home. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Looking ahead to January, please note the following events. Our Winter Concert will be held on January 10 at 9:00 a.m. This concert will showcase the fifth grade chorus, band and orchestra. On February 14 at 9:00 all of our students will perform at our annual All School Concert. Please join us if you are able!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Warm regards,
Toni Jolley
Upcoming dates:
December 25 – January 1 End of Year Vacation
January 2 School Resumes
January 3 Walk to School Day and Bates Spirit Day
January 10 Winter Concert (5th grade chorus, band and orchestra) at 9:00 a.m. in the gym
January 15 No School – Martin Luther King Day
February 14 All School Concert at 9:00 a.m. in the gym