Edition 15 Week of 12/03
From the Desk of Ms. Hicks
In Preparation for Winter Weather
With the possibility of winter weather increasing, AACPS collaborated with MSDE to create a plan to utilize virtual instruction during inclement weather days as well as during days when unforeseen circumstances cause some school buildings to close. This means that if AACPS decides to close school buildings, there is a possibility that school and instruction will continue virtually on that day. Please visit the AACPS Virtual Instruction Day website for additional information to include the Virtual Instruction Day schedule of classes.
If AACPS does inform families that we are shifting to virtual instruction, students will need to access their classes by way of Google Meet links that every teacher will post in their Brightspace classrooms. In preparation for this possibility, all Bates teachers will post their Google Meet links and ensure that their students know where in Brightspace they can locate the link should they need to access it for virtual instruction. From that Google Meet link, students will receive live instruction from our teachers and will be able to submit assignments by way of their Brightspace classroom.
Cougar Calendar
Early Dismissal Schedule
Unity Day - December 5th
Wear Orange
Wiley H. Bates Mitten Tree
News from the Bates PTA
Spirit Night
It's Bates Day at California Pizza Kitchen at the Annapolis Mall! Pick up lunch or dinner and raise funds for Bates Middle School at the same time. Eat in, carry out, or order online using code "BACK20%" and Bates will get 20% of your order.
Order online at: https://www.cpk.com/locations/29590
PTA Meeting - December 7th
Please join us for our December PTA meeting on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. We will discuss our upcoming events and fundraising opportunities, and we will receive an update on the school from Ms. Hicks.
This meeting will be held online via Zoom. To join, please go to: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88696484825?pwd=eQuubDaKcmK7ROLTSLSuc01qQhu8Ei.1
You can also dial in from your phone by dialing 1-301-715-8592 and entering the meeting ID and passcode:
Meeting ID: 886 9648 4825
Passcode: 524016
Bates-mas
It is time for the 12 Days of Bates-mas again! For the 12 days leading up to winter break, we celebrate our teachers with daily gift drawings. We are asking our families to donate a gift card, gift certificate (do you own a business or is there a local business you'd like to ask for a donation?), or a gift basket (pick a fun theme like gardening or baking!) that we will raffle off to our amazing teachers and staff from December 7th through 22nd. Donations can be dropped off in the main office at any time.
We are also treating our teachers to a luncheon on Wednesday, December 20th. Can you donate some drinks? A case of bottled water, diet or regular sodas, or sparkling water?
Thank you for helping us to show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them!
2023-2024 Reflections Contest
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 8
The Bates PTA is excited to announce the launch of the 2023-2024 Reflections contest! Bates students are invited to create original artwork in response to this year's theme "I am hopeful because..." Students may enter submissions in one or more of six categories: Film Production, Music Composition, Visual Arts, Dance Choreography, Literature, or Photography. The top 3 finalists in each category will move on to competition at the county level, and from there to the state and national level competitions.
Full details and entry instructions are available on our website.
Bates Middle School is full of talented artists, and we can't wait to see what our students create!
Join Sams Club and support Bates PTA
Deadline approaching
Are you getting ready for Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping? Considering getting a membership to Sam's Club? Your membership purchase can support our school!
Beginning TODAY, 25% of the purchase price from each Sam's Club membership purchased via this link will go back to our school. So you can save on gas, groceries, and holiday shopping AND help Bates, all at the same time!
https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/16068-bates-middle-school-pta-sams-club-memberships
Purchase your membership through this link before SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th.
Bates Lost and Found
Do any of these items look familiar? If it belongs to your child, please have them claim it during their lunchtime ASAP.
All items will be repurposed by Friday, December 8th.
Polar Bear Plunge is coming!
Register NOW for The Bates Arctic Cougars team
Any questions, please contact Ms. Page at opage@aacps.org
Bates Student Food Pantry (UPDATE)
Free Non-Perishables 12/09
For all interested Bates Middle School Families:
Free prepacked bags of non-perishable pantry items will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 9th 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.
Vision and Hearing Testing
All 8th graders and any new students to AACPS will be participating in the vision and hearing testing on December 18th. If you wear glasses. please bring your glasses on this day.
Bargain Basement
We are collecting gently used & new items for our students to purchase with Bates Bucks as gifts for loved ones for the holidays!
Also collecting gift wrapping supplies! (bags. Ribbons, wrap, tissue, tape)
(Please no clothes, food, cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, make-up)
Bring items to MAIN OFFICE labeled
“Bargain Basement” by December 15th.
We will also need volunteers to help SELL items on Dec. 21st from 1-4pm
Email Ms. Grimail if interested at tgrimail@aacps.org.
Winter Wonderland Dance
Friday December 15th (5:00-7:00pm)
Parents: Please make sure you pick up your student no later than 7:10pm
Winter Wonderland Dance Information
- Students will be given permission slips during homeroom. You may also download and print the attached form below.
- Students may drop off the permission slips and money during their grade level lunches beginning Dec 11-14th.
- The dance will be held on December 15th from 5:00-7:00pm.
- Attire: Appropriate dresses (2 straps, no midriff showing), fingertip-length shorts/skirts, etc.
- Pizza, soda, & candy will be for sale.
- PARENTS: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP YOUR STUDENT NO LATER THAN 7:10PM.
Winter Dance Donations Needed
2024 Testing Schedule
Please try to avoid student absences or early dismissals on these days
Chromebook Chargers
Reminder: If you have lost your charger or would like an extra one for home, please use the below link to order.
Family Academy
A resource for parents, guardians, and families in AACPS
Click on the picture below for more information
Asbestos Parent Notification
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, Katie Hicks, at 302-314-6146.
Around the Community
MD Hall - The Nutcracker
12/09-12/17
Our talented dance teacher, Mr. Jackson-Hood,
is performing in The Nutcracker at MD Hall on 12/09 & 12/10
Discover the wonder of this timeless holiday tradition and allow yourself to be magically swept away by the tale of the young heroine Clara and her adventures to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell. Travel with Clara through the whirling Kingdoms of Snow and Sweets to the place where the possibility of dreams, the magic of Christmas, and the wonder of the child merge to reveal her destiny. Experience the power and beauty anew as the mysterious Drosselmeier transports you and Clara back in time to capture the spirit of the holiday season through the language of dance and theatre.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Need your GED? See below
Creating Confidence
Creating Confidence
When: 09/12-12/12/2023
Time: Tuesdays at 6:00pm
Where: GBCC Glen Burnie
30 Greenway NW, Suite 5
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
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