December 21, 2023

Dear Baker families,

The building is buzzing! The bleachers are out; the chairs are set up; the sound has been tested, instruments tuned (kind of); the voices are prepared, the parking lot is filling; and the Baker Demonstration school is alive with excitement and energy. For all of you who are able to attend today, I invite you to settle into the creaky, worn, wobbly bleachers that somehow (at least to me) are cozy, at least for the first 15 minutes you sit in them. Take a deep breath and imagine all the performances and children that have come through our gym. This gym has seen a lot, and it is the only space where the Baker community can fit together. I know our gym well, and it takes great pride in this responsibility.  It will look over all of you and your children to make sure all is well.

All-school performances are special, there is just no way around it. To have so many people come together and bring a piece of themselves to a performance is the epitome of community, and our holiday sing truly is the Baker community. Parents, grandparents, special friends, alumni, alumni families, teachers, staff, and of course the stars of the show, the students, all pitch in to contribute to the show. 

I am proud of our community and the holiday sing leaves me with joy in my heart. I hope that you take a moment to forget all your to-dos, your stresses, your thoughts and worries, and be present in our gym with our community. You will feel the spirit of Baker, and you will feel the love and care that everyone in the gym has for the incredible performers singing and playing their hearts out.

Enjoy the show and have a wonderful holiday break,

Mason Rocca (He, Him)

Interim Head of School

PS If you aren’t able to attend, then do not worry, we will share a link later with the video of the performance.  

Calendar Highlights

December 22 - January 7

Winter Vacation - No School / No BASE

January 8

School Resumes

You can view Baker's public calendar at bakerdemschool.org/calendar

Admissions & Re-Enrollment

An email went out last week with important information and dates about sibling enrollment, re-enrollment dates, tuition assistance and deposit information for all returning families. Please read through that email so you are prepared for the upcoming deadlines in January.

Important Upcoming Dates   

• January 12th - Priority admission application deadline for siblings of current Baker students and new students. Admissions decision to parents by January 31st. 
• January 12th - Deadline for tuition assistance applications for 2024-25 
• January 30th - Early deadline for current Baker families to confirm re-enrollment for the 2024-25 school year and pay a reduced tuition deposit amount (Note: After January 30, 2024, the tuition deposit amount will increase. Amounts differ depending on whether the family is on tuition assistance or not. Details will be in the January tuition deposit invoice.). 
• March 1st - Deadline for current Baker families to opt-out of evergreen re-enrollment contract.

*All tuition deposits are non-refundable.

*24-25 Tuition rates may be found on our website 

BASE (Baker After School Enrichment) Registration

BASE Winter Enrichments - Registration for BASE Winter Packages and Enrichments is now open! We are excited to announce a number of new classes for the winter session! Please take a moment to review options in the 2024 Winter Program Guide before completing your registration. 

Enrichment classes are first come, first serve and spots are limited! 

BASE Registration Page

BASE care begins Monday, January 8 for all BASE Care Package registrants. Enrichments will start on Wednesday, January 17. 

Questions? Please contact Erin at esteiner@bakerdemschool.org or at ext. 5823.

Baker Summer Discovery Camp

We had record-breaking interest in Baker Summer Discovery Camp! Some sessions have already filled and others are filling quickly. Please make sure to register now. If a session is already filled, be sure to get on the waitlist by January 5, 2024 for consideration. Join the waitlist here.

We look forward to returning this summer for another exciting year of fostering friendships, embracing the great outdoors and engaging in immersive camper-driven activities! Explore below or online for weekly session dates, pricing, and further details.

Discounted early-bird registration pricing available until January 31, 2024, but we anticipate being sold out before then. Register or add your camper to the waitlist now.

Questions? Please contact Rachael and Erin at summer@bakerdemschool.org.

Baker Business School Supports Great Cause

Baker Business School students raised $1,066.44 for the Children's Heart Foundation!

They were able to present a check to a representative from CHF after she shared with them about the work of the organization.

We are so proud of these 4th and 5th grade entrepreneurs!

They have been immersed in Baker Business School, an integrated thematic unit that allows them to experience all phases of the entrepreneurial cycle, learn about the labor movement, host a market event, and end with the goal of raising funds for the nonprofit of their choice. 

We cannot thank YOU, our Baker community, enough for your support of the market, the Children’s Heart Foundation, and our entire unit!

Read more about about BBS on Baker's Instagram.

Volunteers Needed - The Bears Are Coming!

The Chicago Bears will be hosting a Mini Monsters workshop for our 2nd - 6th grade students.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with running stations Friday, January 19th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

If you are interested, please reach out to Rachael Ross at rross@bakerdemschool.org for more details. 

Baker Library - Volunteers Needed

Calling all Library Friends!

We are looking for Baker community volunteers to help organize books and more in our library. To express interest or for more information, contact Librarian Charles Jones at cjones@bakerdemschool.org.

Baker GSA T-Shirts

Take a look at these awesome t-shirts we made for our GSA! Want one? Shirts are available for $20 each and come in adult sizes S-2XL. They run a bit small and are 100% cotton. We have a limited supply so please fill out this form if you would like one for your child or for yourself! You can send cash in an envelope, drop off cash or check in the office or use Baker Venmo @BakerDem Proceeds will support Baker GSA.

Questions? Please feel free to reach out to GSA Advisors: Becky Crawford, Shane Courville, Julie Toole

Pop Up Spirit Wear

Baker Spirit Wear is back and available for purchase online! Place your order today! 

Our first Baker Spirit Wear Friday kicks off on Friday, September 8th. Purchase your Baker Spirit Wear today to be ready for Baker Spirit Fridays (and everyday of the week). 

How does it work?

1. Click on the link below and look through the items.

2. Please note that this spirit wear is for both kids and adults!

3. Place your order online. 

4. Orders will be shipped directly to the buyer's home address listed on the order in 3-4 weeks.