October 16, 2019

Good Afternoon Bateman Families,

We received official guidance that classes will not be in session tomorrow, October 17th. The CPS has already sent a ​Contingency Plan out to parents; however, we would like to relay, some important information:

• Classes will not be in session on Thursday, October 17th.

• School buildings will be open during the normal bell schedule.(8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.)

• Teachers and staff will not be in the building during school hours.  District representatives will be assigned to schools for support.

• This does not count as an absence for your child.

• Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

• School transportation services will not be available for students.

• CTA rides are free for students.

• Before and After-school activities will be canceled. This includes — but is not limited to— sports, tutoring, field trips, Parent University activities, LSC meetings, and other community activities.

• Before and After Care will be canceled, however, NBGC will continue to provide services at their facility.

• If you choose to continue to bring your child(ren) to school, parents are asked to register their child in advance at ​cps.edu/contingencyplan​ to ensure we have enough staff and meals to serve children.

In order to ensure that students are active and continuing their education at home during a work stoppage, please utilize one of the many resources that Bateman provides to each of our students, including:

• Math: ​IXL

• Reading: ​RAZKids​ or NewsELA

• Spanish: ​Duolingo

• Kahn Academy

We will continue to inform you as we learn more details regarding the upcoming days. Please be sure to diligently check local news and Bateman Social Media Accounts for prompt updates regarding next steps for our teachers and students.  Please join us in supporting our teachers and staff as they advocate for the best interest of each of our children.

Warm regards,

Ms. Davos & Ms. Kloepper

October 16, 2019

Dear Bateman Families,

This morning, our school implemented a formal practice drill of lockdown procedures with the assistance of our local police officers, as recommended by Chicago Public Schools. While no environment is absolutely risk free, we take the safety of our students seriously at Bateman Elementary School and practice emergency procedures at least twice per year.
 

We are proud of the staff for their positive attitudes and calm approach to situations in keeping children safe, and of our students who followed the drill procedures as instructed. Sometimes, lockdown situations can frighten students; however, we do everything possible to keep all children calm. All teachers discussed the purpose and procedures for the drill in a developmentally appropriate conversation. Please continue to discuss the drill with your child and let us know if follow-up is needed at school.

Again, here are ​a few reminders to assist you when speaking to your child about the importance and purpose of lockdown drills:

• Approach the topic of safety with a calm and even tone.

• Be open to your child’s questions.

• Try not to meet their questions with resistance or negativity. Be open to whatever is going on in their minds. The more knowledge and understanding of the situation they have, the more comfortable they may become with more practice.

• Use comparisons - sometimes it is easier for children to understand the importance of the drill when they have something to compare it to. ​You can even compare practicing drills to wearing a helmet or seat belt. You do these things to be safe, just in case there’s an accident or your child falls off their bike. These things may never happen, but if they do, you’re protected.
• Remind your child to listen to their teacher - be a superhero listener!

We feel that open and clear communication is important to enhance our safety efforts and wanted you to know about today’s lockdown drill. We appreciate your support as we are always seeking to create a safe environment at Bateman. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Ms. Davos and Ms. Kloepper

Attention 7th & 8th Graders!

Please join us in the Auditorium for our annual High School Fair!  High School representatives will be ready to give you further information about their school so you feel prepared to make this important decision. 
Neighboring elementary schools will also be joining us for this event!  

Students, come prepared with questions to ask representatives from a variety of High Schools to find the perfect fit for YOU!

Participating High Schools

Alcott

Amundsen

Chi Arts

Lane Tech

Mather

Notre Dame HS

Payton

Rickover

Roosevelt

Senn

Schurz

Sullivan

Von Steuben

Westinghouse

Whitney Young Magnet

October 15, 2019

Dear Bateman Families,

Our school is committed to the safety and education of all our students and our priority is to keep children safe at all times. Our procedures aim to minimize disruption to the learning environment while ensuring the safety of all students and staff. On ​Wednesday, October 16, 2019​, we will be practicing a lockdown drill with the Chicago Police Department. This is a required school drill that all schools must implement each year.

