Nat Vaughn, Blake Principal

Week of 12/5/23-12/11/23

12/4/2023

Upcoming Dates
12/5 - Blake Site Council (3:00 p.m.)
Spaghetti & Snowballs (MMA)
Blake PTO Meeting
12/7 - Samaritans Student Workshops
MCAP Meeting
Tilden Village Visit
12/11 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
12/12 - ½ Day for Students
8th Grade Turkey Bowl (see info below)
Professional Afternoon
Blake Winter Band Concert
12/13 - Blake Winter Chorus Concert
12/14 - School Committee Mtg
12/19 - Blake Winter Orchestra Concert
12/22 - ½ Day for Students/Staff
12/25-1/1 - Winter Vacation
1/1 - Happy New Year!
1/2 - School Resumes

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about change, adapting, and the skills we need to learn, our question for the week is: How do you think schools and education will change in the next year? Skills to Adapt (Week of 12/3/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Samaritans Workshops - Info for 7th Grade
At Blake Middle School, the School 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.

Samaritans, Inc. will also be presenting this information to all 7th grade students on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Please refer to the email sent to all 7th grade parents/guardians from Stephanie Worthley.

Term 1 Report Cards
Next Monday students will be bringing home their report cards for the first term. Time will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished, as well as setting healthy goals for the second term. 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.

Computer Science Week at Blake!

Computer Science Week is here! This year's theme is #CelebrateProgress knowing that there's so much more that needs to be done, particularly in MA and in our own district about making CS accessible, equitable and even an option for all students. Take a minute to review the latest State of CS reports.

The goal is to increase school-wide participation, to broaden students' perspectives about CS and for them to see how CS connects to a content area and to have fun! Thanks to Diane Horvath for creating meaningful activities for our students - we are looking forward to a fun week!

December Reading Challenge
Hello Blake Community! The library has a lot of new titles just in time for the December Reading Challenge: a book published in 2023. We have a new display in the library and are eager to help students find their next favorite book!! All information about the Reading Challenge in on the Blake library website.

Save the Dates - 7th/8th Grade Dances
Save the Date(s) for the 2023-2024 school dances! There will be a total of 3 dances this year! There will be a dance for 7th graders, a dance for 8th graders, and a combined 7th/8th grade dance. Dance contracts and other details will be shared as we get closer to the events. Hope to see you there! Here are the dates:
➡️ 7th Grade Dance- Friday 3/1/24 from 7-9 pm
➡️ 7th/8th Grade Dance- Friday 3/22/24 from 7-9 pm
➡️ 8th Grade Dance- Friday 5/17/24 from 7-9 pm

Tilden Village Service Dinner
We are excited for our 2023 dinner service with Tilden Village, a housing complex adjoining the school property. Eighth graders are given a variety of ways to donate and participate.

We are also asking for an optional monetary donation to pay for a portion of the dinner. A suggested $5.00 donation (preferably a check made out to the Town of Medfield) will allow us to buy the main course of the evening--turkey pies from Outpost Farm--and make a contribution to the Medfield Home Committee; this organization has existed in Medfield since 1959 and brings a little "extra cheer" to Medfield residents at the holiday season through things like dinners, gifts, and clothing.

Thank you for your consideration and contribution to our annual dinner, service, and experience with Tilden Village. Here is a link to the Medfield Patch article from last year…
Eighth Graders Host Tilden Village Residents Holiday Dinner Again! | Medfield, MA Patch

Blake Turkey Bowl
Due to the storm set to arrive in Medfield this Wednesday morning in the form of intense rain and wind, the 'Turkey Bowl' is going to be postponed. We are saddened to have to change the date but it is the best option to have a fun and safe experience. We appreciate the whole staff for their flexibility and support in allowing us to 'make-up' the date instead of cancel. The event is meant to be inclusive, active and a showcase of the skills and rules they have been asked to demonstrate in class the past several weeks.

Any students who have not yet signed up for the tournament will still have an opportunity to do so and our canned food drive will extend to this new date. Donations can be brought to the PE office anytime before then

BMS Turkey Bowl
Who: Grade 8 Students
What: A 4v4 one-hand touch football tournament.
When: Tuesday (12/12) - 7:45-9:10 AM. Rain or shine.
Where: Meeting in Blake gym, then proceeding to the HS turf field.

Lost and Found
We have a lot of items in our lost and found bins; if you are missing clothing, water bottles or other items please encourage your child to check out the lost and found stations. You are welcome to stop by Blake after school daily from 2:15-3:00. We will be donating unclaimed items on December 22.

Multicultural Awareness Club - 12/7/23
Thank you to all the students who attended the first couple of meetings of the Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC). ALL ARE WELCOME!

Calling all K-12 student space and science enthusiasts!
NASA wants to hear where and how you’d explore space with the Power to Explore Student Challenge. Students are challenged to research Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS), a type of nuclear “battery” used in space exploration, and dream up a new RPS-powered space mission to a destination with limited or obstructed access to light. Write about where your RPS-powered mission would go, the mission goal(s), the advantages of using RPS, and a unique power you have to help achieve mission success. In total, your submission is limited to 250 words. Entries will be judged in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts, where students will learn about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore. Fifteen national semifinalists in each grade category (45 winners total) will receive a NASA RPS Prize pack, three national finalists in each grade category will (9 finalists total) will receive a virtual session with a NASA RPS expert, and one grand prize winner from each grade category (3 total) will receive a trip for two to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Learn more at the Challenge website. Entries due January 26, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET.

From MHS PTO - Harlem Wizards - 1/31 at 7 p.m.!
The FUNTASTIC AND HIGH-FLYING Harlem Wizards are returning to Medfield High School, Wednesday, January 31st 2024 at 7pm!!

This event promises to be high energy, fun-filled, great for kids and adults and will guarantee to put a smile on all your faces! Extremely talented basketball players will play against your teachers from all Medfield District Schools. (We say ‘play', but we all know they’ll run circles around them in a very entertaining way!!)

The event is a fundraiser for the Medfield High School PTO, to help raise funds for scholarships, deserving awards, inspirational speakers, grant requests to enrich classroom experiences and so much more.

Please help support us buy purchasing tickets to this great show, bringing the whole community together. Tickets would make great Holiday Gifts giving you all something to look forward to in the New Year!

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE - Hurry before they sell out!
Thank you for your support.
VIEW QUICK EVENT PROMO

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.

Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) with any questions.

Message from SEPAC
Medfield SEPAC is offering Parent Connection Groups this year in response to feedback in meetings and after-meeting surveys. A SEPAC parent volunteer will coordinate each, focusing on a different diagnosis. These informal groups will connect parents and caregivers of children of all ages with the specific diagnosis to share experiences and resources.

Our Parent Connection Group, focusing on Down Syndrome, is holding its second meeting on December 21st from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at the Medfield Public Library. If you want to join this group, please get in touch with Michelle, this group's parent volunteer, at mebrien@gmail.com.

We are looking to form groups for the following diagnoses: ADHD, Dyslexia + Language-based Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum. If you want to join one of these groups, please email sepac@email.medfield.net to connect with our parent volunteers for more information.

If you haven't taken our website survey yet, there is no time like the present. Access the survey directly here: https://forms.gle/tySXyGgTXGrRNE5J6

Check out our website, Facebook, and Instagram social media pages. We share area events and more!

Message from Blake PTOReminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Workshops/Webinars of Interest
Tips for Talking with Your Teen about Drugs & Alcohol in Today’s World - Presented by Dr. Safdar Medina
Tuesday, 12/5 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Medina is the Pediatric Director at Tri River Health Center in Uxbridge and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMassChan Medical School. He currently serves as the school physician for the Northborough/Southborough School District. He was awarded a grant by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2008 to work with community partners on teen substance use prevention. He treats youth who struggle with mental health conditions and addiction, including providing medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Questions or comments? Contact Natick 180 at natick180@natickma.org

Fearless Grading and Equity
Tuesday, 12/5 at 7:00 p.m.
Grading is one of the most emotional subjects in education. In this interactive keynote address, Dr. Reeves shows educators and leaders how to avoid the unnecessary fights that have surrounded grading reform around the world. “Start with common values – accuracy and fairness,” says Dr. Reeves. Once we find common values, schools can avoid unnecessary fights that have derailed so many grading reform movements. The keynote will provide practice and evidence-based strategies to accelerate the pace of change and bring immediate improvements in achievement, behavior, attendance, and faculty morale within a single year. Most importantly, the keynote shows how schools can quickly create local evidence of impact, demonstrating that these ideas work with your schedule, budget, and bargaining agreement.

FREE WEBINAR: "Inquiry Hub: The Dream, Create, Learn School" with Principal Dave Truss | BQI Community
Wednesday, 1/17 at 7 p.m.
Join us for this important overview of a compelling school model that highlights the power of project-based learning.

Inquiry Hub is a small Coquitlam School District (BC) high school that is unique in its approach and delivery. Known as the Dream – Create – Learn school, Inquiry Hub was born out of the idea that students don’t need to spend every minute of their day siloed into individual courses, without any unstructured time. It has evolved into a community of students who work both together and individually to complete the required curriculum while also designing some of their courses and their day around inquiries and passion projects that they want to pursue.

Grade 9’s and 10’s do cross-curricular projects using SCRUM project management, collaborating to get work done efficiently and effectively, and they also take an Inquiry Course designed around developing strong presentation skills and documenting their learning journeys, doing passion projects that they design. Grade 11’s and 12’s construct year-long IDS – Independent Directed Studies courses where they delve deep into their interests.

A key component of the program is DCL time, coined after the Dream – Create – Learn motto, where students are not in a structured class, but rather have unstructured time to work on their class projects, homework and assignments, and/or on their passion projects. Central to this is creating a community of learners who are eager to help each other and who have learned that failure is part of learning. Projects can be too big, too challenging, too overwhelming, but still result in a final product or presentation that exceeds expectations.

RSVP now to join us for this important session with principal Dave Truss and teacher Dr. John Sarte.

Week of 11/28/23-12/4/23

11/30/2023

Upcoming Dates
12/1 - Term 1 Ends
12/4 - Term 2 Begins
Samaritans Workshop for Families (see info below)
12/5 - Blake Site Council (3:00 p.m.)
Spaghetti & Snowballs (MMA)
Blake PTO Meeting
12/7 - Samaritans Student Workshops
MCAP Meeting
Tilden Village Visit
12/11 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
12/12 - ½ Day for Students
8th Grade Turkey Bowl (see info below)
Professional Afternoon
Blake Winter Band Concert
12/13 - Blake Winter Chorus Concert
12/14 - School Committee Mtg
12/19 - Blake Winter Orchestra Concert
12/22 - ½ Day for Students/Staff
12/25-1/1 - Winter Vacation
1/1 - Happy New Year!
1/2 - School Resumes

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about wondering and learning, our question(s) for the week are: What are you wondering about these days? What do you want to learn more about? Space for Wondering (Week of 11/26/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Samaritans Workshops - Info for 7th Grade
At Blake Middle School, the School 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 Monday, December 4th 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 on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Please refer to the email sent to all 7th grade parents/guardians from Stephanie Worthley.

Rosalba Solis Visit - Thanks to PTO!
We were happy to welcome Rosalba Solís to eighth grade classes this week! Thanks to the PTO, Rosalba came and led interactive sessions with all our Spanish students. Through music, dance, and Spanish conversation, she helped kids understand the importance of the four elements of life, especially in indigenous cultures. She also had everyone dancing some bachata by the end of the period! Many students were asking for more time with Rosalba, so we trust that they enjoyed this special, immersive experience.

Tilden Village Service Dinner
We are excited for our 2023 dinner service with Tilden Village, a housing complex adjoining the school property. Eighth graders are given a variety of ways to donate and participate.

We are also asking for an optional monetary donation to pay for a portion of the dinner. A suggested $5.00 donation (preferably a check made out to the Town of Medfield) will allow us to buy the main course of the evening--turkey pies from Outpost Farm--and make a contribution to the Medfield Home Committee; this organization has existed in Medfield since 1959 and brings a little "extra cheer" to Medfield residents at the holiday season through things like dinners, gifts, and clothing.

Thank you for your consideration and contribution to our annual dinner, service, and experience with Tilden Village. Here is a link to the Medfield Patch article from last year…
Eighth Graders Host Tilden Village Residents Holiday Dinner Again! | Medfield, MA Patch

Blake Turkey Bowl
Due to the storm set to arrive in Medfield this Wednesday morning in the form of intense rain and wind, the 'Turkey Bowl' is going to be postponed. We are saddened to have to change the date but it is the best option to have a fun and safe experience. We appreciate the whole staff for their flexibility and support in allowing us to 'make-up' the date instead of cancel. The event is meant to be inclusive, active and a showcase of the skills and rules they have been asked to demonstrate in class the past several weeks.

Our tentative makeup date will be set for the half day on December 12. Any students who have not yet signed up for the tournament will still have an opportunity to do so and our canned food drive will extend to this new date. Donations can be brought to the PE office anytime before then

BMS Turkey Bowl
Who: Grade 8 Students
What: A 4v4 one-hand touch football tournament.
When: Tuesday (12/12) - 7:45-9:10 AM. Rain or shine.
Where: Meeting in Blake gym, then proceeding to the HS turf field.

8th Grade Winter Sports
Registration for Blake Middle School winter athletics is now open on FamilyID.com. There is a direct link off the Athletics page (under Activities) on Blake Middle School site. To complete registration, we will need a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”).

*Blake Middle School Sports offered for the winter season are:
● Girls Basketball (8th grade Girls)
● Boys Basketball (8th grade Boys)

Sincerely,
Mike Mason, Asst AD and Blake MS Athletics Liaison
Eric A. Scott, Director of Athletics
Medfield Public Schools

Multicultural Awareness Club - 12/7/23
Thank you to all the students who attended the first couple of meetings of the Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC). ALL ARE WELCOME!

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.

Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.

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

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) with any questions.

MCAP/Medfield Outreach Update
Your response matters! Click on the link below or scan the QR code to participate in a brief parent/guardian survey about youth substance use in Medfield. Accurate information helps decision makers effectively address community needs.
*Fill out the survey for your chance to win $30!
flowcode.com/p/qAwRpcDJk?fc=0

Message from SEPACMedfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent and caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year.

Check out our website, Facebook, and Instagram social media pages. We share area events and more!

Message from Blake PTOReminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Workshops/Webinars of Interest
Tips for Talking with Your Teen about Drugs & Alcohol in Today’s World - Presented by Dr. Safdar Medina
Tuesday, 12/5 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Medina is the Pediatric Director at Tri River Health Center in Uxbridge and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMassChan Medical School. He currently serves as the school physician for the Northborough/Southborough School District. He was awarded a grant by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2008 to work with community partners on teen substance use prevention. He treats youth who struggle with mental health conditions and addiction, including providing medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Questions or comments? Contact Natick 180 at natick180@natickma.org

FREE WEBINAR: "Inquiry Hub: The Dream, Create, Learn School" with Principal Dave Truss | BQI Community
Wednesday, 1/17 at 7 p.m.
Join us for this important overview of a compelling school model that highlights the power of project-based learning.

Inquiry Hub is a small Coquitlam School District (BC) high school that is unique in its approach and delivery. Known as the Dream – Create – Learn school, Inquiry Hub was born out of the idea that students don’t need to spend every minute of their day siloed into individual courses, without any unstructured time. It has evolved into a community of students who work both together and individually to complete the required curriculum while also designing some of their courses and their day around inquiries and passion projects that they want to pursue.

Grade 9’s and 10’s do cross-curricular projects using SCRUM project management, collaborating to get work done efficiently and effectively, and they also take an Inquiry Course designed around developing strong presentation skills and documenting their learning journeys, doing passion projects that they design. Grade 11’s and 12’s construct year-long IDS – Independent Directed Studies courses where they delve deep into their interests.

A key component of the program is DCL time, coined after the Dream – Create – Learn motto, where students are not in a structured class, but rather have unstructured time to work on their class projects, homework and assignments, and/or on their passion projects. Central to this is creating a community of learners who are eager to help each other and who have learned that failure is part of learning. Projects can be too big, too challenging, too overwhelming, but still result in a final product or presentation that exceeds expectations.

RSVP now to join us for this important session with principal Dave Truss and teacher Dr. John Sarte.

Week of 11/21/23-11/27/23

11/20/2023

Upcoming Dates
11/22 - ½ Day for Students
11/23 - Happy Thanksgiving!
11/24 - No School
11/27 - Angel Run Poster Making Party
12/1 - Term 1 Ends
12/4 - Term 2 Begins
Samaritans Workshop for Families (see info below)
12/5 - Blake Site Council (3:00 p.m.)
Spaghetti & Snowballs (MMA)
Blake PTO Meeting
12/7 - MCAP Meeting
Tilden Village Visit
12/11 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
12/12 - 8th Grade Turkey Bowl (see info below)

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the practice of gratitude, our question for the week is: What are you thankful for? Intentional Gratitude (Week of 11/19/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Samaritans Workshops - Info for 7th Grade
At Blake Middle School, the School 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 Monday, December 4th 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 on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Please refer to the email sent to all 7th grade parents/guardians from Stephanie Worthley.

Blake Turkey Bowl
Due to the storm set to arrive in Medfield this Wednesday morning in the form of intense rain and wind, the 'Turkey Bowl' is going to be postponed. We are saddened to have to change the date but it is the best option to have a fun and safe experience. We appreciate the whole staff for their flexibility and support in allowing us to 'make-up' the date instead of cancel. The event is meant to be inclusive, active and a showcase of the skills and rules they have been asked to demonstrate in class the past several weeks.

Our tentative makeup date will be set for the half day on December 12.

Any students who have not yet signed up for the tournament will still have an opportunity to do so and our canned food drive will extend to this new date. Donations can be brought to the PE office anytime before then

BMS Turkey Bowl
Who: Grade 8 Students
What: A 4v4 one-hand touch football tournament.
When: Tuesday (12/12) - 7:45-9:10 AM. Rain or shine.
Where: Meeting in Blake gym, then proceeding to the HS turf field.

Hearing and Vision Screening at Blake - 7th Grade
Hearing and vision screening will be held the week after Thanksgiving for all 7th grade students. The purpose of this screening as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is to identify students who may have hearing or vision issues requiring medical follow up. The school nurses will be conducting the screenings for 7th graders during physical education classes the week of November 27th - December 1, 2023. If your child has contact lenses or glasses, please be sure your child wears his/her contacts or brings his/her glasses to school to use during the vision portion of the screening.
If you prefer to opt out (excuse) your child from either the vision and/or hearing screening, then please click here to complete the opt out form by next Wednesday, 11/22/23.
If you would like your child to participate in the screenings, then please do not complete the form. You will be contacted if your child does not pass either of the screenings and requires medical evaluation.
Please email Tricia directly at twilliams@email.medfield.net if you have any questions or you can reach Meghan and I in the middle school health office at 508-242-8554.

