3/21 - Safe Learning Environment Discussions - Grade 7
Blake SEPAC Meeting (7-8:30 p.m.) - Blake Library
3/24 - Safe Learning Environment Discussions - Grade 8
7th Grade Greek Week begins
Term 2 Ends
3/25 - Miss Amazing Pageant (see details below)
3/28 - Blake GSA Meeting (see details below)
3/29 - SEPAC Binder-Making Workshop (see details below)
3/30 - Harmony Day - Wear Green (see details below)
3/31 - Term 2 Report Cards go home
3/31-4/2 - MICCA Festival
4/3 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
4/4-4/5 - Grade 8 ELA MCAS
4/6 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
4/7 - Grade 8 ELA MCAS
4/7-4/9 - Blake Musical
4/12 - Day of Silence
4/17-4/21 - April Vacation
4/25-4/26 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
4/27-4/28 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
5/4-5/5 - Grade 8 Math MCAS
5/10-5/11 - Grade 8 Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
5/16-5/17 - Grade 7 Math MCAS
5/18-5/19 - Grade 6 Math MCAS
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about fostering a caring environment for learning, our topic/question for the dinner table is: How can you contribute to a caring learning environment? A Caring Culture (Week of 3/19/17) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake Site Council 16-17 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: Blake Middle School Parent Survey February 2017
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey. The Blake Middle School Executive Summary 15-16 of the compiled data is here for your reference, and I hope you are able to find some time to read the highlights.
Safe Learning Environment Work
This week we are looking forward to the work we are doing with our students, as we discuss and share ways to foster a safe learning environment for our community, specifically our LGBTQ youth and families. I encourage you to check out the links below for more information/resources...
Why is This Work Important?
LGBTQ Resource Document for Families
Safe Learning Environment Evening 3/13/17 - Blake Communication
Our direct work with students will take place this week (3/20-3/24) in 90 minute blocks of time (3/20 - Grade 6, 3/21 - Grade 7, 3/24 - Grade 8) with a workshop model by cluster and advisory. The outline for this work is as follows...
Student Presentations (60 minutes)
- Stand up/sit down icebreaker
- Why we're here – to build respect & empathy
- Zach's story
- Terminology - definitions of LGBTQ and Ally
- How to be an Ally
- Q&A
Advisors will use the following discussion questions:
- Why is it important to make our school a safe and respectful environment for LGBTQ students?
- What can Blake do to make sure our school is welcoming and safe for LGBTQ students and families?
- What can you do and what can teachers do to be allies to LGBTQ students?
The primary goal at Blake is to establish an emotionally and physically safe and healthy learning environment for all of our students. Our core values at Blake help guide our work, and we must continue to remind and assure our students that Blake is a safe school for all students and adults and our efforts and expectations remain steadfast to both welcome and embrace all learners. Ours is a culture of acceptance and inclusivity, regardless of one's race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. As such, it is important that we continue to live by these three principles...
- Every individual at Blake (students, staff, parents, and the greater community) matters, is cared for, and is an important piece of the Blake fabric.
- We are a community of learners who must 'practice what we preach'.
- We must always be present and continue to be here for one another.
Blake GSA Meeting
This week will see a great deal of discussion regarding the creation of safe and productive spaces for all of our students at Blake. Taking those conversations into consideration, we are excited to announce the first meeting of the Blake GSA (Gay Straight Alliance/Gender and Sexuality Alliance). The meeting will be held on Tuesday, 3/28 in room 101 following the end of the school day, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please feel free to contact Russell Becker ([email protected]), Amy Reynolds (areynolds@email.medfield.net), or Elise Malone (emalone@email.medfield.net) with any questions or concerns you may have.
World Language Selection
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete the selection form for music...
2017-18 Blake Middle School Music Selection
For Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete...
2017-18 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2017-18 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
Planning for 2017-2018
The due date for parental input for the 2017-2018 was Friday, March 17. This was one of the first steps in the process of placement and scheduling for next year. There is no need to be concerned if you did not put thoughts in writing, as equal consideration is given to the needs of every student, whether or not we have received input from parents. The input is only necessary if you have information to share that you do not believe the school already knows. As stated in the letter sent in early March, parents are asked not to make specific requests for teachers, as they will not be considered part of the placement process. The information that has been gathered will inform our work, and we do not guarantee placement with specific peers. We are confident our teachers and clusters are well balanced and that they each will provide a productive and positive educational experience for our students. Please trust our professional judgment as we strive to ensure a high quality and positive education for each of our students.
