• History
The school is named for former Salem Mayor and U.S. Representative George Joseph Bates and his eldest son, William Henry Bates, who succeeded his father in Congress after the elder Bates was killed in a plane crash. The school was opened in 1970 and was rededicated in 2001 after renovations and an addition were completed.
• Grades
Kindergarten - Grade 5 (three specific learning skills classes, two life skills classes)
• Number of Students: 346
• Facilities
State of the art, renovated building. Completely air-conditioned. Instructional Media Center, Science Discovery Center, gymnasium, cafetorium, primary kitchen, theater, music suite, computer center, three recreational areas, family center, large and fully equipped classrooms.
• Technology
The newly constructed Bates School contains state-of-the-art technology. The facility is completely networked, the Instructional Media Center is fully automated, and we have the services of a part-time Technology Integration Specialist. In addition to a computer lab equipped with Macintosh computers, all classrooms and specialty areas contain computers and have Internet access.
• The Arts
Bates School's theme is the enrichment of the arts. In this vein, we stress and integrate the arts within our programs. To foster this, all students receive instruction in theater arts in the classroom and through our vocal and instrumental music program. We collaborate with the Peabody Essex Museum for grades 3 and 5.
• Science Program
Bates School has a fully equipped Dr. Read Science Discovery Laboratory. We believe in a hands-on, discovery approach to learning science. A full-time Science Integration Specialist is employed to assist staff in both teaching and designing lessons that align with our district curriculum.
• Educational Programs
The Bates School is in the sixth year of a six-year "Reading First" federal grant, enabling us to hire a full-time Reading Specialist. We updated our entire reading and language arts program and scheduled a two-hour literacy block each day for grades K-3. Extensive ongoing professional development for all staff is an integral part of this grant. We will continue to offer: Wiggleworks Early Literacy program K-2; Reading Recovery for first-grade students; Accelerated Reader for comprehension; Everyday Math program for all grades; Growing Healthy; and technology and science integration with lab work for all grades.
• Enrichment
Artist-in-Residence; Musical programs for all grades; Girls and Boys Basketball, grades 4-5; Family Science Night; Arts Integration programs; Bi-weekly Book Swap, Annual School Art Show; Reading Buddies Program; Literacy Night; Math Parent Information night; Parenting classes and programs for parents.
• Self-Esteem Building
Bates School Leaders, grade 4 & 5 students selected to help with special events and recycling activities; Voluntary School Spirit Wear; Character Education; Personal Power Program.
• After-School Day Care
The privately owned For Kids Only, Inc. provides after-school day care at Bates from 1:50 to 6:00 p.m. There are many other programs that provide transportation from the school to their programs.
• School Store
The "Pencil Box" is the school store operated entirely by the fifth-grade students. It is open for business from 7:20 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. on designated mornings. The "Pencil Box" is located in a room near the Cafetorium.
• Student Absentee Line ~ (978) 740-1172
Please call the attendance telephone number before 7:45 a.m. whenever your student is going to be absent from school. This line has an answering machine that is available 24 hours a day. Also, if you would like homework for your child, this can be left on the absent line. Please do not call the main telephone number to report absences. A note is needed the day the student returns. Refer to the Student Handbook for more details.
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