8th Grade Winter Sports
Registration for Blake Middle School winter athletics is now open on FamilyID.com. There is a direct link off the Athletics page (under Activities) on Blake Middle School site. To complete registration, we will need a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”).
*Blake Middle School Sports offered for the winter season are:
● Girls Basketball (8th grade Girls)
● Boys Basketball (8th grade Boys)
Sincerely,
Mike Mason, Asst AD and Blake MS Athletics Liaison
Eric A. Scott, Director of Athletics
Medfield Public Schools

Multicultural Awareness Club - 11/30/23
Thank you to all the students who attended the first couple of meetings of the Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC). ALL ARE WELCOME!

November Reading Challenge!
November reaching challenge is: A book recommended by your library. There is a display up in the library with some of my favorites- please come down and have a look! There are suggestions on all subject areas and all types of books. I’m also happy to make recommendations in person so stop in and let’s find the perfect book for you!! Don’t forget to fill out the Google form on the library website to let me know that you participated! Otherwise, how will I know to send you a prize?

Annual Coat Drive
A group of Blake 7th Graders are partnering with the Careau family to support their Annual Coat Drive for local shelters and veterans. Please visit the sign up and consider donating to those in need today!
Mens & Womens coats in sizes Medium, Large, XL, 2XL are especially needed. Gift cards to Shaw's are also helpful!
There is a bin outside Blake Middle School for donations.
THANK YOU!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0E4DACAB2BA3FF2-45973297-annual

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.

Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.

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

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) with any questions.

MCAP/Medfield Outreach Update
Your response matters! Click on the link below or scan the QR code to participate in a brief parent/guardian survey about youth substance use in Medfield. Accurate information helps decision makers effectively address community needs.
*Fill out the survey for your chance to win $30!
flowcode.com/p/qAwRpcDJk?fc=0

Message from SEPAC
Medfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent and caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year.

Check out our website, Facebook, and Instagram social media pages. We share area events and more!

Message from Blake PTO
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Message from MCPE - Grants in Action!
There’s still a bit more time before Thanksgiving 🦃, but you may already be getting in the mood for turkey, cranberries - and giving! Giving Tuesday is coming up on Tuesday, November 28 but it’s not too early to make your contribution to MCPE. Dollars donated to MCPE are put to work funding grants to enrich Medfield Public Schools, enhancing student learning and education for years to come! Tax-deductible donations can be made directly to our Venmo account: @ mcpe_medfield

We are so incredibly thankful for the support of our donors!

Message from Medfield Music Association
Volunteers needed on Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, 2023 for "Spaghetti and Snowballs!"

You loved this event when your children were little…please volunteer to help launch a new holiday tradition for the next generation of Medfielders!

Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner (with or without sauce and/or meatballs) and an ice cream dessert, music performed by Medfield students, and photos with Olaf from Frozen. 7th & 8th grade music students will be your servers for the evening. There will also be a bake sale, gift basket raffles, and many more fun surprises.

Tickets for Spaghetti & Snowballs are available here: https://www.ticketsource.us/medfield-music-association

Would you like to volunteer? This event takes so many helpers to pull off. Sign up as an event helper, a baker for the bake sale, or a shopper to fill the raffle baskets using the signup genius here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AADA822AA8-45674067-spaghetti#/

This event is brought to you by the Medfield Music Association (MMA)and proceeds benefit the music program in all Medfield Public Schools. Please follow us on facebook for updates.

The Medfield Music Association Wreath and Bulb Sale is here! Let us help you decorate this holiday season! Order a 20" noble fir wreath ($35). Our amaryllis bulb kits($15) are close to being sold out. Please help support grades K-12 Medfield Music Programs. Order by Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Deliveries will take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving to Medfield residences. Order at: https://www.medfieldmusicassociation.com/

Week of 11/14/23-11/20/23

11/15/2023

Upcoming Dates
11/16 - School Committee Mtg
11/17-11/19 - Blake Play Weekend!
11/22 - ½ Day for Students
   Blake Turkey Bowl (see info below)
11/23 - Happy Thanksgiving!
11/24 - No School
11/27 - Angel Run Poster Making Party
11/28 - Blake Site Council (3:30 p.m.)
12/1 - Term 1 Ends
12/4 - Samaritans Workshop for Families
12/5 - Spaghetti & Snowballs (MMA)
   Blake PTO Meeting

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we respond to change and uncertainty, our question for the week is: What strategies help you to adapt and live with uncertainty and change? Change and Uncertainty (Week of 11/12/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

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

Blake Turkey Bowl
The Blake Wellness team wanted to let you know that we are excited to resume our tradition of hosting an 8th Grade one-hand touch football tournament next Wednesday morning. To help students navigate their way through the anticipation, we thought we would send along some of the information we share with them. The event is meant to be inclusive, active and a showcase of the skills and rules they have been asked to demonstrate in class the past several weeks.

BMS Turkey Bowl
Who: Grade 8 Students
What: A 4v4 one-hand touch football tournament.
When: Wednesday (11/22) - 7:45-9:10 AM. Rain or shine.
Where: Meeting in Blake gym, then proceeding to the HS turf field.

Extra Details:
- Sign ups will take place through a live Google Form to be sent to all eighth graders in a few weeks. *Our Google Form will have an option for students unable to field an entire team of 4 to submit their interest so that we may assist them in the process.
- Sign ups must be entered by Tuesday (11/21) at 2:30PM. At this point the Google Form will be closed.
- All students participating in the Turkey Bowl should report to the gym AFTER attendance/ announcements on (11/22).

Blake Theater - 11/17-11/19
It's a Whole New World at the Blake Auditorium. Come check out our beautifully renovated space when you see the Blake Theater production of Aladdin on November 17th (7pm) and 18th (1pm and 7pm). Tickets are available now on bmstheater.booktix.net. Staff (and students) are $10. We will be having a work-still-in-progress dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 16 that we will open to staff only. It will start around 2:50ish. The list of cast and crew are below. Please come support them and the wonderful team of adults who made this show happen - Sarah LoMonaco, Deb Manning, Kathleen Burkell, Nancy McLaughlin, Joe Knaus, Tom Woods, Maureen Doctoroff, and Kim Price. Hope to see you there.

MCAS Dates for Spring 2024 at Blake

Multicultural Awareness Club - 11/16/23
Thank you to all the students who attended the first couple of meetings of the Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC). ALL ARE WELCOME!

November Reading Challenge!
November reaching challenge is: A book recommended by your library. There is a display up in the library with some of my favorites- please come down and have a look! There are suggestions on all subject areas and all types of books. I’m also happy to make recommendations in person so stop in and let’s find the perfect book for you!! Don’t forget to fill out the Google form on the library website to let me know that you participated! Otherwise, how will I know to send you a prize?

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.

Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.

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

MHS Theatre Society to perform Grease, November 17-19
Grease travels all the way back to 1958, capturing a sugary and idealized view of teenhood in its early stages. Back when love, slumber parties and prom were the main worries of many teenagers, it brings the audience back to simpler times. Guaranteed to spread a wave of nostalgia to an older audience, and a perception of hope and excitement to the younger audience.

Fresh off their summer love, Danny and Sandy never thought they would see each other again. But when their paths cross again at Rydell High, cliques and popularity complicate everything.

Will Danny and Sandy be able to rekindle their love? Or should it all be left in the summer?

The cast and crew of Medfield Theatre Society cordially invites you to join Danny and Sandy as they navigate their senior year at Rydell High School. Grease: School Version is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Condors Theatricals Company. www.concordtheatricals.com. Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

Show dates: November 17 and 18 @7:00 PM, and November 19 @2:00 PM
Location: MHS Auditorium, 88 South Street, Medfield, MA
To purchase tickets:
https://www.ticketsource.us/medfield-high-school-theatre-society

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) with any questions.

MCAP/Medfield Outreach Update
Your response matters! Click on the link below or scan the QR code to participate in a brief parent/guardian survey about youth substance use in Medfield. Accurate information helps decision makers effectively address community needs. *Fill out the survey for your chance to win $30!
flowcode.com/p/qAwRpcDJk?fc=0

Message from SEPAC
Medfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent and caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year.

Our first-ever parent connection group for parents and caregivers of individuals with Down Syndrome meets on November 14th at 11:30 a.m. at the Medfield Library. Hope to see you there! Please email sepac@email.medfield.net with questions. Check out our website, Facebook, and Instagram social media pages. We share area events and more!

Message from Blake PTO
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Message from MCPE - Grants in Action!
What’s better than one MCPE grant in action? Seeing two MCPE grants come together in this fun, creative project at Dale Street School last year! Students were tasked with using the EverBlocks life-size block system together with robotic Sphero balls to create obstacle courses and mazes for them to navigate. The EverBlocks modular building blocks were funded by MCPE in a 2019-20 grant, and the robotic Sphero balls were upgraded for the K-5 robotics program with new kits and components in a 2020-21 grant.

Follow MCPE on Instagram (@mcpe_medfield) to see more updates on how your donations make a real impact on our Medfield students!

Message from Medfield Music Association
Volunteers needed on Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, 2023 for "Spaghetti and Snowballs!" You loved this event when your children were little…please volunteer to help launch a new holiday tradition for the next generation of Medfielders!

Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner (with or without sauce and/or meatballs) and an ice cream dessert, music performed by Medfield students, and photos with Olaf from Frozen. 7th & 8th grade music students will be your servers for the evening. There will also be a bake sale, gift basket raffles, and many more fun surprises. Tickets for Spaghetti & Snowballs are available here: https://www.ticketsource.us/medfield-music-association

Would you like to volunteer? This event takes so many helpers to pull off. Sign up as an event helper, a baker for the bake sale, or a shopper to fill the raffle baskets using the signup genius here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AADA822AA8-45674067-spaghetti#/

This event is brought to you by the Medfield Music Association (MMA)and proceeds benefit the music program in all Medfield Public Schools. Please follow us on facebook for updates.

"Perspective-Taking Strategies for Deepening Understanding and Critical Thinking" with Tricia Ebarvia
Monday, 11/20 at 7:00 p.m.
Given today’s challenging social media and (dis)information ecosystem, it’s easy to see how many of us — teachers and students — can fall into either-or traps of thinking or to accept, as given, many dominant (and harmful) narratives we have about the most important issues of our time. Every day, we see evidence of how fear and bias are used to manipulate the public, and our kids are not immune to this.

But as psychologist Jennifer Eberhardt reminds us, “Neither our evolutionary path nor our present culture dooms us to be held hostage by bias. Change requires a kind of open-minded attention that is well within our reach” (Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do, 7). Every day in our classrooms, we can engage in an “open-minded attention” that not only protects kids against biased thinking traps, but also empowers them to seek perspectives beyond their own and beyond those loudest in the room or on their devices.

In this session, we’ll explore strategies we can practice with our students as they read, respond, and interpret texts and the world beyond those texts. We can seek answers to questions like: What other possibilities exist? Whose voice or perspective am I missing? Whose voices or perspectives have I dismissed and why? What do I have to learn here? How can I know better, think expansively, and see more clearly? We can make looking again, behind, and next to a habit of mind.

When students are practiced in perspective-taking, they exercise the flexibility and empathy required to understand issues and ideas from multiple points-of-view. With the problems we face in the world today, we need more young people who are practiced in seeing issues from varying, even contradictory perspectives.

We're thrilled to welcome back Tricia Ebarvia, author of the new book Get Free: Antibias Literacy Instruction for Stronger Readers, Writers, and Thinkers (Corwin, 2024) for this free 45-minute webinar that will help educators reframe their classroom instruction to promote critical inquiry, understanding, and expansive perspective-taking approaches.

Tips for Talking with Your Teen about Drugs & Alcohol in Today’s World - Presented by Dr. Safdar Medina
Tuesday, 12/5 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Medina is the Pediatric Director at Tri River Health Center in Uxbridge and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMassChan Medical School. He currently serves as the school physician for the Northborough/Southborough School District. He was awarded a grant by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2008 to work with community partners on teen substance use prevention. He treats youth who struggle with mental health conditions and addiction, including providing medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Questions or comments? Contact Natick 180 at natick180@natickma.org

Week of 11/8/23-11/14/23

11/10/2023

Upcoming Dates
11/10 - No School (Veterans Day Observed)
11/14 - Youth Action Club (see info below)
SEPAC Mtg (see info below)
11/16 - School Committee Mtg
11/17-11/19 - Blake Play Weekend!
11/22 - ½ Day for Students
   Blake Turkey Bowl (see info below)
11/23 - Happy Thanksgiving!
11/24 - No School
11/27 - Angel Run Poster Making Party
11/28 - Blake Site Council (3:30 p.m.)
12/4 - Samaritans Workshop for Families
12/5 - Spaghetti & Snowballs (MMA)
   Blake PTO Meeting

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways that questions foster learning and growth, our question for the week is: What questions are on your mind right now? Asking More Questions (Week of 11/5/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Veterans Day Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
In a continued effort to provide down time for students, staff, and families, Veterans Day Weekend will be a 'No Homework Weekend' for all of Blake. No assignments will be given with a due date of 11/13 and tests, quizzes, and projects will not be due nor given November 13. 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.

