Nat Vaughn, Blake Principal

Week of 9/28/21-10/4/21

9/27/2021

Upcoming Dates
9/29 - Blake Student Council
   DEI Task Force Meeting
           My Ascension Documentary Screening - 7 p.m. (see info below)
9/30 - Blake GSA Meeting
10/1 - Blake Spirit Day
10/6 - Blake Student Council
10/7 - School Committee Meeting
10/11 - No School
10/13 - Blake Student Council
10/29 - Half-Day for Students
   Professional Afternoon for Staff

Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we make time for ourselves, our question for the week is: When you make time for yourself, what do you like to do (interests, activities, hobbies)? Time for Ourselves (Week of 9/26/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Thank You to PTO
Thank you to the Blake PTO for the lovely snacks for the Blake staff - they were greatly appreciated!

INKTOBER IS COMING!!!
Every October, artists all over the world take on the INkTOBER drawing challenge by doing one drawing a day the entire month. ANYONE CAN DO INKTOBER, JUST PICK UP A PEN AND START DRAWING!!! Listen to the announcements every AM for the prompts!

Update from Blake Library
For planning purposes: : The Blake LMC will be closed afterschool on Thursday, 9/30/21.

Student Council Update

Student Council would like to invite everyone to participate in Blake's first spirit day, which is coming Friday October 1st! Stay tuned on how you can show your spirit.
The next Student Council Meeting will be after school on Wednesday in Mrs. Ruminski's room from 2:15-2:45. All are welcome!

Back-to-School Resources from DESE
The Department has a new, family-friendly back-to-school page that answers basic questions about the 2021-2022 school year. Please share this link with your community. Other back-to-school resources from DESE include a letter from Commissioner Riley and a back-to-school public service announcement (in English and Spanish) that can be shared with staff, parents, and the community about the upcoming school year. The Department would like to thank Somerville Public Schools and particularly the staff and students of Albert F. Argenziano School for their help with the PSA!

Message from Medfield Nurses - Pooled Testing Update
Covid pooled testing for Blake Middle School students and staff will be held on Mondays instead of on Tuesdays effective this week going forward. If your children have already been participating in the testing, then they are all set to continue.

If you haven’t signed your child(ren) up for weekly pooled testing yet for the current school year and are interested in having your child(ren) participate, then please use the following link to register your child(ren) and provide consent for testing.
Covid Testing Consent Form
Please note, we update our consent testing lists once a week on Fridays. If you are just signing up your child(ren) for pooled testing for the first time this school year, then they will start testing the following week on Monday, October 4, 2021.

If your child has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months, then please let me know as your child should wait 90 days after their diagnosis before participating in the pooled testing program.

Blake Battles Bias Update
Come join us for some great discussions and leadership opportunities! Interested 7th and 8th Graders we look forward to seeing you. If you know that you can't make meetings in the fall, but are still interested, please let Ms. Thress or Mrs. Gelormini know!

Blake GSA Update
The Blake GSA had our first meeting on Thursday 9/23, and we had an amazing turn-out! We're looking forward to a great year of learning and talking about LGBTQ+ issues, making friends, and supporting each other. Meetings are every Thursday from 2:15-2:45 in Ms. Malone's room, room 502. Everyone is welcome!

Early Dismissal Procedures - Reminder
If a student needs to be dismissed from school before 2:07 p.m.,an email must be sent by the parent/guardian to blakeearlydismissal@email.medfield.net.. Please include the following information:

Date
Time of dismissal
Student name
Reason for dismissal
Person picking up

If you have a last minute dismissal that your student is not aware of, please call the main office in addition to providing the written notice in order to assure that we get it in time.

Blake’s Virtual Information Night
Similar to last year, our Information Nights will be structured and shared via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from staff shared with families and posted on the Blake Website. Although it is certainly not the same as seeing Blake families in person, we hope that you find this information/format meaningful and helpful. We anticipate sending a link to the videos/presentations by the end of this week.

Theme of Imagination for 2021-2022
Our theme for this academic year at Blake is one of Imagination. 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, Happiness, Curiosity, and Imagination. 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).
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. - Albert Einstein
Creativity doesn’t happen without day dreaming. - Lin Manuel-Miranda
Demanding proof stalls creativity. New ideas need room to breathe, and a good imagination will always be ahead of the best evidence. - Adam Grant

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 Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

From Medfield’s Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Medfield Outreach
Wednesday, 9/29 at 7 p.m.

My Ascension: A Documentary Film and Movement to Spread Hope and Fight Suicide - Film Screening Registration
WHEN:
Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 7:00 pm
WHERE:
Medfield High School Auditorium
WHAT/WHY:
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In order to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of talking about mental health and suicide, the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP), a Medfield Foundation initiative, is hosting a screening of the film "My Ascension", which documents the true story of a young woman who survived a suicide attempt. A panel discussion of mental health professionals will follow the film.
SYNOPSIS:
A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the in the United States. My Ascension is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Emma's inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.
COST:
We kindly request donations to MCSP (see donation links below) if resources permit. No one will be denied participation based on inability to donate.

Questions?
Contact Medfield Outreach at medfieldoutreach@medfield.net or at (508) 359-7121

For more information about the event and the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, please visit https://www.medfieldcsp.org/

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group is working on identifying initiatives for the 2021-2022 school year across all grade levels (PreK-12). If you have an idea or you are interested in being on one of the planning or implementation committees, please reach out to Eric Baacke (HS), Kristen Careau (MS and upper elementary), and Nicole Hall (lower elementary). Challenge Success is always open to new ideas and new faces!

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is available for consultation appointments. E-mail Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

DIG PINK IN OCTOBER
MHS girls & boys volleyball teams are going to Dig Pink in October!

The Ellie Fund (www.elliefund.org) is a non-profit in Massachusetts which provides non-medical support and services to breast cancer patients in Mass. 100% of all funds raised go directly to the Ellie Fund.

The Ellie Fund (www.elliefund.org) is a non-profit in Massachusetts which provides non-medical support and services to breast cancer patients in Mass. 100% of all funds raised go directly to the Ellie Fund. You can support these Ellie Fund patients in 3 ways:

Buy a snack or drink @ Wheelock soccer fields this Saturday!
Donate on the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/294554972088627/4738606006173704/
Attend the girl's volleyball games Wed. Oct 13th versus Hopkinton @ MHS (JV2 starts @ 4:30, JV1 @ 5:30 & varsity girls serve it up @6:30) with all admissions going to Ellie Fund.

Webinars of Interest
Gender Equity in Education
Tuesday, 9/28 at 3 p.m.
Addressing gender equity in today's schools is crucial in preparing students for the next iteration of the workforce. Broaching the topic of gender equity in schools today helps to ensure that workplaces foster more gender diversity in their settings tomorrow, regardless of career field. Equity focuses on the opportunity and fairness that exists in environments. When we talk about gender equity in schools, we're talking about empowering our students to find and pursue their interests, even if those interests lie in fields where their gender has been marginalized. A simple look at the current workforce trends in sectors such as technology, finance, and medicine provides us with some insight into the gender equity issues in those fields.
Equity is about more than just representation. In this webinar, we take it one step deeper to investigate ways to move from representation to actual gender inclusion in our learning environments. Are we ensuring that our girls are empowered to explore industries and subjects that have traditionally been led by males? Are we honoring our nonbinary students?

How to Navigate Re-entry Stress
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Wednesday, 10/20 at 7 p.m.
During the pandemic, many families delighted in a slower, more intentional way of life and are now overwhelmed by the demands and pressures of re-entry. Author (Minimalist Parenting) + podcaster (Edit Your Life) Christine Koh will share practical advice for how to navigate re-entry stress, including tactics to manage calendar creep, maintain boundaries, protect time for yourself and with your family, and continue to tap into the things you and your family truly care about.

About our Presenter
Christine Koh is a music and brain scientist turned multimedia creative. She is a fierce believer in the power of humans, small moments and actions, and vulnerable, authentic storytelling. She communicates on these beliefs through her work as a writer (she is a regular contributor at the Washington Post, Boston Globe Magazine, and CNN; co-author of Minimalist Parenting; and founder of the award-winning blog Boston Mamas), podcaster (Edit Your Life, Hello Relationships), designer (Brave New World Designs), and creative director (Geben Communication). You can find her at @drchristinekoh on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Blake PTO Update - Hospitality
Please join us as we kick off our 2021-2022 school year at Blake! As part of the Hospitality Committee, we will be hosting several staff and Student Appreciation events this year. One of the recurring events we will host is a snack table for our wonderful faculty at Blake this year as we have done in the previous year. We will be setting this table up for every Faculty Staff meeting this year! Please use this sign up (Blake PTO Sign-Up Genius Form) to donate funds or gift cards for the purchase of snack items and drinks to set up a nice snack bar for these faculty meetings! You can also drop off gift cards at 2 Pueblo Road or 25 Cole Drive! We plan on using these cards or funds for the snack bar events as well as for future appreciation events at Blake this year. BUT if you don’t have time to grab a card and want to donate, feel free to Venmo a donation. Any amount is appreciated and will be used throughout the year. You can send your Venmo donation here: @MedfieldBlake-PTO (5428 if it asks you for last 4 #'s). Please indicate in the comments section that your donation is for the Blake Middle School Teacher and Staff Appreciation.

MCPE Update
The rumors are true! MCPE has a number of exciting events planned for this year that we hope you will attend. First up, Fall Fest!! We will be back, in person, at the German Club on Friday, November 5th, so save the date. More details will follow on our website.

Week of 9/21/21-9/27/21

9/21/2021

Upcoming Dates
9/21 - Blake Site Council - 3:30 p.m.
           SEPAC Meeting - 7:00 p.m. (see info below)
9/22 - Blake Student Council
9/23 - Blake GSA Meeting (see info below)
9/26 - Yoga on the Turf (see info below)
9/27 - Blake Battles Bias (see info below)
9/29 - Blake Student Council
   DEI Task Force Meeting
           My Ascension Documentary Screening - 7 p.m. (see info below)
10/7 - School Committee Meeting
10/11 - No School
10/29 - Half-Day for Students
   Professional Afternoon for Staff

Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about staying present and ‘in the moment’, our question for the week is: What strategies do you use to help you stay in the present (to help avoid worrying or thinking about the future)? Addressing Present Needs (Week of 9/19/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

E-mail Sent to Blake Families (9/20/21)
September 20, 2021
Dear Blake Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed a nice weekend. This morning Mrs. Campbell and I met with each grade to express our concerns about recent vandalism that has been taking place in our student bathrooms and hallways, i.e. soap dispensers have been emptied (soap poured on urinals and walls), soap dispensers ripped off of the walls, hand sanitizer stands damaged in the hallways, trash liners removed and thrown into toilets. We believe that this trend of poor decision making and destruction has been inspired by the 'tik tok challenge' of 'devious licks' that has been impacting schools both locally and across our country (Students Are Damaging School Bathrooms For Attention On TikTok).

When we met with students today, our message was one of a shared community and the importance of choosing to lean on our core values of respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, and reflection. Blake Middle School is their school and our students share in the responsibility for caring and looking after our learning environment. Our custodial staff, led by Mr. Matt Frazier, cares deeply about our students and school and these careless acts have put an undue burden on their shoulders. I also shared with our students that our resources are funded by the community's tax dollars, and depleting these funds by replacing and addressing these damages has a negative impact on our educational priorities.

As you most likely have seen on the news and social media, this trend is not unique to Blake/Medfield and we fully recognize (and shared with our students today) that the 'lion's share' of our student body are making good choices and are not a part of these incidents. We impressed upon our students the importance of speaking up and 'doing the right thing, even when no one is watching' (C.S. Lewis). We will continue to be diligent in monitoring student bathrooms and hallways and will be following up on some reports we have heard from students this week.

My colleague and principal of Wayland Middle School, Betsy Gavron, shared this recent article from the Wall Street Journal, about the potential toxicity of Instagram/Social Media on teenage mental health, and it is a worthwhile read for all caregivers of middle schoolers. It was an impactful read for me as both a parent and educator of adolescents.

For those families with students who are biking to and from school (or just around town), please continue to have conversations about wearing helmets, coming to a complete stop at stop signs/intersections, and looking both ways. Bikers should remain on sidewalks at all times while on campus - we have heard concerns from community members both on and off campus and we are concerned for the safety of our students.

