Nat Vaughn, Blake Principal

Week of 1/19/21-1/25/21

1/19/2021

Important Dates
1/19 - SEPAC Meeting
1/21 - Start With Hello - Cohort B (see info below)
1/25 - Start With Hello - Cohorts A and D
1/26 - ‘Navigating Schools During Uncertain Times’ (see info below)
1/27 - MCAP Meeting
1/28 - School Committee Meeting
2/3 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Webinar - see below
2/11 - School Committee Meeting
2/15-2/19 - February Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about Dr. King’s work and commitment to service, our question for this week is: What is one action you can/will make to ‘serve’ and help others? Service for Others (Week of 1/17/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Synchronous Learning Update from Blake
Below please find a link to a letter outlining Blake-specific regarding the changes taking place next week. Beginning this week, all students on their remote learning days will be attending classes via Zoom in a synchronous manner...
Blake Synchronous Learning Letter - January 15, 2021
As always, thank you for your support, flexibility, grace, and understanding as we walk this path together as a community.

6th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies classes on their remote learning days.
7th and 8th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Language/Reading classes on remote learning days.
You will receive (or have received) Zoom links and passwords for your classes from their teachers via Google Classroom.
Remote GO Block attendance will continue to be required for all students on their remote learning days.
Our expectation is that students maintain the norms and routines that have been set for remote participation in classes, including appropriate usage of the chat feature and respect for all students and staff - Blake's Netiquette Guidelines 2020-2021
All students should arrive on time and be prepared for their Zoom classes with fully charged devices, materials, and headphones/earbuds.
All students are expected to have the video enabled, and camera ON during Zoom sessions. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your teacher or guidance counselor.

Synchronous Learning Update from Dr. Marsden
1.Synchronous Learning- This agreement provides additional hours of synchronous learning in Grades 1-12 and goes beyond the minimum hours required in the new regulations. Core subjects are defined as science and technology, mathematics, history and social science, English, foreign language, and the arts. Please remember that many of our teachers are still new to live streaming. This skill set is complex and we ask for your patience during the rollout of this initiative.

Elementary-

Grades 1-5 shall have live synchronous teaching for 20 minutes during a morning meeting/lesson each day. In addition, all grades will have live synchronous learning classes each day as outlined below:
Grade 1 – Two (2) synchronous learning blocks of at least 35 minutes each day focused on core subjects
Grades 2-3 - Two (2) synchronous learning blocks of at least 40 minutes each day focused on core subjects
Grades 4-5 - Two (2) synchronous learning blocks of at least 45 minutes each day focused on core subjects
Specialists will also be synchronous

Blake Middle School-

All core subjects will be live/fully synchronous

Medfield High School-

All core subjects will be live/fully synchronous

2.Wednesdays- Beginning on February 10, 2021, Wednesdays will become a half-day of in-person learning for alternating cohorts. These days will be fully synchronous for the cohort not in-person. This will allow for more in-person learning and students at home will still be participating in real time.

The Wednesday schedule beginning on February 10, 2021 will be as follows:
Medfield High School 7:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Blake Middle School 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Elementary Schools 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. (Elementary students will each lunch at 12:00.)

3. Returning to In-Person Update- We continue our commitment to prioritizing our youngest and most at-risk students for expanded in-person learning. Our Pre-K program remains fully in-person, our Full Day Kindergarten students will return 4 days a week in-person on January 25, 2021, and we are planning to bring our Grade 1 students back in-person in February. Our K-8 students with disabilities with an academic IEP began attending school 4 days a week on January 4th and we plan to have our 9-12 students with disabilities with an academic IEP begin to attend school 4 days a week in February. These are all positive steps toward our goal of bringing all students safely back to full in-person during the spring of 2021.

Start With Hello
Start With Hello will be presenting to students at Blake Middle School starting this week! Start With Hello teaches students the skills they need to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within our classrooms and school.

The Start With Hello presenter will be “zoomed” into the classrooms, where students will view the presentation with their classmates and teachers. Students will then have the opportunity to discuss and reflect the presentation during an advisory period. The following are the dates for the presentations:

COHORT B - Thursday, January 21, 2021
COHORTS A and D - Monday, January 25, 2021

For further information, please visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/start-with-hello/. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Guidance Counselor.

Information for 8th Grade Families
ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents! Please mark your calendars for a Welcome to MHS Webinar on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:30pm via zoom. Students and parents will hear about academic offerings, high school culture, expectations, timelines, and more! The zoom link will be shared when the event gets closer. Placement tests for ninth grade classes will take place as follows - if you have questions about the process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below...

Science - 1/26 and 1/28
- Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
English - 2/1-⅖
- Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
Social Studies - 2/8-2/12
- Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net

MLK, Jr. 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.

Term 1 SBR Reports
Please be sure to complete the form that is linked here for each of your Blake students to indicate that you have received and reviewed your student's report card. If you have any questions about your child's work or the reports, please start by having a conversation with your own child. If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight. In addition, your child’s guidance counselor is an important resource.

Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. Over the next couple of weeks in advisory, students will be exploring some different activities from our MERJ January Newsletter. The focus for this month is "Justice January", with advisory activities about social justice and activism. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
Blake MERJ January Newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural Session has begun. Please go to the website for a list of offerings and registration info. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

ZoomProv!
ZoomProv! (virtual improv comedy club) will meet every Monday at 2:45 beginning next week. Open to all Blake students who would like to play some improv games and embrace their silly side. No experience necessary. Head to the Blake Intramural page to sign up and check out other club offerings as well. If you have any questions, contact Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net).

Blake is Social
Blake is Social would love any and all work from students. We love to show off what makes Blake special. We meet every Monday via zoom, if interested please reach out to Mrs. McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net

Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school. We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.

Blake Blood Drive
The MLK Day Blood Drive recruitment was a success!! Thank you to all who have helped and supported our annual blood drive.

Blake Battles Bias
Is your 7th or 8th grade student interested in matters of racial justice and other forms of bias? BBB (Blake Battles Bias) meets every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. New members are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net

Blake’s GSA
This week Blake GSA will host MYSTERY DRAWING!!!! Come and join our zoom, Thursday from 2:30-3:00. Need the zoom link? Reach out to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.

Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.

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
Deep learning is doable: Four strategies to make learning meaningful in any setting
Thursday, 1/21 at 4:00 p.m.
With Jay McTighe, Harvey Silver, and Dan Cogan-Drew
Key takeaways will be:

Consider what is “deep learning,” why it is needed, and how does it differs from superficial learning
Learn 4 strategies to support deeper learning and avoid “coverage”
Receive ready-to-use text sets in support of each strategy

“Navigating School During Uncertain Times”
Tuesday, 1/26 at 7:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Medfield Public Schools will again partner with Medway Public Schools to bring Jon Klienman from Challenge Success to host a Webinar, (a link will be shared closer to the presentation). This webinar will focus on the following: How can parents best support the personal and academic needs of their children while also attending to their own professional and familial needs? In this presentation, caregivers will learn how they can establish a healthier home environment for their school-aged child, reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase their child’s resilience, creativity, and well-being.

Building Resilience in Middle School Students - SPARK Kindness Event
Wednesday, 2/3 at 7 p.m.
Parenting a middle schooler can be a time of stress and isolation for parents and caregivers. In this talk, psychologist and SPARK team member, Dr. Kristen Aberle will share tools and strategies to make the best of the middle school years and strengthen your child’s mental health and resilience.

Dr. Kristen Aberle is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in working with children, adolescents and families. She has provided services in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and community health clinics. She is also an avid runner and ran the Boston Marathon to support SPARK.

Navigating Screen Time, Digital Socializing, and Parenting during COVID-19 with Dr. Jill Walsh
Thursday, 2/11 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a virtual workshop as Dr. Jill Walsh explains best practices around technology consumption. This talk will include:

the most important conversations to have with your children about technology now
how to think about screen time during hybrid/ remote learning
the key tech rules to institute for home learning that will set your child up for success
understanding the opportunities and challenges that digital socializing provides your child

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)
** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year! If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liason with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group. Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students! Kristen Careau kristencareau@gmail.com

MCPE Update
MCPE is bring back our popular Trivia Night in a fun virtual way! Join 200 of your closest friends on January 30 at 8:00pm for a full pub trivia experience without having to leave your couch! Register your team of 4-8 people here: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/trivia-2021

Blake PTO Update
ANNUAL FUNDING DRIVE-going on now! The drive makes it possible for the PTO to operate and cover academic enrichment, classroom events, teacher appreciation activities and other school/class activities throughout the school year. Funds from this drive are dispersed evenly to all four schools based on the number of students per school. Therefore, you may send in one payment even if you have multiple children at different schools. Suggested contribution of $30 per child Pay by PayPal or Venmo (@MedfieldTownwide-PTO) Or checks made payable to Medfield K-8 PTO sent to: Medfield K-8 PTO P.O. Box 387 Medfield, MA 02052 Or please visit www.medfieldk8pto.com for more information Contributions of any amount are accepted and are tax-deductible. Please consider asking your employer if they will match your contribution. Thank you for your continued support!

HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

Week of 1/12/21-1/18/21

1/12/2021

Important Dates
1/12 - SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m.
1/15 - No School for Students
Teacher Professional Day
1/18 - Dr. MLK, Jr. Day - No School
1/19 - SEPAC Meeting
1/26 - ‘Navigating Schools During Uncertain Times’ (see info below)
1/27 - MCAP Meeting

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about changes we can and should make to nurture and support all learners, our question for this week is: What are some necessary changes that you hope will take place to improve our schools and learning environments for all of our learners? Necessary Change (Week of 1/10/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Information for 8th Grade Families
ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents! Please mark your calendars for a Welcome to MHS Webinar on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:30pm via zoom. Students and parents will hear about academic offerings, high school culture, expectations, timelines, and more! The zoom link will be shared when the event gets closer.

MLK, Jr. Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
In a continued effort to provide down time for students, staff, and families, MLK, JR. Weekend will be a 'No Homework Weekend' for all of Blake. No assignments will be given with a due date of 1/19 and tests, quizzes, and projects will not be due nor given January 19 or 20. 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.

Term 1 SBR Reports
Prior to vacation Cohort A and B students will be brought home a blue pocket folder containing SBR reports for their Term 1 report card. Cohort D students received them in the mail. Time was and will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished via a Google Form (a similar form will be given to Cohort D students when we return from vacation). Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults. I have outlined the questions below and encourage you to have conversations this week to help bridge the connections between home and school…

Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1, what are you most proud of?
Reflecting on your Term 1 reports, what was not a surprise to you? Why was it not a surprise?
What surprised you on your Term 1 reports? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Explain.
Would you like to check in with your advisor or one of your teachers? (Yes, No, Maybe)
If you answered yes to the previous question, which teacher would you like to speak with and about what? Put "none" if you do not wish to check in with one of your teachers.
What is your biggest challenge as a learner right now?
Finish this sentence: I want to improve...
What is your favorite part of 'in school' learning days?
What is your favorite part of 'remote' learning days?
What is working well with 'Go Block'?
How could 'Go Block' be improved? What would be helpful for you?
How can we help you as a learner on your remote learning days? Please share ideas.
What would be helpful for you during advisory (check all that apply)?
Which of the following topics would you like to work on/discuss in Advisory this year? (Check all that apply - Mindfulness strategies, Time to check-in with my teachers, Stress-Relieving strategies, Organization time, Time to work on homework, Discussions about friendships/peer relationships)
Are there any other topics you would like to discuss in Advisory this year?
If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?

