9/7 - Grade 8 Trip Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 8 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/8 - Blake Picture Day
9/11 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
9/11-9/15 - Blake Theater Auditions
9/12 - Grade 7 Nature's Classroom Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 7 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/13 - Grade 6 Music Ensemble Info Sessions (6 p.m.)
Grade 6 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/19-9/20 - Stars Canoe Trips
9/21 - Rosh Hashanah (No School)
9/22, 9/25 - Eagles Canoe Trips
9/28-9/29 - Stripes Canoe Trips
10/2 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
10/6 - Half Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
10/9 Columbus Day (No School)
10/10-10/13 - Nature's Classroom Trip
10/19 - Blake Picture Retake Day
10/20 - 7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
10/24 - #GlobalMakerDay
10/31 - Happy Halloween!
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about fostering curiosity in our students and community this year, our topic/question for the week is: What are you curious about learning this year? Fostering Curiosity (Week of 9/4/17) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake Parent Nights for Fall 2017
The Blake parent nights for this fall have been scheduled...
9/7 - Grade 8 Trip Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 8 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/12 - Grade 7 Nature's Classroom Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 7 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/13 - Grade 6 Music Ensemble Info Sessions (6 p.m.)
Grade 6 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
Picture Day Information
School Picture Day is Friday, September 8th! Students will receive picture day forms in advisory on Tuesday, September 5th. Please ask your student for the form so that you can look at the package choices. Please note that you may prepay online before picture day at Gryn and Barrettt.com. The directions for online payment can be found in the blue box on your picture order form. It is not required that students purchase photos but all students must have a photo taken for id and yearbook.
If your student forgets the form and money on picture day, they will still have a photo taken and will receive a "click and save" card when photo packets are delivered in homerooms. At that time, parents may still opt to purchase on-line or do a retake, saving a trip to school to fill out a form on picture day. Extra forms will also be available in the main office for those who would like one.
Retakes will be offered after students receive their photo packets for any students who were absent on school picture day or students who do not care for their photo.
Parent/Guardian Sign-Offs
We are pleased to announce that our parent sign-offs for the "beginning of the year" forms will now be electronic. Please be on the look out for an e-mail next week that will provide sign off directions for the following documents:
- Student Responsible Use Guidelines/Acceptable Use Policy
- School Handbook (and Addendum, where appropriate)
- Free and Reduced Lunch
- Your child's emergency contact information (all students) and additional contact/authorizations (Grades 1 through 5 only).
- Photo release form
Theme of Diversity for 2017-2018
Our theme for this academic year at Blake is one of Diversity. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last five years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, and Empathy. As a staff we have begun brainstorming ideas and I encourage all families to join us in the brainstorming process as well. As ideas and thoughts come to mind, do not hesitate to e-mail me ([email protected]) or Kelly C. ([email protected]).
Social Emotional Learning Resource for All Families
I want to remind you about our website that comes from the Office of Social/Emotional Learning (www.medfieldsel.com). Included in the website is information regarding our current list of mental health resources, information about our RISE Transition Program, and a lot of information about Social/Emotional Learning. In addition, in our “In The News” tab, you will find articles that we feel may be of interest, including current trends that may affect our kids. Check back often, as there are new things to read all the time. The “Communication” tab will bring you to letters that this office has sent out during the course of the school year, so if you want to refer back, it is easy to find. Medfield Public Schools is taking the commitment to Social/Emotional Learning very seriously, so check out the site, browse around, and use it as a way to ignite conversation with your kids. - Dr. Dave Worthley (@DrWorthley)
Recognition of September 11
September 11, 2017 will mark the sixteenth anniversary of the tragic events that transpired on September 11, 2001. To help commemorate all those who were affected by the events that took place, we are encouraging everyone, in an appropriate and respectful manner, to wear the colors of red, white, and blue on Monday, September 11. One of the lessons we were all reminded of fifteen years ago was the importance of community and looking out for one another. In that spirit, and to continue a tradition started five years ago, Blake will be helping its own Medfield community by holding a one day collection for the Medfield Food Cupboard. The Cupboard has identified the following current needs: Canned Fruit, Canned Pasta, White Rice, Sweet/Salty Snacks (crackers, cookies, etc), Juice (Large and Boxes), Non-Grape Jelly, Applesauce (6 packs), Kid Friendly Cereal, and Canned Chili or Stew. More details regarding specific needs will be shared as we get closer to the date. Donations will be collected in the guidance office on Monday, September 11.
Community Effort to Support Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
For Monday's 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, Blake Middle School will be asking it's community to help our friends impacted by Hurricane Harvey. We will be accepting donations to DonorsChoose (https://www.donorschoose.org/hurricane-harvey). If sending in a check please make sure it's made to donorschoose. They will help teachers rebuild and restock their classrooms for the over 1 million children impacted by the hurricane. This effort will be in addition to our annual one-day food drive for the Medfield Food Cupboard. Current needs include: Canned Pasta, Chili,Stew, Canned Chicken, Juice 0 large and boxes, Canned fruit (pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges), Applesauce, Canned Peas, Pasta Sauce (All set with dry pasta), Sweet/Salty snacks, Kid Friendly Cereal, Black Beans, and Rice.
