Hello Bates School families, September 18th, 2017
Class is in session! As I’ve walked through the school over the last week I’ve seen students learning about new technologies, classrooms of students sharing their goals with one another, and have seen countless smiles on both students’ and adults’ faces. I also got completely soaked during the surprise rainstorm at our Back to School BBQ. What an experience! A special thank you to all who came by, brought food, and those who helped with grilling. We appreciate your partnership with us as we know it is essential for our school to continue to be successful. Below are some updates and information for Bates School families.
School Parent Council (SPC) / School Site Council (SSC)
All families are invited to our first informal meet and greet SPC meeting THIS Tuesday, September 19th from 5:30-7:00pm. SSC/SPC elections will be held on October 12th at 5:30pm.
Making Music Matters
Lessons being next week! We are currently enrolling 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in Making Music Matters, a program of free group music lessons on flute, clarinet, trumpet and violin. Third graders will study each instrument in 7-week rotations, and 4th and 5th graders have the opportunity to choose one instrument to study. Lessons are during the school day, and free of charge, but we do require a $50 money order to pay for instrument rental. (Please inquire at your school office for scholarship assistance.) Visit http://www.mmmboston.org and click on “For Parents” to download and print out enrollment forms, or check your child’s backpack! We need to have your forms returned this week so that we can hand out instruments at our lessons next week. Please email makingmusicmatters@gmail if you have any questions.
Bates Apparel Orders
Bates apparel order forms have been sent home. Families and staff can order online (https://thephineasbates.org/bates-uniform-store/) as well. We’re taking orders through the end of September and will deliver them to classrooms a few weeks after that.
YMCA/ Before and After School Program
We still have seats available for our before and after school program. If you are interested in having your child attend before and/or after school, please contact Amber at ACarroll@ymcaboston.org
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.
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.
Phineas Bates Elementary School 