8th Grade STEM Talks
During 8th grade science classes on 12/21 and 12/22, our students heard from recent and not so recent grads of MPS now studying or working in the STEM field. Thanks so much to the following graduates: Cara Abecunas, Kathleen O’Connor, Megan Keith, Anna Joseph, Emma Nedell, Ryan Eng, Sam Johnson, Andrew Maritan, Maddy Reddy, Dylan Hogan, and Christian Daniele. I encourage everyone to think of other ways we can make the learning tangible for our students - via in person or virtual connections with alumni, individuals 'in the field', or outreach. Thanks to Orla for coordinating and to the 8th grade science teachers for hosting!

Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. Over the next couple of weeks in advisory, students will be exploring some different activities from our MERJ January Newsletter. The focus for this month is "Justice January", with advisory activities about social justice and activism. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
Blake MERJ January Newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural session is loosely set to run from mid January until the beginning of April. Be on the lookout for the offerings shortly! If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

Blake is Social
Blake is Social would love any and all work from students. We love to show off what makes Blake special. We meet every Monday via zoom, if intersted please reach out to Mrs. McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net

Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school. We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.

Blake Blood Drive
The annual Blake Middle School Blood Drive is still on. This year we are supporting the American Red Cross rather than hosting the drive here at the middle school. The new location for this year will be at the University Station in Westwood, January 18th from 8am-2pm. Please consider donating.

Blake Battles Bias
Is your 7th or 8th grade student interested in matters of racial justice? BBB (Blake Battles Bias) meets every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. New members are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net

Blake’s GSA
GSA- The GSA club will be held Thursday via zoom. This week we will talk music and create the ultimate playlist. Hope to see you there! Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.

Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.

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
A Seat at the Table With Education Week: Testing & Accountability
Wednesday, 1/13 at 2:00 p.m. EST
The pandemic has disrupted lives and schooling for nearly a year—and some in the education space—and beyond—worry about lost learning. One way to know what has been lost is through testing, but is it reasonable to hold students—or their teachers—accountable for one of the most challenging years in recent memory? This year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP—often referred to as “the Nation’s Report Card—has been postponed because of the pandemic. What impact will this decision have on education in this country?

Join Peter DeWitt as he sits down with researcher Lorrie Shepard, past president of the American Educational Research Association and the National Council on Measurement in Education, as they discuss this critical topic, especially given the circumstances.

What Learning Means in 2021
Thursday, 1/14 at 3:00 p.m. EST
It’s the beginning of 2021. A year that comes in the wake of the unprecedented 2020, a year that had learners and leaders scrambling to learn new methods, models and new expectations.

Many of these “firsts” helped to spotlight the pre-existing inequities and inadequacies of our education system, serving as a green light for implementing new ideas and reminding us all what education is about at its core — the people involved. During this live conversation, we will be exploring our recommendations for the new administration at the Department of Education, a team of experienced leaders coming into deep and troubled waters; discussing the themes, topics and trends that we are eager to continue exploring in 2021; and giving you a look at what’s next for Difference Making, our book and campaign on purpose-based learning and community-connected projects.

We hope to see you there to learn together and lay the foundation for the future of education for 2021 and beyond.

“Navigating School During Uncertain Times”
Tuesday, 1/26 at 7:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Medfield Public Schools will again partner with Medway Public Schools to bring Jon Klienman from Challenge Success to host a Webinar, (a link will be shared closer to the presentation). This webinar will focus on the following: How can parents best support the personal and academic needs of their children while also attending to their own professional and familial needs? In this presentation, caregivers will learn how they can establish a healthier home environment for their school-aged child, reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase their child’s resilience, creativity, and well-being.

Navigating Screen Time, Digital Socializing, and Parenting during COVID-19 with Dr. Jill Walsh
Thursday, 2/11 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a virtual workshop as Dr. Jill Walsh explains best practices around technology consumption. This talk will include:

the most important conversations to have with your children about technology now
how to think about screen time during hybrid/ remote learning
the key tech rules to institute for home learning that will set your child up for success
understanding the opportunities and challenges that digital socializing provides your child

Week of 1/5/21-1/11/21

1/8/2021

Important Dates
1/7 - School Picture Retakes
1/11 - Medfield Talks - Sarah Ward (see info below)
1/12 - SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m.
1/15 - No School for Students
Teacher Professional Day
1/18 - Dr. MLK, Jr. Day - No School
1/19 - SEPAC Meeting
1/26 - ‘Navigating Schools During Uncertain Times’ (see info below)
1/27 - MCAP Meeting

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about hopes, intentions, and (re)commitments for the new calendar year, our question for this week is: Please complete this statement: As we start the new year, I hope/intend/commit (or re-commit) to the following …
Hopes, Intentions and (Re)Commitments (Week of 1/3/20) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Term 1 SBR Reports
Prior to vacation Cohort A and B students will be brought home a blue pocket folder containing SBR reports for their Term 1 report card. Cohort D students received them in the mail. Time was and will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished via a Google Form (a similar form will be given to Cohort D students when we return from vacation). Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults. I have outlined the questions below and encourage you to have conversations this week to help bridge the connections between home and school…

Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1, what are you most proud of?
Reflecting on your Term 1 reports, what was not a surprise to you? Why was it not a surprise?
What surprised you on your Term 1 reports? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Explain.
Would you like to check in with your advisor or one of your teachers? (Yes, No, Maybe)
If you answered yes to the previous question, which teacher would you like to speak with and about what? Put "none" if you do not wish to check in with one of your teachers.
What is your biggest challenge as a learner right now?
Finish this sentence: I want to improve...
What is your favorite part of 'in school' learning days?
What is your favorite part of 'remote' learning days?
What is working well with 'Go Block'?
How could 'Go Block' be improved? What would be helpful for you?
How can we help you as a learner on your remote learning days? Please share ideas.
What would be helpful for you during advisory (check all that apply)?
Which of the following topics would you like to work on/discuss in Advisory this year? (Check all that apply - Mindfulness strategies, Time to check-in with my teachers, Stress-Relieving strategies, Organization time, Time to work on homework, Discussions about friendships/peer relationships)
Are there any other topics you would like to discuss in Advisory this year?
If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?

Health Information from the School Nurses
With the holidays and break approaching, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the MA COVID-19 Travel Order. If anyone travels and returns to MA from a red high risk state, (currently all states except for Hawaii are red), they must either quarantine for 14 days or be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arriving in MA and quarantine at home until receiving negative test results. Students must submit evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test to return to school after traveling.

Testing for children 10 years and younger, who are traveling with an adult from their household, is not required but recommended. The theory is that children will be exposed to the same places and people as the adults they are traveling with. Children under 10 are required to quarantine with the adults in their travel party until negative results are received. Children over 10 need to be tested.

The definition of quarantine means you need to stay home unless you absolutely must leave, such as for essential medical appointments. You should not have visitors over to your home while in quarantine nor go out with family or friends.

For your convenience, here is a list of MA Stop the Spread Testing Sites
For other testing sites click on the following links:
MA COVID-19 Test Sites COVID-19 Test Site Locator

Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by following these travel orders and continuing to social distance. Please reach out to your child’s school nurse if you have any questions and let us know if your child will be out of school related to travel testing.

Thank you,
Medfield Public School Nurses

Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. Over the next couple of weeks in advisory, students will be exploring some different activities from our MERJ January Newsletter. The focus for this month is "Justice January", with advisory activities about social justice and activism. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
Blake MERJ January Newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Thank You to MCPE and PTO
Thank you to the Blake PTO and MCPE (Medfield Coalition for Public Education) for their generous support of our endeavors/grants. We greatly appreciate the contributions as we look to provide unique and innovative experiences for our students!

Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural session is loosely set to run from mid January until the beginning of April. Be on the lookout for the offerings shortly! If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

7th Grade Samaritans Suicide Prevention Workshops
The 7th grade students participated in the Samaritans Suicide Prevention Workshop in December. Our students were great participants and were very respectful of the topic. While it's never easy to listen or talk about suicide, students were given strategies and tools to support friends or themselves if need be. Here are some additional resources for parents and students:
Blake Guidance Webpage
Resource Sheet
In addition, there is a new website designed especially for parents who are worried about their child's mental health. Check out HandholdMA.org. The website, created by a team of mental health and child development experts in partnership with parents who have “been there,” was designed for parents of school-aged children in Massachusetts. Handhold has three main sections:
Should I worry? Helps parents explore if their kid just being a kid, or if their behavior is something to worry about. Parents can learn about signs to look for and get suggestions on what to do next.
What can I do? Tips, tools, and strategies that have worked for other families, sorted by topic, and picked by Handhold. These are things parents can learn about or do from home.
Who can help? Carefully selected community organizations and government resources to help families find the right mental health services. HandholdMA.org was developed with input from individuals representing the diversity of Massachusetts’ communities, and is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.
Please reach out should you have any questions or concerns about your child.

Medfield Talks
MCPE is pleased to continue its partnership with SEPAC, High School PTO, K-8 PTO, Challenge Success and MCSP to host the Medfield Talks series. This year’s series will be held virtually so that Medfield families can continue to learn with us! On January 11, 2021, MCPE will sponsor a community talk on executive functioning by Sarah Ward from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Sarah spoke in Medfield last year, and it was a huge hit. Don’t miss her next talk. More information about registration for this event coming soon.

Blake is Social
Blake is Social- Blake is Social is looking for winter pictures! Got a great snow man to share??? Please send work my way cmcclelland@email.medfield.net Interested in joining? We meet via zoom, every Monday from 2:45-3:15 p.m.

Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school. We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.

Blake Blood Drive
The Red Cross Blood Drive is under way. The blood drive committee has started recruiting donors. We will try and bring our recruitment into the classrooms the first week we get back from break. Our team will have a presentation for you to give Wed. during advisory and then a flyer to digitally hand out to each students. That flyer will have the all important LINK to the sign up doc. We are hoping after the presentation that each student emails their parents the flyer or asks them to sign up! The need for blood is great. Thank you Blake for being such a support for this drive. The blood drive will be held at University Station in Westwood, January 18th from 8am-2pm. The Red Cross will be following Covid Safety protocols.

Blake Battles Bias
BBB - Blake Battles Bias - continues to meet every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. We've been exploring the questions "What is implicit bias?" "What does social justice look like?" and "What does this look like at Blake?" Any 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to attend! Email kgelormini@email.medfield.net for information.

Blake’s GSA
The Blake GSA is going to start hosting events! Thursday, January 7th will be our first event. DIGITAL BREAKOUT ROOM! Theme, LBGTQ+ trivia. Come and have some laughs, and fun, but most importantly, can you break out!!!???? Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.

Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)
** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Webinars of Interest
What Learning Means in 2021
Thursday, 1/14 at 3:00 p.m. EST
It’s the beginning of 2021. A year that comes in the wake of the unprecedented 2020, a year that had learners and leaders scrambling to learn new methods, models and new expectations.

Many of these “firsts” helped to spotlight the pre-existing inequities and inadequacies of our education system, serving as a green light for implementing new ideas and reminding us all what education is about at its core — the people involved. During this live conversation, we will be exploring our recommendations for the new administration at the Department of Education, a team of experienced leaders coming into deep and troubled waters; discussing the themes, topics and trends that we are eager to continue exploring in 2021; and giving you a look at what’s next for Difference Making, our book and campaign on purpose-based learning and community-connected projects.

We hope to see you there to learn together and lay the foundation for the future of education for 2021 and beyond.

