Welcome Back!

August 2017

Dear Bates Community,

It is with much joy that I send this letter to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year. I have had the pleasure of getting to know the Phineas Bates School since June and recognize the gem of a community that the Bates is. Through conversations with students, teachers, families and support staff, I’ve learned of the tireless work that goes on day after day to ensure that your children are safe, happy, and learning. In return, our students work to meet our high expectations and have fun while doing so.

Our staff are eager to meet their new and returning students and kick off what will be a great year of learning and growing. We look forward to hearing tales and stories of summer fun and sharing with students our own summer experiences. We are committed to supporting the academic and social emotional growth of your child and with your support, we will have strong student leaders and a strong academic year.  

On a personal note, I am honored and excited to serve as the principal of the Phineas Bates Elementary School. As a dual language educator, I have a long history with teaching a second language and a personal history learning English as a second language. I have a strong belief in public education and a commitment to its purpose and goals. It is my career passion to lead with a team of dedicated teachers that work to ensure high-quality education for all of their students.

I am also eager to meet you all at events like the upcoming Popsicles with the Principal and at Parent Council Meetings. I look forward to meeting and working with Bates families to ensure our students are thriving and succeeding.

This letter has much-needed information for a solid start to our school year. If for any reason you need additional information or support please do not hesitate to contact us at 617-635-8064.

Arrival and Dismissal:

* Our school hours have changed due to our new Extended Learning Day. The Bates School hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:10 PM. It is very important our students arrive on time and ready to learn. We know from experience and much research that the routines for all students are important to developing habits of work that they carry throughout their school career. Please also begin preparing your kindergartner and young students to enter school and to say goodbye to you. Whether you’re saying goodbye at home or at school, let them know you will see them soon and have a ritual for how to say goodbye (for example, fun handshake, 3 kisses and a whirl, 3 high fives…). This too will become their routine. The academic day begins at 9:30, but well know that learning begins the moment a student enters the classrooms at 9:15. We will announce each morning when it is time to say goodbye.

A safe and consistent dismissal is equally important. On the first day of school please send a note with the plan for your child’s dismissal (walker, busser, or in the YMCA after school program). Dismissal begins promptly at 4:10 PM. Families should wait in the recess area at 4:05 to pick up their children on time. Changes in routine are discouraged because they cause confusion and have a higher risk for errors. Again, your child’s safe arrival is our priority. If there is an emergency requiring a change in dismissal plan please call the main office before 11:30 AM and send a note to your child’s teacher if possible.

Teachers will greet students outside on the playground on Thursday and Friday at 9:15 morning, the first two days of school. Kindergarteners will also be greeted outside on Monday the 11th at 9:15 in the morning by their teachers. Please wait with your child until this time. If your child is enrolled in the before-school YMCA program, you do not need to wait with your child.

Uniforms:

Uniforms are not mandatory but are highly recommended. We are flexible with our uniform as we understand the challenges that come with shopping for children. Our students can wear any white, navy, or light blue top (polos, dress shirts, t-shirts, etc) with a navy or khaki bottom (dresses, skirts, pants, shorts). Students should always wear closed-toe shoes. Every Friday is dress down day as long as the clothing is appropriate for school.

Important Dates:

• • Popsicles with the Principal, Tuesday, August 29th 5:00-6:00pm
    • You are invited to join Principal Morales on the Bates Playground for a meet greet and some popsicles!
  • Principal Coffee Hour, Tentatively Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27th, 7:45am-9:00am
  • First day of School grades 1-8, Thursday, September 7th
  • K1 & K2 Preview day, Friday, September 8th at 10am-11am
  • First day for Kindergarten: Monday, September 11th
  • Back to School BBQ, Thursday, September 15 5:00pm -7:00pm
    • We ask that families bring side dishes to share
  • School Parent Council and School Site Council Tentative Schedule of Meetings
    • 9/19, 10/12, 11/14, 12/14, 1/18, 2/13, 3/15, 4/10, 5/17, 6/12

Warmly,

Rodolfo Morales, Principal

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