3/10 - Royal Pizza Night for Blake
3/11 - Incoming 7th Grade PIN (6:30 p.m.) *Originally scheduled for 3/12
3/12 - Band-o-Rama
3/13 - Term 2 Ends for Blake
3/17-3/20 - Blake Book Fair
3/17 - 1/2 Day for Students
8th Grade Career Day
Professional Afternoon for Teachers
Subway Night for Blake
3/18 - Blake CSA Meeting (7 p.m.)
3/20 - Harmony Day (see details below)
Term 2 Report Cards go home
3/23 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
3/24 - Grade 7 Long Composition MCAS
3/26 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
3/27 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
3/27-3/29 - MICCA Festival
3/30- Grade 8 ELA MCAS
3/31 - Grade 8 ELA MCAS
4/1 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
4/2 - Grade 7 Long Composition MCAS Make-Up
4/3 - No school
4/10-4/11 - Peter Pan Performances
Topic/Question(s) for the Dinner Table
We once again have two 'topics/questions' for the week...
1) To align with our work with students this month about 'digital footprints' and 'digital citizenry', our first topic/question of the week is: If parents had digital footprints in middle school, what might they have looked like? And, what does your digital footprint look like?
2) To help encourage conversations about the connections between failure and progress, our second topic/question of the week is: What would you attempt to do if you knew the efforts that end up failing will eventually lead you to success?
Blake Site Council 14-15 Survey
The Blake Site Council has been working on the development of our annual survey to students and parents. A similar survey has been administered the last three years and we are committed to having parents and students take it each year as part of our continual efforts to examine our programming. Focus areas include the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. The results will help us to gather information and examine our current practices to better meet the needs of our students and assess progress towards our mission. Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake, and base your responses on your student's experiences this year. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. We sincerely appreciate your honest responses and are hoping for 100% participation from the Blake community. If you have any questions or have difficulty accessing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]). Link to the survey: 2014-2015 Blake Middle School Parent Survey
Parental Input for 2015-2016
As shared at our parent presentations, parental input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2014-2015 academic year. Please refer to the Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2015 regarding our process and the guidelines for input. If you are interested in sharing information, please submit your thoughtsin writing no later than Monday, March 17. As stated in the letter, written requests for specific teachers will not be accepted. Your letter should be addressed to your child's guidance counselor and Assistant Principal, Kelly Campbell. Guidance counselors for next year will be Tracy Allen (Grade 6), Jen Dondero (Grade 7), and Matt Marenghi (Grade 8).
Spring Cleaning - Request for Legos 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 'maker spaces' and also use these materials for stop-motion films and projects (i.e. ECM Lego Clip). As you begin your spring cleaning efforts (optimistic, I know!), we are looking for any donations from Medfield families of legos, blocks, figurines, play-doh, playmobil, or toys such as K'nex. Any donations can be dropped off at the Blake main office and would be greatly appreciated.
Harmony Day - 3/20/15
Next Friday, March 20 the Harmony Club at Medfield High School is sponsoring its annual Harmony Day, where the club encourages any MHS community member who has a friend, family member, etc. in their life who is LGBT to wear a green shirt. The idea was started by Clinton Oxford, a 2008 graduate of Medfield High School, who thought if everyone could see just how many have a LGBT person in their lives, it might reduce the name-calling/anti-gay remarks heard in the hallways. Some of our students and staff may be wearing green in support of this day, and I wanted parents/guardians to be aware of this initiative as well, as the 'invite/gesture' is intended for both students and adults, on a voluntary basis.
Digital Citizenship Update
Our second school-wide Digital Citizenship series of activities finishes up this week. Marjorie Heim (6), Sarah Donovan (7), and Seth Hellerstein presented lessons to the Sea Turtle, White, and Stars clusters respectively on digital footprints – the record a person leaves online through comments, pictures, and other activities. Students were asked if they ever performed an internet search on themselves and, if so, what they found and whether or not they were happy with what they found. Students also brainstormed on ways in which they could improve their digital footprints and how they can be thoughtful about what they put online – “Would you want your grandmother to see this?” Students were reminded that anything they post online could possibly be available for viewing throughout their lives and how that could affect future college and job prospects. Diane Horvath and Jon Haycock also hosted a student panel discussion on the subject. The Koalas, Red, and Stripes clusters will participate this week.
Parent Information Nights for 2015-2016
3/11 - Incoming 7th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m. ** This night was originally scheduled for 3/12
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 2015-2016 academic year's iPad Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
For your reference and information, here are links to the presentations and handouts for grade 6 and grade 7...
Blake Incoming 6th PIN 2015 Presentation
Blake Incoming 8th PIN 2015 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2015
Blake Program of Studies 2015-2016
iPad Highlights and Mobile Learning Information Sessions Follow Up
We are pleased that our highlights and information sessions on 2/24 and 2/25 were successful in sharing our progress, answering questions, outlining our plans, and helping the Blake community gain an understanding of the work that is taking place. I am sharing a link to the presentation (Blake iPad Highlights and Info Sessions February, 2015) and encourage you to continue checking out our Mobile Learning Blog for updates, information, and spotlights on the work that is taking place. A special thanks to Diane Horvath (@techmonstah), our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work on the blog.
