Thank you to all who planned, organized, donated time and resources and attended the Bates Pumpkin Fair last weekend. It was an awesome event – fun for all who attended and also enormously successful in generating resources for the Bates School. It is another example of the power of community at Bates: from the families who helped “spruce up” Bates earlier this month to the set up crew who spent Friday night creating the spooky haunted house, to the workers who arrived at 7 a.m. and stayed til 5 p.m. On behalf of the Bates School, thank you.
I will share one example of how these PTO funds support learning and enrichment activities here at Bates. This week fifth grade students enjoyed a visit and demonstration lesson with author Rob Buyea, author of the series Because of Mr. Terupt. Rob is a talented author; he is also dynamic and engaging, particularly with our fifth graders. He shared his writing and gave students ideas and motivation to improve their own. Everyone was inspired. One student said after his visit, “I really like writing now!”
We will hold our annual all-school costume parade on Friday, October 31 at 8:45 a.m. on the field (Kelly Field). We invite parents to join in the fun by gathering for coffee and watching the parade on the field. Students will parade with their buddy class as in years past. This cross-grade level tradition allows older Bates students the opportunity to guide and assist our younger students.
Students are asked to come to school dressed for the parade and bring a complete change of clothes to change into after the parade. Some classes have planned activities in their classrooms throughout the day. Please refer to your room parent communication for more information about this. I ask families to please refrain from bringing dogs to Kelly field during the parade.
On the morning of Oct. 31 we invite students who do not wish to be in the parade the opportunity to participate in alternative fun activities in the gym with school faculty members. Please let your child’s teacher know if your child would like to be a part of the gym fun instead of the parade.
If your child is participating in the parade, please choose costumes with the following guidelines:
No weapons are allowed at school.
Students should be able to independently change out of their costumes at school after the parade.
Please use your judgment when deciding on a mask. If a child is wearing a mask that scares others, he/she may be asked to remove it for the parade.
Parent teacher conferences have already begun. Teachers really appreciate this time to sit down with you and learn more about your child. Hopefully you are learning about your child’s progress in school and how to best support learning at home. At a recent PTO meeting parents shared their wish for a workshop on how to help with math at home. I am currently planning this and hope to offer a few dates to you soon. For those of you interested in a professional resource, I can recommend: Math Power: How to Help Your Child Love Math, Even if You Don’t by Patricia Clark Kenschaft. This book is empowering and fun!
As a final reminder, BOKS applications are due today. Families will be notified by email on Monday, October 27 and the program begins Wednesday, October 29.
Have a great weekend!
Best,
Toni Jolley