Salem's Bates Elementary Awarded $20K Cummings Foundation Gift

SALEM, MA — Salem's Bates Elementary School has been named the recipient of a $20,000 gift from the Cummings Foundation, Principal Sue Faria-Smith announced Monday at the Salem School Committee meeting.

Bates Elementary was presented with the gift by Andrew Bishop, deputy director of the Cummings Foundation and the parent of a Bates student. Bishop said the foundation each year invites its Board of Trustees and members of its leadership staff to recommend recipients of charitable gifts.

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"Over the past year, we have been especially impressed by Salem Public Schools and by our experiences at Bates," Bishop told the school. "From its schoolwide leadership and the exceptional classroom/enrichment teachers to the dedicated specialists, support staff, and student services teams, it is clear that Bates is filled with caring professionals who are highly committed to helping every child thrive.

"Our daughter has had a truly wonderful introduction to school, and we are grateful for the warm, welcoming environment Bates created. We are thrilled to be returning for kindergarten and the years ahead.

"This award is intended to recognize the outstanding work taking place at Bates, and you and your team will have the flexibility to direct the funds wherever they can be of the greatest benefit to the Bates student/family community."

Faria-Smith is set to formally accept the gift at the Bates Elementary Curriculum Night on Sept. 16. She said part of the money will go toward a school-wide assembly with Rob Surrette's Amazing Hero Art — a 60-minute art show that conveys messages of kindness and empowerment.

A portrait from the program will also be purchased and displayed at the school.

"We are so grateful for this generous gift from the Cummings Foundation," Faria-Smith said, noting it came as a complete – yet welcome – surprise. "While it comes to us as a complete surprise, it is symbolic of the culture and passion of the staff and students here at Bates.

"We're in an era in which school budgets are usually stretched thin, so this act of generosity will go a long way for us and will be put to use the best way possible."