Weekly Family Newsletter 1-29-17

For the Week of January 29th through February 4th, 2017.

I want to begin this week’s newsletter by reminding our entire school community that the Bates remains a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of religion, immigration status, or national origin. Inclusion means everyone and we welcome you and celebrate you. If you or a member of your family have been impacted by recent government action, please let us know and we can connect you with organizations that can help. Additionally, please see a message from Superintendent Dr. Tommy Chang below.

Andrew Vega, Principal of the Phineas Bates Elementary School

Dear Boston Public Schools Community,

We want all of our families and staff to know that we will continue to stand up for all of our students and families, regardless of their immigration status. We will welcome and teach every single student who enters our classrooms. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values as a school system and as a city. We are a “Culture of We,” and we are one BPS family.

We will work with families to help students remain focused on learning, both academically and emotionally, especially during these uncertain times. As Mayor Martin J. Walsh said yesterday, we will not retreat one inch from welcoming diverse, global communities into Boston because they make us stronger.

The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement is organizing “Know Your Rights” workshops for students and families. If you have any questions about resources for immigrant families, please call the Mayor’s 24-hour constituent services call center for non-emergencies at 311.

Thank you for your trust in us. We will continue to provide safe environments for learning, and we will do everything in Boston to protect our families. As educators, it is our responsibility to work for all of our students in Boston.

Respectfully,

Tommy Chang, Ed.D.

Superintendent

International Day & Family Culture Night – February 16th!

On Thursday February 16th, we invite students to wear clothing that celebrates their national heritage! Inclusion means everyone and we are having a special day to celebrate the diversity of our school community.

That same evening, The Bates School Community Engagement Committee welcomes all families to share food, dance, music, art, games, and conversation at Bates Family Culture Night, from 5:30-7:30. To help organizers prepare for this special community event, please fill out this sign-up with the dish you will share at the potluck and any other ways you would like to share your family’s culture with the Bates community.

Sports Day – February 3rd

In honor of our Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots, we invite all students to wear gear from their favorite sports team (any sport) to school on Friday, February 3rd.

Extended Learning Time – 2017-2018

Please click here to read a letter from Dr. Chang regarding Extended Learning Time in the 2017-2018 school year. As no start and end times will be changing, the Bates school hours will be from 9:30am to 4:10pm next year.

Fox Fest Planning

We are in the early stages of planning for our annual Fox Fest. For families new to the Bates, Fox Fest is our annual fundraising event held in the spring. If you are interested in helping solicit donations for our silent and live auctions, please contact Travis Marshall, K2 Parent and Fox Fest Chair, at travis.marshall@gmail.com. Last year we raised over $5,000 dollars in one night and hope to do even better this year!

Upcoming Dates

February 3 – Sports Day! Go Pats!

February 8 – School Site/Parent Council Meeting

February 16 – International Day / Family Culture Night

February 20-24 – NO SCHOOL – FEBRUARY BREAK

For the Week of January 29th through February 4th, 2017.

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