Edition 4 Week of 09/17
From the Desk of Ms. Hicks
This year we have two types of clubs, in school clubs that are hosted during the advisory block on Wednesdays and after school clubs that will begin on Oct. 3 from 4:04-5:00, when activity buses begin. Students received a list of available Wednesday clubs this past week and have begun selecting their club choice. Once students select a club, this will be their club for the entire marking period. An updated list will be provided before 2nd marking period begins and students will be allowed to make a new club selection. A list of available in school club options for first marking period are below.
Cougar Calendar
National IT Specialist Day - Tuesday, Sept 19
Fan Day Spirit Day - September 22nd
Wear items that show off your favorite team, book, musical, theater production, musician/band, superhero or anything else you are a FAN of!
You can wear jeans and sweatpants but they can not have holes in them.
All proceeds will go back to the school to help pay for school-wide events
8th Grade Fundraiser
Claires' Gourmet & Joe Corbi's have joined forces for all in one fundraiser
8th Grade Fundraiser
Claire's Gourmet and Joe Corbi's fundraiser has started as of 09/08 and ends on 09/29. Delivery is October 25th.
The web links and fundraiser are below and are live now. You can register and share to support Bates students. Visit the online site below by scanning the QR code.
Scan QR Code or click below for online registration
Proceeds will go towards 8th grade events and celebrations
Las ganancias se destinarán a eventos y celebraciones del octavo grado.
School Store/Bates Bucks Cart is ready!
(available for students every Friday)
Thank you to Rita Walters and Rebecca Fox for volunteering and helping to get our Bates Bucks Cart ready for the kids for this past Friday. We want to also thank all the families who donated items for our cart. We appreciate you! If you would still like to donate, please click here.
Do you want to be a volunteer at Bates Middle School?
Parents/Guardians must pass a Commercial Background Check (CBC) to be eligible as a chaperone/volunteer at ANY school function in AACPS. Please fill out the following google form if you are interested in volunteering at Bates Middle School. Bates Middle School Chaperone/Volunteer - Google Forms
Bates 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.
Counselor's Corner
New Parent Information Series
MSDE has released a new Parent Information Series. This is a set of documents that provides essential information for parents and families of students with disabilities. All four of the new documents can be found by clicking here (https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Special-Education/FSDR/ParentInformationSeries-2.aspx).
Attention 6th and 8th Grade Students
If you are interested in learning about and/or applying for a magnet program for 7th or 9th grades, please plan to attend one of the information sessions: https://www.aacps.org/Page/11086. Magnet Applications open October 9th.
6th Grade Counselor
Ms. Weiss dweiss@aacps.org
7th Grade Counselor
Ms. Barnett cmbarnett@aacps.org
8th Grade Counselor
Ms. McFadden cmcfadden@aacps.org
Do you need help filling out school forms?
The Annapolis Cluster team of bilingual facilitators are planning to have three sessions to provide opportunities to EL families in order to help complete lunch applications, emergency cards and/or parent portal account.
Locations and dates:
- Wednesday, Sept. 20th @ Tyler Heights Elementary
- Tuesday, Sept. 26th @ Mills-Parole Elementary
- Thursday, Oct. 5th @ Annapolis Middle
Times:
5:00-6:00pm or
6:00-7:00pm
The Annapolis Cluster team of bilingual facilitators are planning to have three sessions to provide opportunities to EL families in order to help complete lunch applications, emergency cards and/or parent portal account.
Locations and dates:
- Wednesday, Sept. 20th @ Tyler Heights Elementary
- Tuesday, Sept. 26th @ Mills-Parole Elementary
- Thursday, Oct. 5th @ Annapolis Middle
Times:
5:00-6:00pm or
6:00-7:00pm
APEX Calendar
Began Sept 13th
Bates Drama Club
All Bates students interested in auditioning for our production of The Drowsy Chaperone JR. need to have a parent or guardian attend the required virtual meeting on Monday, 9/18/23. The deadline to register for this meeting is Sunday, 9/17/23. Those families with conflicts can watch a recording of the meeting to meet this requirement. Please visit the club’s website to register and for more information. The deadline for students to apply to audition is Monday, 10/2/23.