Twitter Workshop Follow Up
Thank you to all who attended our Twitter workshop last week. I encourage you to follow Medfield educators, and the hashtags #bmsed, #bmstech, and #MedfieldPS to stay apprised and updated about events and information at Blake. Here is a link to our presentation:
Blake Twitter Workshop for Parents March 2015
Mathematics Placement Process
Math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2015/2016 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!
The Scholastic Book Fair comes to Blake Tuesday, 3/17-Friday, 3/20
The Fair is a reading event that brings to school the books kids want to read. The Fair also helps raise money for new books for the Library and classrooms. By reading 20 minutes a day, by the end of sixth grade, Student A will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days. Student B, who reads just 5 minutes per day, will have read the equivalent of only 12 school days. Of course, this learning continues throughout middle school, high school and adulthood. How can you help?
1. Let your kids see you read
2. Have a collection of books at home, and update the collection routinely.
3. Allow your kids to choose their own books to read - and support the Scholastic Book Fair!
Pennies for Patients Drive
Blake Middle School will be taking part in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Pennies for Patients drive through Friday, March 13th. During the program, students may collect money to support LLS’s mission: to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. With the help of programs like Pennies for Patients, LLS has invested more than $1 billion in research to advance therapies that save lives. Last year alone, schools across Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire collected more than $789,000 in spare change and online donations. There will be a collection box for collecting spare change in each homeroom at Blake. In addition to collecting change, our school has its own online fundraising page to share with friends and family. Visit http://ma.sy.llsevent.org to access your school’s website today! Money can turn up anywhere! Check under the couch cushions, on your dresser or in your family car. Your child can make a difference in the lives of so many people simply by collecting change. Thank you in advance for helping LLS create a world without blood cancers.
iPad Program Update and Planning for 2015-2016
The Blake iPad Program Update for 15-16 was sent to all current 5th-7th grade families on February 5, 2015. This link outlines information for all Blake families outlining information about the iPad program for all Blake students for 2015-2016. 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 15-16 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…
Mobile Learning in Medfield (our blog, highlights, etc.)
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning Participation Options 15-16
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 15-16As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
Blake Ski Club
Our final ski club trip was this past Thursday. Students who have emergency medication will be able to pick it up in the nurse's office. Additionally, we have a pile of found items that still have not been claimed. Please see Mrs. Heim if one of these items is yours: red, blue, and black jacket; white and navy blue jacket; light blue scarf; gray and black gloves; Hurley shirt, gray.
Save the Date - Nature's Classroom 2015
The seventh grade trip to Nature's Classroom 2015 will be Monday, October 5 to Thursday, October 8.
Ted Talk Club
The remaining dates for Blake's Ted Talk Club are below. We may try to squeeze a make up date in there too but we will let you know if advance.
Meeting 10- March 16
Meeting 11 - March 30
Meeting 12 - April 13
Meeting 13 - April 27
Meeting 14 - June 5
Please let Mr. Hellerstein or Ms. Allen know if you have any questions.
CSA News
Blake CSA would like to remind you to check out our volunteer opportunities - all positions can be viewed in the online volunteer form on our website http://medfieldcsa.org/blake/blake.shtml.
Our CSA board is also looking for volunteers for next year - we have openings for Co-President and Treasurer. Further information will be provided in the upcoming couple of weeks but if you would like to contact us regarding what the positions entail please reach out to[email protected]
We also have several ongoing fundraisers in the works -
1. Check out our new Spiritwear vendor - www.mylocker.net. They have a huge range of customizable products that ship right to your door! Input Medfield K-8 store to benefit our CSA.
2. SCRIP - easier than ever through the shopwithscrip.com website. Or, stop by Park Street Books to purchase gift cards directly from their supply box.
3. Don't forget the textile recycling - not limited to wearable clothes. They will accept any fabrics in any conditions, shoes, bags, belts etc. Collection bins are at all schools.
4. BoxTops - one of the easiest way to support the CSA. Contact Laura Zaher at [email protected] if you have any questions.
5. Have you tried Swopboard -an online community marketplace that lets you buy and sell with the people you trust, and a minimum of 10% of each sale will go directly back to our school! Get started today at www.swopboard.com.
Mark your calendars for our next meeting, which takes place Wednesday March 18th at 7pm in the Blake library.
Please help support Blake middle school and buy dinner tonight at Royal pizza ! Please see flyer for additional information.
MCPE News
Buy Raffle Tickets for the Chance to Win an awesome Medfield Gear Basket Valued at OVER $250! At this year's Spelling Bee, March 17, MCPE will be raffling off this terrific basket which is filled with SIXTEEN Medfield items. To learn more and to buy your tickets, PLEASE visit: medfieldcoalition.org and click on Medfield Basket Raffle.
Mark your calendars! MCPE's well-loved online auction, entitled "Treasured Experiences," will run from March 26 - April 2. The most popular items from previous auctions and raffles will be available again, plus great new items! Stay tuned for more information and exciting details about items that will be available.
Entertaining for Education (E4E) is a Terrific Way to Support the Medfield Public Schools. Thinking about having a St. Patrick's Day Party? Then think E4E! It's simple: (1) Have a St. Patrick's Day party (or any type of party!) (2) Invite all your friends, asking them to make a donation to MCPE as their "ticket" to the event. (3) Have fun AND raise money for Medfield Schools. For questions, contact Megan Infantino (508)359-9928, Kim Price (508)246-8335, or email [email protected].