12/5-12/9 - Computer Science Week (see details below)
12/5 - Samaritans Workshop for Caregivers (see details below)
12/6 - Blake PTO Meeting - 7 p.m.
12/7 - Samaritans Presentation for 7th Grade (see details below)
Blake Student Council
12/8 - Pride Alliance Mtg
12/12 - Term 1 Report Cards go home
Blake Battles Bias
12/13 - Blake Winter Chorus Concert
12/14 - Student Council Meeting
12/15 - Pride Alliance Mtg
Blake Winter Band Concert
12/20 - 7th Grade Field Trip to A Christmas Carol
Blake Winter Orchestra Concert
12/21 - Blake Student Council
12/22 - Pride Alliance Mtg
Blake Winter Concert Snow Date
12/23 - ½ Day for Students and Staff
12/24-1/2 - Winter Vacation
12/1 - Happy New Year!
12/2 - Blake Site Council
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about community and what it takes to foster a community, our question for the week is: What can you do to help build a community? Building Community (Week of 12/4/22) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Computer Science Week at Blake!
Happy Computer Science Week! CS Week & better known as the Hour of Code is celebrated around the world during the week of Grace Hopper’s birthday. It is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners in the field.
This year, Blake is expanding the CS activities into each content area to show how CS is related , applied and its impact, such as learning about CS Heroes, binary numbers, solar systems & sonification, history of Morse Code/ Cybersecurity. Some of the activities are unplugged and involve no coding and other activities are online, self-paced tutorials for students to complete. The goal is for every student to have opportunities to explore career pathways, the potential impact of CS, discover creative tools, learn a new language, apply some math & science, and have fun!
Term 1 Report Cards
Next Monday students will be bringing home their report cards for the first term. Time will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished, as well as setting healthy goals for the second term. 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.
‘Coats for Kids’ Drive
We are collecting winter coats for those in need. The coat drive is called “Coats for Kids”, but coats for all ages are more than welcomed. The collection box will be located in the Blake front lobby. Please check if you have any coats that your family no longer needs that can be donated. The collection will run up until winter vacation. Thank you for supporting this great cause!
Blood Drive for MLK, Jr. Weekend
** Please see the message below from Cynthia McClelland...
Hello Medfield community,
I am proud to announce our annual MLK day blood drive, and it will be held at the middle school. Right now, we are looking for students to serve on the blood drive committee. Students on the committee will be responsible for organizing, promoting and supporting the Red Cross in running the blood drive the day of. If your child is interested they can reach out to Cynthia McClelland at [email protected].
Samaritans Information for 7th Grade Families - Suicide Prevention Workshop
On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, Samaritans, Inc. will be presenting this Suicide Prevention Workshop to all 7th-grade students. Our goals in participating in this program are straightforward:
- To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness, and help them assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression.
- To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur as a result of untreated depression.
- To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend.
- To impress upon our students that they can help themselves or a friend by taking a simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.
Following the Samaritans, Inc. presentation on the 7th, students will complete a depression screening. If a student completes the screening and there is a concern, please know that counselors will be available all day to meet with students and then follow up with a phone call to parents/guardians regarding next steps. If you do NOT wish for your child to take the screening for depression and/or participate in the suicide prevention training in school, please email Stacy Burns at [email protected]. If we do not hear from you, your child will participate in this program.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A Worthley
K-12 Guidance Department Chair
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 PTO Meeting - 12/6 at 7 p.m.
Please join us for our next Blake PTO meeting, Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. via zoom
Topic: Blake PTO Meeting
Time: Dec 6, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85000019375?pwd=Qzc5N29oSmNpQWJlTUw3MjhzbUFWdz09
Meeting ID: 850 0001 9375
Passcode: 145597
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,85000019375#,,,,*145597# US
+13092053325,,85000019375#,,,,*145597# US
Medfield Music Association - Thank You!
THANK YOU to those who supported The Medfield Music Association wreath and bulb fundraiser! We are also grateful to our student and parent volunteers who helped tag and deliver over 300 wreaths and 100 bulbs. If you are interested in becoming a MMA patron and further support Medfield K-12 music students, please visit www.medfieldmusicassociation.com/donations.
Lost and Found
We have a lot of items in our lost and found bins; if you are missing clothing, water bottles or other items please encourage your child to check out the lost and found stations. You are welcome to stop by Blake after school daily from 2:15-3:00. We will be donating unclaimed items on December 23rd.
Candy and Lollipops
We have noticed an increased trend of students bringing in candies and bags of lollipops to be shared with other students. With concerns about allergens and the increased amount of litter (sticks, wrappers left on the floor), we are asking that all students refrain from bringing these items to school.
National Science Bee
Registration is now open for the National Science Bee. Registration is free and easy! Click on this link National Science Bee for information and click on this link to navigate to the qualifying event (20 min Online Regional Qualifying exam.