“Navigating School During Uncertain Times”
Tuesday, 1/26 at 7:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Medfield Public Schools will again partner with Medway Public Schools to bring Jon Klienman from Challenge Success to host a Webinar, (a link will be shared closer to the presentation). This webinar will focus on the following: How can parents best support the personal and academic needs of their children while also attending to their own professional and familial needs? In this presentation, caregivers will learn how they can establish a healthier home environment for their school-aged child, reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase their child’s resilience, creativity, and well-being.

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year! If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liason with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group. Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students! Kristen Careau kristencareau@gmail.com

MCPE Update
MCPE is bring back our popular Trivia Night in a fun virtual way! Join 200 of your closest friends on January 30 at 8:00pm for a full pub trivia experience without having to leave your couch! Register your team of 4-8 people here: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/trivia-2021

Blake PTO Update
ANNUAL FUNDING DRIVE-going on now! The drive makes it possible for the PTO to operate and cover academic enrichment, classroom events, teacher appreciation activities and other school/class activities throughout the school year. Funds from this drive are dispersed evenly to all four schools based on the number of students per school. Therefore, you may send in one payment even if you have multiple children at different schools. Suggested contribution of $30 per child Pay by PayPal or Venmo (@MedfieldTownwide-PTO) Or checks made payable to Medfield K-8 PTO sent to: Medfield K-8 PTO P.O. Box 387 Medfield, MA 02052 Or please visit www.medfieldk8pto.com for more information Contributions of any amount are accepted and are tax-deductible. Please consider asking your employer if they will match your contribution. Thank you for your continued support!

HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

Weeks of 12/22/20-1/4/21

12/21/2020

Important Dates
12/22 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home for Cohort B
12/22 - Cohort B In-Person Learning; Cohort A Remote Learning
12/23 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
12/24-1/3 - December Vacation
1/4 - Hybrid Learning Resumes
1/5 - School Picture Retakes
1/7 - School Picture Retakes
1/11 - Medfield Talks - Sarah Ward (see info below)
1/12 - SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m.
1/15 - No School for Students
Teacher Professional Day
1/18 - Dr. MLK, Jr. Day - No School

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the role that self-reflection plays in our growth as learners, our question for the week is: When thinking back on 2020, what have you learned about yourself and how have you grown as a learner? Looking Back to Look Forward (Week of 12/20/20) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Schedule for Wednesday, 12/23
Here is the schedule for Wednesday, December 23. It applies to all students in cohorts A,B, and C. COHORT D students will maintain their normal Wednesday schedule this week.
** Academic classes will take place for 6th-8th grade
** World Language will take place for 7th-8th grade
** 6th-8th grade Related Arts and 6th grade World Language classes will not take place
** Cohort D will maintain their typical Wednesday schedule
Period G - 8:05-8:25
Period F - 8:30-8:50
Period E - 8:55-9:15
Period D - 9:20-9:40
Period C - 9:45-10:05
Period B - 10:10 --10:30
Period A - 10:35 --10:55
Advisory - 11:00 11:15

Term 1 SBR Reports
This week Cohort A and B students will be bringing home a blue pocket folder containing SBR reports for their Term 1 report card. Cohort D students will receive them in the mail. Students who are not in school will receive report cards when they return to school in January. Time was and will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished via a Google Form (a similar form will be given to Cohort D students when we return from vacation). Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults. I have outlined the questions below and encourage you to have conversations this week to help bridge the connections between home and school…

Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1, what are you most proud of?
Reflecting on your Term 1 reports, what was not a surprise to you? Why was it not a surprise?
What surprised you on your Term 1 reports? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Explain.
Would you like to check in with your advisor or one of your teachers? (Yes, No, Maybe)
If you answered yes to the previous question, which teacher would you like to speak with and about what? Put "none" if you do not wish to check in with one of your teachers.
What is your biggest challenge as a learner right now?
Finish this sentence: I want to improve...
What is your favorite part of 'in school' learning days?
What is your favorite part of 'remote' learning days?
What is working well with 'Go Block'?
How could 'Go Block' be improved? What would be helpful for you?
How can we help you as a learner on your remote learning days? Please share ideas.
What would be helpful for you during advisory (check all that apply)?
Which of the following topics would you like to work on/discuss in Advisory this year? (Check all that apply - Mindfulness strategies, Time to check-in with my teachers, Stress-Relieving strategies, Organization time, Time to work on homework, Discussions about friendships/peer relationships)
Are there any other topics you would like to discuss in Advisory this year?
If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?

Please be sure to complete the form that is linked here for each of your Blake students to indicate that you have received and reviewed your student's report card. If you have any questions about your child's work or the reports, please start by having a conversation with your own child. If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight. In addition, your child’s guidance counselor is an important resource.

Health Information from the School Nurses
With the holidays and break approaching, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the MA COVID-19 Travel Order. If anyone travels and returns to MA from a red high risk state, (currently all states except for Hawaii are red), they must either quarantine for 14 days or be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arriving in MA and quarantine at home until receiving negative test results. Students must submit evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test to return to school after traveling.

Testing for children 10 years and younger, who are traveling with an adult from their household, is not required but recommended. The theory is that children will be exposed to the same places and people as the adults they are traveling with. Children under 10 are required to quarantine with the adults in their travel party until negative results are received. Children over 10 need to be tested. The definition of quarantine means you need to stay home unless you absolutely must leave, such as for essential medical appointments. You should not have visitors over to your home while in quarantine nor go out with family or friends.

For your convenience, here is a list of MA Stop the Spread Testing Sites
For other testing sites click on the following links:
MA COVID-19 Test Sites COVID-19 Test Site Locator
Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by following these travel orders and continuing to social distance. Please reach out to your child’s school nurse if you have any questions and let us know if your child will be out of school related to travel testing.
Thank you,
Medfield Public School Nurses

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Thank You to MCPE and PTO
Thank you to the Blake PTO and MCPE (Medfield Coalition for Public Education) for their generous support of our endeavors/grants. We greatly appreciate the contributions as we look to provide unique and innovative experiences for our students!

Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural session is loosely set to run from mid January until the beginning of April. Be on the lookout for the offerings shortly after we return from winter break. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

7th Grade Samaritans Suicide Prevention Workshops
The 7th grade students participated in the Samaritans Suicide Prevention Workshop last week. Our students were great participants and were very respectful of the topic. While it's never easy to listen or talk about suicide, students were given strategies and tools to support friends or themselves if need be. Here are some additional resources for parents and students:
Blake Guidance Webpage
Resource Sheet
In addition, there is a new website designed especially for parents who are worried about their child's mental health. Check out HandholdMA.org. The website, created by a team of mental health and child development experts in partnership with parents who have “been there,” was designed for parents of school-aged children in Massachusetts. Handhold has three main sections:
Should I worry? Helps parents explore if their kid just being a kid, or if their behavior is something to worry about. Parents can learn about signs to look for and get suggestions on what to do next.
What can I do? Tips, tools, and strategies that have worked for other families, sorted by topic, and picked by Handhold. These are things parents can learn about or do from home.
Who can help? Carefully selected community organizations and government resources to help families find the right mental health services. HandholdMA.org was developed with input from individuals representing the diversity of Massachusetts’ communities, and is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.
Please reach out should you have any questions or concerns about your child.

Medfield Talks
MCPE is pleased to continue its partnership with SEPAC, High School PTO, K-8 PTO, Challenge Success and MCSP to host the Medfield Talks series. This year’s series will be held virtually so that Medfield families can continue to learn with us! On January 11, 2021, MCPE will sponsor a community talk on executive functioning by Sarah Ward from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Sarah spoke in Medfield last year, and it was a huge hit. Don’t miss her next talk. More information about registration for this event coming soon.

Virtual STEM Talks for 8th Grade Students
Virtual Stem talk for 8th grade students are taking place on Monday, 12/21 and Tuesday, 12/22 during science class. Students will hear from recent and not so recent grads of MPS now studying or working in the STEM field.

Blake is Social
Blake is Social- Blake is Social is looking for winter pictures! Got a great snow man to share??? Please send work my way cmcclelland@email.medfield.net Interested in joining? We meet via zoom, every Monday from 2:45-3:15

Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school. We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.

Season of Kindness
Blake is happy to announce its Season of Kindness starting this week and going until the holiday break. This year we will be reading picture books with themes of kindness and discussing them in our advisories. Then the students will be writing their very own kindness themed story to be shared with our elementary schools. In addition, a list is available of other thoughtful and kind ways students can be involved. This can all be found in the flyer at this link. Feel free to contact Marissa Gumas if you have any questions.

Blake Blood Drive
The Red Cross Blood Drive is under way. The blood drive committee has started recruiting donors. We will try and bring our recruitment into the classrooms the first week we get back from break. Our team will have a presentation for you to give Wed. during advisory and then a flyer to digitally hand out to each students. That flyer will have the all important LINK to the sign up doc. We are hoping after the presentation that each student emails their parents the flyer or asks them to sign up! The need for blood is great. Thank you Blake for being such a support for this drive. The blood drive will be held at University Station in Westwood, January 18th from 8am-2pm. The Red Cross will be following Covid Safety protocols.

Blake Battles Bias
BBB - Blake Battles Bias - continues to meet every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. We've been exploring the questions "What is implicit bias?" "What does social justice look like?" and "What does this look like at Blake?" Any 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to attend! Email kgelormini@email.medfield.net for information.

Blake’s GSA
The Blake GSA is going to start hosting events! Thursday, January 7th will be our first event. DIGITAL BREAKOUT ROOM! Theme, LBGTQ+ trivia. Come and have some laughs, and fun, but most importantly, can you break out!!!???? Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.

Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.

Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
December MERJ newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks

Message from Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation will be offering eSports opportunities this winter to students in grades 3-12. The games being offered include FORTNITE, Madden NFL21, FIFA Soccer, NBA 2K1 and Super Smash Bros. League play will begin the second week in January, but the registration deadline is Dec. 29. Players will compete against players from Medway, Norwood, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Ashland and Dover. Full details are available on their Web site at https://medfieldrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29553
They also are offering holiday break single-day tournaments in Madden (Monday, 12/28), Fortnite (Tuesday, 12/29) and Super Smash Bros (Wednesday 12/30). Each will begin at 3pm and could last up to four hours. Full details are available at https://medfieldrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29556.
Any questions, please contact Kevin Ryder at kryder@medfield.net.

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)
** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Webinars of Interest
What Learning Means in 2021
Thursday, 1/14 at 3:00 p.m. EST
It’s the beginning of 2021. A year that comes in the wake of the unprecedented 2020, a year that had learners and leaders scrambling to learn new methods, models and new expectations.
Many of these “firsts” helped to spotlight the pre-existing inequities and inadequacies of our education system, serving as a green light for implementing new ideas and reminding us all what education is about at its core — the people involved. During this live conversation, we will be exploring our recommendations for the new administration at the Department of Education, a team of experienced leaders coming into deep and troubled waters; discussing the themes, topics and trends that we are eager to continue exploring in 2021; and giving you a look at what’s next for Difference Making, our book and campaign on purpose-based learning and community-connected projects.
We hope to see you there to learn together and lay the foundation for the future of education for 2021 and beyond.

“Navigating School During Uncertain Times”
Tuesday, 1/26 at 7:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Medfield Public Schools will again partner with Medway Public Schools to bring Jon Klienman from Challenge Success to host a Webinar, (a link will be shared closer to the presentation). This webinar will focus on the following: How can parents best support the personal and academic needs of their children while also attending to their own professional and familial needs? In this presentation, caregivers will learn how they can establish a healthier home environment for their school-aged child, reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase their child’s resilience, creativity, and well-being.

