2/16 - PRIDE Alliance
2/20-2/24 - February Vacation
2/29 - Blake Student Council
2/30 - PRIDE Alliance
3/7 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:15 p.m.)
3/8 - Blake Student Council
Incoming 7th/8th Info Night (see details below)
3/9 - PRIDE Alliance
School Committee Mtg
3/10 - Term 2 Ends
3/16 - Incoming 6th Info Night (see details below)
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about questions and the role they play in learning and growth, our question for this week is: How can asking questions help address challenges and solve problems?
Intentional Questions (Week of 2/12/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/16 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming sixth grade (current fifth grade) students. We will be presenting information about the 6th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year along with an overview of the middle school. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2023-2024 academic year’s mobile learning Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
3/8 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh and eighth grade (current sixth and seventh grade) students. We will be sharing information about the 7th and 8th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year.
Volleyball Tourney at Blake
The Wellness Department is happy to announce that the annual Volleyball Championship Tournament will be the day before February Break (Friday 2/17). After many weeks of skill building, competitive gameplay and in-class tounaments, the day will consist of three tournaments where class champions will face off to determine a grade level champion. Later in the day that same grade level champion will play against a team of staff 'all stars' before their teachers and classmates in the gymnasium. PE students have been working hard on their skills and are looking forward to playoffs for a chance to play against their teachers.
Black History Month Update
Black History Month is a month dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the countless contributions Black Americans have made to society. Throughout the month in classes and advisory we have honored the month through shared learning experiences. Starting the month with grade-level assemblies, we asked each advisory to decorate their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black American who has made a significant contribution to our society.
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 1/30-2/3
The week of 1/30-2/3 was the Term 2 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week, teachers sent an e-mail to families to notify them if their student is consistently not meeting the standard in an area OR if they do not have sufficient data to assess their student at that point in the term due to absence or missing work. If students are meeting the standards, families will not receive an e-mail from teachers. Below please find links to letters from the each grade level team with mid-term messages along with the information about Term 2's Family Outreach Period. If you have any questions about your student's progress, please contact their guidance counselor or teachers directly.
Grade 6 - Term 2 Family Outreach Updates (January, 2023)
Grade 7 - Term 2 Family Outreach Updates (January, 2023)
Grade 8 - Term 2 Family Outreach Updates (January, 2023)
Upcoming Health Screenings
The Blake School Nurses will be conducting school health screenings when we return from the upcoming February vacation break starting on Monday, February 27, 2023. Click here for more information about these health screenings mandated by the MA Department of Public Health.
If you prefer to opt your child(ren) out of these state mandated screenings, please complete the appropriate form below based on your child’s current grade level. If you have already completed the form, then your child is excused.
OPT OUT Form - 6th Grade Postural Screening
OPT OUT Form - 7th Grade Health Screenings - BMI (Height/Weight), Postural and SBIRT Screenings
OPT OUT Form - 8th Grade Postural Screening
Message from MCPE
MCPE is celebrating its 35th Anniversary! During this anniversary year, we are asking every household in Medfield to consider making a donation to MCPE. Each residence that makes a charitable contribution of any amount will receive a blue ribbon placed on their mailbox. You can showcase your support for Medfield Public Schools by donating to MCPE's 35th Anniversary Appeal and proudly displaying a blue ribbon, helping us paint the town blue!
This year, MCPE is partnering with our schools to fund five ambitious projects that will make a real difference in our students' educational experience. Without MCPE, many of the educational enrichment tools and professional development opportunities that differentiate Medfield Public Schools and make our students' academic experiences truly unique would simply not be possible, as they are outside the school budget. Over many years, MCPE has brought innovative and rewarding initiatives to students in all five public schools. From Numicon kits and Passport Club in our elementary schools to a disc golf course and pickleball at the middle and high schools, every single child that comes through the Medfield public school system benefits from grants funded by MCPE.
Please join us by making your MCPE 35th Anniversary Appeal gift today and share your blue ribbons on social with #mcpeblue!! Let’s paint the town blue!
Donate today!
The meeting will take place in the Medfield Outreach main office, located at 88 Rear South Street, Door 12, Medfield, MA 02052. A Zoom link will also be available for those who are unable to attend in person.
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 952 9831 7908
Passcode: 0ZmggS
During this 4-day class, young cinematographers will produce and star in a short film promoting an important community health topic. Medfield Outreach Prevention Coordinators will teach students about the basics of public health and the components of creating effective PSAs. By using state of the art cameras and following a classic storytelling model, Medfield TV staff will help students develop skills in videography and scriptwriting while promoting healthy behaviors. Student projects will air on Medfield TV's Youtube channel and on Medfield cable. This class is for youth ages 11-14 who have a passion for videography, storytelling, or public health communications. No previous experience is necessary! The regristration deadline is 2/16 at 11:59PM.
Ages: 11-14
Price: $175 (Medfield Outreach will provide scholarships to the first 8 Medfield applicants)
Dates: 2/21 - 2/24
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Location: 18 N. Meadows Road, Medfield, MA
Youth Application
Adult Registration Form
Blake Intramurals Update
All of the activities will be underway for this session. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Yearbook Ordering
If you are interested in ordering a yearbook for your student this year please follow the instructions below. Grades 6-8 are showcased in the middle school yearbook. Please reach out to Kristin Buley([email protected]) or Kristin Manning([email protected]) with specific questions.
