2/23 - Blake Site Council Mtg (2:45 p.m.)
How to Raise an Adult Discussion Group (4:00 p.m.) - see details below
2/24 - MHS Relay for Life Meeting (see details below)
Incoming 6th Grade PIN (6:30 p.m.)
2/25 - Incoming 9th Grade PIN at Medfield High School (6:30 p.m.)
2/26 - Volleyball Day at Blake!
BMS Science Fair (see details below)
2/27 - Miss Amazing Pageant at MHS (see details below)
3/1 - Jess Lahey Presentation at Dover-Sherborn (see details below)
3/2 - Read Across America Day
3/3 - Incoming 8th Grade PIN (6:30 p.m.)
3/4 - Standards Based Reporting Focus Group (12:30 p.m.) - see details below
3/7 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
How to Raise an Adult Discussion Group (4:30 p.m.) - see details below
3/9 - MWAHS Information and Presentation Evening (see details below)
3/10 - Incoming 7th Grade PIN (6:30 p.m.)
3/23 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Open House (6:30 p.m.)
3/29 - Screening of Most Likely to Succeed at MHS
4/8 - 1/2 Day for Students
Career Day at Blake
Professional afternoon for Staff
4/12 - Project Moves
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways we challenge our frustrations, this week's topic/question for the dinner table is: What strategies do you use when you are frustrated?
Please see link to Google Form to share your responses: Challenging Our Frustrations (Week of 2/21/16) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 2 Interim Reports
All outstanding interim report 'sign-off' sheets need to be handed into advisors asap.
MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey Information Night 3/9/16
Dr. Marsden shared this information via e-mail on Monday, 2/22/16...
Please join us on March 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lowell Mason Auditorium at Medfield High School to discuss the results of the most recent Metro West Adolescent Health Survey, administered in November, 2014. This important survey is taken every two years in grades 6-12 and gives us valuable information that we use to plan specific programming and budgets for the district. These data are current until 2017. The link below highlights the most recent Metro West Adolescent Health Survey results for Medfield...
http://www.medfield.net/district-information/2016-02-10-21-05-13.html
Spring Cleaning - Request for MakerSpace Donations
In our ongoing efforts to foster experiences for students to be 'hands-on' and creative with materials, we are looking to provide outlets for students to create in our 'maker space'. As you begin your spring cleaning efforts (optimistic, I know!), we are looking for any donations from Medfield families of: old toys and electronics, PVC pipe, felt/fabric, crafty supplies (yarn, string, makers, wipe off markers, wipe off contact paper, marbles, duct tape, wasabi tape, different types of glue), cookie cutters (variety of shapes), old tools, play dough, recyclables (anything used for storage containers/bins), cell batteries, AA batteries, conductive materials (copper wire, aluminum foil, telephone wire, washers, brackets). Any donations can be dropped off at the Blake main office and would be greatly appreciated.
Cradles to Crayons - Thank You!
Thank you to all the 7th grade families for helping our Cradles to Crayons clothing drive collect approximately 300 articles of clothing for needy children! The drive was kicked off with an assembly from Cradles to Crayons so that our students could understand how their donations would be distributed and appreciated.
Mathematics Placement Process
Math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2016-2017 school year. The goal of the process is to see that every student is placed in a class that allows for them to learn math well while feeling good about their efforts. For current 6th and 7th grade students, decisions on student placement are made by considering current class grades, placement test grades, MCAS 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 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 Susan Bycoff, Math Content Specialist at [email protected]. Thank you!
Read Across America Day
As noted in the upcoming dates, March 2 is Read Across America Day, a day sponsored by the National Education Association. The day is celebrated every year on or around March 2, in honor and recognition of Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2). I have encouraged teachers to use this opportunity during SSR this week to discuss passions for reading, share favorite children's books, and simply enjoy reading with their students. I encourage you to take some time this week to do the same.
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chats
I encourage everyone to check out the 'storify' archives of our district-wide #MedfieldPS chats below. The goal of these chats is to bring the five schools together (staff and administration) to discuss pertinent topics in education, initiatives, and ideas to collaborate around and share. Hopefully you will be able to follow along, lurk, or join in one of our future chats!
