1/30-2/3 - Term 2 Family Outreach Week (see info below)
1/31 - Blake Site Council Mtg
2/1 - Incoming 9th Grade Info Night (see info below)
2/8 - ½ Day for Students
Professional Afternoon
MCPE Trivia Night (see info below)
2/20-2/24 - February Vacation
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we help ourselves stay centered and focused on our ‘why’, our question for this week is: What helps you stay centered and focused on what’s important? What's Important (Week of 1/22/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 1/30-2/3
The week of 1/30-2/3 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.
Information for Incoming 9th Grade Families
8th Grade Families....SAVE THE DATE: 2-1-23! Medfield High School would like to welcome all students and parents/guardians of the Class of 2027 to an informational program on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 6:30pm. Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about the culture, classes, and extracurricular offerings at MHS.
Blake Intramurals Update
There are still some spots available for our Winter Intramural Activities. All of the activities will be underway this coming week. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Provide Feedback on MCAS
The Department is inviting students, parents, education professionals, and community members to participate in a survey that will provide feedback on the MCAS program and help inform improvements. The Department is seeking stakeholders’ input in several areas, including communications and support, data and reporting, and release of test questions. The survey will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Yearbook Ordering
If you are interested in ordering a yearbook for your student this year please follow the instructions below. Grades 6-8 are showcased in the middle school yearbook. Please reach out to Kristin Buley ([email protected]) or Kristin Manning ([email protected]) with specific questions.
- Go to HerffJones.com
- Select that you are a parent or a student looking to buy a yearbook
- Click Shop Now
- Click Visit our Yearbook order center in red
- Search by school name: Thomas A Blake Middle School (note there is no period after the A)
CLICK HERE to order a yearbook the 2022-2023 school year
Blood Drive at Blake - MLK, Jr. Day
The MLK day of service Blake Red Cross blood drive committee would like to thank the entire community for their support in another strong turn out. Thank you to everyone who came out, and thank you to everyone who asked others to donate. It is because of your support we collected over 80 units of blood. Every year our committee is committed to making the blood drive better, and we already have some great ideas brewing. We hope to see everyone back and some new faces next year for the best baked good recovery table and a positive experience saving lives.
MCPE Update
MCPE Trivia Night is back! Join friends new and old on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 PM at AvaLena’s Bar in Millis. Teams of 4-6 adults will join other competitors and a professional trivia host for a fast-paced, humor-filled evening. The cost is $40/person, which includes a dinner buffet. Trivia Night sells out quickly, so text your buddies, come up with a memorable team name, and sign up now! All proceeds from this event will support Medfield Public Schools.
All proceeds benefit Medfield Coalition for Public Education, an independent, non-profit organization funded to provide system-wide support and academic enrichment for the Medfield Public Schools through grants for the development of innovative programs, curriculum, and enrichment. Be sure to join MCPE’s email list for event announcements and follow us on social.
The NYT invites students ages 13-18 to enter into their 4th Annual STEM Writing Contest. Students are invited to choose an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health - then write an engaging 500-word explanation that helps a general audience understand the topic and its importance. Contest dates are Jan 18-Feb 15, 2023. Contest info can be found here.
Blake Theater
Blake Theater participants are invited to join Fun Theater Fridays on January 27th. A sign up form for the 13th went out in the latest Theater Update email. Hound of the Baskervilles will start with a readthrough on January 30th.
Project 351 - Blake Representative for 2022-2023
We are thrilled to share that Paige Henebry, 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. Launch Day for the ambassadors was this past Saturday, 1/14 - a day-long endeavor that kicks off their work and service. We are proud and honored that Paige will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield!
Medfield Class of 2025 - Fundraiser
The Medfield Class of 2025 is selling dog leashes to support their class. All dog leashes cost $25. When the dog leashes come in (we anticipate they will be in by mid-January), they can be picked up outside Medfield High School and they can be paid for at that time. The $25 can be paid in cash or a check made out to the Town of Medfield. Place your order HERE.
Cold and flu season is here and we need your assistance in keeping our school community healthy. Please monitor your child(ren) daily for signs/symptoms of illness and keep them home from school to rest and hydrate if they are not feeling well or if they have a fever. It’s helpful to keep a thermometer in your home to check their temperature.
Symptoms which may initially appear to be just a common cold or allergies could actually be COVID or the flu, so please be vigilant and follow these reminders.
- If your child has cold/allergy symptoms (see COVID Guidelines), please test them for COVID before sending them to school. If the test results are negative, repeat the COVID test 48 hours later. If positive, please keep your child home to isolate x 5 days and notify us and your child’s primary care provider (PCP).
- If your child has a fever, please call their PCP and keep your child home from school until they have been fever free for 24 hours without any fever/pain reducing medications (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) and their symptoms have improved to the point where they are feeling well and ready to return to a full day of school.
- Frequent handwashing/hand sanitizing and mask wearing when you or your child(ren) have cold/flu or COVID symptoms in combination with keeping vaccinations up-to-date as recommended by the Department of Public Health are the most effective ways to decrease the spread of viral illnesses.
- Please call the Blake Middle School absence line (508-242-8501) by 7:40 a.m. each day your child will be absent or late for school. The absence line is available 24 hours a day. You may also send an email to [email protected]
- Please notify us in the school nurse’s office if your child has been diagnosed with COVID, influenza, strep throat or any other contagious illness as well as if your child is being treated for a concussion or recovering from an injury.
- You may email this information to [email protected] when you notify the school of your child’s absence or contact us directly.
Thank You to MCPE and PTO
Thank you to the Blake PTO and MCPE (Medfield Coalition for Public Education) for their generous support of our endeavors/grants. We greatly appreciate the contributions as we look to provide unique and innovative experiences for our students!
Message from Medfield’s Destination Imagination Team…
Medfield's Destination Imagination organization is looking for volunteers to be appraisers at either of the regional tournaments (March 4th in Medfield or March 12th in Beverly). It is the perfect opportunity for someone 18 years or older (and out of high school) who would like to spend the day praising the accomplishments of each dedicated and hugely creative Destination Imagination team and awarding as many points as possible. It is truly a fun day spent enjoying the creativity of students in grades 3-12 and is a great community volunteer opportunity for anyone- college students, retired folks, those who have previously participated in Destination Imagination, etc.). Contact [email protected] for more information and learn about Destination Imagination at destinationimagination.org.
Blake’s Pride Alliance
We are pleased to announce that the club formerly known as Blake GSA is now called Pride Alliance! This more inclusive name better represents the values of our club, where we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Meetings are every Thursday until 2:45 in room 502. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity.
Blake Student Council
Blake’s Student Council meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2:15-2:45 in Mrs. Shaw’s room (525). All are welcome to join - the more members we have, the more we can accomplish! Spread the word!
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 Marcia Berkowtiz ([email protected]) with any questions.
Webinars/Workshops of interest…
State of the Field 2023: SEL at a Crossroads
Friday, 1/27 at 1 p.m.
This past year, social and emotional learning garnered media and political attention like never before. For better and worse, SEL was a top priority for district leaders, an election-year talking point, and a household name across the country. What does this mean for SEL and where the field goes next? And most importantly, how will the next chapter of SEL continue to bring together families and educators to better serve every child?
Join Dr. Aaliyah Samuel and Dr. Timothy Shriver in a fireside chat as they reflect on a year of politics, policy, and promising practices — and begin building the agenda for the new year.
Recommended for: education organization leaders, community partners, policy influencers, and district and school leaders.
Differently Wired: SOS for Parents in the Trenches with Debbie Reber
Tuesday, 2/7 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
Behind every child who is differently wired is likely one or more frustrated, isolated, perhaps even burnt out adult. In this practical and actionable talk, author and parenting activist Debbie Reber, MA, shares ten powerful “tilts,” a.k.a. practical ideas to help parents shift their thinking and actions in a way that will help them feel more confident and peaceful about their everyday reality, create a stronger family dynamic, and give their extraordinary children what they need to thrive.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of TiLT Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast, consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. The Tilt Parenting Podcast has more than 5 million downloads and a slate of guests that includes high-profile thought leaders across the parenting and education space. A regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, Debbie’s most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope. In 2018 she spoke at TEDxAmsterdam, delivering a talk entitled Why the Future Will Be Differently Wired.
Prior to launching Tilt, Debbie spent fifteen years writing inspiring books for women and teens, including Doable, Chill, In Their Shoes, The Real Deal series from Chicken Soup for the Soul, Run for Your Life, and more than a dozen Blue’s Clues books.
Before becoming a solopreneur, Debbie worked in TV and video production, producing documentaries for UNICEF, working on Blue’s Clues for Nickelodeon, and developing series for Cartoon Network. She has an MA in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research and a BA in Communications from Penn State. In 2019, her husband, and differently wired teen relocated to Brooklyn, NY after living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for five years.
Vist her website at tiltparenting.com
Social Justice Parenting with Dr. Traci Baxley
Tuesday, 3/7 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers and community members (all ages) All are welcome!
Social Justice Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Anti-Racist, and Socially Conscious Children
This program will address how to raise children who work to promote justice, compassion, and belonging for themselves and others. Dr. Traci Baxley will discuss the principles of Social Justice Parenting and offer strategies for implementing these values into your daily life.
Simultaneous ASL and Portuguese Language Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
DR. TRACI BAXLEY is an author, professor, DEIB consultant, parenting coach, speaker, mother to five children, and the creator of Social Justice Parenting. An educator for over 30 years with degrees in child development, elementary education, and curriculum and instruction, she specializes in diversity and inclusion, racial identity, anti-bias curriculum, and social justice education.
Learn more at socialjusticeparenting.com
Stopping the Cycle of Anger: How to Navigate Anxiety and Big Feelings with Calm and Compassion
Thursday, 3/23 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Renee Jain, MA, will offer practical, supportive techniques to address anger and other intense emotions in ourselves, our children and our teens with more understanding and less screaming. She will discuss how to uncover what's underneath these big feelings and how to empower individuals, parents, and children to shift to more positive response patterns.
Please note this program is 75 minutes.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
Renee Jain is the founder and Chief Storyteller of GoZen! She has been recognized as a pioneer in marrying technology and child psychology in a unique approach that nurtures the hearts and minds of kids. Through her writing, product invention and development, masterclasses for parents, and children’s advocacy, she works to build the emotional intelligence of kids. Originally a tech entrepreneur who suffered with her own anxiety, Renee founded GoZen! to help a new generation of kids, parents and therapists. Renee earned her Master’s degree in Positive Psychology — the scientific study of optimal human functioning — from the University of Pennsylvania and is the NYT bestselling co-author of Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience.
Vist the GoZen! website at gozen.com
Growing Up in Public: Navigating Reputation and Social Media in the Digital Age with Dr. Devorah Heitner
Thursday, 4/13 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Devorah Heitner, PhD, will share pragmatic, research-based advice on how we can mentor our kids on cultivating a healthy online presence. She will address why character and learning how to navigate relationships are most important and how parents can stop stressing and focus instead on helping young people become responsible digital citizens.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
Free Book Giveaway
Please include your shipping address when prompted (during your registration) if you would like a chance to win a free copy of Devorah Heitner's next book! Everyone who shares their address will be entered into a raffle for one of 100 free books from SPARK as part of this event.
About Our Presenter
Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and her book on navigating Privacy and Reputation with kids and teens, Growing Up in Public will be out in 2023 with Penguin Random House.Dr. Heitner’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager and she lives with her family in Chicagoland. You can follow her on Twitter @Devorahheitner and on Instagram @devorahheitnerphd.
Visit her website at www.devorahheitner.com