3/25 - #DLDMedfield (No School for Students)
3/28 - DEI Task Force Meeting
3/30 - Blake Student Council
MTSS Meeting
3/31 - Blake GSA
4/1 - MICCA Festival
4/5 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
4/6 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
Blake Student Council
4/7 - Blake GSA
4/12 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
Blake Site Council Meeting
Grade 6 Band Concert
4/13 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
Blake Student Council
4/14 - Blake GSA
4/25 - DEI Task Force Meeting
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we grow and learn, our question for this week is: In what areas of school do you find success? Paths for Learning and Growth (Week of 3/20/22) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
World Language Form for All Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2022-2023 Blake Middle School World Language Selection Google Form
Music Ensemble Form for All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2022-2023 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection Google Form
March Madness Book tourney updates
We are going to take a few extra days to make sure students can catch up with the brackets... Elite Eight voting deadline is extended to: SUNDAY, 3/27th. Final Four contestants will be announced Monday, 3/28th! Bracket Info Link to Vote (entered to win raffles with each vote!)
Empty Bowls
You didn't get a chance to participate in our Empty Bowls Workshop? There is still time to sign up and support the Food Cupboard. Come to the Empty Bowls Dinner! Choose a handmade bowl at dinner, fill it with delicious soup donated by local restaurants, and take your bowl home with you!
Empty Bowls Dinner 2022 will be served on 5/12 at 6-8 in the HS Cafe. INFO
Marine March Madness Follow Up
Student Council would like to thank all 12 of the teams that came out Wednesday afternoon to participate in our Marine March Madness tournament! Together we raised close to $250 for The Ocean Cleanup organization to help rid our oceans of human-generated pollution and trash!
And after 3 rounds of trivia, ping pong, and volleyball - congratulations to our champions - team RAAP - Sam Stevens, Zain Abbas, Cole Render, & Braeden Chamberlain!!
Spring Track at Blake
We are very excited for the start of the Blake Track and Field Season 2022!! Our first day of practice is Tuesday, March 29. Please find attached an information sheet with details on the season including times and dates of practices and meets.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE A FEW SMALL CHANGES FROM THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT.
Please read this document carefully as there is information on the paperwork that needs to be completed before the start of the season as well as details on where the students should meet on the first day of practice.
2022 Parent letter Blake Spring Track
Term 2 Report Cards
Last week all Blake students received their report cards for Term 2. 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. In addition, your child’s guidance counselor is an important resource. Please be sure to complete the respective grade level this form below for each of your Blake students (if you have more than one child at Blake) to indicate that you have received and reviewed your student's report card...
Blake Term 2 Report Card Signature Form 2021-22 - Grade 6
Blake Term 2 Report Card Signature Form 2021-22 - Grade 7
Blake Term 2 Report Card Signature Form 2021-22 - Grade 8
Reporting Adaptations for Term 3
Our staff has been working to address the recommendations from Dr. Christine Power, our Director of Instruction and Innovation's 'Analysis of Standards-Based Reporting Assessment Practices' (Spring, 2021). The report made several recommendations and, in concert with Dr. Power, we have made adaptations to our formal systems of feedback and reporting. I have outlined the structure of feedback that is taking place for Term 3 below...
- All Blake classes will shift from the current 1-3 scale to a 1-4 scale for the priority standards to report a finer-grained level of understanding.
- 7th and 8th grade students will receive a single end-of-term letter grade for 'academic' classes (math, science, SS, ELA, and World Language) based on their work throughout the term. This grade will align to the following format: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, Does Not Meet Standard.**
- Feedback on the Learning Skills will remain the same format
I am thrilled to share that these changes were made in consultation with Dr. Nathaniel Brown, Associate Research Professor of Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment at Boston College's Lynch School of Education. Dr. Brown is a leading expert in assessment and evaluation and he has provided professional development for our staff. Later this term we will be holding informational sessions for families, in an effort to collaboratively support the learning process for our students. Our overarching goal remains to continue steadfast efforts to provide meaningful, actionable, learner-centered feedback for all of our learners via...