Thank you for your shared partnership and I ask that you have conversations tonight with your students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for walking this path with us as a community.
Take care.
Nat

Update from Blake Library
The Blake Library is now open (most days) after school Mon-Thurs. After school expectations: The library closes at 2:45 PM, so please be prepared with a transportation plan for when the library closes. (The library is closed on Fridays…). Masks must be worn the whole time while you are in the library. No snacks inside the library… *you may eat outside if you need a snack.* Once you come into the library, you need to stay... no roaming in the hallways or coming and going. Make sure you are aware of other people’s space-- especially on the red furniture. Students use the library to complete homework, so please be aware of your volume when talking. Please remember that staying after school in the library is a privilege, so appropriate behavior is expected. Thank you! Questions? contact Mrs. Cowell kcowell@email.medfield.net
LMC will not be open on Blake Faculty meeting days: 9/21, 10/19, 11/23, 12/21, 2/1, 3/8, 4/5, 5/10, 6/7

Back-to-School Resources from DESE
The Department has a new, family-friendly back-to-school page that answers basic questions about the 2021-2022 school year. Please share this link with your community. Other back-to-school resources from DESE include a letter from Commissioner Riley and a back-to-school public service announcement (in English and Spanish) that can be shared with staff, parents, and the community about the upcoming school year. The Department would like to thank Somerville Public Schools and particularly the staff and students of Albert F. Argenziano School for their help with the PSA!

Message from Medfield Nurses
The nurses are thrilled to welcome back our students! We just want to share a few updates from the spring.
*VERY IMPORTANT: Please complete the Student Emergency Health Form. This electronic form replaces the former blue paper emergency sheet.
The new protocols are attached but here are a few highlights:
1. The list of potential COVID 19 symptoms, which we ask that you assess your children for each day before sending them to school, now looks at combinations of symptoms requiring testing. For example, a sore throat alone no longer requires testing but a sore throat in combination with a stuffy nose or cough would require a test. There are also fewer symptoms that require a test if the individual is vaccinated.
2. Individuals who are fully vaccinated may still be identified as close contacts (defined as within 6' for greater than 15 minutes while indoors) to a person testing positive for COVID 19 so that they are aware to get a test if they develop symptoms but are not required to test or quarantine if asymptomatic.
3.Unvaccinated individuals who are identified as close contacts at school may continue to come to school as long as they wear a mask and test negative each school day for 5 days. Antigen Rapid Testing will be provided at school with parent permission. This Test and Stay Program does not apply to close contacts identified outside of school.
4. To adequately space students while they have their masks off while eating, students will be eating in additional areas besides the cafeteria, sometimes further away from the nurse and Epinephrine medications. We ask that parents continue to be mindful of not sending Nuts/Peanuts/Peanutbutter into school. Please let the school nurse know if that is an issue for your child.
5. If your child has an allergy to or is unable to use hand sanitizer, please let the school nurse know.
6. Consent for Pooled testing has been sent home to families.
COVID by the Numbers

Blake Battles Bias Update
The next meeting of Blake Battles Bias will take place in Ms. Thress' Room, Room 505, on Monday, September 27th from 2:15-3:00. Come join us for some great discussions and leadership opportunities!

Blake GSA Update
Attention all Blakers! The Blake GSA will begin meeting on Thursday, September 23rd at 2:15 in Mrs. Malone's room (room 502). The GSA will meet on Thursdays moving forward at 2:15. Our meetings will run from 2:15-2:45. Please reach out to Mrs. Dondero or Mrs. Malone with any questions. We hope to see you there!

Early Dismissal Procedures - Reminder
If a student needs to be dismissed from school before 2:07 p.m.,an email must be sent by the parent/guardian to blakeearlydismissal@email.medfield.net.. Please include the following information:

Date
Time of dismissal
Student name
Reason for dismissal
Person picking up

If you have a last minute dismissal that your student is not aware of, please call the main office in addition to providing the written notice in order to assure that we get it in time.

Blake’s Virtual Information Night
Similar to last year, our Information Nights will be structured and shared via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from staff shared with families and posted on the Blake Website. Although it is certainly not the same as seeing Blake families in person, we hope that you find this information/format meaningful and helpful. Our hope is to have these videos/presentations available by the end of the month. Stay tuned for more information!

Theme of Imagination for 2021-2022
Our theme for the next academic year at Blake is one of Imagination. 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, Happiness, Curiosity, and Imagination. 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).
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. - Albert Einstein
Creativity doesn’t happen without day dreaming. - Lin Manuel-Miranda
Demanding proof stalls creativity. New ideas need room to breathe, and a good imagination will always be ahead of the best evidence. - Adam Grant

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 Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

From Medfield’s Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Medfield Outreach
Wednesday, 9/29 at 7 p.m.

Blake Middle School Welcome Back Staff Snack Bar
Please join us as we kick off our 2021-2022 school year at Blake! As part of the Hospitality Committee, we will be hosting several staff and Student Appreciation events this year. One of the recurring events we will host is a snack table for our wonderful faculty at Blake this year as we have done in the previous year…
Blake PTO Sign-Up Genius Form

MCPE Update
Come visit MCPE at Booth #68 on Medfield Day! Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 9am-3pm.

Week of 9/14/21-9/20/21

9/14/2021

Upcoming Dates
9/15 - Blake Student Council Info Meeting (see info below)
9/16 - Yom Kippur - No School
9/20 - Blake Picture Day (see info below)
9/22 - Blake Student Council
9/23 - DEI Task Force Meeting
9/26 - Yoga on the Turf (see details below)
9/29 - Blake Student Council
My Ascension Documentary Screening - 7 p.m. (see info below)
10/7 - School Committee Meeting
10/11 - No School
10/29 - Half-Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff

Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the conditions and environment that foster and nurture learning, our question for the week is: What do you need to help you learn? Intentional Conditions for Learning (Week of 9/12/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Blake Picture Day - 9/20
Blake students will received School Picture Day packets this week in advisory. School Picture Day is Monday, September 20th. If your child is absent on picture day, we will have a make up day in October. Payment options are clearly outlined on the order forms that students are bringing home.
1. Families have the option of prepaying online by going to www.grynnternet.com and entering code 6C6T3Z7. If you pay online, there is no need to submit anything to the school on picture day.
2. Families also have the option to order using the envelope attached to the order flyer going home. You can write a check to G&B Photography or pay with exact change/cash.
Please email kcampbell@email.medfield.net or davery@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Back-to-School Resources from DESE
The Department has a new, family-friendly back-to-school page that answers basic questions about the 2021-2022 school year. Please share this link with your community. Other back-to-school resources from DESE include a letter from Commissioner Riley and a back-to-school public service announcement (in English and Spanish) that can be shared with staff, parents, and the community about the upcoming school year. The Department would like to thank Somerville Public Schools and particularly the staff and students of Albert F. Argenziano School for their help with the PSA!

Message from Medfield Nurses
The nurses are thrilled to welcome back our students! We just want to share a few updates from the spring.
*VERY IMPORTANT: Please complete the Student Emergency Health Form. This electronic form replaces the former blue paper emergency sheet.
The new protocols are attached but here are a few highlights:
1. The list of potential COVID 19 symptoms, which we ask that you assess your children for each day before sending them to school, now looks at combinations of symptoms requiring testing. For example, a sore throat alone no longer requires testing but a sore throat in combination with a stuffy nose or cough would require a test. There are also fewer symptoms that require a test if the individual is vaccinated.
2. Individuals who are fully vaccinated may still be identified as close contacts (defined as within 6' for greater than 15 minutes while indoors) to a person testing positive for COVID 19 so that they are aware to get a test if they develop symptoms but are not required to test or quarantine if asymptomatic.
3.Unvaccinated individuals who are identified as close contacts at school may continue to come to school as long as they wear a mask and test negative each school day for 5 days. Antigen Rapid Testing will be provided at school with parent permission. This Test and Stay Program does not apply to close contacts identified outside of school.
4. To adequately space students while they have their masks off while eating, students will be eating in additional areas besides the cafeteria, sometimes further away from the nurse and Epinephrine medications. We ask that parents continue to be mindful of not sending Nuts/Peanuts/Peanutbutter into school. Please let the school nurse know if that is an issue for your child.
5. If your child has an allergy to or is unable to use hand sanitizer, please let the school nurse know.
6. Consent for Pooled testing has been sent home to families.
COVID by the Numbers

Traffic Patterns and Safety Concerns
The safety and well-being of our students and families is of utmost importance. Some important notes and reminders...

Please be mindful of all individuals (students, adults, bikers) when dropping off and picking up students.
The driveway on the auditorium side of Medfield High School is for buses only from 7-8 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
All drivers need to drive slowly and carefully, adhering to proper speed limits.
Please be sure to yield at crosswalks and come to a complete stop at the stop signs.
For those families with students who are biking to and from school, please remind your students to wear helmets and to be mindful of both walkers and the traffic flow. Bikers should remain on sidewalks at all times while on campus - we have observed students biking through the traffic circles and the staff parking lots.

Early Dismissal Procedures - Reminder
This is a reminder to all Blake families to email blakeearlydismissal@email.medfield.net in order to notify us of an early dismissal needed due to an appointment or other reasons. Your email will serve as written permission for your child to be dismissed. If you have a last minute dismissal that your student is not aware of, please call the main office in addition to providing the written notice in order to assure that we get it in time.

Arts in Education Week (9/12-9/18)
This week (9/12-9/18) is Arts in Education Week. I have shared this with our art and music departments.
National Arts in Education Week | Americans for the Arts

Blake Student Council
Attention all Blakers! There will be an informational meeting about Student Council on Wednesday September 15th in room 506 after school - Mrs. Ruminski's room in the 6th grade wing. If you think you may be interested in joining or want to see what Student Council is all about, then we hope to see you there! If you can't make the meeting but you still might be interested or have any questions, please contact Mrs. Ruminski or Mrs. Shaw. Hope to see you there

Blake Intramurals
Mr. Marenghi will be connecting with all Blake students this week to see what types of intramurals they are interested in - so far, a couple requests for Dungeons and Dragons. We hope to have the offering available the week of September 13th.

Message from the Blake LMC
The Blake Library is open! Check out our website for all info & resources

Blake’s Virtual Information Night
Similar to last year, our Information Nights will be structured and shared via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from staff shared with families and posted on the Blake Website. Although it is certainly not the same as seeing Blake families in person, we hope that you find this information/format meaningful and helpful. Our hope is to have these videos/presentations available by the end of the month. Stay tuned for more information!

Theme of Imagination for 2021-2022
Our theme for the next academic year at Blake is one of Imagination. 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, Happiness, Curiosity, and Imagination. 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).
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. - Albert Einstein
Creativity doesn’t happen without day dreaming. - Lin Manuel-Miranda
Demanding proof stalls creativity. New ideas need room to breathe, and a good imagination will always be ahead of the best evidence. - Adam Grant

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 Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

From Medfield’s Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Medfield Outreach
Wednesday, 9/29 at 7 p.m.

Where: Medfield High School Turf
When: Sunday, September 26, 12 pm to 1 pm
What: As part of Suicide Prevention Month, we are offering a FREE Yoga on the Turf class on Sunday, September 26th! Tracy Buckley from Medfield Yoga Studio will lead an hour-long class outside at the Medfield High School turf. Come join us and nurture your mental and physical health!
All ages and levels are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat and towel.

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group is working on identifying initiatives for the 2021-2022 school year across all grade levels (PreK-12). If you have an idea or you are interested in being on one of the planning or implementation committees, please reach out to Eric Baacke (HS), Kristen Careau (MS and upper elementary), and Nicole Hall (lower elementary). Challenge Success is always open to new ideas and new faces!

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is available for consultation appointments. E-mail Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

Webinars of Interest
Healing, Community, and Humanity: How Students and Teachers Want to Reinvent Schools After the Pandemic
Thursday, 9/16 at 3 p.m.
Join Justin Reich, Jal Mehta, and Neema Avashia for the release of a new report about pandemic schooling: Healing, Community, and Humanity: How Students and Teachers Want to Reinvent Schools After the Pandemic (https://edarxiv.org/nd52b/)

Understanding the experiences of students and teachers during pandemic schooling is vital to educational recovery and building back better. In the spring of 2021, we conducted three research exercises: 1) we invited 200 teachers to interview their students about the past year and share their findings, 2) we interviewed 50 classroom teachers, and 3) we conducted ten multistakeholder design charrettes with students, teachers, school leaders, and family members to begin planning for the 2021-2022 recovery year. Together our findings form a "view from the ground" during pandemic schooling.

The primary themes in our interviews, focus groups, and design charrettes were an emphasis on healing, community, and humane reinvention. Students and teachers told us that the best things about the pandemic year were when it created opportunities to slow down and build real relationships between teachers and students and their families and when students were given more independence to be in charge of their learning, their bodies, and their development. When we asked them about what problems they hoped policymakers would address about schooling next year, students and teachers talked less about COVID and more about long-standing problems with schools: buildings and classrooms that are uncomfortable to learn in, overstuffed curriculum that limited opportunities for human connection and interest-based exploration, overzealous policing of bodies and behavior, early start times that are out of sync with adolescent biology, and more.

Education Now | Back to School: Moving Forward from Here
Wednesday, 9/22 at 4 p.m.
For the third consecutive school year, the rhythms of our schools are being disrupted by a global pandemic — a pandemic that has laid bare existing inequities across almost every relevant metric. Let’s look at what the pandemic revealed, and how we move every learner forward from here. We’ll surface some key challenges — and offer concrete ideas for addressing them.

Speakers include:
-- Andrew Ho, Charles William Eliot Professor of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
-- Paul Reville, Francis Keppel Professor of Practice of Educational Policy and Administration, and Director, Education Redesign Lab, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Gender Equity in Education
Tuesday, 9/28 at 3 p.m.
Addressing gender equity in today's schools is crucial in preparing students for the next iteration of the workforce. Broaching the topic of gender equity in schools today helps to ensure that workplaces foster more gender diversity in their settings tomorrow, regardless of career field. Equity focuses on the opportunity and fairness that exists in environments. When we talk about gender equity in schools, we're talking about empowering our students to find and pursue their interests, even if those interests lie in fields where their gender has been marginalized. A simple look at the current workforce trends in sectors such as technology, finance, and medicine provides us with some insight into the gender equity issues in those fields.
Equity is about more than just representation. In this webinar, we take it one step deeper to investigate ways to move from representation to actual gender inclusion in our learning environments. Are we ensuring that our girls are empowered to explore industries and subjects that have traditionally been led by males? Are we honoring our nonbinary students?

How to Navigate Re-entry Stress
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Wednesday, 10/20 at 7 p.m.
During the pandemic, many families delighted in a slower, more intentional way of life and are now overwhelmed by the demands and pressures of re-entry. Author (Minimalist Parenting) + podcaster (Edit Your Life) Christine Koh will share practical advice for how to navigate re-entry stress, including tactics to manage calendar creep, maintain boundaries, protect time for yourself and with your family, and continue to tap into the things you and your family truly care about.

About our Presenter
Christine Koh is a music and brain scientist turned multimedia creative. She is a fierce believer in the power of humans, small moments and actions, and vulnerable, authentic storytelling. She communicates on these beliefs through her work as a writer (she is a regular contributor at the Washington Post, Boston Globe Magazine, and CNN; co-author of Minimalist Parenting; and founder of the award-winning blog Boston Mamas), podcaster (Edit Your Life, Hello Relationships), designer (Brave New World Designs), and creative director (Geben Communication). You can find her at @drchristinekoh on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Week of 9/7/21-9/13/21

9/7/2021

Upcoming Dates
9/9 - School Committee Meeting
9/13 - Blake Battles Bias Info Meeting (details below)
9/15 - Blake Student Council Info Meeting (details below)
9/16 - Yom Kippur - No School
9/20 - Blake Picture Day
9/23 - DEI Task Force Meeting
10/11 - No School
10/29 - Half-Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff

Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about learning and growth, our question for the week is: What are you hoping to learn this year? A Learning Community (Week of 9/6/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Message from Medfield Nurses
The nurses are thrilled to welcome back our students! We just want to share a few updates from the spring.
*VERY IMPORTANT: Please complete the Student Emergency Health Form. This electronic form replaces the former blue paper emergency sheet.
The new protocols are attached but here are a few highlights:
1. The list of potential COVID 19 symptoms, which we ask that you assess your children for each day before sending them to school, now looks at combinations of symptoms requiring testing. For example, a sore throat alone no longer requires testing but a sore throat in combination with a stuffy nose or cough would require a test. There are also fewer symptoms that require a test if the individual is vaccinated.
2. Individuals who are fully vaccinated may still be identified as close contacts (defined as within 6' for greater than 15 minutes while indoors) to a person testing positive for COVID 19 so that they are aware to get a test if they develop symptoms but are not required to test or quarantine if asymptomatic.
3.Unvaccinated individuals who are identified as close contacts at school may continue to come to school as long as they wear a mask and test negative each school day for 5 days. Antigen Rapid Testing will be provided at school with parent permission. This Test and Stay Program does not apply to close contacts identified outside of school.
4. To adequately space students while they have their masks off while eating, students will be eating in additional areas besides the cafeteria, sometimes further away from the nurse and Epinephrine medications. We ask that parents continue to be mindful of not sending Nuts/Peanuts/Peanutbutter into school. Please let the school nurse know if that is an issue for your child.
5. If your child has an allergy to or is unable to use hand sanitizer, please let the school nurse know.
6. Consent for Pooled testing, also referred to as Routine COVID Safety Checks, in K-12 will be sent home next week.
COVID by the Numbers

Traffic Patterns and Safety Concerns
The safety and well-being of our students and families is of utmost importance. Some important notes and reminders...

Please be mindful of all individuals (students, adults, bikers) when dropping off and picking up students.
The driveway on the auditorium side of Medfield High School is for buses only from 7-8 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
All drivers need to drive slowly and carefully, adhering to proper speed limits.
Please be sure to yield at crosswalks and come to a complete stop at the stop signs.
For those families with students who are biking to and from school, please remind your students to wear helmets and to be mindful of both walkers and the traffic flow. Bikers should remain on sidewalks at all times while on campus - we have observed students biking through the traffic circles and the staff parking lots.

Early Dismissal Procedures - Reminder
This is a reminder to all Blake families to email blakeearlydismissal@email.medfield.net in order to notify us of an early dismissal needed due to an appointment or other reasons. Your email will serve as written permission for your child to be dismissed. If you have a last minute dismissal that your student is not aware of, please call the main office in addition to providing the written notice in order to assure that we get it in time.

Arts in Education Week (9/12-9/18)
Next week (9/12-9/18) is Arts in Education Week. I have shared this with our art and music departments.
National Arts in Education Week | Americans for the Arts

Blake Student Council
Attention all Blakers! There will be an informational meeting about Student Council on Wednesday September 15th in room 506- Mrs. Ruminski's room in the 6th grade wing. If you think you may be interested in joining or want to see what Student Council is all about, then we hope to see you there! If you can't make the meeting but you still might be interested or have any questions, please contact Mrs. Ruminski or Mrs. Shaw. Hope to see you there

Blake Intramurals
Mr. Marenghi will be connecting with all Blake students this week to see what types of intramurals they are interested in - so far, a couple requests for Dungeons and Dragons. We hope to have the offering available the week of September 13th.

Message from the Blake LMC
The Blake Library is open! Check out our website for all info & resources

Blake Battles Bias
There will be an informational meeting for those interested in Blake Battles Bias on Monday, September 13th after school in Ms. Thress' room, 505. BBB is a group of 7th and 8th Grade student leaders who are united in the purpose of educating themselves and others about different kinds of bias. We invite any interested 6th graders to join us in the spring. BBB students promote inclusion and being an ally: understanding, respecting, being interested in people’s differences, recognizing bias, and standing up for others. We look forward to seeing our members from last year and welcoming new members! If you have any questions please see Ms. Thress or Mrs. Gelormini.

Reminder - Family Inventories - Thanks!
Thanks to all who have completed the Family Learning Surveys for their students. If you have not yet had a chance, please take a few minutes as the information shared will help us support both students and families...
Blake Student Learning Survey 2021-2022
(This link has been sent to students and they can only access this link via their Medfield e-mail accounts.)
Blake Family Learning Survey 2021-2022
** Here is a list of the questions students were asked…

Last Name, First Name
'What is your preferred name in school?' (For example, Mr. Vaughn's first name is Nathaniel, but he goes by 'Nat'; or if you 'go by' your middle name rather than your first name)
What cluster are you on this year?
What are your interests and hobbies?
How do you learn best (e.g., watching videos, reading articles, listening to podcasts)?
I like working (individually, in groups, both individually and in groups)
What skills/strengths do you bring to group work?
What type of projects do you like to do to demonstrate your learning (e.g., making movies, recording a podcast, quizzes/tests, writing an essay, building a diagram, etc.)?
"I am comfortable independently completing the assignments my teachers give me to do without help from others (my teachers, parents, siblings, etc.)." (1-5 scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree)
"I am comfortable creating a plan or schedule independently to organize the work I need to complete without help from others (my teachers, parents, siblings, etc.)." (1-5 scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree)
I am comfortable asking my teachers for help when I need it with my assignments. (1-5 scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree)
I am comfortable using technology for my schoolwork. (1-5 scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree)
Parts of school and learning that I feel successful with are ...
Parts of school and learning that I am nervous or unsure about are ...
Teachers can help me with my learning by...
What question(s) do you have about school this year?
Please share anything else that you feel would be helpful for your teachers to know that will help you with your learning and comfort in school.

Blake’s Virtual Information Night
Similar to last year, our Information Nights will be structured and shared via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from staff shared with families and posted on the Blake Website. Although it is certainly not the same as seeing Blake families in person, we hope that you find this information/format meaningful and helpful. Our hope is to have these videos/presentations available by the end of the month. Stay tuned for more information!

Theme of Imagination for 2021-2022
Our theme for the next academic year at Blake is one of Imagination. 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, Happiness, Curiosity, and Imagination. 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).
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. - Albert Einstein
Creativity doesn’t happen without day dreaming. - Lin Manuel-Miranda
Demanding proof stalls creativity. New ideas need room to breathe, and a good imagination will always be ahead of the best evidence. - Adam Grant

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 Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

From Medfield’s Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Medfield Outreach
Wednesday, 9/29 at 7 p.m.

Where: Medfield High School Turf
When: Sunday, September 26, 12 pm to 1 pm
What: As part of Suicide Prevention Month, we are offering a FREE Yoga on the Turf class on Sunday, September 26th! Tracy Buckley from Medfield Yoga Studio will lead an hour-long class outside at the Medfield High School turf. Come join us and nurture your mental and physical health!
All ages and levels are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat and towel.

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group is working on identifying initiatives for the 2021-2022 school year across all grade levels (PreK-12). If you have an idea or you are interested in being on one of the planning or implementation committees, please reach out to Eric Baacke (HS), Kristen Careau (MS and upper elementary), and Nicole Hall (lower elementary). Challenge Success is always open to new ideas and new faces!

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is available for consultation appointments. E-mail Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

Webinars of Interest
Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Kapono Ciotti, Executive Director of What School Could Be
Wednesday, 9/8 at 4:00 p.m.
We are beyond thrilled to announce that Kapono Ciotti has joined What School Could Be as our new, and very dynamic, Executive Director. In this conversation, we'll learn about this remarkable educator, the experiences that shaped his world view, and his plans for taking the What School Could Be initiative forward in ways that support innovative educators all around the globe.
Featuring:
Kapono Ciotti is passionate about the science of teaching and learning and has put this practice to work as Director / Head of School at The American International School in Egypt. Kapono is an international trainer and professional development coach, teacher, and a culture and place-based curriculum writer, focusing on culturally appropriate pedagogy. With the Pacific American foundation, he has written for the Kai E’e, Malama Kaho’olawe and Aloha ‘Aina curriculums and facilitated numerous trainings for Department of Education, Charter, Independent and International Schools. He has over 12 years of classroom teaching before moving into senior administration in non-profit, high school and elementary school. He now leads one of the region’s most influential K-12 institutions, AISE. Kapono spent 15 years as a facilitator for the National Association of Independent Schools specializing in issues of diversity in education, and a contributor to national movements in project-based, and 21st century learning.

Kapono Ciotti earned a PhD in International education in 2018 from Northcentral University, holds a Masters degree in Social Change and Development from the University of Newcastle, Australia and a Bachelors in Language and Cultural Studies from The Evergreen State College, Washington.

Hosted by Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award) and guest co-host Tony Wagner (Senior Research Fellow, Learning Policy Institute, author of Learning By Heart and many other great books)!

It's Not Enough to Do Equity, You Must Be Equity: A Discussion on Equity Mindset Teaching and Learning
Thursday, 9/9 at 3 p.m.
The hottest topic in education today is equity. At its core, equity means "meeting youngsters where they are, as they are." In his latest book, The Equity & Social Justice Education 50, Principal Kafele argues that this requires a teacher who possesses an equity mindset. If equity is all about meeting the individual needs of all of the learners in the classroom, he asserts, then equity can’t solely be something that you do. It must, emphatically, be who you are. Join him for a robust discussion of his latest book and the importance of the equity mindset.

Healing, Community, and Humanity: How Students and Teachers Want to Reinvent Schools After the Pandemic
Thursday, 9/16 at 3 p.m.
Join Justin Reich, Jal Mehta, and Neema Avashia for the release of a new report about pandemic schooling: Healing, Community, and Humanity: How Students and Teachers Want to Reinvent Schools After the Pandemic (https://edarxiv.org/nd52b/)

Understanding the experiences of students and teachers during pandemic schooling is vital to educational recovery and building back better. In the spring of 2021, we conducted three research exercises: 1) we invited 200 teachers to interview their students about the past year and share their findings, 2) we interviewed 50 classroom teachers, and 3) we conducted ten multistakeholder design charrettes with students, teachers, school leaders, and family members to begin planning for the 2021-2022 recovery year. Together our findings form a "view from the ground" during pandemic schooling.

The primary themes in our interviews, focus groups, and design charrettes were an emphasis on healing, community, and humane reinvention. Students and teachers told us that the best things about the pandemic year were when it created opportunities to slow down and build real relationships between teachers and students and their families and when students were given more independence to be in charge of their learning, their bodies, and their development. When we asked them about what problems they hoped policymakers would address about schooling next year, students and teachers talked less about COVID and more about long-standing problems with schools: buildings and classrooms that are uncomfortable to learn in, overstuffed curriculum that limited opportunities for human connection and interest-based exploration, overzealous policing of bodies and behavior, early start times that are out of sync with adolescent biology, and more.

How to Navigate Re-entry Stress
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Wednesday, 10/20 at 7 p.m.
During the pandemic, many families delighted in a slower, more intentional way of life and are now overwhelmed by the demands and pressures of re-entry. Author (Minimalist Parenting) + podcaster (Edit Your Life) Christine Koh will share practical advice for how to navigate re-entry stress, including tactics to manage calendar creep, maintain boundaries, protect time for yourself and with your family, and continue to tap into the things you and your family truly care about.

About our Presenter
Christine Koh is a music and brain scientist turned multimedia creative. She is a fierce believer in the power of humans, small moments and actions, and vulnerable, authentic storytelling. She communicates on these beliefs through her work as a writer (she is a regular contributor at the Washington Post, Boston Globe Magazine, and CNN; co-author of Minimalist Parenting; and founder of the award-winning blog Boston Mamas), podcaster (Edit Your Life, Hello Relationships), designer (Brave New World Designs), and creative director (Geben Communication). You can find her at @drchristinekoh on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

July 7, 2021 - Early Summer Info/Updates

7/7/2021

Upcoming Dates
8/30-8/31 - Teacher Professional Days
9/1 - Welcome back!
           Delayed Start for 7th/8th Grade
9/3 - Half-Day for Students and Staff
9/6 - Labor Day - No School
9/7 - Rosh Hashanah - No School
9/16 - Yom Kippur - No School
10/11 - No School
10/29 - Half-Day for Students
   Professional Afternoon for Staff

Question for Early Summer
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about summertime, our question for early summer is: What are your hopes for Summer 2021? Some Early Summer Reflections (July 5, 2021) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Theme of Imagination for 2020-2021
Our theme for the next academic year at Blake is one of Imagination. 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, Happiness, Curiosity, and Imagination. 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).
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. - Albert Einstein
Creativity doesn’t happen without day dreaming. - Lin Manuel-Miranda
Demanding proof stalls creativity. New ideas need room to breathe, and a good imagination will always be ahead of the best evidence. - Adam Grant

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", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Information from our Nurses
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your support throughout the past year as we all worked together as a community to navigate the COVID-19 health pandemic. It has truly been a community effort to keep our school open for in person learning while ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff. We are so grateful for your support and understanding!

If your student is entering 7th grade this fall and we have not yet received an updated physical for their school health file, then you would have received an email from us last week requesting a current physical. Please make sure to send us their physical as soon as possible this summer.
If your student will be participating in school athletics during the coming year, a current physical must be on file in our office. Physicals expire 13 months from the date of the physical.

We wish you and your family a very enjoyable and healthy summer. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Best wishes to our 8th grade students as they enter high school in the fall.
Sincerely,
Tricia & Arlene
Tricia Williams, RN, NCSN
Arlene O’Donovan Driscoll, RN, MSN

Blake Summer Reading Info!
Find ALL Blake Summer Reading information HERE for incoming grade 6/7/8 students. Park Street Books is once again partnering with Blake Middle School to offer 20% back to Blake library/ reading programs with every purchase. Use this LINK to order online. Be sure to enter the discount code 'BLAKEREADS2021' to guarantee the 20% donation. Shopping in-store? Mention the special code at checkout!

Summer Supply Lists
All students should refer to the School Supply Lists located on the Guidance webpage.

Athletics Information for Fall 2021
Below please find the following information regarding Fall 2021 athletics (timeline, registration, important information etc). If you have any questions, please contact Eric Scott (escott@email.medfield.net).
Athletics Registration:
Registration Link

Teams and Schedules:
https://www.arbiterlive.com/School/14340

Presentations:
Fall 2021 Athletics Meeting for Blake MS and Medfield HS
ArbiterLive (new schedule system) overview

A Message from the Blake Battles Bias Peer Leader Program (BBB)
Dear Blake Community,
The Blake Battles Bias (BBB) Peer Leader program's primary goals are to learn about bias related issues in order to help educate ourselves and our community to promote positive social change. We would like to share with you some resources you might find helpful when thinking about bias and discrimination or talking about it with your family. This by no means is a complete list, but the following can offer ways to begin and continue the conversation.

Organizations and websites which offer a lot of information and resources:
Medfield Public School's Cultural Proficiency Resources - videos, articles, and other resources
Medfield Public Library's Anti-Racism Resources - videos, articles, podcasts, book lists, social media to follow
Redefy- a world wide social justice organization created and run by teens!

Also, be sure to check out all of the diverse voices in Blake's Summer Reading Lists. There are so many "own" voice stories to choose from!

For those incoming seventh and eighth grade students who would like to join us, we would love to hear your voice.
Thank you,
BBB Peer Leader Program

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is available for consultation appointments. E-mail Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

Webinars of Interest
Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Ken Kay & Suzie Boss and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 8/4 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
Experts in the power of community’s embracing a Portrait of a Graduate as their education North Star, Ken and Suzie will share with us the many lessons they’ve learned over through their distinguished careers, and highlight what we will find in their eagerly-anticipated new book Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching and Learning
Featuring:
Ken Kay is the Chief Executive Officer of EdLeader21, a professional learning community for education leaders committed to 21st century education. Ken co-founded the Partnership for 21st Century Skills in 2002 and served as its President for eight years. Prior to his work on 21st century education, Ken served as executive director of the CEO Forum on Education and Technology. Ken spent 28 years in Washington, DC, where he gained a national reputation as a coalition builder on competitiveness. He founded a landmark coalition of US universities and high-tech companies focused on research and development issues, and was the founding Executive Director of the premier CEO advocacy group in the US computer industry.

Suzie Boss is a journalist who writes about the power of teaching and learning to improve lives and transform communities. Author of Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students to Thrive in a Changing World and co-author of Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, She's inspired by educators who push the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Suzie is on the National Faculty of the Buck Institute for Education, and has also helped nonprofit organizations design programs that teach both youth and adults how to improve their communities with innovative, sustainable solutions.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Blake PTO Update
Want to get involved? We're looking for a Treasurer and VP for our Board next year! Contact Mary Kelly (marykelly33@yahoo.com) for more information!

June 16, 2021

6/16/2021

Upcoming Dates
6/16 - Bike Trip for Stars and Eagles
   8th Grade Closing Ceremony - 6 p.m.
6/17 - Transition Day
6/18 - 1/2 Day for Students
          Last Day of School
** Happy Summer!

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about this past year of learning, with ‘an eye’ towards next year, our question(s) for this week is/are: How/why was this a good year for you as a learner? How will this help you next year? Time for Reflection and Action (Week of 6/13/21)) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Cluster/Advisory Placement Info for Incoming 6th-8th Grade Students
Tentative cluster and advisory assignments will be shared with students/families at the end of the school day via e-mail on Wednesday, June 16. E-mails will be sent directly to both students and parents/guardians. Please know that clusters and advisories are always subject to change based on budget, staffing, and curricular needs, as well as the possible influx of new students.

Transition Day for Incoming 6th-8th Grade Students
Transition Day will be taking place Thursday, June 17 and that afternoon students will get the opportunity to meet their teachers and get a preview of next year's curriculum and grade level events.

Blake Summer Reading Info!
Find ALL Blake Summer Reading information HERE for incoming grade 6/7/8 students. Park Street Books is once again partnering with Blake Middle School to offer 20% back to Blake library/ reading programs with every purchase. Use this LINK to order online. Be sure to enter the discount code 'BLAKEREADS2021' to guarantee the 20% donation. Shopping in-store? Mention the special code at checkout!

Summer Supply Lists
All students should refer to the School Supply Lists located on the Guidance webpage.

Athletics Information for Fall 2021
Below please find the following information regarding Fall 2021 athletics (timeline, registration, important information etc). If you have any questions, please contact Eric Scott (escott@email.medfield.net).
Athletics Registration:
Registration Link

Teams and Schedules:
https://www.arbiterlive.com/School/14340

Presentations:
Fall 2021 Athletics Meeting for Blake MS and Medfield HS
ArbiterLive (new schedule system) overview

8th Grade Closing Ceremony Update
Our 8th grade Closing Ceremony is this Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 p.m. on the baseball field.

All students should arrive by 5:45 p.m. so that we can start promptly at 6:00 p.m. When students arrive they should head directly to their seats on the baseball field (students will be sitting by advisory in alphabetical order). Students should not be entering the building before heading to their seats on the field.
All students should enter the baseball field by the 'dugout entrance', near home plate.
Families are welcome and we ask that all guests bring lawn chairs/blankets for seating in the outfield. We will have a limited number of chairs for our older guests or those who may need some accommodated seating.
We ask that students and families do not bring any food on to the field, and that only water be brought for beverages.
All families and guests should enter the baseball field by the outfield entrance.
Students typically like to dress up a bit but cool, comfortable clothing makes sense and is appropriate -- collared shirts and nice shorts, dresses, or pants are common choices. Both students and families should dress for a potentially warm evening.
In accordance with the COVID-19 parameters, masks are not required for students and families while outside on school grounds.

In a year full of many 'first times', this will be an adventure as we have never held the ceremony in this fashion before. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we continue to 'make our path by walking it'. The safety and well-being of our students is and will remain to be our top priority, and we will communicate any/all updated safety parameters as we get closer to the ceremony.

Blake Battles Bias Update
BBB (Blake Battles Bias) Peer Leaders led an activity in 6th grade advisories that explored what Blakers have in common with each other yet also recognized and celebrated our differences. Congrats to our BBB Peer Leaders!

A Message from the Blake Battles Bias Peer Leader Program (BBB)
Dear Blake Community,
The Blake Battles Bias (BBB) Peer Leader program's primary goals are to learn about bias related issues in order to help educate ourselves and our community to promote positive social change. We would like to share with you some resources you might find helpful when thinking about bias and discrimination or talking about it with your family. This by no means is a complete list, but the following can offer ways to begin and continue the conversation.

Organizations and websites which offer a lot of information and resources:
Medfield Public School's Cultural Proficiency Resources - videos, articles, and other resources
Medfield Public Library's Anti-Racism Resources - videos, articles, podcasts, book lists, social media to follow
Redefy- a world wide social justice organization created and run by teens!

Also, be sure to check out all of the diverse voices in Blake's Summer Reading Lists. There are so many "own" voice stories to choose from!

For those incoming seventh and eighth grade students who would like to join us, we would love to hear your voice.
Thank you,
BBB Peer Leader Program

Blake Advisory Update
This week, our advisories will continue adding footprints they created that include action steps they have taken this year or want to take in the future to help address issues of social justice. The footprints are being added to a visual path that is hanging in the front hallway of the school. The path was created by some former Blakers - art students from the high school!

