Dear Bates,
I hope you are enjoying the start of the long weekend. We had a beautiful Spring Concert on Wednesday, with performances by our fifth grade chorus, the Bates and Upham band and the Bates orchestra. I was so impressed by our performers and appreciate their commitment, hard work and collaboration that made this concert so spectacular. Thank you to our dedicated directors: Rianne Gibson, Seth MacLeod and Dave Adams for all that you do for our students and our community.
IVEP
If the Spring Concert piqued your child’s interest in learning to play an instrument, please know that each September we have a special Instrument Preview for students in grades 2-5. This is an opportunity for students to hear each of the string and band instruments played by the instructors and consider if they would like to learn to play an instrument. You can learn more about Wellesley Instrumental and Voice Extension Program here.
Plans for 2024-2025
As we approach the end of the year, we are making many plans for a successful 2024-2025 school year. This includes planning for the transition of students who will be changing schools as well as those returning to Bates. At Bates we look forward to welcoming about sixty former Upham School students in addition to other new students. We hope our whole community will embrace the opportunity to make new connections, friendships and learning partners. Our PTO is helping to lead these efforts by connecting Bates “family friends” with our new families and organizing summer popsicle events on the playground. In addition on Thursday, June 6 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm members of the PTO and Bates staff will welcome new families to visit Bates for an Open House.
Due to our increased enrollment, next year Bates will be growing from 13 sections to 15 sections, as follows:
I will share information about new hires and teacher assignments prior to the end of the year.
Finally, while there is much excitement in the final weeks of school, we are also mindful of supporting students during a time that can also bring a range of complex emotions. We embrace the opportunity to celebrate a successful year with special events and creative activities and also value connection and closure. Our goal is to help all students finish strong and transition successfully to summer.
I hope you enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.
Warmly,
Toni
Important Dates: