Help Bates Students Stay Safe! / ¡Ayuda a los estudiantes de Bates a mantenerse seguros!
Questions / Preguntas: megskaar@gmail.com or sfbarocas@gmail.com
Sign up here/ registrate aquí: www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054aacac2baaf49-bates
Dear Families,
We are sincerely thrilled and happy to welcome returning and new families to the Bates Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year. Even in the midst of a global pandemic and uncertainties, we continue to find joy in the work we do with students and families and look forward to navigating the ‘new normal’ with you. We are very much aware the last several months have been trying times. We are confident together as a community, we will figure out the logistics and ensure a high-quality and rigorous education and a safe learning environment for all students. In that effort, we continue to work to solidify our reopening plans and garner input from all stakeholders. We value and appreciate all questions and concerns and we encourage families to reach out to us at the school.
Remote and Hybrid Options:
92.5% percent of our families completed the survey for their choice of remote or hybrid learning. If you did not complete the survey, your child(ren) was automatically enrolled into the hybrid model. If you did not complete the survey and do not consent to the hybrid model, please call 617-635-9520 as soon as possible.
We are aware that many families who opted for hybrid learning are waiting confirmation for Cohort A (Mondays and Tuesdays) or Cohort B (Thursdays and Fridays) designation for their child(ren). At the moment, we cannot confirm which cohort your child(ren) will be placed in. The district needs to make and finalize several operational decisions before we can inform families. Once the cohorts are finalized, the school and teachers will reach out to all families and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Below, please see the plan for when students will start their learning remotely and in person.
Technology:
We will be reaching out to all families including new incoming families to ensure every child has access to a Chromebook and internet connection in the coming weeks. If your child(ren) received a Chromebook in the spring, that is the device they will be expected to use. If there are any issues or problems with the device, please contact the BPS Helpline at 617-635-8873.
Equity Roundtable (ERT):
The Equity Roundtable began meeting last week and will continue to meet regularly throughout the fall semester. During the last meeting, parents and teachers worked collaboratively to discuss instruction with the key question being “What opportunities do we have to be able to deliver excellent instruction to all of our students?” We unpacked aligned curriculum, classroom practices and assessments and feedback. Collectively, we generated many ideas around instruction and we look forward to continuing this work and discussion with families as co-partners.
New to the community:
We would like to take the opportunity to introduce to you and welcome Mr. Alandre Chery who will be working this year at the Bates as an Aspiring Principal Fellow and Co-leader.
Greetings Parents, Guardians, and Families,
My name is Mr. Alexandre Chery and I will be joining the Phineas Bates Elementary School this year as an Aspiring Principal Fellow. In the last several years, I served as a second-grade teacher in South Boston and Mattapan and served in numerous leadership capacities. As a second-grade teacher, I held all my students to high academic expectations and made it a personal effort that all my students received the best possible education I could provide them. Often times, this meant going beyond the classroom walls in order to develop authentic relationships with students and parents. I come to the Bates with the same zeal and passion as I embark on this journey.
I sincerely look forward to building partnerships with parents, guardians, and families to ensure a rich academic experience for all students. The start of a new school year is usually filled with excitement and anticipation of what is to come, but we are all very aware this is not going to be a normal school year. This year is the start of a new journey for all of us as we navigate Covid-19 and remote learning. Regardless of the current circumstances, the goal remains the same, giving students access to a high-quality education. I have had the privilege of getting to know the staff members the last several weeks and I am certain we will be working tirelessly to make a high-quality and equitable education available to all students.
In that pursuit, I will be working with you to understand your perspective of the school. Your input will be very important this year. Students benefit greatly from a strong partnership between parents and school because of the great impact parent-involvement has on the success of students in the classroom.
I am eager to serve as an Aspiring Principal Fellow and wish to serve the students and parents to the best of my abilities. I look forward to a prosperous year as we dismantle barriers, challenges, and inequities together. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Mr. Alexandre Chery
Conclusion:
Without the students, parents and families, the Bates Elementary School would cease to exist. We are here to serve you and meet your needs, especially now more than ever. Please reach out to and let us know what you need in order to make it a successful year for your child(ren).
Dear Bates School Families, 2-03-2020
Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black and African- American citizens while also reflecting on the need to push for racial and social justice. The sites below include several resources to support these conversations. Additionally, While Black History is being celebrated and honored this month, it is also foundational to this country’s history and is taught all year round.
https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com https://www.weethepeopleboston.org/ https://btu.org/blackhistory/ CBS Boston’s Black History
Teaching Black History Beyond Slavery Teaching the Complete History.