- more descriptive and actionable feedback to students and families
- more meaningful and personalized assessment and grading practices
- greater calibration of expectations and assessment practices between/amongst teachers
Reflection For Students
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. I have outlined the questions below and encourage you to have conversations this week to help bridge the connections between home and school...
- What surprised you about your Term 2 feedback? Was this a positive or negative surprise and why?
- What did NOT surprise you about your Term 2 feedback and why?
- If you would like to check in with your advisor or teacher, with whom would you like to speak? Put "none" if you do not wish to check in with one of your teachers
- How do you plan to do so (check all that apply) (Attend extra help, Visit during Advisory, Speak to the teacher in class, E-mail the teacher, Wait for the teacher to talk to me, None)
- Please share something you learned, understood about yourself, challenged you, or about which you are proud.
- What is an area of strength, from the Learning Skills listed below, that you have demonstrated? Please provide an example of how you demonstrated this in your classes.
- From the Learning Skills listed below, which ones are areas of growth/improvement?
- What do you want your teachers to know? How can we help you as a learner?
- In the last month, I learned something interesting in school. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- The last month of school was a positive one for me. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- At Blake, I get to do what I do best every day. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- I have fun at Blake. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- If you had time to learn about anything you want this term, what would it be?
- Is there anything else you'd like us to know? (Optional)
For your reference, I have copied links to the presentations and handouts from our incoming information sessions for the 2022-2023 school year…
Incoming 6th Grade Zoom Presentation for Families - 3/9/22
Password: 3EP?0wp%
** The formal presentation starts at '40 minutes' into the recording, as the first 40 minutes is while we were setting up and attendees were arriving.
Incoming 6th Grade Info Night Presentation Slides for Families - 3/9/22
Incoming 7th/8th Info Night Presentation for Families - March 2022
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 22-23
Blake Program of Studies 2022-2023
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)
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
Dr. Tony Wagner - 7 Survival Skills
(6:42)
'Inside Out' Pixar Clip
(3:25)
A conversation with Bryan Stevenson: What role does education play in making change possible?
(2:36)
Jesse Jackson - I am Somebody
(1:25)
Creative Person - Fred Rogers
(0:39)
MCAS 2022
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.
4/5 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
4/6 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
4/12 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
4/13 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
4/27 - Grade 8 ELA MCAS
4/28 - Grade 8 ELA MCAS
5/3 - Grade 6 Math MCAS
5/4 - Grade 6 Math MCAS
5/6 - Grade 7 Math MCAS
5/9 - Grade 7 Math MCAS
5/11 - Grade 8 Math MCAS
5/12 - Grade 8 Math MCAS
5/24 - Grade 8 Science MCAS
5/25 - Grade 8 Science MCAS
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month. Please share any ideas you have as to how we can recognize this month within the Blake community. Here are a couple of reads of interest…
What Schools Teach About Women’s History Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights
Educational resources are available from federal sources and the National Women's History Museum, among others.
Math Placement Process
Our seventh grade math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2021-2022 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!
Miss Amazing - 4/9 at 6 p.m.
Save the date! Massachusetts Miss Amazing is coming to Medfield High School for its ninth annual event! Miss Amazing’s mission statement reads, “Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment.” Join us in supporting this goal and giving these girls and young women an opportunity to shine. This full-day event is Saturday, April 9th, 2022 and the show will be held in the Medfield High School Auditorium at 6 PM. If you want to volunteer with the event, you can sign up to be a buddy, half day volunteer (helping hand), or a right hand man online at https://missamazing.org/volunteer/. If you know a girl or young woman who might want to participate in this event, refer them to the Miss Amazing website so they can learn more! Sign up a participant at https://missamazing.org/participate/. See you there!
Notification for Absences/Dismissals
If a student will be absent from school, please call Blake's absence line at (508) 242-8501. If a student needs to be dismissed from school before 2:07 p.m.,an email must be sent by the parent/guardian to [email protected]. Please include the following information:
- Date
- Time of dismissal
- Student name
- Reason for dismissal
- Person picking up
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 Nat Vaughn at [email protected] with any questions.