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS. Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious? Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy? We are available to listen and help! Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Email Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

Webinars of Interest
Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Dr. Darryl Adams, Education Leader & Social Justice and Equity Advocate and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/16 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Darryl Adams has been a transformational education leader throughout his career, recognized by the Obama White House for his outstanding contributions. During this conversation, we’ll explore issues of equity, social justice, the appropriate role of technology, and how to energize and mobilize your community and your school board to support bold innovations. Fasten your seatbelt for this fascinating discussion.
Featuring:
Darryl Adams is a sought after keynoter speaker and thought leader and is widely known as the Rock & Roll Superintendent advocating that "Every Child Be Connected" and provided with a 21st Century College, Career and Citizenship education. Dr. Adams, known as an innovator, provides motivational "keynote concerts", a new concept in educating and "edutaining!" Dr. Adams also provides consulting, business and educational leadership training services to corporate firms, government entities and school districts. Dr. Adams has been recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the Top 100 Innovative Superintendents in the nation.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Ken Kay & Suzie Boss and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 8/4 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
Experts in the power of community’s embracing a Portrait of a Graduate as their education North Star, Ken and Suzie will share with us the many lessons they’ve learned over through their distinguished careers, and highlight what we will find in their eagerly-anticipated new book Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching and Learning
Featuring:
Ken Kay is the Chief Executive Officer of EdLeader21, a professional learning community for education leaders committed to 21st century education. Ken co-founded the Partnership for 21st Century Skills in 2002 and served as its President for eight years. Prior to his work on 21st century education, Ken served as executive director of the CEO Forum on Education and Technology. Ken spent 28 years in Washington, DC, where he gained a national reputation as a coalition builder on competitiveness. He founded a landmark coalition of US universities and high-tech companies focused on research and development issues, and was the founding Executive Director of the premier CEO advocacy group in the US computer industry.

Suzie Boss is a journalist who writes about the power of teaching and learning to improve lives and transform communities. Author of Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students to Thrive in a Changing World and co-author of Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, She's inspired by educators who push the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Suzie is on the National Faculty of the Buck Institute for Education, and has also helped nonprofit organizations design programs that teach both youth and adults how to improve their communities with innovative, sustainable solutions.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Blake PTO Update
Want to get involved? We're looking for a Treasurer and VP for our Board next year! Contact Mary Kelly (marykelly33@yahoo.com) for more information!

Week of 6/8/21-6/14/21

6/8/2021

Upcoming Dates
6/8 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
6/9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
6/10 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
           Bike Trip for Stripes
6/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
6/14 - Bike Trip for Eagles
6/15 - Bike Trip for Stars
6/15 - 8th Grade Closing Ceremony
6/16 - 8th Grade Closing Ceremony Rain Date
6/16 - Bike Trip Rain Date
6/17 - Transition Day
6/18 - 1/2 Day for Students
          Last Day of School

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about the importance of finding and making room for joy in our lives, our question of the week is: What brings you joy in your life? How can you make space for that this summer? Room for Joy (Week of 6/6/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Cluster/Advisory Placement Info for Incoming 6th-8th Grade Students
Tentative cluster and advisory assignments will be shared with students/families at the end of the school day via e-mail on Wednesday, June 16. E-mails will be sent directly to both students and parents/guardians. Please know that clusters and advisories are always subject to change based on budget, staffing, and curricular needs, as well as the possible influx of new students.

Transition Day for Incoming 6th-8th Grade Students
Transition Day will be taking place Thursday, June 17 and that afternoon students will get the opportunity to meet their teachers and get a preview of next year's curriculum and grade level events.

Blake Summer Reading Info!
Find ALL Blake Summer Reading information HERE for incoming grade 6/7/8 students. Park Street Books is once again partnering with Blake Middle School to offer 20% back to Blake library/ reading programs with every purchase. Use this LINK to order online. Be sure to enter the discount code 'BLAKEREADS2021' to guarantee the 20% donation. Shopping in-store? Mention the special code at checkout!

8th Grade Bike Trip
This year the 8th graders will again have the opportunity to participate in the annual Bike Trip. The students will bring a bike and helmet to school and travel by cluster in either the morning or the afternoon on a scenic historical tour of our hometown of Medfield. The trip consists of two parts both departing from Blake Middle School and will be accompanied by their teachers and other staff volunteers. Each leg of the trip is approximately 3 miles and the pace of the trip is very manageable. At each stop along the route, students will hear about historical events from the past that have impacted the town and its surroundings. The dates for the trip are as follows: Stripes 6/10, Eagles 6/14, Stars 6/15, Rain Date 6/16.

8th Grade Closing Ceremony Update
We are looking forward to celebrating our 8th grade students next week and I have shared a few notes/reminders for all below...

We are hoping to hold the ceremony the evening of Tuesday, 6/15 at 6:00 p.m. on the baseball field with a rain date of Wednesday, 6/16. On Friday, 6/11 we will send an e-mail with a final decision (weather contingent, of course!).
All students should arrive by 5:45 p.m. so that we can start promptly at 6:00 p.m.
Families are welcome and we ask that all guests bring lawn chairs/blankets for seating in the outfield. We will have a limited number of chairs for our older guests or those who may need some accommodated seating.
We ask that students and families do not bring any food on to the field, and that only water be brought for beverages.
Students typically like to dress up a bit but cool, comfortable clothing makes sense and is appropriate -- collared shirts and nice shorts, dresses, or pants are common choices. Both students and families should dress for a potentially warm evening.

The safety and well-being of our students is and will remain to be our top priority, and we will communicate any/all updated safety parameters as we get closer to the ceremony. Let's all hope for a dry, 'cool weather' week!

Blake is Social - Memory Books!
Blake is Social Memory Books have gone to print!

A Message from the Blake Battles Bias Peer Leader Program (BBB)
Dear Blake Community,
The Blake Battles Bias (BBB) Peer Leader program's primary goals are to learn about bias related issues in order to help educate ourselves and our community to promote positive social change. We would like to share with you some resources you might find helpful when thinking about bias and discrimination or talking about it with your family. This by no means is a complete list, but the following can offer ways to begin and continue the conversation.

Organizations and websites which offer a lot of information and resources:
Medfield Public School's Cultural Proficiency Resources - videos, articles, and other resources
Medfield Public Library's Anti-Racism Resources - videos, articles, podcasts, book lists, social media to follow
Redefy- a world wide social justice organization created and run by teens!

Also, be sure to check out all of the diverse voices in Blake's Summer Reading Lists. There are so many "own" voice stories to choose from!

For those incoming seventh and eighth grade students who would like to join us, we would love to hear your voice.
Thank you,
BBB Peer Leader Program

Message from the Blake LMC
From the LMC-- Sadly, the time has come... the Library is now closed for book checkout. Please return all library books by Friday, 6/10/21. If you can not find a book, please let Mrs. Cowell/ Mrs. Walton know-- NO stress over this, please :)

Student Water Bottles
For health and safety reasons we have our water fountains turned off with the exception of the “auto refill” component. Please be sure with weather getting warmer to have your child bring either a refillable water bottle or a few bottles of water for the school day.

Blake Advisory Update
This week, our advisories will be adding footprints they created that include action steps they have taken this year or want to take in the future to help address issues of social justice. The footprints are being added to a visual path that is hanging in the front hallway of the school. The path was created by some former Blakers - art students from the high school!

Blake Battles Bias
BBB, Blake Battles Bias, is now open to any 6th grader who is interested in learning more about issues involving social justice and working towards creating a more inclusive community. We welcome our 6th grade peer leaders! Please reach out to kgelormini@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Pride Month - Message from Blake GSA
Join the Blake GSA in our celebration of PRIDE this week! Each morning members of Blake's GSA will be sharing information about PRIDE week and the LGBTQ+ community. We also hope you will join us in celebrating a RAINBOW SPIRIT DAY on Friday, June 11. We invite everyone to wear some rainbow swag!

Blake GSA Update
Reminder that the GSA will meet in person in room 212 at 2:15 p.m. on Thursdays. If you have any questions about the Blake GSA, please reach out to Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net),Cynthia McClelland (cmcclelland@email.medfield.net), or Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net).

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS. Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious? Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy? We are available to listen and help! Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Email Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

Webinars of Interest
Change Maker Series: A conversation with Tony Wagner, author of Learning By Heart (and many other remarkable books!) and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Tuesday, 6/8 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
While our conversation will touch on the vast body of work of Tony Wagner, one of our nation’s most important and influential thought leaders, we’ll spend most of our time exploring his stunning memoir Learning By Heart. He has so much to say about the role of passion and purpose in education -- including how we lost it, and what we can do to restore it.
Featuring:
Tony Wagner is a globally recognized expert in education and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, founded by Linda Darling-Hammond in 2015. Tony is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and a widely published author. His work includes numerous articles and seven books, including three best-sellers: Most Likely To Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for The Innovation Era, co-authored by Ted Dintersmith, was published by Scribner in 2015. Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World, was published in 2012 to rave reviews and has been translated into 17 languages. His 2008 book, The Global Achievement Gap continues to be an international best seller, with more than 140,000 copies in print. Tony's memoir, Learning By Heart: An Unconventional Education, was published by Penguin/Random House in 2020. Tony served as the Strategic Education Advisor for a major new education documentary, "Most Likely to Succeed," which had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and has since been shown in more than 8000 communities. He also collaborated with noted filmmaker Robert Compton to create a 60 minute documentary, "The Finland Phenomenon: Inside The World's Most Surprising School System.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

How to "Ungrade" Imagining Assessments That Encourage Discovery - with Jesse Stommel
Thursday, 6/11 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Why Do We Grade? It seems like such a basic question, but in reality, it's profoundly complex. Without much critical examination, teachers accept they have to grade, students accept they have to be graded, students are made to feel like they should care a great deal about grades, and teachers are told they shouldn't spend much time thinking about the why, when, and whether of grades.

Especially now, when the well-being of every student is paramount, asking hard questions about the whys and hows of grading are crucial.Much of our work in education resists being formulated as neat and tidy outcomes, and yet most assessment takes the complexity of human interaction within a learning environment and makes it “machine readable.” When learning is the goal, space should be left for wonder and experimentation.

We're wondering, why do we grade? Who are grades for? How does it feel to be graded? What do we want grading to do (or not do) in our classes (whether as students or teachers)? What do letter grades mean? Do they have any intrinsic meaning, or is the value purely extrinsic? Does assessment mean differently when it is formative rather than summative?

"If you're a teacher and you hate grading, stop doing it."
Join internationally recognized author and educator Jesse Stommel for this free 45-minute webinar that will unpack some of the bigger questions around grading and offer some provocative ideas for doing without. You'll leave inspired to look closely at your own practice around grading, and you'll have a sense of how to change that practice to more effectively serve your students.

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Dr. Darryl Adams, Education Leader & Social Justice and Equity Advocate and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/16 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Darryl Adams has been a transformational education leader throughout his career, recognized by the Obama White House for his outstanding contributions. During this conversation, we’ll explore issues of equity, social justice, the appropriate role of technology, and how to energize and mobilize your community and your school board to support bold innovations. Fasten your seatbelt for this fascinating discussion.
Featuring:
Darryl Adams is a sought after keynoter speaker and thought leader and is widely known as the Rock & Roll Superintendent advocating that "Every Child Be Connected" and provided with a 21st Century College, Career and Citizenship education. Dr. Adams, known as an innovator, provides motivational "keynote concerts", a new concept in educating and "edutaining!" Dr. Adams also provides consulting, business and educational leadership training services to corporate firms, government entities and school districts. Dr. Adams has been recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the Top 100 Innovative Superintendents in the nation.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Ken Kay & Suzie Boss and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 8/4 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
Experts in the power of community’s embracing a Portrait of a Graduate as their education North Star, Ken and Suzie will share with us the many lessons they’ve learned over through their distinguished careers, and highlight what we will find in their eagerly-anticipated new book Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching and Learning
Featuring:
Ken Kay is the Chief Executive Officer of EdLeader21, a professional learning community for education leaders committed to 21st century education. Ken co-founded the Partnership for 21st Century Skills in 2002 and served as its President for eight years. Prior to his work on 21st century education, Ken served as executive director of the CEO Forum on Education and Technology. Ken spent 28 years in Washington, DC, where he gained a national reputation as a coalition builder on competitiveness. He founded a landmark coalition of US universities and high-tech companies focused on research and development issues, and was the founding Executive Director of the premier CEO advocacy group in the US computer industry.

