Important Dates
12/6 - End of Term 1
12/8 - Angel Run
12/9 - SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m. at MHS
12/10 - Spaghetti with Santa
Tilden Village Dinner
Blake PTO Meeting
12/11 - Hour of Code at Blake (see below)
Blake Orchestra Concert
12/12 - 7th Grade to A Christmas Carol
Blake Chorus Concert
12/16 - Term 1 Report Cards go home
Site Council Mtg - 3:15 p.m.
Blake Band Concert
12/18 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
12/20 - 1/2 Day for Students and Staff
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the benefits of being part of a community, our topic/question for the dinner table is: How does being a part of a community help you learn and grow? Benefits of a Community (Week of 12/1/19) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Advisory Update for Blake
Blake Wednesday Advisory Website
Blake Winter Intramurals
The Winter Session Intramural offerings will be available very soon. If you have questions or ideas, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).
Turkey Bowl Follow Up
8th graders were again invited to take part in the annual 'Turkey Bowl' this past Wednesday morning. With an impressive 27 teams and over 100 participants, the event was a reflection of the positive experience 8th graders have had in their touch-football unit in P.E. class. Each participant was asked to bring in a non-perishable item as a donation to the Medfield Food Cupboard as a ticket to compete. It was another fun morning made memorable by the number of participants, exciting game play and the camaraderie events such as this often bring about. P.E. teachers are hoping for mild December weather to continue the football unit after Thanksgiving.
Hour of Code at Blake
We will be participating in the Hour of Code as a Blake community two weeks after Thanksgiving. The Hour of Code is coming to Blake on Dec. 11th sponsored by the Makerspace + Math Dept! Students will participate through their math classes by exploring a number of coding/STEAM stations in the LMC! This year, we are also looking to involve any community members who have careers in the STEM/STEAM field to help build conversations via FlipGrid. If anyone comes to mind, please let me know ~ more information will be shared soon! The official week is 12/9-12/15. Stay tuned for more information!
Blake’s 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: mmarenghi@email.medfield.net or 508-359-2445.
12/6 - End of Term 1
12/8 - Angel Run
12/9 - SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m. at MHS
12/10 - Spaghetti with Santa
Tilden Village Dinner
Blake PTO Meeting
12/11 - Hour of Code at Blake (see below)
Blake Orchestra Concert
12/12 - 7th Grade to A Christmas Carol
Blake Chorus Concert
12/16 - Term 1 Report Cards go home
Site Council Mtg - 3:15 p.m.
Blake Band Concert
12/18 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
12/20 - 1/2 Day for Students and Staff
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the benefits of being part of a community, our topic/question for the dinner table is: How does being a part of a community help you learn and grow? Benefits of a Community (Week of 12/1/19) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Advisory Update for Blake
Blake Wednesday Advisory Website
Blake Winter Intramurals
The Winter Session Intramural offerings will be available very soon. If you have questions or ideas, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).
Turkey Bowl Follow Up
8th graders were again invited to take part in the annual 'Turkey Bowl' this past Wednesday morning. With an impressive 27 teams and over 100 participants, the event was a reflection of the positive experience 8th graders have had in their touch-football unit in P.E. class. Each participant was asked to bring in a non-perishable item as a donation to the Medfield Food Cupboard as a ticket to compete. It was another fun morning made memorable by the number of participants, exciting game play and the camaraderie events such as this often bring about. P.E. teachers are hoping for mild December weather to continue the football unit after Thanksgiving.
Hour of Code at Blake
We will be participating in the Hour of Code as a Blake community two weeks after Thanksgiving. The Hour of Code is coming to Blake on Dec. 11th sponsored by the Makerspace + Math Dept! Students will participate through their math classes by exploring a number of coding/STEAM stations in the LMC! This year, we are also looking to involve any community members who have careers in the STEM/STEAM field to help build conversations via FlipGrid. If anyone comes to mind, please let me know ~ more information will be shared soon! The official week is 12/9-12/15. Stay tuned for more information!
Blake’s 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: mmarenghi@email.medfield.net or 508-359-2445.
Message from Medfield Youth Outreach
Having a tough time making ends meet? Are basic resources such as obtaining food and covering the cost of utilities becoming more daunting? Medfield Youth Outreach, a confidential town service, may be able to help. Learn about food and utility resources as well as holiday and birthday programs that help ease the stress during difficult financial times. Reach out at 508-359-7121 to Chelsea at Medfield Youth Outreach to learn more about what help is available. This office also provides other services which you can learn about here: https://www.town.medfield.net/403/Medfield-Youth-Outreach
26 Days of Kindness
The seven year anniversary of the tragic events in Newtown will be upon us shortly. At Blake, we are continuing a tradition started six years ago by honoring those who died that day by asking everyone in the Blake community to participate in 26 Days of Kindness. On the document, you will see the acts of kindness are not 'big', nor are they complicated, yet each can make an impact on someone, including each of us. On Friday of each week you will see that the acts are a little 'bigger' in nature. We encourage you to print out the document and post it in a public spot (i.e. refrigerator) for your entire family to reference during the next month. We are going to document these days and put them together in a way that we can refer back to easily and remind ourselves that kindness is something we all can practice every day. I encourage you to check out the links for 26 Days of Kindness on Mrs. Gumas's website - mrsgumas.com.