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-february-2016-twitter-chat
(Spirit of #DLDMedfield)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-twitter-chat-resolutions-and-reflection
(Resolutions and Reflection)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-december-2015-twitter-chat-relevance
(Relevance)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-november-2015-twitter-chat
(DLD Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-october-2015-twitter-chat
(Homework Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-august-2015-twitter-chat
(Back to School)
Black History Month
February is Black History Month and Student Council is celebrating by infusing fun facts and interesting stories into the daily announcements throughout February!
Blake Volleyball Tournament
Blake Middle School will be holding its annual volleyball tournament for 6th-8th graders on Friday, February 13. Students have been working hard on their volleyball skills over the past few weeks and have been competing against their fellow classmates. On Friday we will determine a champion for each grade and that team will then take on the teachers. It promises to be an exciting day and a great lead into February vacation.
iPad Program Update and Planning for 2016-2017
The Blake iPad Program Update for 16-17 was sent to all current 5th-7th grade families on February 5, 2016. This link outlines information for all Blake families outlining information about the iPad program for all Blake students for 2016-2017. To help us effectively prepare and plan our efforts, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2015-2016 academic year) to answer the questions on this Google Form survey: Incoming 16-17 iPad Program Planning Survey. Please fill out the survey for each child that will be attending Blake next year. Your responses are not binding and we recognize that your plans may change, but the initial feedback will assist us with our planning. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief survey and am hoping for 100% participation. For your reference I have posted links below to documents about our initiative/program…
Blake Mobile Learning Blog
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 16-17
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
Blake Volleyball Tournament
Blake Middle School will be holding its annual volleyball tournament for 6th-8th graders on Friday, February 26. Students have been working hard on their volleyball skills over the past few weeks and have been competing against their fellow classmates. On Friday we will determine a champion for each grade and that team will then take on the teachers. It promises to be an exciting day and a great way to come back from vacation!
PARCC Dates for Blake Students
As you know all of our Blake students will be participating in the paper and pencil version of PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). All of our students will be taking three unit assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics. If you would like more information regarding the PARCC test or to view samples of the PARCC tests, please visit www.parcconline.org. Please note that Grade 8 students will also be taking the MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering test. Below are the administration dates for these assessments...
Grade 6
ELA PARCC (5/2, 5/3, 5/4)
Math PARCC (5/18, 5/19, 5/20)
Grade 7
ELA PARCC (5/5, 5/6, 5/9)
Math PARCC (5/10, 5/16, 5/17)
Grade 8
ELA PARCC (5/10, 5/11, 5/12)
Math PARCC (4/27, 4/28, 4/29)
Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS (5/16, 5/17)
Make-up testing will take place when students return from their absence(s), provided that their return takes place within the testing window determined by the Commonwealth. We appreciate your assistance in looking at these dates and being mindful to try and avoid medical/dental appointments or conflicts with these assessments. As always, do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Career Day Planning
The 2016 Career Day for the 8th grade will take place on our half day, April 8. For this program, we enlist community members and parent volunteers who are interested in sharing about their occupation with our students. We have 3 sessions and each one is about 35 minutes long. Each participant would have the option to speak at one, two or three of the sessions, depending on the individual's schedule. To make this a success, we will need 20 volunteers. If you are interested and available to participate, please contact Debbie Avery ([email protected]) for more information. We welcome past presenters and new volunteers alike.
School Survey
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey and an Executive Summary will be distributed to families in the coming weeks. Focus areas on the survey centered on the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. Our intent is to distribute the 2015-2016 survey in early February in the hopes of gathering the data by February vacation. Stay tuned!
Parent Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
2/24 - Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming sixth grade (current fifth grade) students. We will be presenting information about the 6th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year along with an overview of the middle school. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2016-2017 academic year's iPad Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
3/3 - Incoming 8th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming eighth grade (current seventh grade) students. We will be presenting information about the 8th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2016-2017 academic year's iPad Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
3/10 - Incoming 7th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh grade (current sixth grade) students. We will be sharing information about the 7th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year. We will also be presenting information about the 7th grade's field trip to Nature's Classroom. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2016-2017 academic year's iPad Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
8th Grade Families - Save the Dates!