Blake Affinity Groups
The purpose of an affinity group is to provide a forum of support for students who may feel a disconnection relative to identity to their larger school community. Such disconnections to identity may include, but not be limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, and sexual orientation. An affinity group’s goal is to play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
An affinity group is open to students across every grade level. It is arranged for students in an affinity group to meet at least once a month during a mutually agreed upon time and the meetings are supervised by at least one staff member at Blake.
As the need for an affinity group may stem from a lack of or weaker connection to the larger Medfield community, efforts will be made to strengthen connections to the community. To this end, members of the community are welcome and at times will be invited to attend affinity group meetings.
For more information about starting or joining an affinity group at Blake, please contact Matt Marenghi, Guidance Counselor: [email protected] or 508-359-2445.
Medfield Outreach is available for consultation appointments. E-mail [email protected] to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.
YOUR OPINION MATTERS
Medfield Outreach is seeking your input for a community survey. Thanks to the generosity of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund, we are working with a consultant and a group of community stakeholders to better understand the community’s needs and we’d love to hear from you!
If you are a Medfield resident, or work for the Town of Medfield, your opinion matters. Please click this link to share your valuable input. This survey is available in English, Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish. This survey is anonymous and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. The survey is live now and closes on Sunday, March 27th.
The results of this survey will be made public following the analysis of the data. Furthermore, the data collected will be important in helping consider future resources, services and programming in Medfield.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact [email protected]
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Using the Power of Primary Source Images to Teach Multiple Perspectives
Tuesday, 3/29 at 7 p.m.
Join us and hear about primary source image analysis that elevates multiple perspectives and offers a student-centered approach to learning and discovery. You will leave this webinar with specific instructional strategies and links to free U.S. History resources on PBS LearningMedia.
This is the first in a series of four U.S. History topic webinars held in partnership with the National Council for the Social Studies. We’ll explore how teachers can use historic images to reveal multiple perspectives. Using both iconic and relatively unknown historic paintings, advertisements, sculptures, photographs and posters, we’ll demonstrate how teachers can use primary source images to engage students in analysis and discussion. Who, for example, is represented in the image and who is not? Who is in the image but typically overlooked or ignored? What message is conveyed through these choices? What important images and stories have we been unaware of but that have been hidden in plain sight? How can the image provide a more nuanced understanding of the historic period in which it was set? What additional questions does the image raise for students and their understanding of U.S. history?
In addition, we will preview the forthcoming U.S. History Collection, produced by GBH Education and available free on PBS LearningMedia. The resources will be available in time for use during the 2022/2023 school year.
Teaching With "Black History, Continued"
Thursday, 3/31 at 4 p.m.
Join us on March 31 as Veronica Chambers, the editor of Narrative Projects at The New York Times, and Learning Network staff discuss the "Black History, Continued" series and the continuing importance of exploring pivotal moments and transformative figures in Black history. We'll explore how this series and related resources can be used in the classroom for teaching and learning.
The Learning Network has lesson plans and writing prompts to support educators, including: C.T.L.E. credit is available for New York educators. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Addressing Hate & Bias in School Athletics: A Call to Action
Tuesday, 4/5 at 9 a.m.
Sports can be a powerful force to help people come together around a common interest or goal, display leadership in equity and inclusion, and set a tone for schools and communities of mutual respect and encouragement. But over the last few months, we’ve seen an increasing number of incidents in schools and on athletic fields that have been driven by hate and bias. This call to action is for school administrators, athletic directors, and coaches from across the state to come together with a shared commitment to addressing these issues. Join us in making this commitment and to hear about resources and additional programming to help ensure that you have the tools you need to prevent and address hate and bias incidents in school sports and school communities.
Spirit Store Info - Blake PTO
Medfield K-8 PTO Announces A Year-Round MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR STORE! Thanks to local business Day St Sports, we have answered the question – where can I find Medfield Spirit Wear? Over 100 options currently listed, all proceeds will be donated to the individual school K-8 PTOs. Shipping takes about 3 weeks. Medfield Spirit Wear
Link (Hyperlink to https://ts020252.prospherefanshop.com/)