Central Council

Lots to share from the Central Council meeting (where PTO leaders connect with Town) last week at WHS. 

We met in the historical 1938 Room in the WHS Library, a space dedicated to the old high school (1938-2012). Dr. Jamie Chisum, previous WHS English teacher, current WHS Principal, shared the historical significance. Think preserved historical building elements like sconces, slate window sills and millwork, framed historical building plans (who knew the old high school was modeled after Stockholms town hall in Sweden), and all of the yearbooks back to the 1930’s in gorgeous casing. We also stood on the same OG floor planks West Needham town residents stood on to vote to succeed Needham, to create Wellesley. The floor planks were a gift from WCC.  

Safer Streets: Worried about Fells intersection? Us too!

Want to make the Fells intersection or other streets safer for students walking and biking around Bates?

Here’s what can you do with the time you have: 

Climate Control

Niki Ofenloch shared an update with the Central Council. She encouraged those who are interested in AC to please reach out to our Town Meeting Members before their meetings begin on 4/1. 

Interested in AC? Our Bates AC representative Kelly Norris can share TMM emails and key communication points. She said those who emailed Advisory previously are welcome to reuse outreach messages. 

Interested in more details? 

• Here is the School Committee presentation on the warrant. 
• Michelle from Sustainable Wellesley requested PTOs share impact on climate, and how heat pumps can help. 

Kindergarten and New Student Registration Needed for PAWS Planning

We need all kindergarten and new students to register! Spread the word. PAWs is trying to plan out their space for next year, and they really need our help for accurate elementary student numbers. PAWS may need to be in anywhere from 1-3 schools, so gathering accurate registration data as early as possible is critical. 

Universal Preschool

The focus group is complete. Next step, please keep an eye out for a town wide survey. 

METCO

Amazing presentation from Metco’s program lead Stephanie Holland and Friends of Wellesley Metco and their wrap-around services like tutoring, summer book club, Elementary Math Madness in March in Boston. Be proud because a portion of our budget supports this amazing program. Passionate about doing more? Email Stephanie. You can also check out the awesome gear designed by our own Katie Catalano or join Stephanie’s bus going to advocate for funding for the statewide program at the State House on 3/20. 

School Bus Ambassadors

WPS is excited about busing. Hardy PTO President Jenny Hughes says busing is about 90 cents per ride and has been an amazing experience for her family, giving parents time back and kids responsibility and freedom. WPS is seeking one or two Bates parents of current riders to volunteer as "bus ambassadors" and share their positive experiences with families who have questions during the bus registration process in March and April. All you have to do is make your contact information available to your school community and serve as a resource for those who are considering signing up for the bus. To volunteer, please let us know at batesptomail@gmail.com.

KEY DATES

PTO Succession Planning

Would you like to become more engaged in the Bates Community? We are currently seeking treasurers, a communications chair, a social media chair, and have several other open positions. Please remember, PTO roles are open to everyone! If you're curious about the responsibilities of any role or want to help but aren't sure how, please reach out. From our experience volunteering in Wellesley and beyond, there’s no greater reward than giving back where your children are growing! If you're interested, please email batesptomail@gmail.com.

Wellesley Social Dance

Registration for Social Dance (formerly called "Assemblies") is open for all incoming 5th graders. For nearly 100 years Douglas Trudeau’s family has offered instruction in different forms of dance from Fox Trot to Electric Slide, and coaching on social interactions. Sometimes the girls ask the boys, other times the boys ask the girls… and everyone seems to come out dripping in jolly ranchers.

Questions? Email Douglas. There is also an open volunteer role to be our Bates parent school rep for Social Dance if you are interested, email batesptomail@gmail.com. Caroline and Eliana are signed up – and there isn’t any pressure if it's not the right fit for your schedule or your family. 

Jess Pratt + Nicole Schmidt

Co-Presidents, Bates School PTO 2024-25

batesptomail@gmail.com

Follow the link for ways to help create safer streets in Wellesley.

Community News Submissions

Announcements and programs in Wellesley that you would like featured in the "Community News" section should be emailed to Allison DiRenzo (direnzoa@wellesleyps.org) in the Superintendent's office. Submission deadline is Thursday at 9 a.m. Thank you for keeping our community informed!​

Visit the PTO website easy ways to earn for Bates!

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