Having a tough time making ends meet? Are basic resources such as obtaining food and covering the cost of utilities becoming more daunting? Medfield Youth Outreach, a confidential town service, may be able to help. Learn about food and utility resources as well as holiday and birthday programs that help ease the stress during difficult financial times. Reach out at 508-359-7121 to Chelsea at Medfield Youth Outreach to learn more about what help is available. This office also provides other services which you can learn about here: https://www.town.medfield.net/403/Medfield-Youth-Outreach
26 Days of Kindness
The seven year anniversary of the tragic events in Newtown will be upon us shortly. At Blake, we are continuing a tradition started six years ago by honoring those who died that day by asking everyone in the Blake community to participate in 26 Days of Kindness. On the document, you will see the acts of kindness are not 'big', nor are they complicated, yet each can make an impact on someone, including each of us. On Friday of each week you will see that the acts are a little 'bigger' in nature. We encourage you to print out the document and post it in a public spot (i.e. refrigerator) for your entire family to reference during the next month. We are going to document these days and put them together in a way that we can refer back to easily and remind ourselves that kindness is something we all can practice every day. I encourage you to check out the links for 26 Days of Kindness on Mrs. Gumas's website - mrsgumas.com.
After School Supervision - Reminder for all Families
As the weather is turning a bit cooler, I am writing with a reminder about after school supervision at Blake. Students are welcome to stay after school with a teacher, in the library, in the fitness center, or to be part of an intramural activity. Supervision of students ends at 3:15 p.m. as that is when our front office staff leaves, library closes, and activities generally conclude. Exceptions may include the theatre program or sports. Students should plan for transportation home by 3:15 and are welcome to wait for rides outside in the area by the circle or in the lobby of the school but should not be wandering around the building, playing in the gym without adult supervision, or hanging out in unsupervised areas. Student safety is our priority so we ask that students be in a supervised activity or make plans to head home.
Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.
Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
Community Service Club
After purchasing a new winter coat for any family member, please consider donating your old, gently used coat - of any size or type - to the Blake Community Service Coat Drive. More details to come about the end of November/December sixth, seventh, and eighth grade coat donation competition.
Blake is Social - Any Submissions?
Blake is social is well underway and is now celebrating having reached 200 followers!!! We are always looking for material. Please send in any art, and or pictures our way!Work can be emailed to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net or blakeissocial@email.medfield.net
Blake Blood Drive Information
Please mark your calendars - the blood drive will be held MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020. Thank you.
Blake Site Council Book Discussion Group - Middle School Matters
This year the Blake Site Council’s first book is Middle School Matters by Phyllis Fagell. Stay tuned for more information and we hope you can join in these discussions!
Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. Any questions, please contact or Mr. Marenghi (6th), Ms. Allen (7th), or Mrs. Dondero (8th).
Theme of Courage for 2019-2020
Our theme for this academic year at Blake is one of Courage. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last seven years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, Empathy, Diversity, and Happiness. 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 (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) or Kelly C. (kcampbell@email.medfield.net).
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 http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net 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 (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) or Tricia Williams (twilliams@email.medfield.net). 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.
Soccer Equipment Drive
Please Bring in gently used soccer equipment that will get donated to kids in Antigua through a program called MAP PASSBACK
Equipment being collected includes: Cleats, Shorts , Soccer balls, Shirts, and Soccer Socks. We are donating to Antigua because the people there desperately need and would love to receive anything soccer." Please Join is helping the children in Antigua who do not have the resources to play the Beautiful Game of Soccer. The soccer drive will run until about April break. Thank you!! Collection bins are located at the Blake middle school and Star & Glick orthodontist, Both bins are located in Medfield! More information about the drive can be found at http://www.massathlete.com/content/about-us/mapp-passback-antigua
Medfield Angel Run
Each year the Medfield Foundation Inc (MFi) donates over $35,000 yearly to Medfield families in need, plus supports a variety of other initiatives like the Camp Fund throughout the town. At the high school, MFi sponsors and supports the MFi Youth Leadership to help students develop as philanthropists. You can find more information at
https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/mfi-angel-run
MCPE Update
Thank you to everyone who helped make Fall Fest a success! From those that donated items and gave their time, to those who bought items and tickets and came out last night for a fun evening, we are grateful as always for the community’s support! Together we raised around $35,000 for our schools!