Students compete in separate grade divisions to keep things fair and fun. Study guides and free practice questions from past years' competitions can be found on this website.
MakerSpace Materials
Thanks to all who have been bringing in cardboard for the Makerspace. We are all stocked up for the moment! But, there is always a need for different kinds of tape, hot glue sticks,small binder clips, brad fasteners, small magnets, popsicle sticks, etc.- basic office supplies/crafty stuff.
Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias will meet on Monday, November 28th in room 418. All interested 7th and 8th graders are welcome.
Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. Any questions, please contact Mr. Marenghi (6th), Ms. Allen (7th), or Mrs. Dondero (8th).
Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.
Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
Late Bus For MS/HS Students
Late bus service runs Monday through Thursday departing from outside the auditorium entrance at Medfield High School at 3:45 PM. We are unable to provide door-to-door service, but our bus company established a route with seven stops strategically placed throughout the town. These stops will remain consistent throughout the year.
Stop 1 - Corner of Lantern and Flintlocke
Stop 2 - Corner of Blacksmith and Marilyn
Stop 3 - Corner of Bridge and Marsh
Stop 4 - Corner of Algonquin and Orchard
Stop 5 - Corner of Indian Hill and Hopi
Stop 6 - Corner of South and Wilson
Stop 7 - Corner of Hummingbird and Granite
We will run this pilot throughout the 2022-2023 school year and then evaluate the interest for next year. Please contact the business office at 508-359-2302 if you have any questions.
Blake Yearbook Info
CLICK HERE for yearbook ordering information!
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.
Message from the Medfield Alumni Association
Looking for the perfect gift for the holidays? Our Alumni shirts are back in stock and ready to ship! We also have future alumni shirts in youth sizes! Limited quantities so get yours before they sell out! All proceeds go towards our scholarship programs!
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions! https://form.jotform.com/223328237287056
Medfield K-8 PTO Dues Flyer - 2022
Dear Medfield Families:
The Medfield K-8 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning families to the 2022-2023 school year! The K-8 PTO is a volunteer organization that supports initiatives, activities and events designed to enrich and supplement the educational experiences of every Medfield K-8 student. Each school has its own PTO
Board that works closely with the staff to provide opportunities tailored specifically to that school. We come together as a K-8 organization during the school year to share ideas, fundraising opportunities and provide
financial support across the district.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE MEDFIELD K-8 PTO?
● Contribute – The K-8 PTO runs entirely on donations! Last school year, we started 2 new traditions: K-8 Medfield Madness Online Auction and the K-5 Rainbow Run. We are excited to announce that Medfield Madness will be back this school year and the Rainbow Run is planned for Fall of 2023. We are thankful for the support of so many to make both fundraisers a huge success.
Today we are asking for your support to kick off the new school year with our Annual Dues Drive. The need is always greater than what we can fund throughout the year, so every dollar raised is appreciated. The suggested $30 per student amount is just a guideline - all donations welcome! You can now pay your dues online through Venmo or PayPal, as well as by check.
● Volunteer – The K-8 PTO needs you! We encourage you to attend school PTO meetings and become involved. Our online volunteer sign-up form is a great way to stay informed. There is no obligation to volunteer. As events are created and/or volunteer opportunities arise those on the distribution will be the first to know. Please sign up today by visiting www.medfieldk8pto.com.
Thank you for your continued support. It’s going to be a year to remember, and we look forward to supporting each and every child inside and outside of the classroom!
Sincerely,
Nicole Drummond
K-8 PTO President
Webinars/Workshops of interest
Mental Wellness During Stressful Times - Your Questions Answered!
Thursday, 12/8 at 7:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents a panel discussion: Mental Wellness During Stressful Times with Ned Johnson, Janine Halloran, and Christine Guthery
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
SPARK has assembled a team of experts to help you survive and thrive during this busy end of year season! Author/expert Ned Johnson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Janine Halloran, and SPARK founder Christine Guthery will offer practical strategies to support you and your loved ones. All are welcome - questions can be submitted anonymously. Join the village - we are all connected!
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
Demystifying Systemic Social and Emotional Learning: 10-Part Series
Friday, December 18 and Friday, December 16 at 11 a.m.
Educators around the globe are seeing an increase in demand and attention to social and emotional learning (SEL) to create successful and equitable outcomes for young people. As a result, education leaders are grappling with what high-quality, systemic social and emotional learning looks like in schools, what the current research says, and what policies will best support students.
This monthly series of thought leadership webinars addresses ten key aspects of high-quality systemic SEL. Join CASEL and collaborators for insights on prioritizing academic, social, and emotional learning for all students across all school contexts
Recommended for: Education leaders and researchers at the state, district, and school levels.
UPCOMING SESSION DATES & TOPICS:
Part 9 — November 18
Demystifying Systemic Social & Emotional Learning: Family Partnerships
Part 10 — December 16
Demystifying Systemic Social & Emotional Learning: Community Partnerships