Please use this form to order a blanket…
https://forms.gle/FjFDGKt5oSwDXBZ2A

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year! If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liason with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group. Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students! Kristen Careau kristencareau@gmail.com

MCPE Update
HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

Blake PTO Update
ANNUAL FUNDING DRIVE-going on now! The drive makes it possible for the PTO to operate and cover academic enrichment, classroom events, teacher appreciation activities and other school/class activities throughout the school year. Funds from this drive are dispersed evenly to all four schools based on the number of students per school. Therefore, you may send in one payment even if you have multiple children at different schools. Suggested contribution of $30 per child Pay by PayPal or Venmo (@MedfieldTownwide-PTO) Or checks made payable to Medfield K-8 PTO sent to: Medfield K-8 PTO P.O. Box 387 Medfield, MA 02052 Or please visit www.medfieldk8pto.com for more information Contributions of any amount are accepted and are tax-deductible. Please consider asking your employer if they will match your contribution. Thank you for your continued support!

HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

12/15/20-12/21/20

12/15/2020

Important Dates
12/15 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
Blake Site Council Meeting - 3:15 p.m.
12/16 - Remote Learning Day
12/18 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/18, 12/21 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
12/21 - Cohort A In-Person Learning; Cohort B Remote Learning
12/22 - Cohort B In-Person Learning; Cohort A Remote Learning
12/23 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
12/24-1/3 - December Vacation
1/4 - Hybrid Learning Resumes

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the impact and importance of listening to others and oneself, our question for the week is: What strategies help you to be a better listener? Time to Just Listen (Week of 12/13/20) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Schedule for Wednesday, 12/23
Here is the schedule for Wednesday, November 25. It applies to all students in cohorts A,B, and C. COHORT D students will maintain their normal Wednesday schedule this week.
12/23/20 Early Release Hybrid Period Schedule**
** Academic classes will take place for 6th-8th grade
** World Language will take place for 7th-8th grade
** 6th-8th grade Related Arts and 6th grade World Language classes will not take place
Period G - 8:05-8:25
Period F - 8:30-8:50
Period E - 8:55-9:15
Period D - 9:20-9:40
Period C - 9:45-10:05
Period B - 10:10 --10:30
Period A - 10:35 --10:55
Advisory - 11:00 11:15

Message from the Medfield Nurses
Follow the school nurses on Twitter @MedfieldNurses for all health and COVID updates - thank you!

7th Grade Samaritans Suice Prevention Workshops
Thank you to the parents who joined the Samaritans, Inc. presentation last night. If you were not able to view the webinar live, we have included the recording for you to view. Additionally, the slides from the presentation are included, as well as a resource for talking about anxiety during the covid pandemic.

Webinar recording: https://youtu.be/GfXQIplW7I4
Youth Suicide Prevention Presendation (slides)
COVID-19 Parental Resource Kit

If you do NOT wish for your child to take the screening test for depression and/or participate in the suicide prevention training in school, please email Matt Marenghi at mmarenghi@email.medfield.net. If we do not hear from you, your child will participate in this program.
Should you have any questions about the upcoming student suicide prevention workshop, please do not hesitate to reach out to either Russ Becker (rbecker@email.medfield.net) or Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

Blake Spirit Days
Student council invites blake staff and students to join in a show of seasonal spirit for a Spirit Week leading up to break:
COHORT A:
MON 12/14 - Blue & white Day
TUES 12/15 - Comfy Cozy Day
MON 12/21 - Seasonal spirit day (winter gear, holiday gear, your choice!)
COHORT B & D:
THURS 12/17 - Blue & white Day
FRI 12/18 - Comfy Cozy Day
TUES 12/22 - Seasonal spirit day (winter gear, holiday gear, your choice!)

Blake Student Council Update
Student Council is proud to announce its elected officers for 2020-2021:
President: Ally Bonoldi
VP: John Barrette
Secretary: Sophie Shield
PR: Mia El Abd

Cold Weather Attire
With the colder weather now fully upon us, please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school. We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.

Season of Kindness
Blake is happy to announce its Season of Kindness starting this week and going until the holiday break. This year we will be reading picture books with themes of kindness and discussing them in our advisories. Then the students will be writing their very own kindness themed story to be shared with our elementary schools. In addition, a list is available of other thoughtful and kind ways students can be involved. This can all be found in the flyer at this link. Feel free to contact Marissa Gumas if you have any questions.

Blake Battles Bias
BBB - Blake Battles Bias - will meet this Wednesday from 12-12:30. We've been exploring the questions "What is implicit bias?" and "What does social justice look like?" Any 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to attend! E-mail kgelormini@email.medfield.net for information.

Blake’s GSA
Blake’s Gay Straight Alliance seeks to make our school community a more welcoming and accepting place by helping to educate students and staff about the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, and also for those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. We meet on Zoom every Thursday from 2:40 to 3:10. An announcement will also be made to students, and please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.

Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.

Health Information from the School Nurses
Please refer to this important guidance from the MA Department of Public Health: Thanksgiving During COVID
Flu Vaccine - Please remember to get your child immunized against influenza by December 31, 2020 as required by the MA Department of Public Health. Documentation of flu vaccine administration should be submitted to the attention of our school nurses.
Physicals - Please send in a copy of your child’s physical to our school nurses following their annual appointment to keep their school health record updated.

MA Travel Order - If you are traveling out-of-state to a high risk state, your child will need to get a COVID-19 test and a copy of the test results needs to be submitted to our school nurses before your child can return to school in person. MA DPH Travel Order

Contact information for our school nurses:
Tricia Williams, RN, NCSN, twilliams@email.medfield.net
Arlene O’Donovan Driscoll, RN, MSN, aodonovandriscoll@email.medfield.net
Thomas A. Blake Middle School
24 Pound St.
Medfield, MA 02052
Office: 508-242-8554
Fax: 508-359-0134

Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Hat and Glove Drive
Medfield Girl Scout Troop 74900 is collecting NEW hats and gloves for the Massachusetts Department of Children's Services. We want to help keep the children warm this winter. There is a box located in the Blake Middle School front office. Please consider donating. We are collecting donations until December 20th, 2020.

Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
December MERJ newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks

Message from Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation will be offering eSports opportunities this winter to students in grades 3-12. The games being offered include FORTNITE, Madden NFL21, FIFA Soccer, NBA 2K1 and Super Smash Bros. League play will begin the second week in January, but the registration deadline is Dec. 29. Players will compete against players from Medway, Norwood, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Ashland and Dover. Full details are available on their Web site at https://medfieldrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29553

They also are offering holiday break single-day tournaments in Madden (Monday, 12/28), Fortnite (Tuesday, 12/29) and Super Smash Bros (Wednesday 12/30). Each will begin at 3pm and could last up to four hours. Full details are available at https://medfieldrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29556.
Any questions, please contact Kevin Ryder at kryder@medfield.net.

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)
** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Webinars of Interest
Self Compassion During Challenging Times with Dr. Kristen Neff
Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. But how can we learn to be kinder to ourselves, especially when facing difficult times?
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Self-compassion involves learning to treat ourselves with care and support. Rather than continually judging ourselves, we can have compassion toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learn to cope better with the inevitable struggles of life.
In this talk, leading Self Compassion expert Dr. Kristen Neff will show how we can use both fierce and tender self-compassion to cope with the pandemic and also racial injustice. In times like these we need a friend, and we can learn to be a friend to ourselves.

Kristin Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, studying moral development. She did two years of postdoctoral study at the University of Denver studying self-concept development. She is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct over fifteen years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, released by William Morrow.

In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, both published by Guilford. She is also co-founder and board president of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.

Exploring Social Connection w/ Dr. Marc Brackett and Dr. Niobe Way
Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
From Marc Brackett...
On Thursday, December 17th at 7pm, I’ll be hosting a webinar where I’ll interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Niobe Way, a professor at NYU. We’ll be talking about human connection and its importance. Among Niobe’s many accomplishments, she is founder of the Project for the Advancement of our Common Humanity

Please use this form to order a blanket…
https://forms.gle/FjFDGKt5oSwDXBZ2A

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year! If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liason with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group. Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students! Kristen Careau kristencareau@gmail.com

Medfield Together
Do your kids have questions about race in America? Do you feel comfortable having these conversations with them, or could you use some guidance? Medfield Together would like to share a series of workshops for parents and kids coming up in December. These workshops will be conducted by WeethePeople, a Boston-based social justice initiative for kids. The "What is Racism" workshop is offered for kids ages 6-10. The adult workshop, called "the ABCs of Racism," explores the barriers that prevent adults from talking about race and racism with kids, examines social science of race awareness in kids, and identifies strategies to start the conversation with kids about the complexities of race, racism, and racial differences. Go to https://www.weethepeopleboston.org for more details and to sign up! For more information about Medfield Together, check out our website: https://www.medfieldtogether.com

MCPE Update
HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

Blake PTO Update
ANNUAL FUNDING DRIVE-going on now! The drive makes it possible for the PTO to operate and cover academic enrichment, classroom events, teacher appreciation activities and other school/class activities throughout the school year. Funds from this drive are dispersed evenly to all four schools based on the number of students per school. Therefore, you may send in one payment even if you have multiple children at different schools. Suggested contribution of $30 per child Pay by PayPal or Venmo (@MedfieldTownwide-PTO) Or checks made payable to Medfield K-8 PTO sent to: Medfield K-8 PTO P.O. Box 387 Medfield, MA 02052 Or please visit www.medfieldk8pto.com for more information Contributions of any amount are accepted and are tax-deductible. Please consider asking your employer if they will match your contribution. Thank you for your continued support!

HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

12/8/20-12/14/20

12/9/2020

Important Dates
12/9 - Remote Learning Day
Blake PTO Meeting - 7 p.m.
12/10 - 7th Grade Samaritan Family Program (see info below)
12/14 - Term 1 Ends
12/15 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/16 - Remote Learning Day
12/18 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/18, 12/21 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
12/21 - Cohort A In-Person Learning; Cohort B Remote Learning
12/22 - Cohort B In-Person Learning; Cohort A Remote Learning
12/23 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
12/24-1/3 - December Vacation
1/4 - Hybrid Learning Resumes

Topic/Question for the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways that discomfort is an integral part of the process of learning, our topic/question for the week is: How can discomfort help you learn? Seeking Discomfort (Week of 12/6/20) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Samaritans Workshop/Presentation for 7th Grade Parents/Guardians/Caregivers - 12/10 at 6:30 p.m.
We hope you will join us on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. via zoom for a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. This virtual workshop on the 10th will give parents foundational knowledge and practical tools to talk with their children about depression and suicide. Led by Samaritans, Inc., topics covered in this workshop will include:

Suicide risk factors and warning signs
Coping skills and resiliency building
Facts, figures, and myth-busting
Best practices for talking to and helping someone who may be suicidal
School and community resources

The zoom link to join the webinar is below. Should you have any questions, please contact either Stephanie Worthley (sworthley@email.medfield.net) or Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net) with any questions.
ZOOM Information:
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join. https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/84144763174?pwd=QUtORUVJc3M1VDdPRXJIMkxibnRuUT09
Passcode: 639417
Or join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
    Webinar ID: 841 4476 3174
    Passcode: 639417
    International numbers available: https://medfield-net.zoom.us/u/kY1OYlTCV

Important Info for 7th Grade Families
At Blake Middle School, the Guidance Counselors believe it is important to focus on the whole student, paying close attention to the emotions that are often associated with the teen years. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. Unfortunately, not many youth know what to do or who to turn to when they are in need of help either for themselves or a friend.

