Edition 23 Week of 02/04
From the Desk of Ms. Hicks
School Name Unveiling
When I was appointed as the principal of this school, I was honored beyond words. One of the things I love most about our school is its deep roots, proud roots where we make sure that every student knows and becomes a part of before they leave. When I realized that something as simple as the name that has graced the entrance of our building for decades was not complete, I simply wanted to make it right. And what I thought was a simple task took slightly more elbow grease than anticipated, but it was swiftly accomplished thanks to AACPS Director of Facilities Kyle Ruef, who helped me ensure that the full name of our school was properly and officially recorded at the state level.
In addition, I wanted to share the history and timeline of how this building became Wiley H. Bates Middle School
- January 1, 1933, Bates Junior Senior High School opened for grades 7-11 on Smithville Street.
- In Sept. of 1966, after desegregation, all high school students attended Annapolis High School (on this very campus) and Bates Jr. Sr. High School became Annapolis Middle High School
- In 1968 the name changed again to Bates Jr. High School and served grades 7, 8, 9
- Eleven years later, in 1979 Annapolis High School students moved from Chase Street to Riva Road.
- The former Annapolis High School buildings were divided with the main building became Maryland Hall. The Annex buildings were renovated and eventually became Bates Jr. High School.
- The renovation took place in 1980 and in 1981, the Jr. High school students moved from Smithville St. to Chase St.
- Then in 1989 the name changed again and we official became Bates Middle School, serving grades 6,7,8
- In 2004, Principal Stevenson wanted to ensure we didnāt lose our history when it was uncertain what was going to happen with the building on Smithville St., so our school began using the full name, Wiley H. Bates Middle School.
āShaping its future from its pastā was the philosophy mentioned in the 1973-1974 yearbook. I am happy to share that we still embody that same mindset today and with that,
I am excited to unveil our name, our legacy, our pride.
February: Black History Month
Cougar Calendar
Early Dismissal Schedule
School Counseling Week
February 5th-9th
We have 3 of the most AMAZING counselors at Wiley H. Bates Middle School. They work tirelessly to help students apply academic strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills while helping them plan for their future goals.
If your student would like to send a quick thank you note to their counselor to help brighten their day, please click here!
Polar Bear Plunge
Thank you to all the families, students, and staff that helped raise money for the Special Olympics Maryland. We raised $15,787! We had a great time at the Polar Bear Plunge. Enjoy the pictures below.
Congratulations!
The Bates Music Department would like to congratulate Eleanor Heidler, Owen Lyman, and Brynlee Perry on their admission to the AACPS All County Band! They will represent Bates very well! Way to go!
Congratulations to our Students of the Month - Dec/Jan
6th Grade Students of the Month
7th Grade Students of the Month
8th Grade Students of the Month
7th Grade Students of the Month
Bates Lost and Found
If any of these items look familiar, please have your child get it from the Cafeteria by Friday, February 9th.
Creative Writing & Drama Winter Showcase February 5th
The entire Bates family and supporting community is invited to attend the Apex Creative Writing and Drama Showcase on 2/5 at Studio 39 (see attached flyer).
APEX Visual Artists Showcase - February 6th 6-7pm
Please join us for an opening reception at the gallery at Studio 39 on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 6-7 pm. Work by each of the Apex visual artists in grades 6-8 will be on display from February 5th-22nd. The galley will be open alongside performances of the Bates musical as well.
Unity Day - Wear Orange
February 6th
Kindness Grams - Sold during lunch - $2
February 7- February 13
News from the PTA
MOD Pizza Spirit Day
February 6th
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, is Bates Spirit Day at MOD Pizza in the Festival at Riva Shopping Center. Everyone loves Pizza Night! Or treat yourself to a pizza lunch. Either way, you get pizza and MOD will give Bates 25% of your purchase! Tell them you are from Bates or show them a flyer (English | Spanish) or use code MODGIVES25 when you order online.
The February PTA meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. online. We will be planning the second marking period Honor Roll celebration and gearing up for Teacher Appreciation Week. We will also 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
The current PTA officers are all 8th grade parents, which means that they will be moving on to high school next year. In order for our PTA to continue, we need volunteers to step up to lead this organization next year. It's fun, it helps our school, and it's not a ton of work. If you're interested, please drop us a line at BatesMiddleSchoolPTA@gmail.com, and we can tell you what each position entails. The sooner you volunteer, the more time you'll have to "shadow" the current officers and start learning the ropes before your term in office actually begins. Please help our organization continue!
Thank you for supporting Bates Middle School and our PTA!
Spirit Day - Red and/or Pink Day - 10 Bates Bucks
Free Tickets to The Drowsy Chaperone Jr
Get free tickets to see Bates students in The Drowsy Chaperone Jr, a satire of golden age Broadway musicals.
Public Performances
7pm, Friday, February 16, 2024
2pm, Saturday, February 17, 2024
7pm, Saturday, February 17, 2024
2pm, Sunday, February 18, 2024
Location: All performances are 5 minutes from Bates at Studio 39 (AACPS arts facility), 291 Locust Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.
Run time: 75 minutes
Field Trip February 15, 2024
About 40 students from each grade will have an opportunity to attend a performance of The Drowsy Chaperone Jr during the school day on February 15. Students interested must submit a permission slip
with 5 Bates bucks to Ms. Miller by February 12 (EXTENDED deadline). Sooner is better since seating is limited.
AACPS will provide free bus transportation courtesy of the Bates PTA.
Permission slips are available on the Bates Drama Club website, in the drama club wall pocket outside the cafeteria, and from Ms. Miller during lunch periods. Ms. Miller will also accept submissions during lunch periods as well.
Visit the Bates Drama Club website to get tickets to public performances or permission slips for students to see the school-day performance.
Bates Drama Club website
If you need assistance acquiring tickets for public performances, please email ticket manager Ms. Jennifer Brown, Browndandj@gmail.com.
If you need assistance submitting a permission slip for a student to attend the school-day performance, please contact Ms. Miller, ebmiller@aacps.org.
Mattress Fundraiser - Support the Wiley H. Bates Music Program
Saturday, March 2, 2024
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!
Bates Literary Magazine
Deadline has been extended!
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!
Bates Student Food Pantry
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.
Chromebook Chargers
Reminder: If you have lost your charger or would like an extra one for home, please use the below link to order.
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
Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis
Annapolis Police Athletic League - Co-Ed Volleyball Club
We are Hiring for AACPS Summer Programs
Free Chromebook Giveaway - AACPL
(En EspaƱol: 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.
Kids' Health & Wellness Fair
February 10th
Mobile Food Pantry - AACo Food Bank
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
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