The virtual meeting is not required for families who have students interested only in tech crew. Our web site has information and the application for students interested tech crew leadership and design positions as well as tech crew run positions.
Students may attend an optional tech crew interest meeting or an optional audition workshop in the Bates annex on Thursday, 9/28/23, after school. Families can find details on the club’s website.
Bates Middle School Community Events
Save the dates for the following Bates Community Events
Advisory Block
Advisory Block
Monday: Meaningful Monday & Community Circles
Students will receive social and emotional lessons each Monday with their Advisory teacher.
Tuesday/Thursday: Academic Support Time
Students will be able to receive extra time with two selected teachers each week. This is a great time to get extra help, complete missing assignments, or complete upcoming assignments and of course complete i-Ready.
Wednesday: Clubs
Students will select a club opportunity for each quarter. Those students will report to their assigned club every Wednesday after homeroom.
Friday: Focus Friday & Community Circles
Students will review grades, absences, missing assignments, prepare goals for the upcoming week and determine which teachers they will meet with on Tuesday/Thursday for additional help. All students will utilize the Tuesday/Thursday time for extra academic enrichment.
NEW Cell Phone Policy
Please take the time to read the NEW cell phone policy with your student. This policy will be discussed with the students during their advisory lessons in school. The number one distraction and barrier to a majority of our students' learning and success is an increased need to be connected to their cell phones at all times. Please speak with your students as they are required to keep cell phones off and away throughout the school day (this includes air pods, etc.). If your student needs to call home, they may ask their teacher for a pass to the assistant principal offices and use the phone in that office. Please support us by discussing the attached form with your student.
Do you need to report an absence or an early dismissal? No problem, see below!
How to Submit ONLINE Attendance Notes - Absences or Early Dismissals
Absences must be communicated within 3 days of the absence(s). The parent/guardian may send in a written note explaining the absence or complete the online form in the Parent Portal. When a student is absent five (5) consecutive days, a doctor’s note is also required.
Here are the instructions if you would like to submit an online absence/early dismissal note through Parent Portal:
From your phone:
1. Select your PowerSchool app on your phone
2. If you have multiple students at AACPS, make sure the correct student is selected in the top right-hand corner.
3. At the bottom right of the screen, select "... More".
4. Select Forms
5. Select 2023-20024 AACPS - Absence or Early Dismissal Form
6. Enter the information about the absence or early dismissal on the form and submit.
From your desktop:
1. Go to AACPS.org
2. Select Student/Parent Portal tab at the top of the screen
3. Click on PowerSchool in the right side of your screen
4. Make sure you are on your parent account. You should see your name in the top right of the screen.
5. If you have multiple kids at AACPS, make sure you select your student that you are writing your note for (located on the blue bar towards the top)
6. Select Forms
7. Select 2023-2024 AACPS - Absence or Early Dismissal Form.
8. Enter the information about the absence or early dismissal on the form and submit.
Any questions, please contact the front office.
PDF instructions attached below.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE BATES PTA
Welcome, families! Whether you are new to Bates or your student is returning, we would like to invite you to become a part of the Bates PTA for the 2023-2024 school year.
What does the Bates PTA do?
The PTA supports our school in many different ways:
- We celebrate our students with quarterly Honor Roll Celebrations, supporting grade-level Student of the Month awards, and contributing to our 8th Grade Promotion Picnic.
- We enrich student experiences through grants that provide funding for assemblies and field trips.
- We enhance our school by providing things like our school mascot costume and an additional water bottle filling station.
- We support our families through our informative monthly meetings, our newsletters and PTA Facebook group, and funding the subscription service for our school newsletter.
- And we support our hard-working teachers and staff through staff appreciation events.
What can you do?
- Join the PTA! We know that every family's circumstances are different, so we offer different levels of membership. Choose the level that meets your needs best. Higher levels of membership mean we need to do less fundraising to meet our goals.
- Volunteer! We can always use more hands, in whatever way suits you best! What talents or experience can you contribute?
- Attend a meeting! Most of our meetings are online, via zoom or phone, but please mark your calendars for our first meeting of the year, which will be an in-person "Meet and Mingle" on Thursday, October 5th. Come get to know your PTA board and fellow Bates parents and guardians. More details coming soon!