On Thursday, December 10th at 6:30pm, we will virtually host a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. In this presentation, you will learn how to recognize risk factors and warning signs in your child as well as learn how to talk to your child who may be feeling depressed or suicidal and basic steps in getting help.

Samaritans, Inc. will also be presenting this information to all 7th grade students. Cohort A will see the presentation on Tuesday, December 15th, and Cohort B on Friday, December 18th.
We hope you will join us on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:30pm via zoom for a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. This virtual workshop on the 10th will give parents foundational knowledge and practical tools to talk with their children. Led by Samaritans, Inc., topics covered in this workshop will include:

Suicide risk factors and warning signs
Coping skills and resiliency building
Facts, figures, and myth-busting
Best practices for talking to and helping someone who may be suicidal
School and community resources

On Tuesday, December 15th (Cohort A) and Friday, December 18th (Cohort B) , Samaritans, Inc. will be presenting this Suicide Prevention Workshop to 7th grade students. Our goals in participating in this program are straightforward:

To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness, and help them assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression.
To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur as a result of untreated depression.
To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend.
To impress upon our students that they can help themselves or a friend by taking a simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.

Blake Battles Bias
BBB - Blake Battles Bias - will continue to meet every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. We've been exploring the questions "What is implicit bias?" and "What does social justice look like?" Any 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to attend! Email kgelormini@email.medfield.net for information.

Blake’s GSA
Blake’s Gay Straight Alliance seeks to make our school community a more welcoming and accepting place by helping to educate students and staff about the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, and also for those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. We meet on Zoom every Thursday from 2:40 to 3:10. An announcement will also be made to students, and please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.

Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.

Health Information from the School Nurses
Please refer to this important guidance from the MA Department of Public Health: Thanksgiving During COVID
Flu Vaccine - Please remember to get your child immunized against influenza by December 31, 2020 as required by the MA Department of Public Health. Documentation of flu vaccine administration should be submitted to the attention of our school nurses.
Physicals - Please send in a copy of your child’s physical to our school nurses following their annual appointment to keep their school health record updated.

MA Travel Order - If you are traveling out-of-state to a high risk state, your child will need to get a COVID-19 test and a copy of the test results needs to be submitted to our school nurses before your child can return to school in person. MA DPH Travel Order

Contact information for our school nurses:
Tricia Williams, RN, NCSN, twilliams@email.medfield.net
Arlene O’Donovan Driscoll, RN, MSN, aodonovandriscoll@email.medfield.net
Thomas A. Blake Middle School
24 Pound St.
Medfield, MA 02052
Office: 508-242-8554
Fax: 508-359-0134

Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Blake Supported Blood Drive in January
The Red Cross is holding a blood drive on MLK Day. Due to Covid we are unable to hold our own blood drive, but Blake will continue to save lives by supporting this blood drive. It will be held @ University Station in Westwood (Wegmans shopping center). We look forward to your support and hope to see you there.

Hat and Glove Drive
Medfield Girl Scout Troop 74900 is collecting NEW hats and gloves for the Massachusetts Department of Children's Services. We want to help keep the children warm this winter. There is a box located in the Blake Middle School front office. Please consider donating. We are collecting donations until December 20th, 2020.

Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
December MERJ newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks

Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery (davery@email.medfield.net) and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Mrs. Dondero (6th grade), Mr. Marenghi (7th grade), or Ms. Allen (8th grade).

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)

** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Webinars of Interest
The Future of Education
Wednesday, 12/9 at 3:00 p.m.
As we look ahead to a post-pandemic world, with educational disparities laid bare by COVID-19, the Harvard Graduate School of Education ends its Centennial year by asking: What will education look like five years from now? What about 25 years from now? What are the innovations — fueled by the pandemic’s necessities, or powered by the world’s push for racial justice and equal access — that will take us forward? What should we do now to work toward that future we want to build? And what factors, both positive and challenging, will help to determine that future?

Join HGSE Dean Bridget Long for a special centennial discussion with HGSE faculty on their perspectives and hopes for education going forward.

Moderator: Bridget Long, Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics, HGSE
Panelists:
• Karen Brennan, Associate Professor of Education, HGSE
• Jennifer Cheatham, Senior Lecturer on Education and Director of the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP), HGSE
• Anthony Jack, Assistant Professor of Education, HGSE
• Adriana Umaña-Taylor, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot Professor of Education, HGSE
• Martin West, William Henry Bloomberg Professor of Education, HGSE; and Deputy Director, Program on Education Policy and Governance (PEPG), Harvard Kennedy School

Exhaustion and RRAGE! Reflections on 2020 and a Tool for 2021
Wednesday, 12/9 at 7:00 p.m.
Big Questions Institute - Will Richardson and Homa Tavangar
It's Time to Turn the Page on an Incredibly Difficult Year
Let's get together for a quick look back at what we learned from this year and how we might start the new year off right. Join us for an interactive discussion on Two BIG Questions:
1. What are we taking away from 2020?
We've said this before: This year may have been the most intense year of learning for educators...ever.
When we think about everything that's happened, there's no question that we've weathered some profound change in the world.
Let's talk about the year that was...and wasn't.
2. What might we do differently in 2021?
We have to see next year as an opportunity.
Obviously, as the mini-viral Tweet below suggests, we're ready to think hard about different right now.

Self Compassion During Challenging Times with Dr. Kristen Neff
Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. But how can we learn to be kinder to ourselves, especially when facing difficult times?
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Self-compassion involves learning to treat ourselves with care and support. Rather than continually judging ourselves, we can have compassion toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learn to cope better with the inevitable struggles of life.
In this talk, leading Self Compassion expert Dr. Kristen Neff will show how we can use both fierce and tender self-compassion to cope with the pandemic and also racial injustice. In times like these we need a friend, and we can learn to be a friend to ourselves.

Kristin Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, studying moral development. She did two years of postdoctoral study at the University of Denver studying self-concept development. She is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct over fifteen years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, released by William Morrow.

In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, both published by Guilford. She is also co-founder and board president of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.

Exploring Social Connection w/ Dr. Marc Brackett and Dr. Niobe Way
Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
From Marc Brackett...
On Thursday, December 17th at 7pm, I’ll be hosting a webinar where I’ll interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Niobe Way, a professor at NYU. We’ll be talking about human connection and its importance. Among Niobe’s many accomplishments, she is founder of the Project for the Advancement of our Common Humanity.

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year! If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liason with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group. Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students! Kristen Careau kristencareau@gmail.com

Message from MCAP - Social Host Law
MCAP's Social Host Law Campaign is coming to an end but our work is not yet finished! You are invited to join the Medfield Cares About Prevention Community Coalition and help us make change in the Medfield community. Click here to read more about how to get involved or email Meri Haas at mhaas@medfield.net

Message from Medfield Outreach - ‘Pen Pal Program’
Medfield Outreach, The Council on Aging and MHS partner to bring you: "The Pen Pal Program Goes Intergenerational" Looking for service hours? Looking to contribute to your community by making connections and brightening someone's day? Come join us!! Pen Pal Program, communicate by mail. It's a great way to learn about each other, talk about differences, share activities each did when young, and discuss plans and hopes for the future. Letter-writing is not old fashioned; it is something wonderful to be valued and supported. VOLUNTEERS: Middle and High school students interested, please email medfieldoutreach@medfield.net.

Medfield Together
Do your kids have questions about race in America? Do you feel comfortable having these conversations with them, or could you use some guidance? Medfield Together would like to share a series of workshops for parents and kids coming up in December. These workshops will be conducted by WeethePeople, a Boston-based social justice initiative for kids. The "What is Racism" workshop is offered for kids ages 6-10. The adult workshop, called "the ABCs of Racism," explores the barriers that prevent adults from talking about race and racism with kids, examines social science of race awareness in kids, and identifies strategies to start the conversation with kids about the complexities of race, racism, and racial differences. Go to https://www.weethepeopleboston.org for more details and to sign up! For more information about Medfield Together, check out our website: https://www.medfieldtogether.com

MCPE Update
HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

Blake PTO Update
ANNUAL FUNDING DRIVE-going on now! The drive makes it possible for the PTO to operate and cover academic enrichment, classroom events, teacher appreciation activities and other school/class activities throughout the school year. Funds from this drive are dispersed evenly to all four schools based on the number of students per school. Therefore, you may send in one payment even if you have multiple children at different schools. Suggested contribution of $30 per child Pay by PayPal or Venmo (@MedfieldTownwide-PTO) Or checks made payable to Medfield K-8 PTO sent to: Medfield K-8 PTO P.O. Box 387 Medfield, MA 02052 Or please visit www.medfieldk8pto.com for more information Contributions of any amount are accepted and are tax-deductible. Please consider asking your employer if they will match your contribution. Thank you for your continued support!

HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.

Medfield Music Association Update
We're incredibly sad to announce that Spaghetti with Santa & Friends isn't feasible this year due to event restrictions. But ask yourself this... Do you want to build a snowman or teddy bear? The MMA is offering 9" build-your-own snowmen or teddy bears with stuffing, birth certificates, other goodies, and a fun live Zoom party where special guests will show how to stuff the cozy friends and lead sing-a-longs and story time. To learn more or join the fun: medfieldmusicassociation.com.

Week of 12/1/20-12/7/20

12/1/2020

Important Dates
12/1 - MCAP Survey for Cohort A (see info below)
12/2 - Remote Learning Day
12/4 - MCAP Survey for Cohort B (see info below)
12/8 - Blake PTO Meeting
12/9 - Remote Learning Day
12/10 - 7th Grade Samaritan Family Program (see info below)
12/14 - Term 1 Ends
12/15 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/16 - Remote Learning Day
12/18 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/18, 12/21 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
12/23 - Early Release Day

Topic/Question for the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways that that reflection can help us improve, our topic/question for the week is: What are you hoping to learn or improve upon over the next three weeks? Conscious Reflection (Week of 11/29/20) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Season of Kindness
Blake is happy to announce its Season of Kindness starting this week and going until the holiday break. This year we will be reading picture books with themes of kindness and discussing them in our advisories. Then the students will be writing their very own kindness themed story to be shared with our elementary schools. In addition, a list is available of other thoughtful and kind ways students can be involved. This can all be found in the flyer at this link. Feel free to contact Marissa Gumas if you have any questions.

Christmas in the City
This year the annual charity event Chrismas in the City has been canceled due to COVID19. However, the organization will still be providing gifts for thousands of homeless children in the city of Boston. In the past, we have decorated placemats for the event and helped to set up the convention center for the party. We have also hosted a student-staff basketball game to raise money to donate to the organization. This year to continue our 8th-grade service and connection with the Christmas in the City event we will be making and decorating Christmas cards in advisory to be given along with the gifts to the children who are homeless.
Here is a link to the website if you wish to make a donation.

Blake’s GSA
Blake’s Gay Straight Alliance seeks to make our school community a more welcoming and accepting place by helping to educate students and staff about the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, and also for those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Beginning December 3, we will meet on Zoom every Thursday from 2:40 to 3:10. An announcement will also be made to students, and please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.

Health Information from the School Nurses
Please refer to this important guidance from the MA Department of Public Health: Thanksgiving During COVID
Flu Vaccine - Please remember to get your child immunized against influenza by December 31, 2020 as required by the MA Department of Public Health. Documentation of flu vaccine administration should be submitted to the attention of our school nurses.
Physicals - Please send in a copy of your child’s physical to our school nurses following their annual appointment to keep their school health record updated.

