5/17 - Grade 7 Math PARCC
Grade 8 Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
5/18- Grade 6 Math PARCC
Grade 7 Math PARCC
5/19-5/20 - Grade 6 Math PARCC
5/24-5/27 - 8th Grade Trip
5/24 - Grades 4-6 Orchestra Concert
5/26 - MCPE Annual Meeting at Zullo Gallery (see details below)
5/28-5/30 - No Homework Weekend
5/30 - Memorial Day (No School)
6/1 - Blake Art Show Reception
Grades 6-8 Band Concert
Grades 7-8 Orchestra Concert
6/2 - Blake Mini-Marathon (see details below)
6/3 - Great East Music Festival
Civics Field Trip
6/7 - Blake Chorus Concert
6/8 - PEM Field Trip - Koalas
6/9 - PEM Field Trip - Otters
6/10 - Grade 8 Mandarin Field Trip
PEM Field Trip - Sea Turtles
6/13 - Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
MHS Athletics Meeting (see details below)
6/15 - Creature Feature Field Trip
6/22 - 8th Grade Closing Ceremony (see details below)
6/23 - Last Day of School for Students and Staff
Happy Summer!!!
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways we are inspired, this week's topic/question for the dinner table is: What helps you 'step back', 'unplug', and reflect? Please see link to Google Form to share your responses: Stepping Back (5/15/16) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Teacher Appreciation - Thank You!
On behalf of the Blake staff, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Blake community and PTO for the lovely thoughts, notes, and signs of appreciation over the last couple of weeks. We are fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community.
Term 3 Interim Reports
All outstanding signed interim report sheets should be turned into advisors.
8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
I encourage the entire Blake community to follow our hashtag #blakeindc next week (5/24-5/27) to stay current with the Blake tweeters as we look to share and 'record' the trip.
8th Grade Guest Speaker - Dr. Martha Murray
We are looking forward to having Dr. Martha Murray, a surgeon at Children's Hospital, come Thursday, 5/19 to talk to our 8th grade students about her experience as an individual in the field of STEM. We are looking forward to the presentation - below please find some links that reference her work...
http://www.childrenshospital.org/researchers/martha-murray
https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2014/11/08/the-future-treating-acl-tears-cutting-surgery/H56nklXNhAXoEptwVay2vN/story.html
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/03/23/new-surgery-could-revolutionize-knee-repairs/BJISuh60AYKYTKWPwaYFWP/story.html
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2016/03/23/bear-acl-surgery/
iPad Planning Inventory for 2016-2017 - Please Complete
As you know we are continuing with our mobile learning program at Blake for the entire 6th-8th grade for the 2016-2017 academic year. To help us effectively plan for next year, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2016-2017 academic year) to let us know your plans for your student (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for next year, by completing this brief survey by Thursday, May 12: iPad Planning Inventory at Blake Middle School for 2016-2017. This inventory is different than the initial survey sent back in January. Please fill out this inventory for each child that will be attending Blake next year. This decision is not binding and we recognize that your plans may change - confirmation and final decisions will be made by mid-June, 2016. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief inventory and am hoping for 100% participation.
We have outlined the Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for Blake students for this program. We are committed to providing an equitable learning experience for our students and appreciate the shared commitment and investment in the education of our students. As such we have a system in place for families with demonstrated financial need.
The 'minimum specifications' will still remain as the iPad 4, meaning the following are acceptable devices for students to use: iPad4, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, or iPad Air. The device selected by the students/families will suffice for the students' needs in school as long as Apple continues to update the OS (operating system) on that device. If your family intends to purchase a new device this year, then the iPad4, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, or iPad Air are the recommended devices. Our work over the last four years has provided a foundation as our teachers and staff continue to thoughtfully implement and review the effectiveness of this initiative. It is important to keep in mind that teachers and students will be following the same curriculum frameworks and the common core Blake curriculum.
For your reference I am sharing links below to documents about our initiative/program...
Blake Mobile Learning Blog
Blake iPad Program Update for 16-17
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 16-17
Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options
iPad Program Estimated Lease-to-Own Pricing Structure 16-17
We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead as we work to provide your students with the opportunity to learn with meaningful technology and are hopeful that we can foster and promote a positive and relevant learning experience. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
The 4th Annual Blake Marathon is Here!!
Who: Blake staff, students, & families
What: Runners/walkers will be grouped into 3 waves, by grade level.
When: Thursday, June 2, 2016
Where: The race will snake around the Middle and High School campuses for 2.1 miles.
Why: To bring our Blake Community together and raise money for a good cause - The Heather Abbott Foundation!!
Blake Community Service Club - Thank You!
On Wednesday May 11th, the Blake Community Service Club walked the campus grounds picking up trash. We garnered two full bags of trash of which was separated into recyclables. We also earned a pleasing smile and BIG thank you from a nearby neighbor.
Friends of Rachel Event
Friends of Rachel, a club at the high school dedicated to fostering kindness and compassion, would like to invite 8th grade girls to a viewing of "Girl Rising," a powerful documentary about girls' access to education around the world, in the MHS library this Thursday, May 19th from 6:30 - 8:30. We'll watch selections from the documentary and talk about how we can manage our own stress by putting our lives in perspective and helping others. We are eager to meet you and to help you start building your bridge to high school! Be sure to bring in the attached permission slip if you'd like to attend. We'll also be collecting money for a school in Haiti.
Blake Theater Update
Blake Theater would like to help the school makes its donation goal to help the Heather Abbott Foundation give a young woman, Swapna, a running leg. We will be raffling off 2 pairs of tickets to Matilda on June 14th, 2016. You and a friend will join cast and crew members from Trumpet of the Swan and Beauty and the Beast as they attend a 7:30pm performance of this Tony-winning show. Bus transportation to and from the show is provided. Interested parties should fill out this google form and give your $5 entry fee to Ms. Allen by Monday, May 23. Winners will be randomly selected and notified the evening of May 23.
Matilda Raffle
Marimba Concert Flyer
Check out the flyer below for information about the Marimba event on June 9!
http://ngomadzakanaka.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/1/4/31140019/lowell_mason_house_concert_flyer.pdf
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
Our 8th grade closing ceremony and goodbye evening will be on Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m. This evening will be our opportunity to thank and recognize our 8th graders for their years at Blake and wish them well as they head off to high school. Families are welcome, and there will be a reception with refreshments, including allergen-free treats, in the cafeteria following the ceremony. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening.
MCAS/PARCC Information
Please find the May PARCC/MCAS schedules listed above. While we do not want to foster undue anxiety or pressure for students, a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast will ensure that they come to school prepared to do their best. Please be sure that students arrive at school on time. If your student is sick on the day of a scheduled test date, it is best for your child to get some rest and take it on a make-up day. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) or your child's guidance counselor.
ADL Peer Training Program
It is hard to believe that, with the continued support of the Medfield Coalition for Public Education, Blake is already preparing to select and train its second cohort of 7th and 8th grade Peer Leaders in the Fall of 2016. While many of the current 7th grade Peer Leaders will be returning as 8th graders, we encourage interested 7th graders to apply with the understanding that there will be only a few openings in that grade level. For some students, the Peer Leader Program, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, is an opportunity to inspire others to challenge all forms of prejudice, including bullying and cyberbullying. For other students, it is an opportunity to actively promote respect for cultural and other human differences. And for others, it is an opportunity to build greater unity in community. For everyone who participates, the Peer Leader Program is an opportunity to transform their schools and communities.
The Program begins with a series of dynamic training sessions for new members led by adult facilitators from A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute. Participating students engage in fun activities and meaningful discussions on cultural, racial, socio-economic and other human differences, and on how these differences sometimes divide rather than unite people. In addition, the students explore what they can do, individually and collectively, to help foster a world in which human differences are valued and respected. Students also develop their leadership potential, and their communication and presentation skills, so that they, too, can lead activities and discussions on these topics. When the trained students are fully prepared, they will facilitate workshops for their peers during the school year.
Any student with an interest in fostering a more accepting school community, facilitating workshops for their peers related to identifying and responding to bias of all types in our world, and learning more about how to build a more respectful environment for all people is welcome to apply to be a part of the Peer Training Program. Students have received an email with more information, including time commitments involved for training and participation. Commitment to this exciting program does entail a weekly after school commitment on Fridays as well as a weekly lunch and advisory meeting during the school day. In addition, several school days of training and field trips would require students to check in with teachers to get any missed work.
Current 6th grade students heard about the program in an assembly this week, and students in the 6th and 7th grades received electronic application materials via email. They heard about the fact that we are looking for a wide and representative range of types of kids to participate, and it is always difficult to choose from the many applications we receive. Applications are due on May 18th, and some applicants will be asked to participate in an interview the following week. Final decisions will be announced in June. Heather Gonzalez and Matt Marenghi will be continuing in their roles of the Peer Trainer program advisors at Blake. I am grateful for their dedication to the program and the students. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
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 March, 2016
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 remaining date that has been set for is: 6/3. If you are interested, please complete the form below...
Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Sign-Up
High School Athletics Meeting
On Monday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a meeting held in the gymnasium at the Medfield High School for all athletes and their parents interested in playing high school athletics this coming fall season at Medfield. This meeting is very important and will cover many questions and concerns you may have, as well as introductions to all high school coaches and staff. Immediately following this meeting, coaches will meet with their respective sports to speak about the season and answer any questions you may have.
*Sports offered for the fall season are:
Cross Country (Boys and Girls)
Soccer (Boys and Girls)
Volleyball (Girls)
Field Hockey (Girls)
Football (Boys)
Golf (Co-ed)
All Night Grad Party Request
This week all households in Medfield received the blue ANGP flyer in their mailboxes. ANGP, better known as the All Night Graduation Party, now in its 24th year, is the safe and substance free celebration for graduating Medfield High School students. Please help make the night a success with a donation to the ANGP. Use the blue All Night Graduation Party flyer received in the mail, or send a donation to Medfield High School ANGP, P.O. Box 38, Medfield, MA 02052. Every gift helps. Before you know it your student will be celebrating this milestone. Thank you.
Relay for Life Event at MHS
On Saturday, May 21 from 2:00-10:00pm, Medfield High School is hosting a Relay for Life event. You can stay for the entire event or just the time frame that works best for you. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time with friends and family while raising money to find a cure for cancer. The event includes field games, a candle lit ceremony, and so much more. If you would like to attend please form a team and sign up at
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY16NE?pg=entry&fr_id=75831. If you have any questions please feel free to email Medfield’s American Cancer Society Representative Louise Fonteyne, [email protected]. We thank you in advance for your support and hope to see you there!
K-8 PTO Update
PTO MEETING
Please join us for the last PTO meeting of the year on Thursday, May 19th at 7:00 pm in the Blake LMC.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please visit the Medfield K-8 PTO website or click https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fC6eFODC22eWf1TKc4YTIbSkhTtdcJfkt7oJIxhrvtg/viewform and sign-up to volunteer for the 7th grade Ice Cream Party, 8th grade Cookout, the 8th grade Closing Ceremony Reception (7th grade parents are needed for this event) and Box Tops Helpers. We appreciate all your help and support. We couldn’t do it without you!
MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR
Attention Spring Sports Teams, Club Organizers and Administrators! Blake PTO & MyLocker are ready to get you geared up for the season and your big event. 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. 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. Please contact Laura Zaher [email protected] with any questions. This is all you have to do:
- Go to shop.mylocker.net, enter your school locker number - BLAKE BD979 and use promo code b2g6dTK1
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.
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
The MCPE Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 26th at 7:00 PM at the Zullo Gallery. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
MCPE's Blue Ribbon Program recognizes teachers, administrators, school coaches and staff for making a difference in a student's life. This program is an easy way to acknowledge school employees at the end of the school year. Click on the following link (formstack.com/forms/?1155510-ms8sVhWlW6) to make your donation online, and MCPE will take care of the rest. Each recipient will receive a personalized card announcing a donation was made by you in his or her honor. Your tax-deductible donation will help support future educational grants awarded by MCPE. Please see the web site for the due dates and more details.
FALL BALL - COMMUNITY HELP: One of the ways we hope to raise funds at the Fall Ball is through both an online and a live auction of desirable items and exciting experiences. We're thinking outside the box and hoping you can help us take our auctions to the next level. Please click on the Sign Up Genius link (signupgenius.com/go/70a054bacab2faa8-mcpe/) to see if you're able to contribute to this very worthy cause. Thank you, in advance, for making the success of our schools a community effort. If you have something you'd like to donate that is not listed, or have any questions regarding the Fall Ball, please contact Wendi Ayer [email protected] or Kim Price [email protected].
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.