Nature's Classroom Information
The seventh grade will be leaving at 6:30 am on Tuesday, October 10 for the annual trip to Nature's Classroom on Lake George. Students should arrive between 6:10 and 6:20 am and report directly to their bus. You will be contacted if you have any outstanding paperwork or money due. On Friday, 9/1 we went over the roommate process with the students during science class. We also handed out a sheet outlining final details for the trip. The sheet can be found by clicking here. The same information will be presented at the seventh grade PIN on Tuesday, 9/12 at 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Judy Silva, [email protected]. In addition, please be sure to contact Tricia Williams regarding any medical needs, allergies, or health concerns ([email protected] or 508-242-8554). We are looking forward to the trip!
Media Notification
In order to promote some of the exciting programs and events in the Medfield Public Schools, we plan to continue the use of student photos on our district/school websites, teacher websites, blogs, and district approved Twitter accounts. In addition, there are times when we will have coverage in the local newspaper or on local TV. Please let Nat Vaughn know by Friday, September 8 if you DO NOT want your child’s photo or name to appear in the media. Please note, your child’s image or name may still appear within the school for classroom projects, hallway postings, in-school presentations, newsletters, yearbooks, and other in-school media. Please contact Nat Vaughn if you have any additional questions.
Mobile Learning Update
In our continued effort to support families with the integration of technology, I am sharing a link to a 'customizable device contract' from Common Sense Media...
Tablet Family Contract
As noted at the top of the front page of this link, it is important to talk with your children about how the device will be used at home. The suggested guidelines will help assure open and consistent communication so that you are 'on the same page'. The form is customizable to allow for variances in approaches from family to family. We are strongly encouraging all Blake families to take the time to fill out this contract, post it in a 'public' location in your house (i.e. refrigerator), and keep a copy in a secure location. Starting off the year with clear guidelines and 'house rules' will be the first step to a productive and successful experience. Should issues arise throughout the year, it will serve as a solid reference point for resolutions.
Book Discussion Group for Parents for 2017-2018
Over the last two years the Blake Site Council has read several books (How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott Haims, The End of Average: How We Succeed in a World that Values Sameness by Todd Rose, and The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children by Alison Gopnik), and we will continue this practice during the 2017-2018 school year. Our first two books of the year will be Wait, What?: And Life's Other Essential Questions by James Ryan and The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros . We will discuss our plans/schedule for reading these books at our first Site Council meeting in September - stay tuned for more details!
Eighth Grade Canoe and Swim Test Information
As part of the eighth grade Charles River Community Awareness Unit offered in the fall, each eighth grade student is required to pass a swimming test during the summer. Each student is required to tread water for five minutes and swim a distance of seventy-five yards. A qualified swim instructor is required to administer the test and sign the form: Swim Test Form. Completed swim tests may be dropped off at the main office of the Middle School Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. throughout the summer. All swim tests must be completed and returned to the student’s new advisory teacher by the first day of school. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. The Charles River Community Awareness Unit is an exciting way for students to begin their eighth grade experience! (FYI: In the past, students have been certified at Hinkley Pond, YMCA and local swim clubs.)
Safety Reminder for All Blake Families
Bike Safety Reminders-- We are noticing that students are riding through the middle of the bus circles amongst cars and ask that you remind your child that students should only be walking bikes on sidewalks and use the crosswalks when on bikes. We are also noticing a number of students with no helmets or with helmets on but not buckled. We will continue to remind students but any help with that message from home would be great. It's great to see so many kids on bikes and we want to ensure that everyone is safe.
Twitter Accounts (@nat_vaughn, @blakeoffice) and Blake Hashtags (#bmsed and #bmstech)
We have established the hashtag (#bmsed) for education-related tweets of interest and Blake events and (#bmstech) for technology tweets of interest at Blake, so be sure to check them out! My account is @nat_vaughn and the Blake account is @blakeoffice, and we will continue to tweet up-to-date information, Blake happenings, links to sites, and articles of interest on a daily or more frequent basis.
Bus Reminder
Students are not permitted to take bus rides home with friends on other buses without prior approval through Central Offices. If you have any questions, please contact Phyllis Montillo ([email protected] or (508) 359-4978).
Phones
In order to minimize distraction during the school day, all cell phones will need to be off and locked in lockers next year during school hours. Students will not be permitted to carry phones during the day. If a student needs to make a phone call, phones are available in the guidance office and the main office. In addition, if a parent needs to contact a student during the school day, please call the main office and we are happy to get messages to students throughout the day. As always, students are discouraged from bringing valuable and distracting items to school.
General Reminders
- All parents/guardians need to be sure to follow the parking regulations in the parking lots and around the 'flagpole circle'. When dropping off or picking up students, vehicles should not be parked ('stationary' or 'live') in the fire zone. We need to make sure that we are providing a safe environment at all times for our students and community. Thank you for your cooperation.
- Forgotten items can be left in the office with the understanding that the students know to check in the office if they have forgotten an item. Please clearly label items with the student’s name and grade.