This month students will be reading an array of texts that celebrate the achievements of Black and African American people. Fifth grade, for example, will be starting a unit on agents of social change, reading Jackie Robinson’s biography written by his daughter and supplementing the story with the graphic novel March by John Lewis. Second graders will be starting their unit on “Connected People, Connected Places” and reading about Trombone Shorty. Additionally, we have several teachers and families that have joined our Dialogues on Race and Ethnicity which will culminate in an equity-driven action plan.
Lastly, we invite you to come to our Family Learning Session on 2/27 to learn more about how the Bates plans for culturally responsive teaching across the grades!
School Site Council
Has been rescheduled for Monday 2/10/2020 5:45-7:30. As always, childcare and food will be provided
Chronic Absenteeism
| All | GrK0 | GrK1 | GrK2 | Gr1 | Gr2 | Gr3 | Gr4 | Gr5 | |
| % students crnc absent | 12.8% | 28.6% | 21.1% | 21.6% | 14.0% | 7.5% | 14.7% | 13.5% | 0.0% |
Chronic absenteeism in Boston means that a child has missed 10% of school so far. Studies show that chronic absenteeism affects reading growth and overall achievement. We share this with families in hopes that we can have a stronger attendance rate moving forward. If there is anything we can do to support, do not hesitate to contact us.
SAVE THE DATE Bates Academic Fiesta will be on 3/11/2020:
Our second open house and first Bates Academic Fiesta will be on 3/11/2020. Come see your child’s work and learn more about best practices at the Bates.
Check out our Ms. Shirley’s, our phenomenal STEM teacher’s, newsletter.
Family Survey- School & Home Communication https://forms.gle/c3pbkvx54AVUQzDi9
At Bates, we are always striving to improve. We are looking for feedback from families around communication between school and home. Please fill out this short survey to give us some honest and actionable feedback on how we are doing with communication. What is working, what can be improved?
AUCTION IS LIVE!!!
Our winter auction website is live at http://bit.ly/BatesWinter2020 and will run through Jan 29! In addition, I’d like to remind folks about Fox Fund. The url for donating is https://thephineasbates.org/foxfund/ Thank you for giving back to our school community!
Recess and School Expectations:
Next Monday we will be reminding students of expectations for recess and choice time. We’ve heard feedback from families that students need a refresher (and we agree ;-). We ask that you reinforce these expectations during dismissal and during school events as mixed messaging from school and home can confuse children as they are learning expected behaviors. Messaging should include:
Prevention Workshops for 5th Grade Families
Interested in learning skills to help your child make healthy choices? A study is being conducted by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and Brown University and is looking for parents/guardians of 5th graders. Your family may be eligible to receive up to $340 in Amazon e-gift cards and an iPad if you qualify and complete all study-related activities. We sent flyers home with more information and you can click here to learn more. Please email them at TheSUPPERProject@tufts.edu to join the program!
Winter Jackets
The Bates has a variety of winter jackets in various kid’s sizes for families in need. Please contact Adam Prisby aprisby2@bostonpublicschools.org, 617-635-8064.
| School Event | Date | Time |
| Dialogues on Race & Ethnicity Session 2 | 2/6/2020 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. |
| Family and School Site Council | 2/10/2020 DATE CHANGE | 5:45-7:30 pm |
| February Break | 2/17 – 2/21 | No School |
| Family Learning Session: Culturally Responsive Teaching & ST Math | 2/26/2020 DATE CHANGE | 5:45-7:30 p.m. |
With gratitude, joy, and excitement!
Rodolfo Morales, Principal
Our winter auction website is live at http://bit.ly/BatesWinter2020 and will run through Jan 29! In addition, I’d like to remind folks about Fox Fund. The url for donating is https://thephineasbates.org/foxfund/ Thank you for giving back to our school community!
Dear Bates School Families 1-22-2020
We are very excited to partner this year with the Mozart community to co-host Dialogues on Race and Ethnicity between an interracial intercultural group of staff and families. Our goal in doing this is to build on the many strengths of the diverse Mozart and Bates communities and to create a safer more inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff. Each of the 6 sessions will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday evenings at the Bates (1/30/20, 2/6/20, 2/13/20, 2/27/20, 3/5/20, 3/12/20). Interested in participating? Please contact Mr. Morales at rmorales2@bostonpublicschools.org
Family Survey- School & Home Communication https://forms.gle/c3pbkvx54AVUQzDi9
At Bates, we are always striving to improve. We are looking for feedback from families around communication between school and home. Please fill out this short survey to give us some honest and actionable feedback on how we are doing with communication. What is working, what can be improved?
AUCTION IS LIVE!!!
Our winter auction website is live at http://bit.ly/BatesWinter2020 and will run through Jan 29! In addition, I’d like to remind folks about Fox Fund. The url for donating is https://thephineasbates.org/foxfund/ Thank you for giving back to our school community!