Blake Math League - Back by Popular Demand!
The New England Math League promotes the enjoyment and study of mathematics by organizing contests for grades 4-12. Contests serve as an enrichment to their current math program. Blake Middle School is holding the first annual math contests for students in grades 6-8. All Blake students are welcome to participate. We have decided to offer 3 more "practices" for students. New participants welcome!
Dates:
Wednesday March 29, 2017
Wednesday April 5, 2017
Wednesday April 26, 2017 (If you have already signed up for the Algebra I contest, you will need to take that on this day instead.)
Cost for participation is $18 ($12 if you have already signed up for the Algebra I contest)
Please make check payable to 'Blake Middle School'. To register you must fill out this google form and submit the check and indemnity form to the main office. Contact Mrs. McLaughlin ([email protected]) or Mrs. Bycoff ([email protected]) with questions.
Thank you!
Read Across America Contest Update
To help celebrate Read Across America, the Blake Library Media Center created an exciting online teacher book matching contest. Click on the below link to read about it and see pictures of our top ten student performers.
http://blakelmcproject.wixsite.com/blakelmc/single-post/2017/03/10/HALL-OF-FAME-MATCHING-WINNERS-ST-PATRICKS-LIMERICK-CHALLENGE
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat Follow Up - Literacy
We had a great turnout for last week's #MedfieldPS chat with representation from elementary and secondary schools within the district, as well as educators from Holliston, Natick, Dover-Sherborn, Mansfield, and out-of-state! I encourage you to take a look at the 'Storify' of the chat...
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-literacy#publicize
Stay tuned for details about our April chat with a topic on diversity - we welcome everyone to participate!
Intramurals Update
Please expect to see the Spring Intramural offerings at some point in the near future. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
ADL Youth Congress Conference
The ADL Peer Leaders are excited to attend the Anti-Defamation League's 22nd Annual Youth Congress in Boston on Thursday, March 30.
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.
Blake Track 2017
Signups are ongoing, the season begins on Tuesday, April 4. Click below link for further information. Please contact Jon Haycock with questions: [email protected]
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zOAb7MaTa_AfrPk0NmxSAj6sncG91NyrDMdBcUQ1Bvs/edit
Blake Baseball Meeting - 3/22
The Blake Baseball sign-up meeting will be Wednesday, March 22nd after school in the Blake LMC. This meeting is mandatory if you would like to play. If you are not able to make the meeting, please contact Mr. Becker: [email protected]
8th Grade Trip Forms
A packet of medical forms was sent home with your 8th grader last week for the Washington, D.C. trip Please take time to review and complete the forms which are due back to your child’s advisory teacher by April 3rd, 2017. Forms should be completed in pen, dated and signed. If your child will need to take any medication on the trip (prescription and/or non-prescription), then his/her physician needs to review and sign the medication form. Please plan ahead and submit the medication form to your child’s physician within the next two weeks in order to get the signed form back to school by the April 3rd deadline. Please contact our school nurse, Tricia Williams, at 508-242-8554 or [email protected] if you have any questions after reviewing the packet. Your assistance is appreciated in returning the forms on time as we finalize preparations for the trip.
Mathematics Placement Process
Math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2017-2018 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!
Next-Generation MCAS Information
All of our Blake students will be participating in the Next-Generation MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) assessments this spring. Our grade 8 students are required to take the computer-based assessments for both English Language Arts and Mathematics, and these will be administered on district-owned Chromebooks. All of our students will be taking assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics, and our grade 8 students will also be taking the Science and Technology/Engineering assessment. If you would like more information regarding these assessments, please visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/. Assessment dates are noted above. 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.
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.net and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Book Discussion Group for Parents
The next Blake Site Council/Blake community book is The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children by Alison Gopnik. We will be discussing the entire book on Monday, 4/3 at 4:30 p.m.
