Bates Middle School

Congratulations to Mrs. Krystin Baier, BMS Orchestra Director, and the Bates Middle School Orchestra Program for earning the SCMEA Outstanding Performance Award (Junior Gold) for the 2025-2026 school year! This is a notable accomplishment, as only 20 schools in the state qualified for the Junior level award. Mrs. Baier will be presented with a trophy at the Fall business meeting recognizing this accomplishment. Congratulations to Mrs. Baier and our AMAZING Orchestra students!

🚌 Bates Middle School Summer School Bus Route Information 🚌

Hello Bates Families!

FYI - Bates’ students that are eligible for summer school (parents and students have already been notified) will attend the Alice Drive Middle School location for summer school.

Summer school is Monday through Thursday, and it begins on Monday June 1st and will continue through Thursday, June 25th. The time is 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Please review the Summer School Bus Route for Bus 508 driven by L. Thomas.

⏰ Important Reminder: The bus route will begin no later than 6:15 a.m. each day. Please note that arrival times at individual stops may vary based on the number of students riding each day. We encourage students to be at their designated bus stop at least 10 minutes early.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and efficient transportation experience for all students.

If you have any questions regarding transportation, please contact the school.

🔴⚫ Bates Middle School
Home of the Mighty Bantams! 🐓

Rising 9th Grade Students!

Bates Middle School had an Amazing Field Day today! Our faculty/staff and students enjoyed the Color Run, as well as food, fun, and festivities! What a way to end the 2025-2026 school year!

Tonight was bittersweet as we observed our 8th grade students walk across the stage and prepare to begin their high school journey. Parents and guardians, we at Bates Middle School thank you for allowing us to serve, support, and encourage your children over the past three years. Watching them grow academically, socially, and personally has been an honor and a privilege. To our students, continue striving for excellence, believing in yourselves, and reaching for your dreams. Once a Bantam, always a Bantam! ❤️🖤

For Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Today, our 6th grade students and some staff members traveled to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Myrtle Beach. They were in awe upon entering the castle-like arena and experiencing the excitement of knights, horses, and medieval festivities firsthand. From the thrilling jousting matches to the delicious feast, our students enjoyed an unforgettable day filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories. Experiences like these help bring history to life beyond the classroom walls!

Teacher Spotlight of the Week:
Ms. Maleeka McMickle

Ms. Maleeka McMickle chose a career in education because she wanted to support students as they navigate their journey through life and help guide them toward success. Ms. McMickle has been in education for 4 years, with 3 of those years proudly serving at Bates Middle School. She wears many hats throughout our school community as the CTE Department Head, CTE Personal Finance Teacher, Head Volleyball Coach, and Yearbook Advisor. Her passion for helping students both inside and outside the classroom shine through everything she does.
One of Ms. Mickle’s greatest accomplishments was earning her Master’s degree. When she is not at work, Ms. Mickle enjoys binge watching the TV show Criminal Minds, taking peaceful nature walks while listening to audiobooks, and cooking delicious meals. Outside of education, she is especially passionate about family, documentaries, and food. Her most memorable vacation was taking a Disney cruise and watching her daughter excitedly zoom around the ship to meet her favorite Disney characters, a memory she treasures deeply.
Ms. McMickle’s favorite holiday is Christmas because she loves witnessing the random acts of kindness and generosity that bring people together during the season. Her favorite piece of advice is: “The problem isn’t that there isn’t enough time within your 24 hours, but how well you maximize your 24 hours.” Bates Middle School is thankful for Ms. McMickle’s leadership, positivity, and dedication to helping students grow and succeed every day!