Blake Turkey Bowl
The Blake Wellness team wanted to let you know that we are excited to resume our tradition of hosting an 8th Grade one-hand touch football tournament next Wednesday morning. To help students navigate their way through the anticipation, we thought we would send along some of the information we share with them. The event is meant to be inclusive, active and a showcase of the skills and rules they have been asked to demonstrate in class the past several weeks.

BMS Turkey Bowl
Who: Grade 8 Students
What: A 4v4 one-hand touch football tournament.
When: Wednesday (11/22) - 7:45-9:10 AM. Rain or shine.
Where: Meeting in Blake gym, then proceeding to the HS turf field.

Extra Details:
- Sign ups will take place through a live Google Form to be sent to all eighth graders in a few weeks. *Our Google Form will have an option for students unable to field an entire team of 4 to submit their interest so that we may assist them in the process.
- Sign ups must be entered by Tuesday (11/21) at 2:30PM. At this point the Google Form will be closed.
- All students participating in the Turkey Bowl should report to the gym AFTER attendance/ announcements on (11/22).

Blake Theater - 11/17-11/19
It's a Whole New World at the Blake Auditorium. Come check out our beautifully renovated space when you see the Blake Theater production of Aladdin on November 17th (7pm) and 18th (1pm and 7pm). Tickets are available now on bmstheater.booktix.net. Staff (and students) are $10. We will be having a work-still-in-progress dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 16 that we will open to staff only. It will start around 2:50ish. The list of cast and crew are below. Please come support them and the wonderful team of adults who made this show happen - Sarah LoMonaco, Deb Manning, Kathleen Burkell, Nancy McLaughlin, Joe Knaus, Tom Woods, Maureen Doctoroff, and Kim Price. Hope to see you there.

MCAS Dates for Spring 2024 at Blake

Multicultural Awareness Club - 11/9/23
Thank you to all the students who attended the first meeting of the Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC) this past week. For this week's meeting, I will be reaching out to students to bring a personal artifact that is reflective of their culture (not required, however). I'm looking forward to sharing my artifact and hearing about what others bring! ALL ARE WELCOME.

November Reading Challenge!
November reaching challenge is: A book recommended by your library. There is a display up in the library with some of my favorites- please come down and have a look! There are suggestions on all subject areas and all types of books. I’m also happy to make recommendations in person so stop in and let’s find the perfect book for you!! Don’t forget to fill out the Google form on the library website to let me know that you participated! Otherwise, how will I know to send you a prize?

Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.

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

MHS Theatre Society to perform Grease, November 17-19
Grease travels all the way back to 1958, capturing a sugary and idealized view of teenhood in its early stages. Back when love, slumber parties and prom were the main worries of many teenagers, it brings the audience back to simpler times. Guaranteed to spread a wave of nostalgia to an older audience, and a perception of hope and excitement to the younger audience.

Fresh off their summer love, Danny and Sandy never thought they would see each other again. But when their paths cross again at Rydell High, cliques and popularity complicate everything.

Will Danny and Sandy be able to rekindle their love? Or should it all be left in the summer?

The cast and crew of Medfield Theatre Society cordially invites you to join Danny and Sandy as they navigate their senior year at Rydell High School. Grease: School Version is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Condors Theatricals Company. www.concordtheatricals.com. Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

Show dates: November 17 and 18 @7:00 PM, and November 19 @2:00 PM
Location: MHS Auditorium, 88 South Street, Medfield, MA
To purchase tickets:
https://www.ticketsource.us/medfield-high-school-theatre-society

Blake students! Are you interested in using your voice to make a difference in your community, increasing your leadership skills or making new friends?

You’re in luck! This year, Medfield Outreach is offering a new club called the Medfield Youth Action Club, or YAC! for short.
Perhaps you’ve seen some flyers around the school or remember the YAC! video you watched in advisory. Here is some more information just in case you missed it…

YAC! is free and open to ALL Blake Middle School students. The club will meet weekly on Tuesdays at Blake after school from 2:15-3:00pm. With structure provided by Medfield Outreach staff, club members will identify a topic that is important to them, learn how to advocate effectively for change, design a way to make a difference on this topic in the Medfield community or at Blake Middle School and then implement their plan.

What happens in this club will be determined by YOU - the Blake students. Whether you’re interested in creating art, public speaking, wellness, advocacy, writing, supporting your friends, politics, making a difference, designing presentations, or taking on other types of activities, YAC! is the place for you.

You are invited to become a part of the first-ever Medfield Youth Action Club! Feel free to drop in for the first meeting to check it out or stay for the entire year.

The first YAC! meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 14th right
after school. Interested students should meet in front of the Blake
Library. Still have questions? Head over to the Counseling Office to get more information or to fill out a YAC! student interest form…
2023-2024 Medfield Youth Action Club (YAC!) Student Interest Form

Message from SEPAC
Medfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent and caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year. Mark your calendars to join us at our upcoming meetings/ events: Tuesday, November 14th at 7 p.m. at the Blake Middle School Library: Basic Rights Workshop, followed by a board meeting. Our meetings are open to all who wish to attend. A high school student has volunteered to child-watch during the meetings. A Zoom link can be provided upon request. Please RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev0ywtTgQ5M5ZadWSb7RY8VxiV9ocbJszILYex2g7Lck4iUw/viewform?usp=sf_link or get in touch with us at sepac@email.medfield.net

Our first-ever parent connection group for parents and caregivers of individuals with Down Syndrome meets on November 16th at 11:30 a.m. at the Medfield Library. Hope to see you there! Please email sepac@email.medfield.net with questions. Check out our website, Facebook, and Instagram social media pages. We share area events and more!