The teacher will review the purpose with the students at a developmentally appropriate level and discuss the safety drill procedures before the drill begins. Please feel free to discuss it at home, as well, and remind your children that it is a safety drill, like a fire drill, and that they are safe.

The procedure will be the following:

●  The office staff will go on the intercom and announce “Lockdown”.

●  Teachers will lock classroom doors and close window shades.

●  Teachers will gather students silently into the corner of the room that is the furthest away from doors/windows.

●  Students will remain silent.

●  Staff and CPD will travel around the building to check for compliance in all areas of the building.

●  Classrooms will stay like this until the “All Clear” signal is announced over the intercom.
 

Things to keep in mind when speaking with your child(ren):

●  Approach the topic of safety with a calm and even tone.

●  Be open to your child’s questions.

●  Try not to meet their questions with resistance or negativity. Be open to whatever is going on in their minds. The more knowledge and understanding of the situation they have, the more comfortable they may become with more practice.

●  Use comparisons - sometimes it is easier for children to understand the importance of the drill when they have something to compare it to. ​You can even compare practicing drills to wearing a helmet or seat belt. You do these things to be safe, just in case there’s an accident or your child falls off their bike. These things may never happen, but if they do, you’re protected.

●  Remind your child to listen to their teacher - be a superhero listener!

We feel that open and clear communication is important to enhance our safety efforts and wanted you to know about this week’s lockdown drill. We appreciate your support as we are always seeking to create a safe environment at Bateman. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Ms. Davos and Ms. Kloepper

Pints with a Purpose
Join the Fathers' Club on Thursday, October 17th for the release of our very own Bateman Beer, created in partnership with Twisted Hippo!

Dragon Keeper
...is a honey cream ale with the option to add some jalapeño heat!  The name and style are meant to play off "Bateman Blaze," the school's mascot.  Twisted Hippo will donate a portion of the proceeds for each purchase - beer or growler - of The Dragon Keeper to the Bateman Boosters starting at the launch party!  We hope to see everyone there to celebrate the release of the Bateman Beer and ongoing fundraiser! 


Contact the Bateman Fathers' Club at batemanfathers@gmail.com 
with any questions!

Event Details
6:30 pm | Twisted Hippo
2925 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Release of the Dragon Keeper Beer!
Specialty cocktails and wings will be available to pair with the beer.  Custom syrups of varying flavors can be added to the beer to enhance the fun and flavor! 

Bears Raffle Winner Announced!
Tickets are $5 for one entry, or $20 for five entries
Game details: Bears v Chiefs on December 22nd
Click Here to Complete the Entry Form

Join us tomorrow to cheer on our students!


Details for the Bateman Mile:

• Please make sure your child is wearing appropriate walking shoes!
• Wear your Bateman Pride and if you purchased a t-shirt, please send your child wearing their Bateman Mile T-Shirt!
• Please send a water bottle with your child labeled with their name!
• There will be volunteers and staff surrounding the entire course for safety!
• Parents are welcome to come cheer on the walkers/runners during the course!
• Kindergarteners will be accompanied by an 8th Grade buddy!
• Get creative!  Signs and cheerleading materials are encouraged!

Click the image to volunteer for the Bateman Mile!


Bateman Mile Fundraising Details

The more money you raise to support our physical education department, the more raffle tickets your child will receive to enter in drawings for the exciting prizes listed below!  Fundraising donations will be collected through Tuesday, October 15th and winners will be drawn on Wednesday, October 16th!

$20 raised = 15 tickets
$10 raised = 7 tickets
$5 raised = 3 tickets
 

Raffle Prizes Include:

Goldfish Swim Swag and Lessons
Ultimate Ninja Package of Fun
Chicago Blackhawks Jersey
Starbucks Gift Cards
Hybrid Martial Arts Lessons and Boxing Gloves
Lil Kickers: 6-Week Soccer Lessons
Free Passes to Altitude
IFly Package with 2 Flights

Sign Up to Volunteer for the Bateman Mile Here!