Bates Elementary Beacons

Shout out to Ms. Middleton's Botanists!
Lots of planting took place in Kindergarten! Can't wait to see those sunflowers🌻

Social Emotional Learning Looks Like...
Well, it looks a like a lot of fun in this case! The day before Thanksgiving was filled with Town Hall fun where our older students teamed up with their younger buddies to have some fun. They even practiced making up special handshakes so when they see each other, they have something to keep them connected.

We also had our own version of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade where our kindergartners paraded up and down the hallways displaying "floats" they made. There was even an appearance made by our favorite penguin, Jiji!

Feeling Festive Spirit Day - Friday, December 19th
Friday, December 19th, is the last day of school before winter break, so let’s get fun and festive! Students are invited to wear any festive gear that makes them feel joyful — this could include holiday-themed pajamas (or "regular" pajamas!), cozy sweaters, bright colors, sparkles, winter-themed outfits, or anything that shows off their festive spirit.

We can’t wait to celebrate together!

By the Way...Our Winter Concert is getting a little makeover!
Say hello to the Winter Showcase!

This year, our fantastic 4th and 5th Grade Chorus members will be singing for you, and all classes will have an opportunity to showcase their talents and favorite music class activities. Get ready for some dancing, instruments, game demos, and more!
It’s going to be a fun, lively celebration of all the ways our students shine!

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars!
January 15 - Grades 4 and 5 instrumental music concert for caregivers and students, 9:00-9:45 am (Families are welcome to wait in the lobby until the gym doors open at 8:45 am.)

January 23 - Grades 3, 4, and 5 Winter Showcase, 1:00-1:45 pm (Families are welcome to wait in the lobby until the gym doors open at 12:45 pm.)

Winter Vacation Reminder
There is no school from Monday, December 22nd through Sunday, January 4th. We'll see you back at Bates on Monday, January 5th! It's a very long break, and we hope you enjoy your time😀

Did you know that today is the 67th day of school? We're not sure how this viral trend started, but everyone from our youngest PreK students to our teachers seem to have embraced "67" in some way😂
In the spirt of, "If you can't beat them, them join," students will be treated to a "67"-themed morning meeting and will notice "67" cropping up during the school day!

Salem 400+ Kickoff and Volunteer Fair
Saturday, Jan. 10 | 2-5 p.m.
Salem High School
Event Website URL: https://www.salem400.org/event/volunteer-fair/

This community volunteer fair brings together residents and local organizations, creating connections that will help write Salem’s next 400 years. This dynamic, craft fair-inspired event gives local nonprofits the perfect platform to share their mission and impact with the community. We’re looking for creative, interactive presentations that will captivate attendees and showcase what makes your organization special.

Esta feria de voluntariado comunitario reúne a residentes y organizaciones locales, creando conexiones que ayudarán a escribir los próximos 400 años de Salem. Este evento dinámico, inspirado en ferias de artesanías, ofrece a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales la plataforma perfecta para compartir su misión e impacto con la comunidad. Buscamos presentaciones creativas e interactivas que cautiven a los asistentes y muestren lo que hace especial a su organización.
Sitio web del evento: URL: https://www.salem400.org/event/volunteer-fair/

Need a winter coat? 🧤 The Coat Closet is open to everyone on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9 AM - 12 PM! Stop by St. Peter/San Pedro (24 St. Peter's St., Salem, MA) for free coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for men, women, and kids. Want to donate? Call the rectory at 978-745-2291 for a drop-off time for coats, hats, gloves, or boots.

¿Necesitas un abrigo? 🧣 ¡El armario de abrigos está abierto a todos! Venga a St. Peter/San Pedro (24 St. Peter's St., Salem, MA) el SÁBADO, DICIEMBRE 13, 2025, de 9:00 A.M. a 12:00 P.M. para abrigos, gorros, guantes o bufandas. ¿Para donar? Llama a la rectoría al 978-745-2291 para la hora de entrega de abrigos, sombreros, guantes o botas.

Salem Public Schools has added two more public sessions regarding the possible reconfiguration of its elementary schools.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 — 1:00 p.m. at Collins Middle School

Salem School Committee Special Meeting: Committee members will discuss reconfiguration scenarios in relation to our district’s vision, goals, and values. This session will be broadcast via Zoom and a recording will be made available afterward. Interpretation will be available in Spanish and Portuguese on Zoom.

Visit salemk12.org/reconfiguration for log-in details.

Monday, December 8, 2025 — 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Webinar)

The Mayor, Superintendent, and project consultants will answer questions submitted by the public. Interpretation will be available in Spanish and Portuguese. Questions can be asked during the webinar or submitted in advance to [email protected] by noon on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Visit salemk12.org/reconfiguration for log-in details.

Salem High School | New Liberty Innovation School of Salem | Collins Middle School | Saltonstall School PTO | Bates Elementary Beacons | Bentley Academy Innovation School | Carlton School | Horace Mann Laboratory School | Witchcraft Heights Elementary School | Salem Early Childhood Center | Salem, Massachusetts - City Government