Recess and School Expectations:
Next Monday we will be reminding students of expectations for recess and choice time. We’ve heard feedback from families that students need a refresher (and we agree ;-). We ask that you reinforce these expectations during dismissal and during school events as mixed messaging from school and home can confuse children as they are learning expected behaviors. Messaging should include:
Prevention Workshops for 5th Grade Families
Interested in learning skills to help your child make healthy choices? A study is being conducted by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and Brown University and is looking for parents/guardians of 5th graders. Your family may be eligible to receive up to $340 in Amazon e-gift cards and an iPad if you qualify and complete all study-related activities. We sent flyers home with more information and you can click here to learn more. Please email them at TheSUPPERProject@tufts.edu to join the program!
Winter Jackets
The Bates has a variety of winter jackets in various kid’s sizes for families in need. Please contact Adam Prisby aprisby2@bostonpublicschools.org, 617-635-8064.
Bates T-shirts and Sweaters https://squareup.com/store/phineas-bates-parent-council
Deadline for purchasing our fashionable Bates Hoodies and gear is FRIDAY January 24th! Click on the link to check out the styles and colors available!
| School Event | Date | Time |
| Dialogues on Race & Ethnicity Session 1 | 1/30/2020 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. |
| ST Math Family Learning Session | 2/3/2020 | 5:45-7:30 p.m. |
| Dialogues on Race & Ethnicity Session 2 | 2/6/2020 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. |
| Family & School Site Council Meeting | 2/27/2020 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. |
With gratitude, joy, and excitement!
Rodolfo Morales, Principal
Dear Bates School Families 1-04-2020
Welcome back and Happy New Year 2020!
We are very excited to partner this year with the Mozart community to co-host Dialogues on Race and Ethnicity between an interracial intercultural group of staff and families. Our goal in doing this is to build on the many strengths of the diverse Mozart and Bates communities and to create a safer more inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff. Each of the 6 sessions will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday evenings at the Bates (1/30/20, 2/6/20, 2/13/20, 2/27/20, 3/5/20, 3/12/20). Interested in participating? Please contact Mr. Morales at rmorales2@bostonpublicschools.org
Prevention Workshops for 5th Grade Families
Interested in learning skills to help your child make healthy choices? A study is being conducted by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and Brown University and is looking for parents/guardians of 5th graders. Your family may be eligible to receive up to $340 in Amazon e-gift cards and an iPad if you qualify and complete all study-related activities. We sent flyers home with more information and you can click here to learn more. Please email them at TheSUPPERProject@tufts.edu to join the program!
Tech Goes Home –Get an iPad for $50
This year our Tech Goes Home classes will be on Thursdays! We are starting in January with an iPad course geared towards early childhood students. We will also be running a Chromebook course later in the spring if there is enough interest. Click here for more details. Please contact Ms. Strout (mstrout@bostonpublicschools.org) and Ms. Scherz (rscherz@bostonpublicschools.org) with any questions.
Bates-Mozart Middle School Showcase (for 4-5th grade families) 1/10 @ 3pm @Mozart School
Representatives from the BPS Welcome Center are coming to talk to our current 4th and 5th-grade students and families on how to navigate 6th-grade choices and make informed decisions about middle school options. Lyndon K-8, Kilmer K-8, Academy of the Pacific Rim, Irving Middle, Mission Grammar, Boston Collegiate, Boston Green Academy and more will be at the Mozart.
MOVIE NIGHT! 1/17
Doors open at 5:30; movies start at 6:00. If you have questions, please contact Alanah or Nora at batesfamilies@gmail.com
sponsored by Bates Family Council. See flyer attached!
Winter Jackets
The Bates has a variety of winter jackets in various kid’s sizes for families in need. Please contact Adam Prisby aprisby2@bostonpublicschools.org, 617-635-8064.
Bates T-shirts and Sweaters on Sale
We will be opening our “digital” Bates Apparel shop which will include Sweaters and T-shirts for sale! More information to come
| School Event | Date | Time |
| Bates/Mozart Grade 6 Showcase @ the Mozart School | 1/10/2020 | 3:00 pm |
| Family & School Site Council Meeting (BUDGET) | 1/13/2020 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. |
| Movie Night | 1/17/2020 | 5:30-8:00 p.m. |
| Dialogues on Race & Ethnicity Session 1 | 1/30/2020 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. |
| Dialogues on Race & Ethnicity Session 2 | 2/6/2020 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. |
With gratitude, joy, and excitement!