February 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
High School Auditorium
Please join members of the high school faculty as they present an overview of the Medfield High School academic curriculum. Additional information will be sent home as the date becomes closer. If you have any questions prior to the event, please contact Heather Mandosa, Assistant Principal at [email protected] or Stephanie Worthley, Guidance Content Specialist at [email protected] or call the high school at (508) 359-4367.
Medfield High School Open House
March 23, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Medfield High School is opening its doors to current 8th graders and their parents/guardians to offer an inside look at academics, athletics, and co-/extra-curricular offerings. This will be a casual evening where current clubs and activities will be on display, and high school students will provide tours of the building. Additional information and sign-up process will be posted soon.
Grade 6 Standards Based Reporting Pilot and Focus Group
Thank you to all sixth grade parents/guardians who were able to come to one of our Standards Based Reporting information sessions. As promised, here is the link to the presentation...
Standards Based Reporting Presentation Fall 2015
We are also looking for parents/guardians to be part of our parent focus group. This group will be comprised of the 6th grade science teachers, administration, and parents and will meet throughout the year (Fridays at 12:30 p.m.) to discuss the work that is taking place and provide feedback. The dates that have been set for these meetings are: 3/4, 4/1, and 6/3. If you are interested, please complete the form below...
Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Sign-Up
How to Raise an Adult - Book Discussion Group for Parents
Please join the Blake Site Council will be reading and discussing HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. For more information, here is a book review from The New York Times...
HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. We will be reading it throughout the year, taking time to discuss the ideas presented and have a common, shared experience. The discussions will take place at the end of each Site Council meeting (our next two meetings will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, 2/22 and Monday, 3/7). All parents are invited to join us. If you are interested in joining the book discussions, please fill out this Google Form: How to Raise an Adult Blake Book Group
The breakdown for the readings is as follows...
- For 2/22 Meeting - Read through page 227
- For 3/7 Meeting - Finish book (228-305)
Blake Science Fair
This is the first middle school science fair ever for Medfield. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in an extracurricular activity while having fun with friends. This project by high school junior Emma Twer was created to promote communication and speech skills for students. Being part of a science fair develops important attributes needed for the high school. Come show your creativity through science! Work sessions are available as a lead up to the fair on February 26. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6WieI40e5TlVnAxNDY4N1NpNVU/view?usp=sharing
Fair: February 26 from 3:30- 5:30
6th Grade Parents - Save the Dates!
Seventh grade trip to Nature's Classroom 2016 will be Monday 9/26 to Thursday 9/29. More information will be shared at the Incoming Parent Night on 3/10.
Cradles to Crayons Pajama Drive
Girl Scout group 74900 is working with Cradles to Crayons who is partnering with the Boston Bruins for a pajama drive.The pajamas are going to kids outside of Boston who can't afford their own pajamas. The pajama drive is taking place from February 1st to March 15th. We only accept new pajamas for this pj drive, if you can't donate a pair of new pajamas then you can donate 10 dollars. Ten dollars covers the cost of one pair of pajamas. Please bring in pajamas from sizes 4-18. Please consider helping kids stay warm at night during the long winter.
Miss Amazing Pageant
The third annual Miss Amazing Massachusetts event is this weekend - Saturday, February 27th at 6pm in the Medfield HIgh School Auditorium. Buy your tickets now! This is an evening you don’t want miss! To buy tickets go to Eventbrite (link is here) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/massachusetts-miss-amazing-tickets-20700662238 If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
K-8 PTO Update
A NEW WAY TO FUNDRAISE AT BLAKE
YOU ASKED……WE LISTENED! We know you are tired of buying and selling unwanted items. We have a way to make things super easy for you and continue to help Blake fund enrichment programs, new technology and an “extreme makeover” for the Blake library. Check your mailboxes soon – more info to come!
BIG PUSH - BOX TOPS – DEADLINE 3/1
Please cut out your Box Tops and have your child bring them to the Blake office or their advisory by March 1st. Visit http://www.boxtops4education.com/coupons for coupons on participating Box Tops products! Don’t Forget! Box Tops just announced that the brand Annie's Homegrown will now have Box Tops on their products! Be on the lookout and visit this link http://www.boxtops4education.com/bonus-box-tops enter to win a bonus 10,000 Box Tops!!! It only takes a second to enter.
