Dear Bates Families,
The first week of February has finally brought us weather more conducive to outdoor play! Also this week, we enjoyed another whole school Community Meeting and today celebrated the 100th Day of School! We expect the excitement to continue to build next week as we approach winter break and Valentine’s Day!
The Day of Play: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
March 11 is our Bates Day of Play. The Day of Play is a Bates tradition inspired by the documentary
Caine’s Arcade, the story of a nine-year-old boy who made a cardboard arcade and inspired a global movement. If you have not yet seen this inspiring story I recommend you watch it. Here is the link:
Caine’s Arcade.
This video tells the story of the global movement that ensued.
The Bates Day of Play is a special opportunity for students to spend most of the day building anything they can imagine using cardboard, recycled materials and creativity. Students will spend time planning and designing potential creations in school. Students may choose to work alone or with one or two classmates. Teachers and volunteers will be available to assist with locating resources and cutting cardboard. We will encourage students to persevere and solve problems when appropriate.
Families are asked to help by collecting materials for the Day of Play, such as:
- small or medium boxes or pieces of cardboard (no larger than a laundry basket, please)
- cardboard egg cartons and paper towel tubes
- cardboard packaging & other clean recyclable materials
- upcycled materials (small items that are no longer in use that may be repurposed)
Please do not purchase items for the Day of Play. Also, we ask that materials brought in for the Day of Play be shared by all students. Materials can be brought into school March 9-11 in a brown paper bag.
Additionally, many volunteers are needed to make the Day of Play a success. A sign up will be sent out after break. If you are able to help for an hour or more, please save the date for this special event.
I look forward to joining the All Parent PTO meeting on Tuesday. Below is a Zoom link for those who would like to join remotely. Have a wonderful weekend.
Best regards,
Toni