Message from Medfield Music Association
The Medfield Music Association Wreath and Bulb Sale is here! Let us help you decorate this holiday season! Order a 20" noble fir wreath ($35). Our amaryllis bulb kits($15) are close to being sold out. Please help support grades K-12 Medfield Music Programs. Order by Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Deliveries will take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving to Medfield residences. Order at: https://www.medfieldmusicassociation.com/

AI & Education: Inclusive Innovation for Student Success
Tuesday, 11/14 at 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of the possibilities of harnessing AI to create transformative opportunities for teachers and learners. Sal Khan, of Khan Academy, Cynthia Breazeal, of MIT Open Learning and MIT Media Lab, and Bridget Terry Long, of Harvard Graduate School of Education, will explore how generative AI could lead to transformative improvements in teaching and learning, student supports, and career success.

The speakers will consider new opportunities for AI-enabled applications in education as well as the challenges faced, including mitigating bias and ensuring affordability, in a rapidly changing technology environment.

This event is organized by Axim Collaborative, in collaboration with Berkman Klein Center, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard VPAL, Khan Academy, MIT Media Lab, MIT Open Learning, and Partnership for Education Advancement.

For more information, please visit Axim Collaborative.

"Perspective-Taking Strategies for Deepening Understanding and Critical Thinking" with Tricia Ebarvia
Monday, 11/20 at 7:00 p.m.
Given today’s challenging social media and (dis)information ecosystem, it’s easy to see how many of us — teachers and students — can fall into either-or traps of thinking or to accept, as given, many dominant (and harmful) narratives we have about the most important issues of our time. Every day, we see evidence of how fear and bias are used to manipulate the public, and our kids are not immune to this.

But as psychologist Jennifer Eberhardt reminds us, “Neither our evolutionary path nor our present culture dooms us to be held hostage by bias. Change requires a kind of open-minded attention that is well within our reach” (Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do, 7). Every day in our classrooms, we can engage in an “open-minded attention” that not only protects kids against biased thinking traps, but also empowers them to seek perspectives beyond their own and beyond those loudest in the room or on their devices.

In this session, we’ll explore strategies we can practice with our students as they read, respond, and interpret texts and the world beyond those texts. We can seek answers to questions like: What other possibilities exist? Whose voice or perspective am I missing? Whose voices or perspectives have I dismissed and why? What do I have to learn here? How can I know better, think expansively, and see more clearly? We can make looking again, behind, and next to a habit of mind.

When students are practiced in perspective-taking, they exercise the flexibility and empathy required to understand issues and ideas from multiple points-of-view. With the problems we face in the world today, we need more young people who are practiced in seeing issues from varying, even contradictory perspectives.

We're thrilled to welcome back Tricia Ebarvia, author of the new book Get Free: Antibias Literacy Instruction for Stronger Readers, Writers, and Thinkers (Corwin, 2024) for this free 45-minute webinar that will help educators reframe their classroom instruction to promote critical inquiry, understanding, and expansive perspective-taking approaches.

Tips for Talking with Your Teen about Drugs & Alcohol in Today’s World - Presented by Dr. Safdar Medina
Tuesday, 12/5 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Medina is the Pediatric Director at Tri River Health Center in Uxbridge and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMassChan Medical School. He currently serves as the school physician for the Northborough/Southborough School District. He was awarded a grant by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2008 to work with community partners on teen substance use prevention. He treats youth who struggle with mental health conditions and addiction, including providing medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Questions or comments? Contact Natick 180 at natick180@natickma.org

Week of 10/31/23-11/6/23

11/1/2023

Upcoming Dates
10/30-11/3 - Spirit Week (see info below)
10/31 - ½ Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
11/2 - Screenagers Screening (see info below)
School Committee Mtg
11/3 - Grade 6 Band Field Trip
11/9 - MWAHS Administration (see info below)
11/10 - No School (Veterans Day Observed)
11/16 - School Committee Mtg
11/17-11/19 - Blake Play Weekend!
11/22 - ½ Day for Students
11/23 - Happy Thanksgiving!
11/24 - No School

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the roles that connections play in our lives and learning, our question(s) for the week is: What are the ‘things’ that help make you feel connected and that you matter? What does that ‘look like’? Culture of Connections (Week of 10/29/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Spirit Week at Blake (10/30-11/3)
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in our first spirit week of the year! Our Fall Spirit Week will be 10/30 to 11/3! Let's kick off the year with some fabulous spirit!
Monday, 10/30- Pink Out- wear all pink for breast cancer awareness!
Tuesday, 10/31- Costume Day- no full face masks, no fake weapons, no blood!
Wednesday, 11/1- Tourist/Hawaiian Day- get decked out in your favorite tropical or tourist garb!
Thursday, 11/2- Team Day- wear your favorite jersey, shirt, hat, scarf etc to support your favorite team (can be local, college, professional, etc.)!
Friday, 11/3- Lights Out Day- wear all black !

MWAHS Administration - 11/9/23
Below please find a copy of the letter with information about the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey that will be given to students at Blake and Medfield High School on Thursday, November 9…
MWAHS Blake Parent Letter 2023

Completing this survey is voluntary. The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment is a Federal Law that requires us to notify you ahead of time about the survey and give you the chance to look at it, so you can let us know if you don’t want your child to take part. If you want to see the survey before deciding, a copy will be available in the Blake Middle School Main Office from October 30th through November 3rd.

If you DO NOT want your child to take part in the survey, please email Stephen Marks, our K-12 Wellness Department Chair, at smarks@email.medfield.net by November 7th, 2023.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Stephen Marks at smarks@email.medfield.net.

Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie Visits to 8th Grade
On Wednesday, 10/25 students in the 8th grade heard from representatives from the Norfolk Agricultural school and Tri County Vocational Technical School, learning about the various programs offered as well as the application and interview process. If you have questions or are interested in finding out more information, please reach out to Tracy Allen (tallen@email.medfield.net).

Tri-County’s mission is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century.

The Norfolk Aggie presented about the various programs of study, co-ops and internships that are available at the Aggie. Students will learn about the admissions and interview process and timeline for applications. The school offers specialty training to students who are interested in the following:
Animal and Marine Science
Agricultural and Diesel Mechanics
Environmental Science
Horticulture (Plant) Science

Screenagers Under the Influence - 11/2/23 at 6 p.m.
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 6:00PM in the Medfield High School Auditorium- Medfield Outreach and Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) presents a viewing of "Screenagers Under the Influence" & panel discussion. Panelists from Boston Children's Adolescent Substance Use & Addiction Program, Digital Wellness Lab, New Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, & Medfield Outreach. Free & open to all! This will be an extremely worthwhile event for high school kids and parents.