RECYCLE INKJET AND TONER CARTRIDGES
Get rid of your trash and help Blake earn cash & supplies by recycling your inkjet and toner cartridges. We accept HP, Brother, Canon and Lexmark cartridges. Collection boxes are located outside of the Library. Thanks for your help! Please contact Donna Knott at [email protected] with any questions.
BAY STATE TEXTILES
Recycle clothing, shoes, household linens and stuffed animals at one of the Bay State Textile boxes at your school or the Transfer Station. Recycle and help the schools!!
MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR
Customize EVERYTHING from text to colors and designs from sports to drama to music. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, bags, hats, blankets & more. Spend $85 or more and get a free customized t-shirt. 12% of proceeds from each order will go to your school’s PTO. This is all you have to do:
Go to shop.mylocker.net
Enter your school locker number - BLAKE BD979
Use promo code b2g6dTK1 to receive $10 off every order you place
NOTE: Due to different branding sizes, make sure to check all size charts when ordering to ensure you get a great fit for each product. Use MyLocker to create apparel for your teams, clubs, service groups, and more. The possibilities are endless! Please contact Laura Zaher [email protected] with any questions.
ZEBRA’S FLATBREAD FRIDAYS FUNDRAISER
No need to cook on a Friday night after a crazy week! Enjoy a delicious flatbread from Zebra’s and support the Medfield Public Schools at the same time. 10% of the proceeds from flatbreads sold via take-out or in the restaurant on Friday evenings will be donated to the Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) and Medfield K-8 PTO. Please contact Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO , follow us on Twitter MedfieldK8PTO and check out our website http://medfieldpto.weebly.com
MCPE Update
"Most Likely to Succeed" Film Screening and Discussion: A Medfield Community Event on March 29th
Most Likely to Succeed offers an inspiring look at what students and teachers are capable of when given the opportunity. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Greg Whiteley, the film has been an official selection of two dozen of the world’s top film festivals, including Sundance, Tribeca, AFI, Cleveland, Dallas, Milwaukee, Sarasota, Seattle, Virginia, and Bergen. It’s been featured at leading conferences on education, including ASU/GSV, SxSWedu, Harvard/GoldmanSachs, and NewSchools Venture Fund. Audience members call it the most compelling film ever done on the topic of school.
The film will be shown on March 29th from 6:30-8pm, at the Medfield High School Auditorium, with small group discussions with Medfield Public School Administrators from 8-9pm. You are invited to see the film and join the conversation! This is not one solution to education. This film asks us to ask questions, which will hopefully lead us to our own answers. PLEASE VISIT www.MLTSfilm.org TO SEE THE TRAILER! Click this link for your free registration:
eventbrite.com/e/most-likely-to-succeed-film-screening-and-discussion-a-medfield-community-event-tickets-21453072718
Parenting Author Jessica Lahey is coming to speak at Dover/Sherborn Alan Mudge Auditorium on Tuesday, March 1st at 7PM
The location of the Alan Mudge Auditorium is in the building between D-S middle school and D-S high school on the Regional campus. D-S has kindly invited Medfield parents to this free event. Please register online at http://goo.gl/forms/O3mRWJh0yt . Jessica Lahey is an educator, writer, and speaker. She has taught middle and high school for over a decade, is a correspondent for the Atlantic and PBS Parents, commentator for Vermont Public Radio, and writes the "Parent-Teacher Conference" column for the New York Times. Her New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed was released by Harper Books in 2015. Jessica is a Dover-Sherborn graduate, earned a B.A. in Comparative Literature from the University of Massachusetts, and a J.D. with a concentration in juvenile and education law from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
The Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award
Parents, administrators, school staff and community members are encouraged to nominate a staff member for the Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award.
Bob Maguire dedicated 22 years of his educational career to the Medfield Public Schools. He served as principal of Medfield High School for eight years and then fourteen years as Superintendent. In recognition of Bob's commitment to our students, MCPE has created this award to honor an educator in the Medfield school community who embodies Bob's legacy of exposing our students to the world beyond Medfield.
For more information please go to medfieldcoalition.org/grants/bob-maguire-award/
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.