Edition 20 Week of 01/14
From the Desk of Ms. Hicks
Polar Bear Plunge - Feb 1st
We have raised over $7000 so far!
It is not too late to join the Bates Arctic Cougars for our annual polar bear plunge! The registration deadline has been extended. Last year, we raised over $17,000 for the Special Olympics MD. We are hoping to reach that goal or, better yet, exceed last year's goal.
Your student must register and raise at least $75 to attend the field trip and participate in the Polar Bear Plunge on Feb. 1st.
Below is the information to join and raise money! Please consider joining us!
Any questions, please contact Ms. Page at opage@aacps.org
Parents and Guardians - Want to watch the Polar Bear Plunge?
On February 1, You may go directly to Sandy Point State Park to watch our team plunge!
Cougar Calendar
UPDATED Virtual Checklist
In case of inclement weather, please look at this UPDATED Virtual Checklist
2 Hr. Early Dismissal Schedule
2 Hr. Delay Schedule
Martin Luther King Birthday - January 15
(Schools and Offices Closed)
Bates Student Food Pantry - UPDATE
For all interested Bates Middle School Families:
Free prepacked bags of non-perishable pantry items will be available for pickup on Saturday, January 20 from 10-11:30 am at the flagpole front entrance of Bates Middle School.
If interested in learning more about our Student Food Pantry please have your student go to the counseling department to speak to Shauna Rykiel, our school social worker, or you may contact her through email at srykiel@aacps.org. Our pantry is currently open Mondays from 3:30-3:55 pm and Fridays from arrival through the end of advisory.
After-School Bates Girls Lacrosse
A girls after-school lacrosse club will be starting this coming Tuesday, January 9th and will run on Tuesdays through February 20th. We will be playing lacrosse, getting some exercise and learning new skills.
You do not need to know how to play or have any equipment. We have equipment if you need it. Come out and have some fun with Coach Fox, Annapolis High School's assistant lacrosse coach!
NEW - The Bates Literary Magazine
Visiting Artist - 8th Grade Social Studies Classes
Femi the DriFish has been a professional spoken word artist and slam poet for more than 10 years. Best known as one half of the spoken word/Hip Hop-influenced duo, THE 5th L, Femi uses his artistry to encourage his listeners to discover their own unique voices and identities in his writings, performances, and teachings. The Drifish also partners with the University of Maryland’s Violence Prevention Program, using his words to address matters such as violence and bullying in our communities.
Free Tickets to See Bates Students in a Musical Play
Bates student and staff families not associated with Bates Drama Club have an exclusive opportunity to get tickets to see Bates Drama Club’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone Jr from Sunday, 1/14/24, through Saturday, 1/20/24 before tickets become available to the general public on 1/21/24.
Public Performances
7pm, Friday, February 16, 2024
2pm, Saturday, February 17, 2024
7pm, Saturday, February 17, 2024
2pm, Sunday, February 18, 2024
Cost: Free
Location: All performances are 5 minutes from Bates at Studio 39 (AACPS arts facility), 291 Locust Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.
Run time: 75 minutes
For tickets to public performances and more information about the show and Bates Drama Club, please visit the club’s website. You will need this PASSWORD to get tickets before the general public: dozing
If you need assistance acquiring tickets for public performances, please email ticket manager Ms. Jennifer Brown, Browndandj@gmail.com. Ms. Brown has no information about the field trip for the student show.
Field Trip February 15, 2024
About 35 students from each grade will have an opportunity to attend a performance of The Drowsy Chaperone Jr during the school day. More information and permission slips will be available soon. AACPS will provide transportation.
SGA Meeting
The after-school SGA meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 25 is canceled. The next after school meeting for SGA will be held on Thursday, February 15.
Order your Yearbook NOW
April 12 Deadline
(Click the image below to order or scan the QR code on the form brought home)
No extra yearbooks will be ordered so be sure to order yours today!
Donate Your Old Magazines
If you would like to clear out some clutter in your home for the new year, consider donating any old magazines to us. Just drop them off at the front office! We are planning to use them for an art project. Thank you in advance!
