Dear Bates,
We’ve had a particularly exciting week. Thank you to all who were able to join us for Bates in Bloom on Wednesday. We all enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate our students’ work with family members.
Thank you also for the many thoughtful ways you’ve recognized Bates educators this week for Teacher Appreciation Week. Our generous PTO spoiled us daily with treats, an amazing lunch on Wednesday and more. Please know that we are touched by all of your messages of thanks and appreciation!
Thursday and Friday we hosted an educational visit by the Bionic Project. Ask your child to share what they learned about inclusive behavior and language, access for individuals with physical disabilities and universal design. After a whole school assembly, each class engaged more deeply on these topics with the Bionic Project educators and elite athletes. Younger students read and discussed the picture book What Happened to You? by James Catchpole, focusing on how to make a connection with someone with a physical disability. Third, fourth and fifth graders learned how to play adaptive soccer. You can learn more about the Bionic Project here and read about team members Dana and Nico who visited Bates here and here. For all of us interested in learning more about adaptive sports and athletes, Nico encouraged us to watch the Paralympic Games on tv this summer. Thank you to our PTO for supporting this incredible educational experience for our community.
Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms!
Warmly,
Toni
Important Dates: