3/30 - Pride Alliance
3/31 - No School; Teacher Professional Day
4/3 - Strategic Plan Focus Group (see details below)
4/4 - Blake Battles Bias
4/5 - Student Council
4/6 - Pride Alliance
4/7 - No School
4/11 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
DEI Task Force Mtg
SEPAC Mtg (see info below)
4/12 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
Student Council
4/13 - Pride Alliance
4/17-4/21 - April Vacation
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about questions and the ways that questions foster learning, our question(s) for this week are: What are some questions that you are thinking about these days? What questions would you like to find the answers for? Fostering Questions (Week of 3/26/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Strategic Plan Focus Group on April 3rd at 6:30 PM in the Dale Street School Cafeteria
We have begun the process for our new strategic plan with consultants from the Teaching and Learning Alliance . They will be in attendance to facilitate a conversation with parents and community members to gain feedback that will guide our educational priorities over the next five years. A survey will be released in mid-April as an additional opportunity to provide feedback for this process.
Term 2 Report Cards
On Monday, 3/20 students received their report cards for Term 2 in advisory, along with a Term 2 Report Card Sign-Off Sheet to be completed and returned to advisors. Below please find a link to a memo regarding information about the Term 2 report cards...
Memo to Blake Families - Term 2 Report Card (March, 2023)
After receiving their report cards, time was spent in advisory for all students to reflect on their work thus far via a Google Form. Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults.
If you have any questions about your child's work or the reports, please start by having a conversation with your own child. If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight.
Parent/Guardian Input Information for 2023-2024
Parental/guardian input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Please access the link below for information regarding parent/guardian input for placement for the 2023-2024 academic year...
Blake Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2023
If you are interested in sharing information, please submit your thoughts in writing no later than Wednesday, March 29. As stated in the letter, written requests for specific teachers will not be entertained or accepted. Your letter should be addressed to your child's guidance counselor and Assistant Principal, Kelly Campbell. Guidance counselors for next year will be Jen Dondero (Grade 6), Matt Marenghi (Grade 7), and Tracy Allen (Grade 8).
World Language Selection Form - Incoming 6th Grade Only
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2023-2024 Blake Middle School World Language Selection Google Form
Music Ensemble Selection Form - Incoming 6th-8th Grade
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2023-2024 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection Google Form
Follow Up from Incoming 6th Grade Info Sessions
Incoming 6th Grade Info Night Slides for Families - March, 2023
(Slide deck)
Incoming 6th Grade Info Night for Blake Families (March, 2023) - Recording
(Recording of Presentation)
** If you have any specific questions or need clarification on any topics/concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. I am more than happy to talk things through, or put you in touch with the 'right person'.
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 23-24
Here are direct links to the Music Ensemble Video/'talk' and 'Day in the Life of a 6th Grader' video...
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview
(4:08)
A Day in the Life of a 6th Grader Video
(5:55)
** This recording was made during the 21-22 school year.
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
No Such Thing As An Average Student
(5:48)
Fitting in Cardboard
(1:54)
How Stress Impacts the Brain
(5:39)
We Have To Do Something Different
(1:30)
Does Your Face Light Up?
(2:27)
Follow Up from Incoming 7th-8th Grade Info Sessions
Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night Slides for Families - March, 2023
(Slide deck)
Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night for Blake Families (March, 2023) - Recording
(Recording of Presentation)
** If you have any specific questions or need clarification on any topics/concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. I am more than happy to talk things through, or put you in touch with the 'right person'.
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 23-24
Here are direct links to the Music Ensemble Video/'talk' and 'Day in the Life of a 6th Grader' video...
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview
(4:08)
A Day in the Life of a 6th Grader Video
(5:55)
** Although this is 'Day in the Life of a 6th grader', all families may be interested in viewing the video.
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
Todd Rose: Variability Matters
(0:00-4:20)
Fitting in Cardboard
(1:54)
We Have To Do Something Different
(1:30)
Does Your Face Light Up?
(2:27)
Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias will meet on Tuesday, April 4th in Room 418. All 7th and 8th Graders are welcome.
MCAS 2023
We are approaching that time of year again, when our statewide assessment for grades 6-8, MCAS will occur. For planning purposes, we are sharing the dates below for these assessments. It is important that students are present during the MCAS testing window.
4/11 - Grade 6 ELA
4/12 - Grade 6 ELA
4/25 - Grade 8 ELA
4/26 - Grade 8 ELA
4/27 - Grade 7 ELA
4/28 - Grade 7 ELA
5/1 - Grade 8 Math
5/2 - Grade 8 Math
5/3 - Grade 6 Math
5/4 - Grade 6 Math
5/8 - Grade 7 Math
5/9 - Grade 7 Math
5/15 - Grade 8 Science
5/16 - Grade 8 Science
7th Grade Worcester Art Museum Field Trip
The 7th grade traveled to the Worcester Art Museum to further enhance the Social Studies curriculum of the Middle Ages. Students learned about Medieval Armor and Protection in a presentation that had several of the students joining the demonstration wearing the armor at different points. The students also toured several sections of the museum and examined the extensive collection of Roman and Medieval art work. The gladiator helmet, the medieval monastery room, the large Roman hunting mosaic, and the jousting armor were some of the students favorite pieces. The day was capped off with an art project back here at Blake that had students learning about how Illuminated letters decorated Medieval books and with students creating an illuminated letter of their own.
Poetry March Madness at Blake
This was the last week of the library's Poetry March Madness during the month we had around 2,500 votes. Prizes were available to all who participated. Visit the library website to see our winner!! Students are all now primed and ready for National Poetry Month this April.
8th Annual Hunter's Run April 2, 2023
Please see information below regarding the 8th Annual Hunter’s Run on Sunday, April 2.
Hunter’s Run Foundation
Celebrate Women's History Month by exploring the amazing contributions of female music makers. Stop by the hallway near the cafeteria to read about the accomplishments of women in the field of music. There are 50 profiles highlighting composers, pop stars, jazz musicians, opera singers, conductors, and more!
Webinar with Jessica Lahey - 4/4 at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, April 4th from 7:00-8:30 p.m., New York Times bestselling author Jessica Lahey will present a free virtual webinar titled Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Drawing from her book The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence, Jessica Lahey will explain age-appropriate, actionable, and evidence-based steps that parents can take to promote resilience and prevent substance use among youth. To register, visit https://medfield-net.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ghWhMuMgSbmaNYwDPeElzA. We hope to see you there!
Our seventh grade math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2023-2024 school year. The goal of the process is to see that every student is placed in a class that allows them to learn math well while feeling good about their efforts. For current 7th grade students, decisions on student placement are made by considering current class performance, placement test scores, and teacher recommendations. For current 8th grade students, placement is determined by success in their current class level and teacher recommendation. We are very mindful during this time to consider the whole child while making these decisions. Additionally, it is important to us that parents/guardians feel they have a voice in this process. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher. If your questions involve long-term planning for math, do not hesitate to email Jess Safer, Math Department Chair at [email protected]. Thank you!
Movie Night
The School Committee and the Medfield Energy Committee are co-sponsoring the movie “Catching the Sun’ on solar energy. Solar energy is an important part of Medfield’s Climate Action Plan. Learn how the transition to solar power is taking shape in many diverse communities.
The movie will be shown on Sunday April 2nd at 1pm in the Medfield Library meeting room. Please join us.
Thank you to everyone who came to our High School Transitions presentation. SEPAC is starting to plan for next year and have lots of fun ideas. We are seeking members to join our Fundraising, Community & Events and Communications committees. If interested please reach out to [email protected]. Please mark your calendars; our next meeting is April 11th at 7 p.m. in the Blake Middle School Library. This meeting is open to anyone in the community. You do not need to have a child who has an IEP or 504 in place to attend. The topic is Social Emotional Care & Animal Assisted Therapy, presented by The Lark Center’s Michelle Gaudet & therapy dog, Grizz, plus SEPAC’s own Sarah Giunta & therapy dog, Willow. Please RSVP to [email protected], so we have an idea of how many to plan for. Hope to see you there!
Hi, my name is Paige Henebry and I am this year’s Project 351 Ambassador representing Medfield. Project 351 is an independent organization that builds a movement of youth-led service by engaging an unsung hero from each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. This Spring I am excited to lead my very first service project as an ambassador, along with hundreds of other ambassadors around Massachusetts. For this service project, I am also collaborating with my own service group, Girls on a Mission. We have been working together since Kindergarten! Project 351 and Girls on a Mission share the same mission -serving our community while exhibiting the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
Our Spring service project is a clothing drive to benefit Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate clothing insecurity by providing children from birth to age 12 with new or gently used clothing so they can go to school feeling confident and cared for.
Our drive is specifically collecting new socks and new underwear for children up to the age of 12 years old. We have placed a bin in the Blake Middle School foyer for our collection and the Medfield Public Library. Our collection will run from March 15th until April 1st.
Please help us in supporting this amazing cause and consider donating!
Blake Theater Update
Here's a clue to what Blake Theater participants have been up to: Our next show, Hound of the Baskervilles: A Comic Thriller Starring Shirley Holmes and Jennie Watson, is April 28th-30th. Grab your spyglass, and find your calendar. You won't want to miss it!
Blake Intramurals Update
The Blake Winter Intramural Program wraps up at the end of this month. Look for the Spring Offerings in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Message from Blake PTO
The BLAKE PTO is searching for new board members to support the Blake Community beginning next year, with opportunities to shadow members this year if interested.
The following positions will need to be filled: Co-President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested or want to know more, please reach out to Karen Peters, [email protected] or Brenna Ferrick at [email protected] if you would like to know more. Please consider offering your time in these important roles.
Message from MCPE
Have you been spotting all those blue mailbox ribbons around town and wondering how to get yours? There’s still time to make a gift to the MCPE 35th Anniversary Appeal! Through the 35th Anniversary Appeal, MCPE is raising community support to fund one ambitious project at each of the five Medfield schools that will make a real difference in our students' educational experience. Every Medfield residence that makes a charitable contribution to the 35th Anniversary Appeal will receive a blue ribbon placed on their mailbox, showcasing support for Medfield Public Schools and proudly helping us paint the town blue!
BLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL is seeking funding for new auditorium seating to replace the original, now outdated and damaged seats. Unfortunately, the seats cannot be replaced individually because they are too old; the whole seating section needs to be revamped. This project will enhance the collaborative learning and experiences that take place in the auditorium.
Your donation today will support this project and the projects at the other four Medfield schools. Click here to learn more and donate today!
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
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.
Next Generation Learning Goals: What Should Students Know?
Thursday, 3/30 at 1 p.m.
It's a changing world. We've covered numerous advances in technology, agreements, and world priorities, however, how does this shape what learners should be able to do? What are the necessary learning goals that meet the demands of the future?
On this Getting Smart Town Hall, we're talking about various Portraits of a Graduate, Graduate Profiles, and Student Learning Goals with hopes of identifying a set of learner capabilities and skills that will prepare young people for whatever is next.
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
Mental Health on Purpose: Teaching Young People Skills As They Step into Their Future
Wednesday, 4/19 at 7 p.m.
The statistics regarding young people’s mental health continue to cause alarm. Anxiety is the most common and often the earliest issue to surface, and then becomes a risk factor for increasing problems throughout the teen years. The good news? We know what helps. Taking action to increase connection and actively focusing on certain cognitive and social skills make a big difference in preventing future struggles. Lynn Lyons will showcase an approach consisting of skills that move away from the all-too-common avoidant behaviors (and myths) that interfere with academic, social, and emotional growth.
This event is hosted by Challenge Success and REACH Student Life Management. The event will feature a presentation by licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, Lynn Lyons, as well as a conversation with Challenge Success Co-Founder, Denise Pope, Ph.D., and high school students.
This event is part of Challenge Success’s commitment to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action for Youth Mental Health.
A recording of the event will be sent to all registrants on April 20th.