Suzie Boss is a journalist who writes about the power of teaching and learning to improve lives and transform communities. Author of Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students to Thrive in a Changing World and co-author of Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, She's inspired by educators who push the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Suzie is on the National Faculty of the Buck Institute for Education, and has also helped nonprofit organizations design programs that teach both youth and adults how to improve their communities with innovative, sustainable solutions.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Blake PTO Update
Want to get involved? We're looking for a Treasurer and VP for our Board next year! Contact Mary Kelly (marykelly33@yahoo.com) for more information!

Week of 6/1/21-6/7/21

5/31/2021

Upcoming Dates
6/3 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
6/4 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
6/5 - Celebration for Class of 2021 (see below)
6/7 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
6/8 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
6/9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
6/10 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
Bike Trip for Stripes
6/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
6/14 - Bike Trip for Eagles
6/15 - Bike Trip for Stars
6/15, 6/16 - Save the Dates for 8th Grade Closing Ceremony
6/16 - Bike Trip Rain Date
6/18 - 1/2 Day for Students
Last Day of School

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about our own learning and making space for this intentional reflection, our question of the week is: What have you learned about yourself over the past year? Creating and Holding Space (Week of 5/30/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Blake Middle School Art Show
Thank you to Nancy Deveno for coordinating our wonderful art show - it is a wonderful representation of the amazing work of our students! Unfortunately we were not able to hold our traditional art show for visitors and families, but we were thrilled to be able to display the artwork for students and staff!

Lily Lewis, 7th grade...portrait, oil pastel
Sophia Small, 7th grade...Surrealism, skull, Pen and marker
Kaela DeHoff, 6th grade...Celestial orbs and Space, oil pastel

Memorial Day Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
Thank you to all of the Blake staff for their support and help in making our 'No Homework Weekend' this past weekend a reality. This effort was part of our continued work to provide down time for students, staff, and families.

From the Blake Student Council
T-shirts & Sweatshirts have arrived! Student Council will be sorting them to be passed out in Advisory next Thursday, June 3!

World Language AAPPL Update
The World Language department wrapped up our AAPPL proficiency assessments this week. The process took place during our World Language classes. When we receive the full reports for all the students, each student will receive a printout of what their current proficiency performance level is for the language they are studying. The report will also include information on "leveling up." Teachers will be meeting with their students during class time to relay this information and they will be encouraged to share these at home with parents.

Memorial Day Presentation for 6th Graders
Last Friday, Medfield resident Jonathan Gray gave a Zoom presentation to our sixth grade students. In previous years, Jonathan presented at school while portraying his father, a POW in WWII. On Friday, however, Johnathan sat down with social studies teacher Michael Gow for a conversation about the important role that history has in telling our stories. During the interview, students not only heard about the story of a war verteran, but were given direct insight into the necessary work needed to craft an historical narrative. On behalf of the sixth grade, Blake Middle School would like to thank Johnathan for sharing the journey it took to craft his father's story.

8th Grade Bike Trip
This year the 8th graders will again have the opportunity to participate in the annual Bike Trip. The students will bring a bike and helmet to school and travel by cluster in either the morning or the afternoon on a scenic historical tour of our hometown of Medfield. The trip consists of two parts both departing from Blake Middle School and will be accompanied by their teachers and other staff volunteers. Each leg of the trip is approximately 3 miles and the pace of the trip is very manageable. At each stop along the route, students will hear about historical events from the past that have impacted the town and its surroundings. The dates for the trip are as follows: Stripes 6/10, Eagles 6/14, Stars 6/15, Rain Date 6/16.

8th Grade Closing Ceremony - 6/15 or 6/16
We are cognizant of the feelings of loss and disappointment that our current group of 8th graders have experienced throughout the year, and we want to provide an opportunity to support, commend, and communicate our gratitude for their growth and accomplishments. Please save the dates of Tuesday, 6/15 and Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 p.m. for an Outdoor 8th Grade Closing Ceremony on the baseball field at Blake Middle School. We are hoping for dry and nice weather and have reserved the field for both nights - as we get closer to that week, we will make a final decision based on the weather outlook.

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 we ask that all guests bring lawn chairs/blankets for seating in the outfield. Students typically like to dress up a bit but cool clothing makes sense-- collared shirts and nice shorts, dresses, or pants are common choices -- students and families should dress for a potentially warm evening. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening!

The safety and well-being of our students is and will remain to be our top priority, and we will communicate all safety parameters as we get closer to the ceremony.

MHS Counselors Meet Incoming 9th Grade
Beginning last week and continuing this week, the 8th grade students will all have an opportunity to meet with their High School Guidance Counselor. The High School Counselors will be visiting Blake Middle School and scheduling a 5-minute meeting with each student to talk about the transition to high school.

Message from the Blake LMC
Last day for book check out for this school year is 6/4/21. We are looking for many overdue books (from over the past year)... if you could remind students to return any overdue books to the LMC, that would be great. If a student has a book from another school, we can take those here too! If you got an email about an overdue book that you lost/ think may have been sent to you in error, stop by LMC or email kcowell@email.medfield.net & we will remove it from your account. Please do not stress about this!! Thank you!!

Student Water Bottles
For health and safety reasons we have our water fountains turned off with the exception of the “auto refill” component. Please be sure with weather getting warmer to have your child bring either a refillable water bottle or a few bottles of water for the school day.

Blake MERJ Update
An exciting collaboration is occuring! Members of Medfield High School's National Art Honor Society are lending their art expertise to Blake Middle School's culminating advisory MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) activity. These talented high school artists are helping to create a visual social justice piece to be displayed in June.

Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias, is now open to any 6th grader who is interested in learning more about issues involving social justice and working towards creating a more inclusive community. Please reach out to kgelormini@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Blake GSA Update
Reminder that the GSA will meet in person in room 212 at 2:15 p.m. on Thursdays. If you have any questions about the Blake GSA, please reach out to Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net),Cynthia McClelland (cmcclelland@email.medfield.net), or Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net).

Info for all Medfield Families

MEDFIELD ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY (ANGP) - Now ‘PARTY IN THE PARK'
Help us keep the decades-long Medfield tradition of safely celebrating MHS Senior’s Achievements!
Line the streets on June 5th 1pm & wave the Seniors on.
If you, with your friends/community groups would like to help decorate part of the route, please sign up to the allocated areas HERE
After the Rally, the Class of 2021 will attend a ‘Party in the Park.’
This will be a fun & safe space for the seniors to Celebrate together.
We really can’t do this without your kind support.

SIGN UP HERE

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS. Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious? Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy? We are availble to listen and help! Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Email Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

Webinars of Interest
Game Changer Series: A Conversation between Ted Dintersmith and six dynamic classroom teachers, principals, and superintendents
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/2 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Perspectives on leadership strategies from six dynamic classroom teachers, principals, and superintendents. We’ll gain perspective on how to turn the challenges of the past year into a springboard for effecting confidence-building transformation. And we’ll delve into effective strategies of leaders in different organization roles.
Featuring:
Six Classroom Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents TBA
and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Change Maker Series: A conversation with Tony Wagner, author of Learning By Heart (and many other remarkable books!) and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Tuesday, 6/8 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
While our conversation will touch on the vast body of work of Tony Wagner, one of our nation’s most important and influential thought leaders, we’ll spend most of our time exploring his stunning memoir Learning By Heart. He has so much to say about the role of passion and purpose in education -- including how we lost it, and what we can do to restore it.
Featuring:
Tony Wagner is a globally recognized expert in education and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, founded by Linda Darling-Hammond in 2015. Tony is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and a widely published author. His work includes numerous articles and seven books, including three best-sellers: Most Likely To Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for The Innovation Era, co-authored by Ted Dintersmith, was published by Scribner in 2015. Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World, was published in 2012 to rave reviews and has been translated into 17 languages. His 2008 book, The Global Achievement Gap continues to be an international best seller, with more than 140,000 copies in print. Tony's memoir, Learning By Heart: An Unconventional Education, was published by Penguin/Random House in 2020. Tony served as the Strategic Education Advisor for a major new education documentary, "Most Likely to Succeed," which had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and has since been shown in more than 8000 communities. He also collaborated with noted filmmaker Robert Compton to create a 60 minute documentary, "The Finland Phenomenon: Inside The World's Most Surprising School System.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

How to "Ungrade" Imagining Assessments That Encourage Discovery - with Jesse Stommel
Thursday, 6/11 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Why Do We Grade? It seems like such a basic question, but in reality, it's profoundly complex. Without much critical examination, teachers accept they have to grade, students accept they have to be graded, students are made to feel like they should care a great deal about grades, and teachers are told they shouldn't spend much time thinking about the why, when, and whether of grades.

Especially now, when the well-being of every student is paramount, asking hard questions about the whys and hows of grading are crucial.Much of our work in education resists being formulated as neat and tidy outcomes, and yet most assessment takes the complexity of human interaction within a learning environment and makes it “machine readable.” When learning is the goal, space should be left for wonder and experimentation.

We're wondering, why do we grade? Who are grades for? How does it feel to be graded? What do we want grading to do (or not do) in our classes (whether as students or teachers)? What do letter grades mean? Do they have any intrinsic meaning, or is the value purely extrinsic? Does assessment mean differently when it is formative rather than summative?

"If you're a teacher and you hate grading, stop doing it."
Join internationally recognized author and educator Jesse Stommel for this free 45-minute webinar that will unpack some of the bigger questions around grading and offer some provocative ideas for doing without. You'll leave inspired to look closely at your own practice around grading, and you'll have a sense of how to change that practice to more effectively serve your students.

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Dr. Darryl Adams, Education Leader & Social Justice and Equity Advocate and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/16 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Darryl Adams has been a transformational education leader throughout his career, recognized by the Obama White House for his outstanding contributions. During this conversation, we’ll explore issues of equity, social justice, the appropriate role of technology, and how to energize and mobilize your community and your school board to support bold innovations. Fasten your seatbelt for this fascinating discussion.
Featuring:
Darryl Adams is a sought after keynoter speaker and thought leader and is widely known as the Rock & Roll Superintendent advocating that "Every Child Be Connected" and provided with a 21st Century College, Career and Citizenship education. Dr. Adams, known as an innovator, provides motivational "keynote concerts", a new concept in educating and "edutaining!" Dr. Adams also provides consulting, business and educational leadership training services to corporate firms, government entities and school districts. Dr. Adams has been recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the Top 100 Innovative Superintendents in the nation.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Ken Kay & Suzie Boss and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 8/4 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
Experts in the power of community’s embracing a Portrait of a Graduate as their education North Star, Ken and Suzie will share with us the many lessons they’ve learned over through their distinguished careers, and highlight what we will find in their eagerly-anticipated new book Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching and Learning
Featuring:
Ken Kay is the Chief Executive Officer of EdLeader21, a professional learning community for education leaders committed to 21st century education. Ken co-founded the Partnership for 21st Century Skills in 2002 and served as its President for eight years. Prior to his work on 21st century education, Ken served as executive director of the CEO Forum on Education and Technology. Ken spent 28 years in Washington, DC, where he gained a national reputation as a coalition builder on competitiveness. He founded a landmark coalition of US universities and high-tech companies focused on research and development issues, and was the founding Executive Director of the premier CEO advocacy group in the US computer industry.

Suzie Boss is a journalist who writes about the power of teaching and learning to improve lives and transform communities. Author of Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students to Thrive in a Changing World and co-author of Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, She's inspired by educators who push the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Suzie is on the National Faculty of the Buck Institute for Education, and has also helped nonprofit organizations design programs that teach both youth and adults how to improve their communities with innovative, sustainable solutions.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Medfield Together

Week of 5/25/21-5/31/21

5/28/2021

Upcoming Dates
5/28 - Blake Remote MCAS
5/31 - Memorial Day (No School)
6/3 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
6/4 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
6/5 - Celebration for Class of 2021 (see below)
6/7 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
6/8 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
6/9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
6/10 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
           Bike Trip for Stripes
6/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
6/14 - Bike Trip for Eagles
6/15 - Bike Trip for Stars
6/15, 6/16 - Save the Dates for 8th Grade Closing Ceremony
6/16 - Bike Trip Rain Date
6/18 - 1/2 Day for Students
          Last Day of School

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we are sustained and held through challenging times, our question of the week is: What keeps you going and moving forward when you are challenged, down or having a difficult time? What Sustains Us (Week of 5/16/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Memorial Day Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
In a continued effort to provide down time for students, staff, and families, Memorial Day Weekend will be a 'No Homework Weekend' for all of Blake. No work will be due on Tuesday, June 1 and tests, quizzes, and projects will not be due or given on June 1 or June 2. Thank you to all of the staff for their support and help in making this happen. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know.