Rodolfo Morales, Principal
Dear Bates School Families 11/25/19
At the Bates School, we continue to focus on growing our understanding and use of culturally responsive teaching. We recognize that Thanksgiving season has often been a customary celebration in our country. However, as we dig deeper into the true history of Thanksgiving, we recognize a need to teach openly and honestly about this land’s history, including that of our indigenous Native American brothers and sisters, many of whom consider Thanksgiving to be a Day of Mourning. November is also Native American Heritage Month. To respect and honor Native American culture, we share some resources that can be useful for us as we celebrate Thanksgiving in an inclusive way.
For children of all ages, I hope we will:
These resources have also been shared amongst bates school staff. As lifelong learners, we at the Bates strive and commit to providing inclusive and culturally responsive instruction for all of our students.
Looking for:
Book Fair 12/3-12/5
Teachers will bring students to the fair during school hours, and we will host evening hours until 7:30 pm on Wed, Dec 4 for families that wish to shop before or during the Parent Council meeting. Please reach out to parent coordinator Kristen Bonstein at kristenbonstein@gmail.com if you have any questions about the book fair.
School choice time is here! If you know any families interested in the Bates, our school preview days are on 12/13/2019 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 1/13/2020 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Additionally, there is a Citywide Showcase of Schools. Saturday, December 14, Boston Latin Academy.
Winter Jackets
The Bates has a variety of winter jackets in various kid’s sizes for families in need. Please contact Adam Prisby aprisby2@bostonpublicschools.org, 617-635-8064.
| School Event | Date | Time |
| EARLY DISMISSAL | 11/27/2019 | Dismissal at 1:40 PM |
| Bates Book Fair | 12/2/2019-12/6/2019 | During the school day, until 7:30 pm on Wed, Dec 4 for families that wish to shop before or during the Parent Council meeting |
| Family & School Site Council Meeting | 12/4/2019 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. |
With gratitude, joy, and excitement:
Rodolfo Morales, Principal
I want to let you know that we are continuing with our Original Works Fundraiser. This is the fundraiser that gives families the opportunity to order gift items for the holidays with your child’s artwork printed on it. Please check your child’s backpack to find the packet. If you are interested in placing an order please return your child’s artwork, the order form, and payment back to the Bates by Friday Nov. 21st. This year funds raised will help to fund arts programming at the Bates! Thanks so much for supporting your child’s art education.If you have any questions please contact me at anordland_2@msn.com.
Sincerely,
Andrea Drake
Visual Art Teacher
Bates Elementary
Dear Bates School Families 11/04/19
Family and School Site Council (flyer linked)
Our 2nd family council session is on Wednesday, November 6th, 5:45-7:30. Food and child care are always provided! Translation services provide upon request. 5:30-6:00 socializing and food, 6:00-7:30 Family and School Site Council.
Bake Sale (flyer sent home)
The Bates School Parent Council will be holding a bake sale on Election Day. We need your time and donations to make it a success! The money raised will go towards school activities for your child throughout the year, such as: Field Trips, Enrichment programs, Field Day. Please drop off individually wrapped baked goods after school on Monday, November 4th. There will be a table set up by the back door of the school. Kindly include the name of the baked good and whether it contains nuts. If you are able to work a shift at the bake sale sign u here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D48ADA728A0F49-bake.
Chipotle (flyer linked and printed on back of this page)
Make dinner a selfless act by coming to Chipotle to support the Bates Elementary School. Come to the Chipotle at 176Providence Highway in Dedham on Saturday November 9th between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Bring this flyer on paper or on your smelt smartphone or tell the cashier that you are supporting this cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to the Bates Elementary.
Polling at the Bates:
Cafeteria Closed on Tuesday due to voting. Bring some cash. Our families put on a great bake sale!
Stop And Shop Rewards for the Bates (flyer linked)
Use your STOP & SHOP CARD each time you shop at Stop & Shop and you will earn CASH for our school. You can
track the number of points you are earning for our school by checking your grocery receipt. See flyer for more info.
Cold Weather
As temperatures get cooler we want to make sure that our students have the appropriate attire to keep warm and healthy. If you need any assistance please contact Adam Prisby aprisby2@bostonpublicschools.org, 617-635-8064.
| School Event | Date | Time |
| Bake Sale | 11/5/2019 | All Day please bring in baked goods on 11/4 |
| Family & School Site Council Meeting | 11/6/2019 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. |
| Chipotle Fundraiser | 11/9/2019 | 5:00-9:00 p.m. |
| Dr. Casselius Community Meeting | 11/12/2019 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm @ Roslindale BCYF |
| Family Culture Night | 11/21/2019 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. |
Links:
With gratitude, joy, and excitement:
Rodolfo Morales, Principal
Phineas Bates Elementary School