- Go to HerffJones.com
- Select that you are a parent or a student looking to buy a yearbook
- Click Shop Now
- Click Visit our Yearbook order center in red
- Search by school name: Thomas A Blake Middle School (note there is no period after the A)
CLICK HERE to order a yearbook the 2022-2023 school year
SEPAC Updates
Thank you to everyone who attended our last session. Back by popular demand is another parent connection night. Join us via zoom 3/1/23 @7pm to connect with other parents with children with IEP/504s and learn some tips and tricks to navigating special education. RSVP to [email protected]. To ensure this meeting provides value for all, you are encouraged to send your questions to us in advance. We also encourage you to send your topic ideas for future meetings via the link sent by Student Services on 1/25/23. We look forward to hearing from you!
The BLAKE PTO is searching for new board members to support the Blake Community beginning next year, with opportunities to shadow members this year if interested.
The following positions will need to be filled: Co-President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested or want to know more, please reach out to Karen Peters, [email protected] or Brenna Ferrick at [email protected] if you would like to know more. Look forward to hearing from you!
STEM Writing Contest
The NYT invites students ages 13-18 to enter into their 4th Annual STEM Writing Contest. Students are invited to choose an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health - then write an engaging 500-word explanation that helps a general audience understand the topic and its importance. Contest dates are Jan 18-Feb 15, 2023. Contest info can be found here.
Message from Medfield’s Destination Imagination Team
Medfield's Destination Imagination organization is looking for volunteers to be appraisers at either of the regional tournaments (March 4th in Medfield or March 12th in Beverly). It is the perfect opportunity for someone 18 years or older (and out of high school) who would like to spend the day praising the accomplishments of each dedicated and hugely creative Destination Imagination team and awarding as many points as possible. It is truly a fun day spent enjoying the creativity of students in grades 3-12 and is a great community volunteer opportunity for anyone- college students, retired folks, those who have previously participated in Destination Imagination, etc.). Contact [email protected] for more information and learn about Destination Imagination at destinationimagination.org.
Blake’s Pride Alliance
We are pleased to announce that the club formerly known as Blake GSA is now called Pride Alliance! This more inclusive name better represents the values of our club, where we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Meetings are every Thursday until 2:45 in room 502. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity.
Blake Student Council
Blake’s Student Council meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2:15-2:45 in Mrs. Shaw’s room (525). All are welcome to join - the more members we have, the more we can accomplish! Spread the word!
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 Marcia Berkowtiz ([email protected]) with any questions.
Webinars/Workshops of Interest
Social Justice Parenting with Dr. Traci Baxley
Tuesday, 3/7 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers and community members (all ages) All are welcome!
Social Justice Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Anti-Racist, and Socially Conscious Children
This program will address how to raise children who work to promote justice, compassion, and belonging for themselves and others. Dr. Traci Baxley will discuss the principles of Social Justice Parenting and offer strategies for implementing these values into your daily life.
Simultaneous ASL and Portuguese Language Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
DR. TRACI BAXLEY is an author, professor, DEIB consultant, parenting coach, speaker, mother to five children, and the creator of Social Justice Parenting. An educator for over 30 years with degrees in child development, elementary education, and curriculum and instruction, she specializes in diversity and inclusion, racial identity, anti-bias curriculum, and social justice education.
Learn more at socialjusticeparenting.com
Stopping the Cycle of Anger: How to Navigate Anxiety and Big Feelings with Calm and Compassion
Thursday, 3/23 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Renee Jain, MA, will offer practical, supportive techniques to address anger and other intense emotions in ourselves, our children and our teens with more understanding and less screaming. She will discuss how to uncover what's underneath these big feelings and how to empower individuals, parents, and children to shift to more positive response patterns.
Please note this program is 75 minutes.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
Renee Jain is the founder and Chief Storyteller of GoZen! She has been recognized as a pioneer in marrying technology and child psychology in a unique approach that nurtures the hearts and minds of kids. Through her writing, product invention and development, masterclasses for parents, and children’s advocacy, she works to build the emotional intelligence of kids. Originally a tech entrepreneur who suffered with her own anxiety, Renee founded GoZen! to help a new generation of kids, parents and therapists. Renee earned her Master’s degree in Positive Psychology — the scientific study of optimal human functioning — from the University of Pennsylvania and is the NYT bestselling co-author of Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience.
Vist the GoZen! website at gozen.com
Growing Up in Public: Navigating Reputation and Social Media in the Digital Age with Dr. Devorah Heitner
Thursday, 4/13 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Devorah Heitner, PhD, will share pragmatic, research-based advice on how we can mentor our kids on cultivating a healthy online presence. She will address why character and learning how to navigate relationships are most important and how parents can stop stressing and focus instead on helping young people become responsible digital citizens.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
Free Book Giveaway
Please include your shipping address when prompted (during your registration) if you would like a chance to win a free copy of Devorah Heitner's next book! Everyone who shares their address will be entered into a raffle for one of 100 free books from SPARK as part of this event.
About Our Presenter
Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and her book on navigating Privacy and Reputation with kids and teens, Growing Up in Public will be out in 2023 with Penguin Random House.Dr. Heitner’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager and she lives with her family in Chicagoland. You can follow her on Twitter @Devorahheitner and on Instagram @devorahheitnerphd.
Visit her website at www.devorahheitner.com