1/25 - Half-Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
1/26 - Blake Student Council Meeting
MCAP Meeting
1/27 - Blake GSA Meeting
School Committee Budget Meeting
1/24-1/28 - Term 2 Family Outreach Period
1/31 - DEI Task Force Meeting
2/2 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Info Night (see info below)
2/14 - Half-Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
2/21-2/25 - February Vacation
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about keeping our hopes and actions aligned with our vision, our question for this week is: What hope(s) do you have for yourself as a learner over the next four weeks? Be specific. Naming (and Claiming) Our Vision (Week of 1/23/22) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 1/24-1/28
The week of 1/24-1/28 is the Term 2 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week, teachers will send an e-mail to families to notify them if their student is consistently not meeting the standard in an area OR if they do not have sufficient data to assess their student at that point in the term due to absence or missing work. If students are meeting the standards, families will not receive an e-mail from teachers. No news is good news. Please know that you may reach out to teachers or your child's guidance counselor if you have questions or concerns about their progress.
Below please find links to letters from the each grade level team with mid-term messages along with the information about Term 2's Family Outreach Period. If you have any questions about your student's progress, please contact their guidance counselor or teachers directly.
Grade 6 - Winter Family Outreach (Term 2, January 2022)
Grade 7 - Winter Family Outreach (Term 2, January 2022)
Grade 8 - Winter Family Outreach (Term 2, January 2022)
Information for 8th Grade Families
We hope you will be able to join us on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, as we welcome the Class of 2026 to Medfield High School! Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about the culture, classes, and extracurricular offerings at MHS! In preparation for the evening, please note the following:
- 2022 - 2023 MHS Program of Studies - Please find the link to the program of studies here. Please take some time to read through the course offerings with your son/daughter. Students will complete high school course selections between March 4 - 10, 2022. More information to come.
- Placement Letter - Please refer to this letter from the Department Chairs regarding course recommendations and placement.
- RSVP to 2.2.22 - In an effort to minimize the number of people in attendance at one time, we will offer two sessions: 5:30 pm and 6:20 pm. Both sessions will share the exact same information. Please click here for more information and to RSVP.
Stephanie A Worthley
K-12 Guidance Department Chair
Medfield Public Schools
[email protected]
The blood drive committee would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in making the MLK day of service blood drive such a huge success. We were able to collect 61 units of blood. Blood needs are great now, and because of the low numbers many people have had to hold off on surgeries and other treatments. Our MLK day of service blood drive helped many get the treatments they need. THANK YOU, and we hope to see everyone again next year.
From the Blake LMC
From the LMC- All students are eligible to participate in an optional bookmark contest. All of the details available on the form: here. All entries are due NO later than 2/11/22. We will choose one winner for each division: (grades 4-6) (grades 7-12) to submit to the Mass School Library state contest.
Blake Geography Bee - Congrats!
Congratulations to 8th grader Rudra Mishra, winner of this year's Blake Geography Bee. Rudra repeated his 2020 victory as a 6th grader. This year students in the 6th and 7th grades participated in their Social Studies classes. In the 8th grade, classroom champions competed for cluster champion, and the three cluster champions faced off in the final round.
The National Geographic GeoBee is a geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Questions cover not only geography, but also ancient and world civilizations, cultures, and physical features. The Social Studies department is pleased to facilitate this fun and engaging common learning experience for our students.
Geo Bee Winners
1st: Rudra Mishra, Stars
2nd: Cian Blake, Stripes
3rd: Lily Lewis, Eagles
8th Grade Classroom Champs
Jack Gage
Ryan Small
Jake Cragan
Rudra Mishra
Lily Lewis
Henry Keysor
Kamryn Perachi
Genna McDonald
Samantha Manning
Warren Churchill
Cian Blake
Brooke Russell
7th Grade Classroom Champs
Ryan Healy
Cecilia Puthiaparambil
Owen Graber
TJ Lowney
Jack Resch
Harry Nolan
David Rand
Owen Marsette
Liam Connelly
Natalie Raskin
Will Peters
6th Grade Classroom Champs
Owen Rodenhi
Lewis Bormann
Nathan Bills
Samantha Neshurin
Cooper Gage
Joe Konopka
Finn Posner
Spring Softball Meeting - 7th/8th Grade Students
Blake middle school is asking all 7th and 8th graders interested in playing on the MS softball team to attend an informational meeting Thursday, January 27th, right after school in Mrs. McClelland's room, 212. MS softball is open to all players at any level, including those interested but have never played before. If for whatever reason you are interested in playing but can't make the meeting you can reach out via email at [email protected] and make me aware of your interest.
Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural Session has begun. Please go to the website for a list of offerings and registration info. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Project 351 Blake Representative
We are thrilled to share that Deven Careau, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351. Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project. Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values - humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others. We are proud and honored that Deven will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
MPS Student Services’ Newsletter, January 2022
In an effort to continue to build on communication and collaboration, the Department of Student Services will send out a newsletter every other month highlighting an update from each area: EL, guidance, nursing, math intervention, reading intervention and special education…
MPS Student Services' Newsletter, January 2022
Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices. Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell ([email protected]) and Beth Sancher ([email protected]). Happy Reading!
Notification for Absences/Dismissals
If a student will be absent from school, please call Blake's absence line at (508) 242-8501. If a student needs to be dismissed from school before 2:07 p.m.,an email must be sent by the parent/guardian to [email protected]. Please include the following information:
- Date
- Time of dismissal
- Student name
- Reason for dismissal
- Person picking up
Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis throughout this year for discussions and work to provide meaningful experiences for our students. Over the next couple of weeks in advisory, students will be exploring some different resources reflecting our theme of ‘Justice January’. Advisories will also be choosing their door spotlight over the next few weeks for Black History Month in February.