MA Travel Order - If you are traveling out-of-state to a high risk state, your child will need to get a COVID-19 test and a copy of the test results needs to be submitted to our school nurses before your child can return to school in person. MA DPH Travel Order

Contact information for our school nurses:
Tricia Williams, RN, NCSN, twilliams@email.medfield.net
Arlene O’Donovan Driscoll, RN, MSN, aodonovandriscoll@email.medfield.net
Thomas A. Blake Middle School
24 Pound St.
Medfield, MA 02052
Office: 508-242-8554
Fax: 508-359-0134

Important Info for 7th Grade Families
At Blake Middle School, the Guidance Counselors believe it is important to focus on the whole student, paying close attention to the emotions that are often associated with the teen years. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. Unfortunately, not many youth know what to do or who to turn to when they are in need of help either for themselves or a friend.

On Thursday, December 10th at 6:30pm, we will virtually host a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. In this presentation, you will learn how to recognize risk factors and warning signs in your child as well as learn how to talk to your child who may be feeling depressed or suicidal and basic steps in getting help.

Samaritans, Inc. will also be presenting this information to all 7th grade students. Cohort A will see the presentation on Tuesday, December 15th, and Cohort B on Friday, December 18th.
More information will be emailed directly to all grade 7 parents/guardians.
Please save the date! We hope you will join us on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:30pm via zoom for a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. This virtual workshop on the 10th will give parents foundational knowledge and practical tools to talk with their children. Led by Samaritans, Inc., topics covered in this workshop will include:

Suicide risk factors and warning signs
Coping skills and resiliency building
Facts, figures, and myth-busting
Best practices for talking to and helping someone who may be suicidal
School and community resources

To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness, and help them assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression.
To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur as a result of untreated depression.
To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend.
To impress upon our students that they can help themselves or a friend by taking a simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.

Following the Samaritans, Inc. presentation, students will complete the Signs of Suicide Depression Screening. If a student completes the screening and there is a concern, please know that Guidance Counselors will be available all day to meet with students and then follow up with a phone call to you regarding next steps. If you do NOT wish for your child to take the screening test for depression and/or participate in the suicide prevention training in school, please email Matt Marenghi at mmarenghi@email.medfield.net. If we do not hear from you, your child will participate in this program.

Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks

Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery (davery@email.medfield.net) and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Mrs. Dondero (6th grade), Mr. Marenghi (7th grade), or Ms. Allen (8th grade).

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

Outdoor Lunches
We have been unbelievably lucky with the weather so far this school year and intend to continue with outdoor lunches for as long as possible despite the cooler weather. Outdoor lunches provide more flexibility for students with regard to seating and have been a nice break in the day. In the past two weeks, it is starting to feel a bit more like fall so we ask that students dress in layers so that they are comfortable being outside for mask breaks, Physical Education Classes and lunch periods despite windy, cool or cloudy weather. Classroom windows being open for ventilation also means that students will be comfortable in warm layers as we move deeper into cooler weather.

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)

** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Webinars of Interest
Addressing Personal Bias While Defining Your Authentic Self
Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Kalise Wornum, PhD. offers techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves + our families.
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Want to learn practical ways to address bias in ourselves and our community? Expert Kalise Wornum, PhD., will lead this interactive program with techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves, families, organizations and community.

Kalise enrolled in the METCO program at a very early age and graduated from the program with honors. Given her background with METCO, this alum has a deep understanding of the complications and beauty produced in culturally diverse classrooms. It was at this young age that she made the decision to always confront racism and found her passion for teaching. The METCO experience instilled in Kalise a lifelong passion to always confront racism and continuously educate others.
Kalise received her B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in interpersonal communications from Bradford College, a Masters degree in Educational Administration from The University of Vermont, and her Doctorate in 2017. Kalise has worked at numerous colleges /universities and K-12 districts which has given her a unique and in-depth understanding of the American educational system.
As the Executive Director of Empowering Multicultural Initiatives with curriculum development and instructional responsibilities, she learned the importance of appropriate consistent professional development for teachers. This position also allowed her to work with and provide professional development to educators across the commonwealth and the New England area. Kalise next received her administration license after completing an ELI program through the Boston University/Education Collaborative program enabling her to better identify the perspectives of school leaders.
Furthermore, she is frequently described as an incredibly energetic, informative, and dynamic presenter. Her genuinely authentic entrance into this very complex and daunting conversation relaxes all and makes this seeming impenetrable topic extremely approachable.

Teaching Toward Justice: Realizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity in Our Schools Part 3
Thursday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Vera Ahiyya
"The Tutu Teacher" Literacy Influencer
A kindergarten teacher who created a video about race for her students says she hopes the video -- which now has nearly 100,000 views on YouTube -- helps inspire other teachers to make race an ongoing conversation in their classrooms.

Self Compassion During Challenging Times with Dr. Kristen Neff
Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. But how can we learn to be kinder to ourselves, especially when facing difficult times?
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Self-compassion involves learning to treat ourselves with care and support. Rather than continually judging ourselves, we can have compassion toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learn to cope better with the inevitable struggles of life.
In this talk, leading Self Compassion expert Dr. Kristen Neff will show how we can use both fierce and tender self-compassion to cope with the pandemic and also racial injustice. In times like these we need a friend, and we can learn to be a friend to ourselves.

Kristin Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, studying moral development. She did two years of postdoctoral study at the University of Denver studying self-concept development. She is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct over fifteen years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, released by William Morrow.

In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, both published by Guilford. She is also co-founder and board president of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year! If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liason with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group. Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students! Kristen Careau kristencareau@gmail.com

Message from Medfield Outreach - ‘Pen Pal Program’
Medfield Outreach, The Council on Aging and MHS partner to bring you: "The Pen Pal Program Goes Intergenerational" Looking for service hours? Looking to contribute to your community by making connections and brightening someone's day? Come join us!! Pen Pal Program, communicate by mail. It's a great way to learn about each other, talk about differences, share activities each did when young, and discuss plans and hopes for the future. Letter-writing is not old fashioned; it is something wonderful to be valued and supported. VOLUNTEERS: Middle and High school students interested, please email medfieldoutreach@medfield.net.

Week of 11/24/20-11/30/20

11/24/2020

Important Dates
11/24 - Cohort B In-Person Learning; Cohort A Remote Learning
11/25 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students (see schedule below)
11/26 - Thanksgiving
11/27 - No School
12/1 - MCAP Survey for Cohort A (see info below)
12/2 - Remote Learning Day
12/4 - MCAP Survey for Cohort B (see info below)
12/8 - Blake PTO Meeting
12/9 - Remote Learning Day
12/10 - 7th Grade Samaritan Family Program (see info below)
12/15 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/16 - Remote Learning Day
12/18 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/23 - Early Release Day

Topic/Question for the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the practice of gratitude and Thanksgiving, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What are you thankful for this year? Intentional Gratitude (Week of 11/23/20) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Health Information from the School Nurses - November 2020
Please refer to this important guidance from the MA Department of Public Health: Thanksgiving During COVID
Flu Vaccine - Please remember to get your child immunized against influenza by December 31, 2020 as required by the MA Department of Public Health. Documentation of flu vaccine administration should be submitted to the attention of our school nurses.
Physicals - Please send in a copy of your child’s physical to our school nurses following their annual appointment to keep their school health record updated.

MA Travel Order - If you are traveling out-of-state to a high risk state, your child will need to get a COVID-19 test and a copy of the test results needs to be submitted to our school nurses before your child can return to school in person. MA DPH Travel Order

Contact information for our school nurses:
Tricia Williams, RN, NCSN, twilliams@email.medfield.net
Arlene O’Donovan Driscoll, RN, MSN, aodonovandriscoll@email.medfield.net
Thomas A. Blake Middle School
24 Pound St.
Medfield, MA 02052
Office: 508-242-8554
Fax: 508-359-0134

Schedule for Wednesday, 11/25
I am sharing below the special schedule for this Wednesday, November 25. It applies to all students in cohorts A,B, and C.
COHORT D students will maintain their normal Wednesday schedule this week.
11/25/20 Early Release Hybrid Period Schedule**
** Academic classes will take place for 6th-8th grade
** World Language will take place for 7th-8th grade
** 6th-8th grade Related Arts and 6th grade World Language classes will not take place
Period G - 8:05-8:25
Period F - 8:30-8:50
Period E - 8:55-9:15
Period D - 9:20-9:40
Period C - 9:45-10:05
Period B - 10:10 --10:30
Period A - 10:35 --10:55
Advisory - 11:00 11:15

Student Council - Spirit Week
Student Council spirit week continues on Monday 11/23 and Tuesday 11/24! Show us your spirit- tag us @blake_stuco
Cohort A: Monday 11/23 will be class color day.
8th grade- blue
7th grade- black
6th grade- orange

Cohorts B & D: Tuesday 11/24 will be class color day.
8th grade- blue
7th grade- black
6th grade- orange

Important Info for Blake Families - MCAP Survey
Below please find the link to an important letter from Meri Haas, Medfield's Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, regarding an upcoming MCAP (Medfield Cares About Prevention) survey to be administered to Blake students in early December. If you give permission for your child to participate, there is nothing you need to do. If you would like to see a copy of the survey before deciding whether to give permission, please email Meri Haas by November 20, 2020 at mhaas@medfield.net to arrange for a Zoom meeting to view the survey. If you DO NOT want your child to take part in the survey, please e-mail Meri Haas by November 27, 2020 to let me know.
Link to the Letter...
Blake Parent Letter MCAP 2020 Student Survey - November, 2020

Important Info for 7th Grade Families
At Blake Middle School, the Guidance Counselors believe it is important to focus on the whole student, paying close attention to the emotions that are often associated with the teen years. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. Unfortunately, not many youth know what to do or who to turn to when they are in need of help either for themselves or a friend.

On Thursday, December 10th at 6:30pm, we will virtually host a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. In this presentation, you will learn how to recognize risk factors and warning signs in your child as well as learn how to talk to your child who may be feeling depressed or suicidal and basic steps in getting help.

Samaritans, Inc. will also be presenting this information to all 7th grade students. Cohort A will see the presentation on Tuesday, December 15th, and Cohort B on Friday, December 18th.
More information will be emailed directly to all grade 7 parents/guardians.
Please save the date! We hope you will join us on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:30pm via zoom for a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. This virtual workshop on the 10th will give parents foundational knowledge and practical tools to talk with their children. Led by Samaritans, Inc., topics covered in this workshop will include:

Suicide risk factors and warning signs
Coping skills and resiliency building
Facts, figures, and myth-busting
Best practices for talking to and helping someone who may be suicidal
School and community resources

To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness, and help them assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression.
To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur as a result of untreated depression.
To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend.
To impress upon our students that they can help themselves or a friend by taking a simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.

Gain an understanding of perspective
Make connections between perspective, empathy, and curiosity
Reflect and look beyond the ‘single story’ of Thanksgiving

Message from Medfield Outreach
COVID got you down? Is hybrid learning stressful? Could you benefit from a little extra support or some guidance about a child-related concern? Medfield Outreach is offering drop-in hours for personal, individualized appointments with two licensed mental health professionals. The Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours will be extended through November on Thursdays from 10 am to 11:30 am. Check-ins are confidential and free. Please email MedfieldOutreach@medfield.net for a telehealth link and to sign up for a specific time slot.