Miss Amazing Pageant
Don’t miss the 4th Annual MA Miss Amazing Show this Saturday, March 25, 2017!! Tickets are now available to purchase online for the 4th annual MA Miss Amazing Show at Medfield High School on March 25, 2017, 6pm - 9pm.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miss-amazing-massachusetts-rhode-island-tickets-32202641969
Come support girls and women with disabilities, their families and the many volunteers who have been planning this special event for months. The evening show includes an introduction by each participant, an escorted walk in their finest formal attire and an opportunity to showcase their abilities and talents. MA Miss Amazing brings the community together like no other event, don’t miss the fun!! All proceeds directly support future MA Miss Amazing activities.
Message from SEPAC (Medfield's Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
SEPAC together with Student Services is hosting a binder-making workshop to help families organize their student's 504 or special education materials. The workshop will be held Wednesday, March 29th 7-8:30 pm in the Blake Middle School Library. Please let us know if you can come! https://docs.google.com/a/email.medfield.net/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-9E8XUyKcgNCKJjJjHwlZkTi4VvFUJ4x5OSw9pkIDR_zcKQ/viewform?c=0&w=1
Message from Blake PTO
2nd ANNUAL BLAKE APPEAL
We have reached 22% of our $30,000 goal. We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the 2017 - 2018 school year.
We are requesting a contribution of $50/child this year. This is a suggested amount but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute.
Making a donation is easy. Simply click on the link http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake.html or send a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO to Blake at 24 Pound St. Medfield, MA 02052.
We are hoping for 100% participation of Blake families by April 1, 2017, so that our students and teachers over the next year can benefit as the students before them. Thank you in advance for your support of the Blake PTO. Please feel free to contact Claudia Rosen [email protected] or Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
OPEN PTO BOARD POSITIONS for 2017-2019 SCHOOL YEAR We are looking for a Blake PTO Co-President for the 2017-2019 school years. The town wide PTO is looking for a publicist to cover Memorial, Wheelock, Dale St. and Blake Middle School for the 2017-2019 school years. There will be training for all positions. We would love to have you join our team! Please contact Kim Price for more information [email protected].
TOWN WIDE BOX TOPS CONTEST Memorial, Wheelock, Dale Street and Blake Middle School…Which school will win by bringing in the most Box Tops before March 31st? The school that brings in the most Box Tops will win a special prize for the entire school. Please start cutting out your Box Tops and bringing them to school. Please contact Jane Barr mailto:[email protected] with any questions.
January & February Totals
Blake 1,414
Dale Street 1,749
Wheelock 1,187
Memorial 2,429
STAY IN TOUCH Our email address has changed to www.medfieldk8pto.com. Make sure you don't miss out on important posts sent throughout the week. Please LIKE us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO and follow us on Twitter @MedfieldK8PTO.
OPEN PTO BOARD POSITIONS for 2017-2019 SCHOOL YEAR We are looking for a Blake PTO Co-President for the 2017-2019 school years. The town wide PTO is looking for a publicist to cover Memorial, Wheelock, Dale St. and Blake Middle School for the 2017-2019 school years. There will be training for all positions. We would love to have you join our team! Please contact Kim Price for more information [email protected].
Message from MCPE
L-C-R Tournament- Limited spots still available!
Limited tables are available for the Second Annual L-C-R Tournament on Friday March 24- don’t run out of time! $350 for a table of 10 and a night of fast fun, luck, music and prizes- and all proceeds go to your kids through the MCPE! Register now at www.medfieldcoalition.org.
Seeking Nominations for the The Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award
Bob Maguire was Principal of Medfield High School for 8 years and Superintendent of Schools for 14 years. In recognition of his commitment to our students,
the 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 outside of Medfield. The Maguire award is given to a staff member who inspires students to learn more about the global community through innovative programs and technologies.
Parents, administrators, school staff and community members are encouraged to nominate a recipient for the Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award. Nominations are due April 14, 2017. The recipient will be announced at the MCPE annual meeting on May 18, 7:00 at the Zullo Gallery. For more information and criteria, please visit: www.medfieldcoalition.org/grants/bob-maguire-award/.