Message from MMA (Medfield Music Association)
Limited tickets are available for the festive annual MMA fundraiser "Spaghetti with Santa and Friends," which will take place on Tues., Dec. 10, in the MHS Cafeteria. The 5:15 seating has SOLD OUT but there are still tickets left for the 6:30 seating. Tickets can be purchased at medfieldmusicassociation.com. If you'd like to volunteer at this event, we'd love your help! Volunteer opportunities, from bakers to event volunteers, can be found at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054aaea62da20-spaghetti1. Thank you for supporting the MMA!
Blake PTO Update
The Blake PTO has requested that we send out the sign-up info to help with the Holiday luncheon for the Blake staff on Wednesday, December 18 - thanks in advance for the help and support!
Blake Holiday Luncheon Sign Up
Thanks for any help you can offer.
As the weather is turning a bit cooler, I am writing with a reminder about after school supervision at Blake. Students are welcome to stay after school with a teacher, in the library, in the fitness center, or to be part of an intramural activity. Supervision of students ends at 3:15 p.m. as that is when our front office staff leaves, library closes, and activities generally conclude. Exceptions may include the theatre program or sports. Students should plan for transportation home by 3:15 and are welcome to wait for rides outside in the area by the circle or in the lobby of the school but should not be wandering around the building, playing in the gym without adult supervision, or hanging out in unsupervised areas. Student safety is our priority so we ask that students be in a supervised activity or make plans to head home.
Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.
Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
Community Service Club
After purchasing a new winter coat for any family member, please consider donating your old, gently used coat - of any size or type - to the Blake Community Service Coat Drive. More details to come about the end of November/December sixth, seventh, and eighth grade coat donation competition.
Blake is Social - Any Submissions?
Blake is social is well underway and is now celebrating having reached 200 followers!!! We are always looking for material. Please send in any art, and or pictures our way!Work can be emailed to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net or blakeissocial@email.medfield.net
Blake Blood Drive Information
Please mark your calendars - the blood drive will be held MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020. Thank you.
Blake Site Council Book Discussion Group - Middle School Matters
This year the Blake Site Council’s first book is Middle School Matters by Phyllis Fagell. Stay tuned for more information and we hope you can join in these discussions!
Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. Any questions, please contact or Mr. Marenghi (6th), Ms. Allen (7th), or Mrs. Dondero (8th).
Theme of Courage for 2019-2020
Our theme for this academic year at Blake is one of Courage. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last seven years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, Empathy, Diversity, and Happiness. 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 (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) or Kelly C. (kcampbell@email.medfield.net).
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 http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net 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 (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) or Tricia Williams (twilliams@email.medfield.net). 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.
Soccer Equipment Drive
Please Bring in gently used soccer equipment that will get donated to kids in Antigua through a program called MAP PASSBACK
Equipment being collected includes: Cleats, Shorts , Soccer balls, Shirts, and Soccer Socks. We are donating to Antigua because the people there desperately need and would love to receive anything soccer." Please Join is helping the children in Antigua who do not have the resources to play the Beautiful Game of Soccer. The soccer drive will run until about April break. Thank you!! Collection bins are located at the Blake middle school and Star & Glick orthodontist, Both bins are located in Medfield! More information about the drive can be found at http://www.massathlete.com/content/about-us/mapp-passback-antigua
Medfield Angel Run
Each year the Medfield Foundation Inc (MFi) donates over $35,000 yearly to Medfield families in need, plus supports a variety of other initiatives like the Camp Fund throughout the town. At the high school, MFi sponsors and supports the MFi Youth Leadership to help students develop as philanthropists. You can find more information at
https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/mfi-angel-run
MCPE Update
Thank you to everyone who helped make Fall Fest a success! From those that donated items and gave their time, to those who bought items and tickets and came out last night for a fun evening, we are grateful as always for the community’s support! Together we raised around $35,000 for our schools!
Message from MMA (Medfield Music Association)
Limited tickets are available for the festive annual MMA fundraiser "Spaghetti with Santa and Friends," which will take place on Tues., Dec. 10, in the MHS Cafeteria. The 5:15 seating has SOLD OUT but there are still tickets left for the 6:30 seating. Tickets can be purchased at medfieldmusicassociation.com. If you'd like to volunteer at this event, we'd love your help! Volunteer opportunities, from bakers to event volunteers, can be found at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054aaea62da20-spaghetti1. Thank you for supporting the MMA!
Blake PTO Update
The Blake PTO has requested that we send out the sign-up info to help with the Holiday luncheon for the Blake staff on Wednesday, December 18 - thanks in advance for the help and support!
Blake Holiday Luncheon Sign Up
Thanks for any help you can offer.
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