Welcome Letter from Principal Faria Smith
Dear Bates Community,
It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the Bates Elementary School website.
Our goal is to offer staff, families, and community members easy access to important information and the many valuable resources our school has to offer. I look forward to working together to make the 2025–2026 school year a successful and memorable one for all!
I have been an educator in the Salem Public Schools for seven years. Before becoming the Bates principal this year, I served as the assistant principal at Bates Elementary School for two years. Our priority at Bates is to ensure all students have an educational experience that emphasizes the development of the whole child. Each student should be given opportunities and experiences to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe building authentic relationships with students guides this growth. Relationships provide a support system in which students can reach beyond their comfort level and develop the skills and confidence to succeed in and out of the classroom.
As we provide equitable systems and structures in our school community, we must emphasize the commitment to dismantling racism. We must ensure our instructional and social teaching strategies promote an equitable and safe learning environment in which all students can access the curriculum. Our school community gives students time to learn about, celebrate, and discuss race, culture, and diversity. As well as how to confront issues of racism and discrimination in our communities.
Communication with faculty, family, and community members is essential to me. I am eager to build new and meaningful relationships with all of the Bates community members. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
I look forward to the start of the school year, knowing what we can accomplish as a team. I genuinely believe that Bates Elementary provides equity and access for all students to reach their full potential!
As always, it’s a great day to be great!!
Sincerely,
Sue Faria Smith
Principal
Believe, Be You, Belong at Bates
At Bates Elementary, “Believe, Be You, Belong” is more than just a motto—it’s the heart of our school community.
- Believe – We encourage every student to believe in themselves, their potential, and the power of learning. We believe in each other and the strength of our community.
- Be You – Every child is celebrated for who they are. We embrace individuality, promote self-expression, and help students build confidence in their unique identities.
- Belong – Bates is a place where everyone is valued and included. We strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where all students, families, and staff feel a strong sense of belonging.
Salem Public Schools Core Values
Belonging – We believe all members of our community are valued and that our relationships are built on empathy and respect.
Equity – We believe in promoting social justice to ensure an inclusive school community where all members are empowered and engaged.
Opportunity – We believe all students should receive a personalized experience to achieve academic success, find joy in their learning, and have multiple choices for their post-secondary plans.
Life at Bates
Academic Day:
- Social Emotional Learning Curriculum scheduled and embedded into daily lessons.
- Integrated Balanced Literacy Approach (Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop) to provide students with authentic reading and writing experiences
- Student-centered -hands-on activities to allow students to see and apply math ideas
- Concept-based lessons build deep understanding rather than memorization
- Content Specific Academic Coaches to support and implement best practices.
- Title I Reading Specialists to support readers to meet their full potential.
Student Engagement:
- Six-week Literacy Festival aimed at building a love for reading by engaging students in dynamic themed activities and lessons.
- Monthly Town Halls focused on Social Emotional Learning
Family Engagement
- Active and Inclusive PTO and School Site Council
- Weekly family newsletters inform families of updates and key information
- Math/science and literacy nights designed to partner with families around academic instruction
- Partnerships between families and teachers through consistent two-way communication.