8th Grade Bike Trip
This year the 8th graders will again have the opportunity to participate in the annual Bike Trip. The students will bring a bike and helmet to school and travel by cluster in either the morning or the afternoon on a scenic historical tour of our hometown of Medfield. The trip consists of two parts both departing from Blake Middle School and will be accompanied by their teachers and other staff volunteers. Each leg of the trip is approximately 3 miles and the pace of the trip is very manageable. At each stop along the route, students will hear about historical events from the past that have impacted the town and its surroundings. The dates for the trip are as follows: Stripes 6/10, Eagles 6/14, Stars 6/15, Rain Date 6/16.

8th Grade Closing Ceremony - 6/15 or 6/16
We are cognizant of the feelings of loss and disappointment that our current group of 8th graders have experienced throughout the year, and we want to provide an opportunity to support, commend, and communicate our gratitude for their growth and accomplishments. Please save the dates of Tuesday, 6/15 and Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 p.m. for an Outdoor 8th Grade Closing Ceremony on the baseball field at Blake Middle School. We are hoping for dry and nice weather and have reserved the field for both nights - as we get closer to that week, we will make a final decision based on the weather outlook.

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 we ask that all guests bring lawn chairs/blankets for seating in the outfield. Students typically like to dress up a bit but cool clothing makes sense-- collared shirts and nice shorts, dresses, or pants are common choices -- students and families should dress for a potentially warm evening. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening!

The safety and well-being of our students is and will remain to be our top priority, and we will communicate all safety parameters as we get closer to the ceremony.

MHS Counselors Meet Incoming 9th Grade
Beginning on May 27th, the 8th grade students will all have an opportunity to meet with their High School Guidance Counselor. The High School Counselors will be visiting Blake Middle School and scheduling a 5-minute meeting with each student to talk about the transition to high school.

Career Day Thanks
Our 8th Grade Career Day was a great success. Thanks to all of our guest speakers for our students: Wole Akinbi, Chris Morrison, Kerry Cowell, Doug Pollard, Kim Brennan, Carl Gustafson, Bruno Joline, Hannah Doctoroff, Alec Stevens, Steve Hart, Kurt Hudson, Chelle Manganello, Keith Lusby, and Hugh Devlin. The videos from Siddarth Arun, Tom Dugan, and Jodi Heim were wonderful as well. Special thanks to Tracy Allen and Debbie Avery for their creative planning and providing a meaningful experience for our students.

Message from the Blake LMC
From the LMC- Last day for book check out for this school year is 6/4/21. We are looking for many overdue books (from over the past year)... if you could remind students to return any overdue books to the LMC, that would be great. If a student has a book from another school, we can take those here too! If you got an email about an overdue book that you lost/ think may have been sent to you in error, stop by LMC or email kcowell@email.medfield.net & we will remove it from your account. Please do not stress about this!! Thank you!!

Student Water Bottles
For health and safety reasons we have our water fountains turned off with the exception of the “auto refill” component. Please be sure with weather getting warmer to have your child bring either a refillable water bottle or a few bottles of water for the school day.

Blake MERJ Update
An exciting collaboration is occurring! Members of Medfield High School's National Art Honor Society are lending their art expertise to Blake Middle School's culminating advisory MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) activity. These talented high school artists are helping to create a visual social justice piece to be displayed in June.

Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias, is now open to any 6th grader who is interested in learning more about issues involving social justice and working towards creating a more inclusive community. Please reach out to kgelormini@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Blake GSA Update
Reminder that the GSA will meet in person in room 212 at 2:15 p.m. on Thursdays. If you have any questions about the Blake GSA, please reach out to Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net),Cynthia McClelland (cmcclelland@email.medfield.net), or Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net).

Medfield Moves for Mental Health

Info for Incoming 9th Graders about High School Football
Hi folks,
This outreach is for any family interested in having their child play high school football in the fall of 2021. At this point, we are gauging interest to see how many students will be playing. If you could fill out this form it would be greatly appreciated.
RISING 9TH GRADE INTEREST FORM
Thank you,
Erik Ormberg
eormberg@email.medfield.net
@MHSGRIDIRON
https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/medfieldfootball/home

Info for all Medfield Families

SIGN UP HERE

Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS. Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious? Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy? We are availble to listen and help! Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Email Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.

Webinars of Interest
Game Changer Series: A Conversation between Ted Dintersmith and six dynamic classroom teachers, principals, and superintendents
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/2 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Perspectives on leadership strategies from six dynamic classroom teachers, principals, and superintendents. We’ll gain perspective on how to turn the challenges of the past year into a springboard for effecting confidence-building transformation. And we’ll delve into effective strategies of leaders in different organization roles.
Featuring:
Six Classroom Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents TBA
and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Change Maker Series: A conversation with Tony Wagner, author of Learning By Heart (and many other remarkable books!) and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Tuesday, 6/8 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
While our conversation will touch on the vast body of work of Tony Wagner, one of our nation’s most important and influential thought leaders, we’ll spend most of our time exploring his stunning memoir Learning By Heart. He has so much to say about the role of passion and purpose in education -- including how we lost it, and what we can do to restore it.
Featuring:
Tony Wagner is a globally recognized expert in education and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, founded by Linda Darling-Hammond in 2015. Tony is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and a widely published author. His work includes numerous articles and seven books, including three best-sellers: Most Likely To Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for The Innovation Era, co-authored by Ted Dintersmith, was published by Scribner in 2015. Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World, was published in 2012 to rave reviews and has been translated into 17 languages. His 2008 book, The Global Achievement Gap continues to be an international best seller, with more than 140,000 copies in print. Tony's memoir, Learning By Heart: An Unconventional Education, was published by Penguin/Random House in 2020. Tony served as the Strategic Education Advisor for a major new education documentary, "Most Likely to Succeed," which had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and has since been shown in more than 8000 communities. He also collaborated with noted filmmaker Robert Compton to create a 60 minute documentary, "The Finland Phenomenon: Inside The World's Most Surprising School System.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)
How to "Ungrade" Imagining Assessments That Encourage Discovery - with Jesse Stommel
Thursday, 6/11 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Why Do We Grade? It seems like such a basic question, but in reality, it's profoundly complex. Without much critical examination, teachers accept they have to grade, students accept they have to be graded, students are made to feel like they should care a great deal about grades, and teachers are told they shouldn't spend much time thinking about the why, when, and whether of grades.

Especially now, when the well-being of every student is paramount, asking hard questions about the whys and hows of grading are crucial.Much of our work in education resists being formulated as neat and tidy outcomes, and yet most assessment takes the complexity of human interaction within a learning environment and makes it “machine readable.” When learning is the goal, space should be left for wonder and experimentation.

We're wondering, why do we grade? Who are grades for? How does it feel to be graded? What do we want grading to do (or not do) in our classes (whether as students or teachers)? What do letter grades mean? Do they have any intrinsic meaning, or is the value purely extrinsic? Does assessment mean differently when it is formative rather than summative?

"If you're a teacher and you hate grading, stop doing it."
Join internationally recognized author and educator Jesse Stommel for this free 45-minute webinar that will unpack some of the bigger questions around grading and offer some provocative ideas for doing without. You'll leave inspired to look closely at your own practice around grading, and you'll have a sense of how to change that practice to more effectively serve your students.

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Dr. Darryl Adams, Education Leader & Social Justice and Equity Advocate and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/16 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Darryl Adams has been a transformational education leader throughout his career, recognized by the Obama White House for his outstanding contributions. During this conversation, we’ll explore issues of equity, social justice, the appropriate role of technology, and how to energize and mobilize your community and your school board to support bold innovations. Fasten your seatbelt for this fascinating discussion.
Featuring:
Darryl Adams is a sought after keynoter speaker and thought leader and is widely known as the Rock & Roll Superintendent advocating that "Every Child Be Connected" and provided with a 21st Century College, Career and Citizenship education. Dr. Adams, known as an innovator, provides motivational "keynote concerts", a new concept in educating and "edutaining!" Dr. Adams also provides consulting, business and educational leadership training services to corporate firms, government entities and school districts. Dr. Adams has been recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the Top 100 Innovative Superintendents in the nation.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Ken Kay & Suzie Boss and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 8/4 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
Experts in the power of community’s embracing a Portrait of a Graduate as their education North Star, Ken and Suzie will share with us the many lessons they’ve learned over through their distinguished careers, and highlight what we will find in their eagerly-anticipated new book Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching and Learning
Featuring:
Ken Kay is the Chief Executive Officer of EdLeader21, a professional learning community for education leaders committed to 21st century education. Ken co-founded the Partnership for 21st Century Skills in 2002 and served as its President for eight years. Prior to his work on 21st century education, Ken served as executive director of the CEO Forum on Education and Technology. Ken spent 28 years in Washington, DC, where he gained a national reputation as a coalition builder on competitiveness. He founded a landmark coalition of US universities and high-tech companies focused on research and development issues, and was the founding Executive Director of the premier CEO advocacy group in the US computer industry.

Suzie Boss is a journalist who writes about the power of teaching and learning to improve lives and transform communities. Author of Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students to Thrive in a Changing World and co-author of Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, She's inspired by educators who push the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Suzie is on the National Faculty of the Buck Institute for Education, and has also helped nonprofit organizations design programs that teach both youth and adults how to improve their communities with innovative, sustainable solutions.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Medfield Together

Week of 5/18/21-5/24/21

5/18/2021

Upcoming Dates
5/18 - SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m.
5/19 - Blake PTO Meeting
5/20 - 8th Grade Career Day
5/24, 5/27, 5/28 - Blake Remote MCAS
5/24 - Students for STEM Event (See below)
5/25 - SEL Task Force Mtg - 7 p.m.
5/31 - Memorial Day (No School)
6/3 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
School Committee Meeting
6/4 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
6/5 - Celebration for Class of 2021 (see below)
6/7 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
6/8 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
6/9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
6/10 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
6/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we are sustained and held through challenging times, our question of the week is: What keeps you going and moving forward when you are challenged, down or having a difficult time? What Sustains Us (Week of 5/16/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Students for STEM Event - Metco and Synlogic
In collaboration with the Dover-Sherborn METCO Program, Westwood METCO Program, and Medfield HS STEM faculty will co-host Students for STEM: A science session on May 24th at 6:00 p.m. ET as part of a planned science and career series.
Synlogic is a clinical stage biotech company in Cambridge bringing the power of synthetic biology to medicine. The interactive session will explore exciting innovations and career opportunities in STEM.
Visit this page to register for the event:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrdOGspzwvGtHrtUHvTwof30Acr3FPHRtf

Message from the Blake LMC
We are looking for many overdue books (from over the past year)... if you could return any overdue books to the Blake LMC, that would be great! If a student has a book from another school, we can take those here too! Thank you!!

Student Water Bottles
For health and safety reasons we have our water fountains turned off with the exception of the “auto refill” component. Please be sure with weather getting warmer to have your child bring either a refillable water bottle or a few bottles of water for the school day.

Blake MERJ Update
An exciting collaboration is occuring! Members of Medfield High School's National Art Honor Society are lending their art expertise to Blake Middle School's culminating advisory MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) activity. These talented high school artists are helping to create a visual social justice piece to be displayed in June.

Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias, is now open to any 6th grader who is interested in learning more about issues involving social justice and working towards creating a more inclusive community. Please reach out to kgelormini@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Blake GSA Update
Reminder that the GSA will meet in person in room 212 at 2:15 p.m. on Thursdays. If you have any questions about the Blake GSA, please reach out to Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net),Cynthia McClelland (cmcclelland@email.medfield.net), or Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net).

Project 351 Clothing Drive at Blake
There is going to be a clothing drive at Blake Middle School and Memorial School to support the nonprofit Cradles to Crayons. Cradles to Crayons provides essential items to children in homeless or high risk economic situations. Please donate new, like new or gently used clothing. Any socks or pajamas have to be new. Bins will be taken inside after 2:10, so please donate within the time slot. On the weekend of May 15 and 16 there will be volunteers outside of the schools for a direct drop-off. 5/15 (Saturday) from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00-2:00 PM volunteers will be at the front entrance to Blake Middle School to take donations. On 5/16 (Sunday) volunteers will be at the front entrance to Memorial School from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM and 3:00-4:00 PM to take donations. Please consider donating! Thank you so much!!