Week of 11/17/20-11/23/20

11/17/2020

Important Dates
11/17 - SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m. (see details below)
11/18 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
11/19 - Blake Picture Day - Cohorts B and D (see below)
11/24 - Cohort B In-Person Learning; Cohort A Remote Learning
11/25 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
11/26 - Thanksgiving
11/27 - No School

Topic/Question for the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the role curiosity plays in gaining perspective, understanding, and empathy for others, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What are some ways that we can learn more about other people, cultures, and their 'stories'? Be specific. Intentional Curiosity (Week of 11/16/20)

Blake Advisory Activities - Week of 11/16/20
As you know Blake's theme for the 2020-2021 school year is Curiosity - this will extend and build upon the work we have done over the last three years with our themes of Diversity, Happiness, and Courage. Over the summer Tony Wagner (@DrTonyWagner) shared these thoughts via Twitter…Why do people stop learning? Two thoughts: 1) because they’ve only learned for extrinsic reasons-rewards and punishments-and once those are gone, they have no intrinsic reason to learn. 2) the intrinsic reason to learn stems, I think, from being curious & schools kill it. My hope and sincere belief is that we are working as a school community to ‘combat’ this notion that ‘schools kill curiosity’ - this theme is one that will be important for our students, staff, and community!

In advisory this week we will be utilizing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, Danger of a Single Story, as a vehicle to foster conversations around our theme - highlighting the importance of listening to and learning about the many stories we all have and bring. Our hope is to help foster an understanding about the importance of perspective-taking and the role that curiosity plays in helping all of us, individually and collectively, move beyond the ‘single stories’ we tell ourselves and absorb into our thoughts and actions. Through this work, we hope our students will...

Gain an understanding of perspective
Make connections between perspective, empathy, and curiosity
Reflect and look beyond the ‘single story’ of Thanksgiving

I have shared the links below to the abridged talk (the one we will watch with the students) along with a transcript of her presentation. I encourage you to watch the talk and hope that the conversations we have in school will carry over to home, and the ones at home will carry over to school as well...
Danger of a Single Story Full Length Talk
Danger of a Single Story Abridged Talk
Danger of a Single Story Transcript
The single story creates stereotypes. And the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story. -- Chimamanda Adichie
The conversations and discussions that take place will help to serve as a foundation upon which we can build for future work.

Important Info for Blake Families - MCAP Survey
Below please find the link to an important letter from Meri Haas, Medfield's Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, regarding an upcoming MCAP (Medfield Cares About Prevention) survey to be administered to Blake students in early December. If you give permission for your child to participate, there is nothing you need to do. If you would like to see a copy of the survey before deciding whether to give permission, please email Meri Haas by November 20, 2020 at mhaas@medfield.net to arrange for a Zoom meeting to view the survey. If you DO NOT want your child to take part in the survey, please e-mail Meri Haas by November 27, 2020 to let me know.
Link to the Letter...
Blake Parent Letter MCAP 2020 Student Survey - November, 2020

Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias, BBB, will meet again this Wednesday from 12-12:30. This week BBB will be exploring different perspectives around the holiday of Thanksgiving. Any 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to attend. Email kgelormini@email.medfield.net for information.

Spirit Week at Blake
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in our first spirit week leading up to Thanksgiving. Each cohort will have 3 spirit days.
Cohort A:
Monday 11/16 - Sport Theme Day
Tuesday 11/17 - Comfy Cozy Day
Monday 11/23 - Grade Level Color Day (stay tuned for color)
Cohort B & D:
Thursday 11/19 - Sport Theme Day
Friday 11/20 - Comfy Cozy Day
Tuesday 11/24 - Grade Level Color Day (stay tuned for color)
Show us your spirit on Instagram- mention us in a post or story @Blake_stuco!

Blake’s Virtual Info Night 2020-2021
Our Parent/Guardian Information Nights for this school year have been structured via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from our staff. All of the staff videos have been uploaded to our Hybrid Learning website...
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
The videos are posted on each cluster page within the site, and specialists and related arts are linked there as well. You will also see an overview/introduction on each cluster page of the school year with messages from Kelly Campbell and me. Although it is certainly not the same as seeing Blake families in person, we hope that you find this information/format meaningful and helpful.

Change in Cohort Days - 11/24/20 (and potentially 12/22/20)
November
Monday, November 23rd - Cohort A will attend in person/ Cohort B will attend remotely
Tuesday, November 24th - Cohort B will attend in person/ Cohort A will attend remotely

December (If still in a hybrid model)
Monday, December 21st- Cohort A will attend in person/ Cohort B will attend remotely
Tuesday, December 22nd- Cohort B will attend in person/ Cohort A will attend remotely

Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks

Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery (davery@email.medfield.net) and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Mrs. Dondero (6th grade), Mr. Marenghi (7th grade), or Ms. Allen (8th grade).

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

School Picture Info
COHORT B -- School Pictures will be taken on Thursday, November 19th in the Blake Gym. Students will be called down by cluster to maintain distancing, starting with 6th, then 7th, then 8th graders. All adults and students will be masked but the student being photographed will briefly remove their mask to be photographed, then put it back on before getting up and returning to class.
COHORT C -- School Pictures will be taken during their on-cluster days, not during their Library Cohort C days.
COHORT D -- School Pictures will be taken on Thursday, November 19th in the Blake Gym at 7:25 a.m. It is very important to please arrive at Blake by 7:25 a.m. in order to be able to access the school parking lot and avoid Pound Street being closed to traffic. Head straight to the GYM via the blue Gym doors for pictures. Only students will be permitted to enter the school for pictures. All adults and students will be masked but the student being photographed will briefly remove their mask to be photographed, then put it back on before getting up and returning to class.
Important Payment Information…This year, all pictures will need to be PRE-PAID ONLINE! There will be no forms coming home that need to be filled out. 1. Visit www.grynnternet.com
2. Enter code 5G9Q4Q7P and click login
3. Prepay for your pictures
4. Print your receipt and include in an envelope
5. Return envelope to school on picture day

Families can order online up to two days AFTER picture day. From there, they can no longer prepay and would need to wait for their student's Click & Save card. This card will have the student's personal web password to place an order online. All students will be photographed regardless of whether you choose to purchase photos.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

Outdoor Lunches
We have been unbelievably lucky with the weather so far this school year and intend to continue with outdoor lunches for as long as possible despite the cooler weather. Outdoor lunches provide more flexibility for students with regard to seating and have been a nice break in the day. In the past two weeks, it is starting to feel a bit more like fall so we ask that students dress in layers so that they are comfortable being outside for mask breaks, Physical Education Classes and lunch periods despite windy, cool or cloudy weather. Classroom windows being open for ventilation also means that students will be comfortable in warm layers as we move deeper into cooler weather.

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)

** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Blake Student Council
For any student interested in leadership, school spirit, and bringing our community together this year, please reach out to Mrs. Ruminski (kruminski@email.medfield.net) or Mrs. Shaw (jshaw@email.medfield.net). We would love to have you join!

Blake is Social
Blake is Social is looking for pictures of furry babies dressed up for halloween!!! Hat for your puppo, or cape for your catto? We would love a picture of it!

Medical and Health Information for Blake Families
Below please find important information from the Blake nursing team…
Flu Shots
All students are required to have a 2020/21 influenza vaccine (flu shot) by December 31, 2020 as mandated by the MA Department of Public Health. Please send in medical documentation your child(ren) received the vaccine prior to the end of 2020. This documentation can be your child’s updated vaccination record if the flu shot was given in his/her physician’s office or medical documentation from the pharmacy or clinic where your child received his/her flu shot.

Any medical or religious exemptions to vaccinations must be renewed annually every September at the start of the school year and submitted to the school nurse’s office.

Webinars of Interest
Permission to Feel: Strategies for Supporting Your Child's Emotional Well-Being During Uncertain Times
Wednesday, 11/18 at 8:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Common Sense Media
Throughout the pandemic, the critical role of schools and educators as sources of support, connectedness, and stability has never been more visible. And, as students, families, and educators face continued uncertainty and disruptions, social and emotional learning (SEL) has never been more important.
In this session, Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and lead developer of RULER, the evidence-based approach to teaching kids how to become emotion scientists, will share his research, tools, and strategies that can help make the ride a little smoother.
Join us for a 45-minute conversation with Marc as he outlines a blueprint for understanding emotions and using them wisely, supported by the latest research and powerful stories. You will leave this interactive webinar with strategies and tools to support your children's well-being during these challenging times and beyond.

Addressing Personal Bias While Defining Your Authentic Self
Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Kalise Wornum, PhD. offers techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves + our families.
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Want to learn practical ways to address bias in ourselves and our community? Expert Kalise Wornum, PhD., will lead this interactive program with techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves, families, organizations and community.

Kalise enrolled in the METCO program at a very early age and graduated from the program with honors. Given her background with METCO, this alum has a deep understanding of the complications and beauty produced in culturally diverse classrooms. It was at this young age that she made the decision to always confront racism and found her passion for teaching. The METCO experience instilled in Kalise a lifelong passion to always confront racism and continuously educate others.
Kalise received her B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in interpersonal communications from Bradford College, a Masters degree in Educational Administration from The University of Vermont, and her Doctorate in 2017. Kalise has worked at numerous colleges /universities and K-12 districts which has given her a unique and in-depth understanding of the American educational system.
As the Executive Director of Empowering Multicultural Initiatives with curriculum development and instructional responsibilities, she learned the importance of appropriate consistent professional development for teachers. This position also allowed her to work with and provide professional development to educators across the commonwealth and the New England area. Kalise next received her administration license after completing an ELI program through the Boston University/Education Collaborative program enabling her to better identify the perspectives of school leaders.
Furthermore, she is frequently described as an incredibly energetic, informative, and dynamic presenter. Her genuinely authentic entrance into this very complex and daunting conversation relaxes all and makes this seeming impenetrable topic extremely approachable.

Self Compassion During Challenging Times with Dr. Kristen Neff
Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. But how can we learn to be kinder to ourselves, especially when facing difficult times?
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Self-compassion involves learning to treat ourselves with care and support. Rather than continually judging ourselves, we can have compassion toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learn to cope better with the inevitable struggles of life.
In this talk, leading Self Compassion expert Dr. Kristen Neff will show how we can use both fierce and tender self-compassion to cope with the pandemic and also racial injustice. In times like these we need a friend, and we can learn to be a friend to ourselves.

Kristin Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, studying moral development. She did two years of postdoctoral study at the University of Denver studying self-concept development. She is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct over fifteen years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, released by William Morrow.

In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, both published by Guilford. She is also co-founder and board president of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.

Theme of Curiosity for 2020-2021
Our theme for this school year at Blake is one of Curiosity. 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, and Courage. Tony Wagner (@DrTonyWagner) recently shared these thoughts via Twitter…
Why do people stop learning? Two thoughts: 1) because they’ve only learned for extrinsic reasons-rewards and punishments-and once those are gone, they have no intrinsic reason to learn. 2)the intrinsic reason to learn stems, I think, from being curious & schools kill it.
My hope and sincere belief is that we are working as a school community to ‘combat’ this notion that ‘schools kill curiosity’ - this theme is one that will be important for our students, staff, and community! 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).

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

SEPAC Meeting - 11/17/20
Our next SEPAC meeting is on 11/17 at 7pm. We will start the meeting with reviewing the results of the google form that was sent out on 11/6 asking for participants to share questions, concerns, and positive feedback as related to IEPS and 504s. Join Zoom Meeting https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/86490515453?pwd=TTgvVXVpOEZaaExLc09oYnJ1YVBxdz09 Meeting ID: 864 9051 5453 Passcode: 310759 We hope you can join us.

Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year!
If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/

VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liaison with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group.
Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students!
- Kristen Careau kristencareau@gmail.com

MCAP Coalition and Medfield Police Department Launch a “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Campaign in Medfield: Be prepared if your kids ask questions.
Did you know that 78% of Medfield High School seniors have tried alcohol?
As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol during their high school and college years, long before it's legal for them to drink it. Although experimentation with alcohol can be common among kids, it's not safe or legal. So it's important to start discussing alcohol use and misuse with your kids at an early age and keep talking about it as they grow up.

Check out this PDF from Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) to learn more about how to talk to your Blake student. Or, visit MCAP’s website to learn more about the November Social Host Campaign: https://medfieldcares.org/wp/?qards_page=social-host-laws

Week of 11/10/20-11/16/20

11/10/2020

Important Dates
11/11 - Veterans Day - No School
11/16 - Blake Picture Day - Cohort A (see below)
11/17 - SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m.
11/18 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
11/19 - Blake Picture Day - Cohorts B and D (see below)
11/25 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
11/26 - Thanksgiving
11/27 - No School

Topic/Question for the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about keeping goals towards our ideals in our learning and work, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What is a long-term goal you have that you are working towards? What is one step can you take to help meet that goal? Ideals, Goals, and Attainability (Week of 11/9/20)

Blake’s Virtual Info Night 2020-2021
Our Parent/Guardian Information Nights for this school year have been structured via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from our staff. All of the staff videos have been uploaded to our Hybrid Learning website...
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
The videos are posted on each cluster page within the site, and specialists and related arts are linked there as well. You will also see an overview/introduction on each cluster page of the school year with messages from Kelly Campbell and me. Although it is certainly not the same as seeing Blake families in person, we hope that you find this information/format meaningful and helpful.

Blake Theater Update
Despite what 2020 has thrown at us, the show must go on for Blake Theater. The first two shows - Brother's Grimm Spectaculation and War of the Worlds: A Totally Teen Online Theatrical Event - will be available for viewing later this week. A separate email with the link and "ticket" information will be sent out to all families. There are 5 more shows coming to you and your computers throughout the year. Next one will be in December. Keep an eye out for more information soon.

Message from Student Council
Hey Blake- Student Council will be hosting our first spirit week the week before Thanksgiving! We look forward to lots of participation to show our Blake spirit! More details to come!

Veterans Day - Wear Red, White, and Blue
In honor of Veterans Day, the Student Council invites all staff and students to participate in a Vererans Day spirit day! Please wear respectful red, white, and blue on Tuesday, November 10 and Thursday, November 11 to show our support of our veterans!

Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks

Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery (davery@email.medfield.net) and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Mrs. Dondero (6th grade), Mr. Marenghi (7th grade), or Ms. Allen (8th grade).

Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

Blake’s Parent/Guardian Night Information
This year our Parent/Guardian Info Nights will be structured and shared via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from staff posted on the Blake Learning Website. We will be sharing these videos/presentations this week.

School Picture Info
COHORT A -- School Pictures will be taken on Monday, November 16th in the Blake Gym. Students will be called down by cluster to maintain distancing, starting with 6th, then 7th, then 8th graders. All adults and students will be masked but the student being photographed will briefly remove their mask to be photographed, then put it back on before getting up and returning to class.
COHORT B -- School Pictures will be taken on Thursday, November 19th in the Blake Gym. Students will be called down by cluster to maintain distancing, starting with 6th, then 7th, then 8th graders. All adults and students will be masked but the student being photographed will briefly remove their mask to be photographed, then put it back on before getting up and returning to class.
COHORT C -- School Pictures will be taken during their on-cluster days, not during their Library Cohort C days.
COHORT D -- School Pictures will be taken on Thursday, November 19th in the Blake Gym at 7:25 a.m. It is very important to please arrive at Blake by 7:25 a.m. in order to be able to access the school parking lot and avoid Pound Street being closed to traffic. Head straight to the GYM via the blue Gym doors for pictures. Only students will be permitted to enter the school for pictures. All adults and students will be masked but the student being photographed will briefly remove their mask to be photographed, then put it back on before getting up and returning to class.
Important Payment Information…This year, all pictures will need to be PRE-PAID ONLINE! There will be no forms coming home that need to be filled out. 1. Visit www.grynnternet.com
2. Enter code 5G9Q4Q7P and click login
3. Prepay for your pictures
4. Print your receipt and include in an envelope
5. Return envelope to school on picture day

Families can order online up to two days AFTER picture day. From there, they can no longer prepay and would need to wait for their student's Click & Save card. This card will have the student's personal web password to place an order online. All students will be photographed regardless of whether you choose to purchase photos.

Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

Outdoor Lunches
We have been unbelievably lucky with the weather so far this school year and intend to continue with outdoor lunches for as long as possible despite the cooler weather. Outdoor lunches provide more flexibility for students with regard to seating and have been a nice break in the day. In the past two weeks, it is starting to feel a bit more like fall so we ask that students dress in layers so that they are comfortable being outside for mask breaks, Physical Education Classes and lunch periods despite windy, cool or cloudy weather. Classroom windows being open for ventilation also means that students will be comfortable in warm layers as we move deeper into cooler weather.

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021

Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)

** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.

Blake Student Council
For any student interested in leadership, school spirit, and bringing our community together this year, please reach out to Mrs. Ruminski (kruminski@email.medfield.net) or Mrs. Shaw (jshaw@email.medfield.net). We would love to have you join!

Blake is Social
Blake is Social is looking for pictures of furry babies dressed up for halloween!!! Hat for your puppo, or cape for your catto? We would love a picture of it!

Medical and Health Information for Blake Families
Below please find important information from the Blake nursing team…
Flu Shots
All students are required to have a 2020/21 influenza vaccine (flu shot) by December 31, 2020 as mandated by the MA Department of Public Health. Please send in medical documentation your child(ren) received the vaccine prior to the end of 2020. This documentation can be your child’s updated vaccination record if the flu shot was given in his/her physician’s office or medical documentation from the pharmacy or clinic where your child received his/her flu shot.

Any medical or religious exemptions to vaccinations must be renewed annually every September at the start of the school year and submitted to the school nurse’s office.

Webinars of Interest
You Belong: A Call to Connection
Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Even during a pandemic, we are all connected. Mindfulness expert Sebene Selassie offers techniques supporting our path back to belonging.
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
You are not separate. You never were. You never will be.
We are not separate from each other. But we don’t always believe it, and we certainly don’t always practice it. In fact, we often practice the opposite—disconnection and domination. From unconscious bias to “cancel culture,” denial of our inherent interconnection limits our own freedom.
In this program and in her new book "You Belong," much-admired meditation expert Sebene Selassie reveals that accepting our belonging is the key to facing the many challenges currently impacting our world. Using principles of ancient philosophy, multidisciplinary research, and antiracism, Selassie leads us in an exploration of all the ways we separate (and thus suffer) and offers a map back to belonging.
To belong is to experience joy in any moment: to feel pleasure, dance in public, accept death, forgive what seems unforgivable, and extend kindness to yourself and others. To belong is also to acknowledge injustice, reckon with history, and face our own shadows. Full of practical advice and profound revelations, You Belong makes a winning case for resisting the forces that demand separation and reclaiming the connection—and belonging—that have been ours all along.

Addressing Personal Bias While Defining Your Authentic Self
Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Kalise Wornum, PhD. offers techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves + our families.
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Want to learn practical ways to address bias in ourselves and our community? Expert Kalise Wornum, PhD., will lead this interactive program with techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves, families, organizations and community.

Kalise enrolled in the METCO program at a very early age and graduated from the program with honors. Given her background with METCO, this alum has a deep understanding of the complications and beauty produced in culturally diverse classrooms. It was at this young age that she made the decision to always confront racism and found her passion for teaching. The METCO experience instilled in Kalise a lifelong passion to always confront racism and continuously educate others.
Kalise received her B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in interpersonal communications from Bradford College, a Masters degree in Educational Administration from The University of Vermont, and her Doctorate in 2017. Kalise has worked at numerous colleges /universities and K-12 districts which has given her a unique and in-depth understanding of the American educational system.
As the Executive Director of Empowering Multicultural Initiatives with curriculum development and instructional responsibilities, she learned the importance of appropriate consistent professional development for teachers. This position also allowed her to work with and provide professional development to educators across the commonwealth and the New England area. Kalise next received her administration license after completing an ELI program through the Boston University/Education Collaborative program enabling her to better identify the perspectives of school leaders.
Furthermore, she is frequently described as an incredibly energetic, informative, and dynamic presenter. Her genuinely authentic entrance into this very complex and daunting conversation relaxes all and makes this seeming impenetrable topic extremely approachable.

Self Compassion During Challenging Times with Dr. Kristen Neff
Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. But how can we learn to be kinder to ourselves, especially when facing difficult times?
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Self-compassion involves learning to treat ourselves with care and support. Rather than continually judging ourselves, we can have compassion toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learn to cope better with the inevitable struggles of life.
In this talk, leading Self Compassion expert Dr. Kristen Neff will show how we can use both fierce and tender self-compassion to cope with the pandemic and also racial injustice. In times like these we need a friend, and we can learn to be a friend to ourselves.

Kristin Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, studying moral development. She did two years of postdoctoral study at the University of Denver studying self-concept development. She is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct over fifteen years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, released by William Morrow.

In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, both published by Guilford. She is also co-founder and board president of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.

Site Council Openings for Incoming Grade 6-8 Parents/Guardians
We have openings for parent representatives on the Blake Middle School Site Council. The Site Council meets monthly to review issues and discuss initiatives for the Blake Middle School community. The Council is also responsible for developing the annual School Improvement Plan and monitors progress with the plan throughout the year. Members include the administration, teacher representatives, and members of the community. The meetings are typically held once a month on Monday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. Serving on the Site Council is a wonderful way to get involved in your child's education and have an active and positive role in improving the Blake Middle School experience. Interested parents should send a letter of interest, indicating their desire and rationale for involvement, to me (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) by Friday, October 2. If multiple parents express interest, an election will take place at parent night. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Theme of Curiosity for 2020-2021
Our theme for this school year at Blake is one of Curiosity. 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, and Courage. Tony Wagner (@DrTonyWagner) recently shared these thoughts via Twitter…
Why do people stop learning? Two thoughts: 1) because they’ve only learned for extrinsic reasons-rewards and punishments-and once those are gone, they have no intrinsic reason to learn. 2)the intrinsic reason to learn stems, I think, from being curious & schools kill it.
My hope and sincere belief is that we are working as a school community to ‘combat’ this notion that ‘schools kill curiosity’ - this theme is one that will be important for our students, staff, and community! 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).

Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)

Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

MCAP Coalition and Medfield Police Department Launch a “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Campaign in Medfield: Be prepared if your kids ask questions.
Did you know that 78% of Medfield High School seniors have tried alcohol?
As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol during their high school and college years, long before it's legal for them to drink it. Although experimentation with alcohol can be common among kids, it's not safe or legal. So it's important to start discussing alcohol use and misuse with your kids at an early age and keep talking about it as they grow up.

Check out this PDF from Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) to learn more about how to talk to your Blake student. Or, visit MCAP’s website to learn more about the November Social Host Campaign: https://medfieldcares.org/wp/?qards_page=social-host-laws

<<Previous