Salem’s Bates Elementary School Receives $20,000 Gift From the Cummings Foundation
Cummings Foundation gift to fund assembly and more
SALEM (Aug. 25, 2026) – The Bates Elementary School was named the recipient of a $20,000 gift from the Cummings Foundation, announced Principal Sue Faria-Smith 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. Each year, said Mr. Bishop, the Cummings Foundation invites its Board of Trustees and members of its leadership staff to recommend recipients of charitable gifts.
“Over the past year, we have been especially impressed by Salem Public Schools and by our experiences at Bates,” Mr. Bishop said. “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,” he added.
Ms. Faria-Smith will formally accept the gift at the Bates Elementary Curriculum Night Wednesday, Sept. 16. She noted part of the gift will be put toward a school-wide assembly with Rob Surrette’s Amazing Hero Art, a 60-minute art show conveying messages of kindness and empowerment, from which a portrait will be purchased and displayed at the school.
“We are so grateful for this generous gift from the Cummings Foundation,” said Ms. Faria-Smith, 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.”
Bates Elementary grades 1-5 students return to school Thursday, Sept. 3 while pre-k and kindergarten students begin Thursday, Sept. 10.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts, a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens through which we view our work. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff unconditionally serves each of our 4,000 students across 11 schools regardless of ability or language.
