Bates Parents and Guardians,
Please read the following information from our District regarding eating lunch at the school:
We enjoy partnering with parents and families and recognize that sharing lunch with your child can be a meaningful way to celebrate birthdays, special accomplishments, or other important occasions. Parents and legal guardians are welcome to visit the school and eat lunch with their own student, subject to school visitor procedures and available seating.
To help ensure a safe and positive environment for all students, parents and visitors who eat lunch at school must be seated at the designated visitor table. Parents and visitors may not invite or include other students at their table unless those students are their own children or the school has made prior arrangements for a specific school-sponsored activity.
This expectation helps the District:
Maintain a safe and secure campus by ensuring appropriate supervision of students.
Respect the rights and wishes of all families regarding interactions between their children and other adults.
Avoid situations in which students may feel excluded or uncomfortable if only some classmates are invited to join a visitor.
Maintain orderly lunchroom operations for all students.
If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday or another special occasion, we encourage you to do so by enjoying lunch with your own child. If you have questions about lunch visits or would like to discuss another way to celebrate at school, please contact your school's principal.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student.

