Dear Bates Families,

October is off to a great start here at Bates.  We had perfect weather for our first Walk to School Day yesterday.  

Principal Coffee on Tuesday, October 12

Next week I invite all Bates parents and guardians to join me for a Principal Coffee on Tuesday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.  The topic will be Countering Bias with our Young Children.  I will share how we see bias present in young children in school and share information about the district’s bias incident response protocol.  Dr. Charmie Curry, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will join us for this conversation.  A Zoom link will be sent via email on Tuesday morning.

Arrival, Dismissal and Carline Procedures 

Inclement weather can add challenges to our carline for arrival and dismissal.  For those using the carline, I ask for your vigilance in observing all safety precautions.  We occasionally hear from Bates families or neighbors about a number of concerns.  Cars in the carline should not block the intersection of Stanford and Westgate or block any crosswalk. Cars should not make a u-turn to join the carline.  In addition, while waiting in the carline along Elmwood Road drivers should avoid parking on the sidewalk.  Thank you for considering the safety of our community while in the carline and sharing these concerns with any caregiver using the carline as well.

The Wellesley Public Schools School Committee established a policy that dogs are not permitted on school property at any time during the school day, which includes arrival and dismissal.  Signs are posted in several locations.  All members of our community are asked to follow this policy.   

Halloween Parade October 29

We invite students to participate in the Bates Halloween Parade on Friday, Oct. 29 at 8:45 a.m.  Students will parade around the outside of the building as a class.  Parents and guardians are invited to attend.  As always, we offer an alternate activity in the gym for students who do not choose to participate.  

If you missed the Embracerace.org webinar last week titled “Why and How to Talk to Young Children About Race,” here is the link to the recording.

Please note there is no school on Monday, October 11 in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and the long weekend ahead.

Warm regards,

Toni Jolley

Bates Buzz 10.7.12