Hello Bates School families, September 12th, 2017
It has truly been an amazing two weeks at the Bates School. Days 1 and 2 for first through fifth grade were filled with smiles, laughter, and learning, both from students and staff. By mid-day I saw each classroom working on routines, sharing about their summers, and engaging in projects. We also had a wonderful morning greeting our kindergarten students and families. I speak for the Bates School Staff when I say that we are excited for all of the growth and learning that will take place this school year! Below are some updates and information for Bates School families.
BPS Guides
New this year, the Boston Public Schools is encouraging families to view the annual “Guide to the Boston Public Schools” and fill out the necessary back-to-school forms by accessing the BPS website at www.bostonpublicschools.org/familyguide . The Guide is available in English and nine other languages. This helpful guidebook contains summaries of many of the district’s policies, programs, and services. A separate booklet contains forms that need to be completed by parents, or students 18 or over. A limited number of the printed guides, as well as booklets containing the forms, will be available at our school office for the families of students who are new to the district or do not have access to the Internet. The online form is available at www.bostonpublicschools.org/contact. We encourage you to go online to complete the form for each of your children as soon as possible. Please note that teachers are working to integrate 21st-century learning practices such as using technology. It is important that we have your permission, through the online form, to allow children to take part in projects that use technology and the internet. We thank you for your cooperation.
Fire Drill and Safety Mode Drill
The Bates school will hold a fire drill and a safety mode drill on Thursday morning. Teachers will have conversations with students so they know that these drills are just practice so that we are ready to always be at our safest. We ask that you also discuss with your child that they might hear a loud alarm during the fire drill and that it is just practice for now. Let them know it is important to listen to the adults in the building and to be silent as they walk calmly through their fire drill route.
Arrival and Dismissal
Doors open at 9:15 AM. Students should not be left unattended before this time as it poses a safety risk. Families should wait at the Bates playground for walkers to be dismissed at 4:05 PM. We ask that families try not to change dismissal routines as it can cause confusion for students at the end of the day. If for any reason the dismissal routines must be changed (busser will be a walker, no after school) please make sure to inform your child’s teacher. This can be done with a brief note or by calling the office before 12:30pm. Lastly, please be sure to pick up your child by 4:10 pm. With limited adults in the building after dismissal, it becomes a safety risk to have children waiting by the office to be picked up. We thank you for understanding and working with us to make sure your children are safe at all times.
School Parent Council (SPC) / School Site Council (SSC)
Please see attached documents (being sent home) for information about SPC/SSC. Our first SPC/SSC meeting will be on Tuesday, September 24th from 5:30-7:00pm. Food and childcare are provided.
Back to School BBQ
Our Back to School BBQ will be this Thursday, September 14th from 5:00-7:00pm. We still need volunteers to help with grilling, serving food, and setting up (3:30-4:30). Families should bring a side dish (see lists below) to share. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please call us at 617-635-8064.
| Last Name | Suggested Side: |
| A-E | Appetizers (Chips, fruits, veggies) |
| F-J | Juice |
| K-P | Side dishes/entrees (starches, rice, etc) |
| Q-V | Desserts/sweets |
| W-Z | Salads |
Emergency Contact
Make sure to fill out the emergency contact sheet as soon as possible. Let us know if you need any support filling it out.
eCORI
Parents and families who wish to volunteer at the school or be chaperones for field trips must complete BPS’s new “eCORI” form. To complete the form please go online to bit.ly/bpscori and follow the instructions.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have at (617)- 635-8064.
Sincerely and with gratitude,
-Rodolfo Morales, Principal
Phineas Bates Elementary School 