Chromebook Chargers
Reminder: If you have lost your charger or would like an extra one for home, please use the below link to order.
Reminders for the New Year
A few reminders regarding our policies and procedures at Bates so the students can continue to be successful:
- All cell phones and air pods must be OFF and AWAY ALL DAY. If not, they will be taken from the student and parents may need to come to the school to pick them up.
- Uniform policy: Your student must be in their polo everyday. No hoodies, sweatpants, or jeans unless it is a special spirit day.
- School starts at 9:15am. Students must be inside the school and sitting in their advisory class by 9:15am or they will be considered late.
- Please no fast food at our school. Students should not be eating fast food in our school for breakfast or lunch. We provide free breakfast for the kids and if anyone forgets their lunch, they may get a lunch from the lunchroom.
- Attendance: If you need to report a student absent, you have options to notify the school.
- Submit an online absent note via Parent Portal
- or email Ms. Clark at cclark3@aacps.org
- or write a note and have the student drop it off to the front office.
Bus Loop Safety
This is a reminder to please refrain from driving down the bus loop during arrival and pick up times. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about transportation?
Please forward any questions to our administrator, Mr. Walker at jewalker1@aacps.org
Do you have questions about your student's attendance?
Please contact Christine Clark at cclark3@aacps.org.
Do you have specific student concerns, ie. behavior, scheduling, academic performance, etc. please contact your grade level administrator or counselor:
6th Grade
Administrator: Mr. Walker jewalker1@aacps.org
Counselor: Ms. Weiss dweiss@aacps.org
7th Grade
Administrator: Mr. Lustgarten jlustgarten@aacps.org
Counselor: Ms. Barnett cmbarnett@aacps.org
8th Grade
Administrator: Ms. Adkins ktadkins@aacps.org
Counselor: Ms. McFadden cmcfadden@aacps.org
Do you have an emergency concern (after hours)?
Please contact our Principal, Ms. Hicks, at 302-314-6146.
Around the Community
Teen Night Celebration
Pip Moyer Rec Center - January 19
Free Chromebook Giveaway - AACPL
(En Español: Dispositivos Conectados Chromebook Sorteo)
As part of AACPL's commitment to help close the digital divide, through a grant provided by Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland, we are proud to participate in a free Chromebook giveaway for eligible Anne Arundel County residents. Distribution events will be held starting in January 2024.
Please click on this link for more information.
Franklin UMC Food Pantry
Free Coat Giveway
Online Virtual GED Program
Emergency Food Resources in South County
January Events at Brooklyn Park Library
Dear AACPS Students, Parents, Guardians, Teachers, Staff, and Community Members,
We are excited to announce an upcoming event that is both informative and impactful. Anne Arundel County Public Schools Special Education is hosting a special screening of the thought-provoking documentary, "Normal Isn't Real," and we invite you to Save the Date for this enlightening experience.
Event Details
Date: March 14, 2024
Time: To be announced
Location: To be announced
RSVP: It is crucial to RSVP to reserve your seat for this screening. Further details on how to RSVP will be provided soon.
"Normal Isn't Real" is a powerful documentary that challenges societal perceptions of normalcy and explores the unique strengths that individuals with learning differences and disabilities bring to our communities. This event aims to foster understanding, promote inclusivity, and inspire meaningful conversations.
As we prepare for this event, we encourage you to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information, including venue details and how to secure your spot. We look forward to your presence and active participation in this important conversation.
Together, let's celebrate diversity, promote acceptance, and build a more inclusive community within Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Thank you for your continued support.
File attachments:
Special Ed Documentary Screening 1-12-2024.pdf
Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & AACo
The Winter Hiring Event
Mobile Food Pantry - AACo Food Bank
Career Inspiration - Speed Mentoring
Severna Park Library - January 23
Results Based Accountability Training
New Village Academy
Anne Arundel County Crisis Response Warmline
AACPS is hiring for all positions. Click HERE to apply.
Wiley H. Bates MIddle School
Christine Clark, Editor
We are better together!
Email: cclark3@aacps.org
Website: www.aacps.org/bates
Location: 701 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD, USA
Phone: 410 263-0270