- Students are not permitted to bring in baked goods (cookies, cakes, etc.) to celebrate birthdays or personal events. There are many students who have food allergies and other dietary needs, and it is important that we continue to provide all of our students with a safe and healthy environment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
- As students are getting ready for school, please bear in mind the Blake Middle School guidelines for appropriate attire. We are confident that good judgment on the part of students and parents will result in the wearing of clothing that will contribute to a respectful academic environment and educational atmosphere. At Blake we endeavor to remove as many distractions from the day as possible so that students are able to focus on the most important aspect of their day - learning.
Medication and Health Information from Mrs. Williams
To do his/her best in school, it is important for your child to get an adequate amount of sleep every night, start each day with a healthy breakfast as well as drink plenty of water throughout the day. Please send your child to school with a refillable water bottle daily. 6th grade students should also bring in a healthy snack to eat in the morning such as yogurt, fruit or vegetables. During adolescence, eight to ten hours of sleep is recommended every night. A set time to turn off your child's phone, iPad and other electronics for the night and charge in an area away from your child's room is also recommended to remove distractions and encourage good sleeping habits.
All medication to be taken at school must be kept in the nurse's office and administered by the school nurse. Students are not allowed to carry and self-administer medications at school including non-prescription medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, allergy and cold relieving medication, etc. Parents/guardians are asked to complete the blue Emergency Health Information form that will be sent home the first day of school. On this form, parents/guardians may give written permission for the school nurse to administer specified non-prescription medication, if needed. Any other prescription and/or non-prescription medication to be administered at school requires a written order from the student's healthcare provider and written parental consent preferably on the Medication Authorization Plan 2016-17 available on the school's website.
Online Homework Posting System
This year we will be continuing our system for posting the homework on our website. The link to the homework pages is here - Blake Homework Pages. The primary mode for students' understanding and recording of the homework for the given night is from the teacher and the posted homework in the classroom. The information that will be on the website is intended to serve as a 'back-up' resource. Due to the inherent challenges of technology that arise from time to time (servers, e-mail, etc.), we can not always guarantee that the website will be 100% accurate and reliable. However, we hope that it will help students and parents as an additional source of information.
Blake Intramurals
Fall intramurals at Blake will begin in early October. Look for signup information on the intramural page of the website the week of September 18. Parents/guardians are welcome to run intramurals as well. If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Arts in Education Week
Next week (9/10-9/16) is Arts in Education Week. I have shared this with our art and music departments. Please keep this in mind in your classes, advisory, and with students and families. Please keep this in mind when talking to your children about cultural events, music, and the arts this month.
http://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/networks-and-councils/arts-education-network/tools-resources/national-arts-in-education-week
Student Council Information
It is time for Student Council Elections as the new school year is upon us!!
9/11 - Announcements to intro Student Council
9/11 - Advisors tell kids about running for Student Council
9/15 - Speeches due
9/18 - Speeches delivered and Elections (by ballot)
DETAILS:
-Mandatory Friday meetings from 2:10 – 3:10
-Leadership role in the grade – behavior, conduct, academics, etc.
-Peer role model in advisory
-Volunteer time for school and community
-Help encourage spirit days
-Keep notes, distribute, and post information to advisory students
If interested, students should ask advisors for a Speech Writing Tip Sheet!
Recess Donations
This year we are continuing with recess as part of our Advisory structure. A great deal of research evidence shows that students are more productive and intellectually engaged when a physical and or mental 'break' is provided in the middle of the day. We are looking for donations from families to provide options for students during this time: frisbees, wiffle balls/bats, kickballs, tennis balls, single and double jump ropes, volleyballs, foam footballs, soccer balls, and hula hoops. If you have done some 'fall cleaning' and have extra items that could be donated, have students drop them off in the main office. Thank you in advance for your help.
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". Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Substitute Nurses
As with our teaching positions, from time to time our nurse, Tricia Williams, will be out of the building and we need a substitute nurse for these days. We are fortunate that we have several substitute nurses in the district who are able to work on those days. If you are a registered nurse and have an interest in potentially serving as a substitute throughout the year, please let us know. You can contact me ([email protected]) or Tricia Williams ([email protected]). By the same token, if you have friends in the area who would have an interest in serving as a substitute, please let them know that they can contact us as well. The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority, and we would appreciate your interest in one of these roles.
Blake PTO News
BLAKE PTO MEETING IS SEPTEMBER 26 AT 7:00 PM HELP!!!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 2017/18 SCHOOL YEAR! There are opportunities to help with special parties and projects, box tops, school supply kits and more! Sign-up using the Blake Volunteer Sign-Up Form.
ONGOING BLAKE APPEAL - 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 and scroll down to the end of the page or send a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO to Blake at 24 Pound St. Medfield, MA 02052. Thank you in advance for your support of the Blake PTO. Please feel free to contact Claudia Rosen [email protected] or Keven Gallagher [email protected] with any questions.
KEEP IN TOUCH Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO and follow us on Twitter @MedfieldK8PTO. And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com