Questions?
Contact the PTA on the web at BatesPTA.org; via email BatesMiddleSchoolPTA@gmail.com; or text 443-782-5423. We can't wait to connect with you!
PTA BOARD 2023-2024
Laura Graham-Booth, President
Roberto Garza, Vice President
Norma McCowin-Reynolds, Treasurer
Colleen Zelenakas, Secretary
Help Support Bates Middle School
K&B True Value - Cash For Schools Program
From August 24th through October 31, donations you make through K&B True Value will be matched twice by the Sponsor Partners above. Please click on this link or scan the QR code above to donate to Bates Middle School. Thank you!
#BePresent - A Community and School Partnership
#BePresent is a community/school partnership designed to increase and improve community relationships within schools. Mentors and volunteers will assist school-based staff and administration with ensuring a safe and orderly school environment by being present during the school’s daily function. Mentors and volunteers are invited to have a greater presence in schools as a way to enhance relationships and make school operations safer and more efficient.
If you would like more information on this pilot program and/or be a part of the program, please click here for more information. We would love to have you!
Stay Connected
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
Hispanic Heritage Month (09/15-10/15)
Hispanic Heritage Month Events
Eventos para el Mes de la Herencia Hispana
Join us at these cultural events to enjoy this month-long celebration.
¡Reúnase con nosotros a estos eventos culturales para disfrutar de un mes de celebración!
Teen Book Club
Pizza and Pages Teen Book Club
When: Thursdays (09/14, 10/19, 11/16)
Time: 6-7pm
Where: Busch Annapolis Library: 1410 West St, Annapolis, MD
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
Families Supporting Families
Families supporting Families (6-8pm Virtual Sessions)
9-week group program where families learn, change, grow, and receive support and encouragement from other families and a trained meeting leader. RSVP by Sept 15th. For more information, contact:
Takiya Green, MSW 443-462-9711
Carmelina Gilberto, LMSW 410-693-2878
Rosalind Hill-Kane, Program Manager 410-421-8439
Hispanic Health Festival & Resources, Sept 30
National Faith and Blue Weekend
10/06
Career Speed Dating
College or University not for you? Not feeling drawn to any trades? The career day speed dating event is for the teen who is looking for inspiration for their future. For the teen who aspires to take a less "traditional" path pursing their dreams of art, sports, or working with animals, or a different dream all together. Meet professionals who took the road less traveled and find the inspiration to follow your dreams.
When: October 10
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Age Group: Teens (Ages 11+)
Where:
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2250 Annapolis Mall Road
Annapolis, MD 21401
See map: Google Maps
USNA Girls STEM Day - 10/14
USNA Girls Only STEM Day
When: Saturday, Oct 14
Time: 8am - 3pm
Register online: STEM Home :: Science Technology Engineering and... (usna.edu)
Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow
Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow
Mentoring Workshop Series
When: Kick off Meet and Greet Wednesday, Oct 18; Then 1st and 3rd Wed (Zoom) and one Saturday each month (In-Person)
Click on the above picture to register.
Registration deadline: October 6
Read the attached PDF for more information.
Jovenes Artistas After School at MD Hall
Scope of Work:
Maryland Hall will provide after school arts program to AACPS youth at no cost. Students are exposed to new arts concepts and experiences and provided with meaningful hands-on opportunities to increase self-expression and creativity in a collaborative setting. This is a vital and growing program that allows students to connect with their peers, uncover talents and develop important life skills.
Who is Served:
- Up to 20 Middle School/High School Students (from Bates Middle School, Annapolis Middle School and Annapolis High School) in arts classes
- Up to 20 Elementary/Middle School Students (from Annapolis Cluster Schools) in guitar ensemble
- Up to 20 Elementary Students grades 3-5 (from Annapolis Elementary School with provided transportation from the school to Maryland Hall) in arts classes
Fall Session: 13 weeks (Room 305) September 18, 2023 - December 15, 2023 after school Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 4:30-6:30, Saturdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Guitar Ensemble)
Spring Session: 22 weeks January 2, 2024 - June 7, 2024 after school Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 4:30-6:30, Saturdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Guitar Ensemble)
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