There is a clothing drive going on for Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that provides essentials to children in homeless or high-risk economic situations. If you don’t have clothes to donate to the clothing drive, you can always make a monetary donation! Use the website below to donate digitally, and if you want to donate a check just send the check to Project 351! Thanks so much for your support!

Yoga on the Turf
a Yoga on the Turf class being offered this upcoming Sunday, May 23rd. This event is sponsored by the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention as one of its initiatives offered throughout the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. The event will be held from 12 pm to 1 pm on Sunday, May 23rd and is free to all (donations welcome). The Medfield Yoga Studio is teaching the outdoor yoga class. The flyer for the event is below...

Medfield Moves for Mental Health

How can you get away from strategies that fail in execution because of insufficient coordination?
How do you break down departmental silos that have their own agendas and approaches for evaluating the effectiveness of programs?
Is it possible to limit emotion and politics in big decisions?
How to avoid the paralysis that often happens when there are too many alternatives or choices.

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Pasi Salberg, author of Finnish Lessons 3.0, and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 5/19 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
When looking for inspiring examples of national education transformation, all eyes are on Finland, and who better to give us a phenomenal perspective on the keys to success than Pasi Sahlberg. In this conversation, we’ll learn so much about policy, practice, transformation at scale, and the teaching profession.
Featuring:
Pasi Sahlberg is a Finnish educator and author. He is former Director General at the Finnish Ministry of Education and was a visiting professor at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education in 2014-2016. Pasi is experienced classroom teacher, trainer of teachers and school leaders and advisor to education policy-makers. He is an international speaker and writer on school improvement and educational change. Pasi's many awards include the 2011 Upton Sinclair Award in the US, the 2012 Education Award in Finland, the 2013 Grawemeyer Award in the US and the Rockefeller Foundation's Resident at the Bellagio Center in 2017. His latest books are FinnishED Leadership (2018), Let the Children Play (2019), Finnish Lessons 3.0 (2021) and In Teachers We Trust (2021). He is professor of education policy at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Navigating a More Equitable and Inclusive Future
Examining our schools through a lens of social justice
Friday, 5/21 10-11:30 a.m.
Last March, school leaders were forced to transform teaching and learning into an online platform in a matter of days. Events since then have made us all look forward to a sense of normalcy in the near future. However, we do not want to return to all the ways schools used to be, particularly when we look through the lens of social justice. Join Kris Taylor, Craig Murphy, and John D’Auria on a webinar on May 21st as they discuss an approach to the deep learning that needs to occur to take on the challenging work of developing more equitable and inclusive schools.

The presenters will combine the insights that authors Craig Murphy and John D’Auria developed in their new book, The Influential School Leader, with the knowledge and skills that Kris Taylor, Senior Program Developer and Manager of DEI Initiatives for Teachers21, has gained in her equity work throughout Massachusetts. Additionally, 20 free copies of the book, The Influential School Leader, will be raffled during the webinar. This book illuminates a pragmatic framework aimed at developing collaborative and creative approaches to the complex issues facing leaders who will shape the future of schooling.

How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed the World
Tuesday, 5/25 at 7:00 p.m.
For elementary and middle school students and their caregivers
Celebrated disability rights activist and author Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins will share her award winning book, “All the Way to the Top,” which addresses the struggle for inclusion and the fight for equality in our country. Ms. Keelan-Chaffins will also encourage young people to use their voices to make a positive difference.

Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins is a passionate advocate and activist for disability rights. She joined the disability rights movement at age six and at age eight she participated in the famous "Capitol Crawl" protest to support the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. In 1990, she received the Americans With Disabilities Act Award from The Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities. Jennifer received her GED in 2002 and an Associate of Arts Degree in 2008 both from Arapahoe Community College before earning a B.S. in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University in 2017.
Today she’s an educator and a motivational speaker; and together with her new illustrated biography “All the Way to the Top, How one girl’s fight for Americans with disabilities changed everything”, she does educational speaking presentations to teach children the importance of the ADA, the Capitol Crawl, and the disability rights movement in American history with a emphasis on education, advocacy, and empowerment. Jennifer is the subject of an art sculpture commemorating the 30th anniversary of the ADA, “All the Way to Freedom” by local artist Gina Klawitter that is currently on display at the Colorado History Center. Jennifer is the brand ambassador for Mobility of Denver and Vantage Mobility International. She is also owner of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins LLC.

Game Changer Series: A conversation with Carlos Moreno, Executive Director of Big Picture Learning, and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Thursday, 5/27 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Our conversation with the inspiring education leader Carlos Moreno will bring us remarkable insights from a career fighting so effectively for better futures for America’s youth. We’ll learn about the many successful innovations of Big Picture Learning schools, and gain insights from his perspective on education, equity, and opportunity.
Featuring:
Carlos Moreno has been a teacher, a principal, a director, and now a Chief Executive Officer. But through it all he has been and continues to be an observer and a learner. A proud native New Yorker, Carlos is a passionate educational trailblazer committed to supporting school and district leaders to create high-quality, non-traditional schools designed to tackle systemic issues related to equity in education. He currently serves as Executive Director for Big Picture Learning, a nonprofit organization that, since 1995, has developed over 150 such schools in the United States and throughout the world. He also co-founded and leads the Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship in partnership with the Internationals Network for Public Schools. Carlos holds undergraduate degrees in marketing and business from Johnson & Wales University along with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Most recently Carlos was named a Pahara-Aspen Institute Fellow – a fellowship designed to sustain diverse, senior leaders who are reimagining public education.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Game Changer Series: A Conversation between Ted Dintersmith and six dynamic classroom teachers, principals, and superintendents
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/2 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Perspectives on leadership strategies from six dynamic classroom teachers, principals, and superintendents. We’ll gain perspective on how to turn the challenges of the past year into a springboard for effecting confidence-building transformation. And we’ll delve into effective strategies of leaders in different organization roles.
Featuring:
Six Classroom Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents TBA
and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Change Maker Series: A conversation with Tony Wagner, author of Learning By Heart (and many other remarkable books!) and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Tuesday, 6/8 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
While our conversation will touch on the vast body of work of Tony Wagner, one of our nation’s most important and influential thought leaders, we’ll spend most of our time exploring his stunning memoir Learning By Heart. He has so much to say about the role of passion and purpose in education -- including how we lost it, and what we can do to restore it.
Featuring:
Tony Wagner is a globally recognized expert in education and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, founded by Linda Darling-Hammond in 2015. Tony is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and a widely published author. His work includes numerous articles and seven books, including three best-sellers: Most Likely To Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for The Innovation Era, co-authored by Ted Dintersmith, was published by Scribner in 2015. Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World, was published in 2012 to rave reviews and has been translated into 17 languages. His 2008 book, The Global Achievement Gap continues to be an international best seller, with more than 140,000 copies in print. Tony's memoir, Learning By Heart: An Unconventional Education, was published by Penguin/Random House in 2020. Tony served as the Strategic Education Advisor for a major new education documentary, "Most Likely to Succeed," which had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and has since been shown in more than 8000 communities. He also collaborated with noted filmmaker Robert Compton to create a 60 minute documentary, "The Finland Phenomenon: Inside The World's Most Surprising School System.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)
How to "Ungrade" Imagining Assessments That Encourage Discovery - with Jesse Stommel
Thursday, 6/11 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Why Do We Grade? It seems like such a basic question, but in reality, it's profoundly complex. Without much critical examination, teachers accept they have to grade, students accept they have to be graded, students are made to feel like they should care a great deal about grades, and teachers are told they shouldn't spend much time thinking about the why, when, and whether of grades.

Especially now, when the well-being of every student is paramount, asking hard questions about the whys and hows of grading are crucial.Much of our work in education resists being formulated as neat and tidy outcomes, and yet most assessment takes the complexity of human interaction within a learning environment and makes it “machine readable.” When learning is the goal, space should be left for wonder and experimentation.

We're wondering, why do we grade? Who are grades for? How does it feel to be graded? What do we want grading to do (or not do) in our classes (whether as students or teachers)? What do letter grades mean? Do they have any intrinsic meaning, or is the value purely extrinsic? Does assessment mean differently when it is formative rather than summative?

"If you're a teacher and you hate grading, stop doing it."
Join internationally recognized author and educator Jesse Stommel for this free 45-minute webinar that will unpack some of the bigger questions around grading and offer some provocative ideas for doing without. You'll leave inspired to look closely at your own practice around grading, and you'll have a sense of how to change that practice to more effectively serve your students.

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Dr. Darryl Adams, Education Leader & Social Justice and Equity Advocate and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 6/16 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Darryl Adams has been a transformational education leader throughout his career, recognized by the Obama White House for his outstanding contributions. During this conversation, we’ll explore issues of equity, social justice, the appropriate role of technology, and how to energize and mobilize your community and your school board to support bold innovations. Fasten your seatbelt for this fascinating discussion.
Featuring:
Darryl Adams is a sought after keynoter speaker and thought leader and is widely known as the Rock & Roll Superintendent advocating that "Every Child Be Connected" and provided with a 21st Century College, Career and Citizenship education. Dr. Adams, known as an innovator, provides motivational "keynote concerts", a new concept in educating and "edutaining!" Dr. Adams also provides consulting, business and educational leadership training services to corporate firms, government entities and school districts. Dr. Adams has been recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the Top 100 Innovative Superintendents in the nation.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Ken Kay & Suzie Boss and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Wednesday, 8/4 at 10:00 p.m.
About this Event
Experts in the power of community’s embracing a Portrait of a Graduate as their education North Star, Ken and Suzie will share with us the many lessons they’ve learned over through their distinguished careers, and highlight what we will find in their eagerly-anticipated new book Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching and Learning
Featuring:
Ken Kay is the Chief Executive Officer of EdLeader21, a professional learning community for education leaders committed to 21st century education. Ken co-founded the Partnership for 21st Century Skills in 2002 and served as its President for eight years. Prior to his work on 21st century education, Ken served as executive director of the CEO Forum on Education and Technology. Ken spent 28 years in Washington, DC, where he gained a national reputation as a coalition builder on competitiveness. He founded a landmark coalition of US universities and high-tech companies focused on research and development issues, and was the founding Executive Director of the premier CEO advocacy group in the US computer industry.

Suzie Boss is a journalist who writes about the power of teaching and learning to improve lives and transform communities. Author of Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students to Thrive in a Changing World and co-author of Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, She's inspired by educators who push the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Suzie is on the National Faculty of the Buck Institute for Education, and has also helped nonprofit organizations design programs that teach both youth and adults how to improve their communities with innovative, sustainable solutions.

and Ted Dintersmith (author, film producer, innovation expert, 2018 recipient of NEA’s Friend of Education Award)

Medfield Together

As a way to bring our community together in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Medfield Together has created our second Knowledge Quest. In windows or doors of various businesses - and schools! - around town, there are portals featuring accomplishments and contributions of AAPI individuals.

To participate, find portal locations, enter for a chance to win a gift card to Park Street Books, and get additional information, please visit www.medfieldtogether.com.

We hope you have fun celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with us!

Blake PTO Update
Want to get involved? We're looking for a Treasurer,Secretary, Co-President and VP for our Board next year! Contact Mary Kelly (marykelly33@yahoo.com for more information!

Our Annual Appeal is here! We are again requesting a contribution of $50/child this year; an amount that has remained the same over the past 5 years. This is a suggested amount, but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Please make checks out to Blake Middle School PTO and send it in with your child. We are hoping for 100% participation of Blake families by April 30th, 2021. This will allow our students and teachers to benefit over the next year, as the students and teachers did before them. We thank you in advance for your financial support of the Blake PTO.

Don’t forget to 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

MCPE Update - Blue Ribbon Day 2021
Celebrate Blue Ribbon Day 2021 and recognize a special teacher or staff member for making a difference in a student's life! This year, each student participating in our Blue Ribbon Recognition Program will receive a limited edition 2020/2021 “I did it with the help of my Blue Ribbon Teacher” t-shirt along with two blue ribbon note cards for students to write a note of thanks to teachers, bus drivers, specialists, or other staff members who have made a difference in their year. On May 28, students are encouraged to wear their shirts to school to celebrate Blue Ribbon Day and deliver their handwritten notes. Price for participation is $10 per student. This event is sponsored by Warren & Fontana Attorneys at Law.

Medfield Youth Lacrosse Clinic - 5/22/21
Please click on the link below for the flyer about the Medfield Youth Lacrosse Clinic…
Medfield Boys Youth Lacrosse Clinic Flyer

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