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Nat Vaughn at [email protected] with any questions.
Progress Update on Reporting Adaptations
As shared in the e-mail to Blake families in December, our staff has been working to address the recommendations from our Director of Instruction and Innovation's 'Analysis of Standards-Based Reporting Assessment Practices' (Spring, 2021), and an update was shared at the most recent School Committee meeting (Link to recording now available: Medfield School Committee (12-09-2021). We will be sharing these updates via information and educational sessions for families in the new year via a recorded webinar format.
Adaptations to our reporting will take place in Term 3 of 2021-2022, including…
- traditional letter grades on all priority standards for grades 7 and 8
- expansion of a metric scale from the current 1-3 scale by adding a fourth metric of feedback (1-4 scale)
The purpose of reporting on academic progress is to provide feedback on a student’s progress and to help direct future efforts. Effective feedback to students during the learning process is essential to a healthy and productive learning experience. Our overarching goal remains to continue steadfast efforts to provide meaningful, actionable, learner-centered feedback for all of our learners via...
- more descriptive and actionable feedback to students and families
- more meaningful and personalized assessment and grading practices
- greater calibration of expectations and assessment practices between/amongst teachers
Blake Affinity Groups
The purpose of an affinity group is to provide a forum of support for students who may feel a disconnection relative to identity to their larger school community. Such disconnections to identity may include, but not be limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, and sexual orientation. An affinity group’s goal is to play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
An affinity group is open to students across every grade level. It is arranged for students in an affinity group to meet at least once a month during a mutually agreed upon time and the meetings are supervised by at least one staff member at Blake.
As the need for an affinity group may stem from a lack of or weaker connection to the larger Medfield community, efforts will be made to strengthen connections to the community. To this end, members of the community are welcome and at times will be invited to attend affinity group meetings.
For more information about starting or joining an affinity group at Blake, please contact Matt Marenghi, Guidance Counselor: [email protected] or 508-359-2445.
Medfield Outreach is available for consultation appointments. E-mail [email protected] to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.
Create your own little penguin or polar bear (image attached) to love this Valentine's Day with your children or grandchildren at home and attend a virtual Zoom party! Each kit is $20 or 3 for $50, and comes with a penguin or polar bear, stuffing, birth certificate, and other love-ly things
The kits will be delivered to you in time for our LIVE Zoom party Monday, February 14th, with two party times to choose from. Two zoom offerings at 2pm and 3pm. This 45 minute party will also include live sing-a-longs, story telling, and fun seasonal songs performed by our music guests. Perfect for children and their caregivers. If you can't tune in, the video will be available to purchasers on our website after the scheduled event. Don't miss the fun!
Click here for more information and to make your purchase.
MCPE Update
MCPE is thrilled to revive several beloved events throughout 2022. The Grade 2-5 Spelling Bee will be held on March 24th at the high school auditorium. Students from Wheelock and students from Dale St will form teams of four to compete against their classmates as they work to spell increasingly complex words. Hosted by beloved teachers, teams dress in themed costumes to add to the fun. This event is marvelous. M-A-R-V-E-L-O-U-S. Marvelous. Stay tuned for registration information! Finally, brush up on your obscure knowledge and dust off your party attire! We are eagerly looking forward to the return of both our in-person Trivia Night and the highly-anticipated Fall Ball! Details on both events will be released soon!
Webinars of Interest
The State of Social and Emotional Learning in 2022: A Conversation with Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel, CASEL’s New President & CEO
Friday, 1/28 at 12:00 p.m.
CASEL invites you to a conversation with our new president and CEO, Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel, moderated by Timothy Shriver, CASEL co-founder and board chair.
Our schools and students need social and emotional learning now more than ever before. As a seasoned educator and a boundary-spanning policy expert, Dr. Samuel is a visionary leader for social and emotional learning.
Hear Dr. Samuel's vision for the future and join the discussion on the state of social and emotional learning, including a live Q&A to answer some of the field’s most pressing questions.
Find Your Giant Community - Big Interview: John Amaechi with Adam Grant
Tuesday, 2/1 at 2 p.m.
Book your place at The Big Interview with Adam Grant
The 1st of February 2022 will see John Amaechi interview New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant. This hour-long interview will see John explore Adam’s career todate and the ideas that drive him. We’ll also be putting your questions to Adam, so have a think what you would like to learn.
Don’t miss out for this fantastic event. Book your place to attend.
Adam has been recognized as one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and one of Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and has received scientific achievement awards from the American Psychological Association and the National Science Foundation. Adam received his BA from Harvard University and his PhD from the University of Michigan, and he is a former magician and junior Olympic springboard diver.
He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of five books that have sold millions of copies, most recently Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know. His TED talks have more than 30 million views, his podcast WorkLife has topped the charts, and his viral op-ed on languishing was the most-saved article of 2021.
We want to get as many members as possible attending this exciting event so book your place now.
LGBTQ+ Basics and Beyond
Thursday, 2/3 at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness with OUT MetroWest
Curious about some part of the LGBTQ+ acronym? Want to support transgender people but not sure where to start? This presentation will equip participants with up-to-date vocabulary, answers to frequently asked (and frequently awkward!) questions, and basic tools for effective allyship.
ASL interpretation will be provided at this event.
Spirit Store Info - Blake PTO
Medfield K-8 PTO Announces A Year-Round MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR STORE! Thanks to local business Day St Sports, we have answered the question – where can I find Medfield Spirit Wear? Over 100 options currently listed, all proceeds will be donated to the individual school K-8 PTOs. Shipping takes about 3 weeks. Medfield Spirit Wear
Link (Hyperlink to https://ts020252.prospherefanshop.com/)