Dear Bates,
Congratulations to our fourth and fifth graders for successfully completing the two-day ELA MCAS this week. Our third graders will take the ELA MCAS on Monday and Tuesday of next week.
We are very excited that the Bates Mini-Marathon is just a few days away on Wednesday, April 13! Please come cheer on our runners if you are able.
Go, Bates!
No School Reminder
As a reminder, there is No School starting Friday, April 15 through April 22. This means next week is a four day week. For those celebrating Passover or Easter, I wish you a joyous holiday! Did you know that WCCC is offering an April Vacation program here at Bates? Please see the attached flyer or more information.
D, E & I Updates
In our collaborative efforts to make our school and community inclusive, we are always thrilled when a parent at Bates shares one of their family’s traditions with their child’s class. Students enjoy both learning about the diverse experiences of others and sharing their own special traditions with their classmates.
For example, last month, a parent taught students about World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. This day is embraced as a day to celebrate differences by wearing mismatched or crazy socks and practicing acts of inclusion and kindness. As you can imagine, students loved this idea! In another classroom a Bates parent taught students about the Hindu festival of Holi, which took place on March 18.
This month Bates students are learning more about the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began at sundown on April 1 and will last until sundown on May 2. Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar with fasting, reflection, a focus on faith and acts of generosity. Please join me in wishing those celebrating Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarek! (This translates to Have a Blessed Ramadan!)
In addition, April is Autism Acceptance month. Please consider learning more about autism this month. Here is a resource for your information.
In case you missed it, here is the Spring newsletter from the Office of D, E & I with a great deal of information and resources. In addition, below is attached the three-year D, E & I Summary Report for your information.
Because I won’t be sending an email next week, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful vacation week. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, April 25.
Warm regards,
Toni