Multicultural Awareness Club - 11/2/23
All are welcome to join the first meeting of Blake's Multicultral Awareness Club (MAC) this Thursday after school.

Term 1 Family Outreach Period - 10/16-10/20
Below please find links to letters from each grade level team with mid-term messages along with the information about Term 1's Family Outreach Period. If you have any questions about your student's progress, please contact their teachers or guidance counselor directly.
Grade 6 - Term 1 Family Outreach Updates (October, 2023)
Grade 7 - Term 1 Family Outreach Updates (October, 2023)
Grade 8 - Term 1 Family Outreach Updates (October, 2023)

Intramurals Info
There are still spots available in the following Wednesday Intramural offerings: Friendship Bracelet Making and Bucket Drumming. Please reach out to Mr. Marenghi if you are interested.

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) with any questions.

Youth Action Club

Join us on Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, 2023 for the Medfield Music Association’s biggest community fundraiser of the year as we joyfully bring back a favorite winter tradition, now named "Spaghetti and Snowballs!" Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner and ice cream dessert, music performed by Medfield students, and photos with Olaf. There will also be a bake sale, gift basket raffles, and many more fun surprises.

Two dinner seatings are available: one at 5:15 p.m., and another at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each (plus a small processing fee) and only 250 tickets are available for each seating.This event sells out quickly every year, and families are encouraged to buy their tickets early. Ticket sales open on November 1st!

This event is brought to you by the Medfield Music Association (MMA) and proceeds benefit the music program in all Medfield Public Schools.

Workshops/Webinars of Interest
Talking Money With Kids and Teens
Wednesday, 11/1 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
How can families and educators help students develop healthy money habits early in life? While there is growing momentum for personal finance education, more than half of the country doesn't guarantee lessons at the public high school level let alone in the younger grades. Join as we explore why, when, and how to talk with kids and teens about money.
Guests:
• Ron Lieber, "Your Money" columnist, The New York Times; author of "The Price You Pay for College" and "The Opposite of Spoiled."
• Michelle Singletary, "The Color of Money," personal finance columnist, The Washington Post; author of "What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits" and "The 21 Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom."

Host: Uche Amaechi, Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Webinar: Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Dream Session
Tuesday, 11/7 at 11 a.m.
Join Dr. Douglas Reeves and expert panelists, Dr. Joseph Yun, Dr. Peter Ondish, and Brian Pasquini as they discuss how AI can support every level from the state department to the classroom.

In this interactive webinar, participants will learn what AI really is and how educators can maximize its use. Additionally, panelists will address specific AI pain points that are submitted by participants.

“'We’re Doing This to Them': How to Reverse the Mental Health Crisis in YOUR School"
Wednesday, 11/8 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by BQI Community - Free Webinar
We are in the midst of an international youth mental health crisis. Adolescent anxiety and depression are rampant, ESPECIALLY in high-achieving schools in middle and upper-middle-class communities. If you think it’s not happening in your school, you might be in denial.

In this powerful session, veteran educator and host of the Experience Matters podcast Steve Shapiro will bring together a student, a neuropsychologist, and a visionary school leader to address:

The student experience of struggling with chronic comparison and toxic competition
The neuropsychological impact on the developing brain and possible long-term impacts
Concrete steps schools can take to reverse the problem

Hope you can attend. Your highly stressed students will thank you.

AI & Education: Inclusive Innovation for Student Success
Tuesday, 11/14 at 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of the possibilities of harnessing AI to create transformative opportunities for teachers and learners. Sal Khan, of Khan Academy, Cynthia Breazeal, of MIT Open Learning and MIT Media Lab, and Bridget Terry Long, of Harvard Graduate School of Education, will explore how generative AI could lead to transformative improvements in teaching and learning, student supports, and career success.

The speakers will consider new opportunities for AI-enabled applications in education as well as the challenges faced, including mitigating bias and ensuring affordability, in a rapidly changing technology environment.

This event is organized by Axim Collaborative, in collaboration with Berkman Klein Center, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard VPAL, Khan Academy, MIT Media Lab, MIT Open Learning, and Partnership for Education Advancement.

For more information, please visit Axim Collaborative.

10/24/23-10/30/23

10/25/2023

Upcoming Dates
10/25-10/26 - ½ Days for Students
                     Conference Afternoons
10/27 - Blake Picture Retakes Day (see info below)
10/30-11/3 - Spirit Week (see info below)
10/30 - Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
10/31 - ½ Day for Students
   Professional Afternoon for Staff
11/2 - School Committee Mtg
11/10 - No School (Veterans Day Observed)

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we can be sure to look after our own well-being, our question(s) for the week is: How do you make time for yourself? Why is that important? Listening to Ourselves (Week of 10/15/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Spirit Week at Blake (10/30-11/3)
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in our first spirit week of the year! Our Fall Spirit Week will be 10/30 to 11/3! Let's kick off the year with some fabulous spirit!
Monday, 10/30- Pink Out- wear all pink for breast cancer awareness!
Tuesday, 10/31- Costume Day- no full face masks, no fake weapons, no blood!
Wednesday, 11/1- Tourist/Hawaiian Day- get decked out in your favorite tropical or tourist garb!
Thursday, 11/2- Team Day- wear your favorite jersey, shirt, hat, scarf etc to support your favorite team (can be local, college, professional, etc.)!
Friday, 11/3- Lights Out Day- wear all black !

Term 1 Family Outreach Period - 10/16-10/20
Below please find links to letters from each grade level team with mid-term messages along with the information about Term 1's Family Outreach Period. If you have any questions about your student's progress, please contact their teachers or guidance counselor directly.
Grade 6 - Term 1 Family Outreach Updates (October, 2023)
Grade 7 - Term 1 Family Outreach Updates (October, 2023)
Grade 8 - Term 1 Family Outreach Updates (October, 2023)

Info About School Picture Retakes, Yearbook Group Photos, and 8th Grade Class Photo - Friday, 10/27
School picture packages were distributed in advisory on Friday. If you have not seen them, please ask your student if they have them in their bookbag.

If a student does not like their original photograph and they purchased a package, they must return the picture package to the photographer at time of retake. Retakes will take place the morning of 10/27. If a student forgets their picture package at home on re-take day, they will need to mail their package to G&B at:

                   G&B Photography
                   3 Anngina Drive
                   Enfield, CT 06082
**A new package with their new photo will not be ordered until the original package is received by G&B.

If your student was ABSENT and did not have their photo taken on picture day, they should just come down when their grade level is called and have their photo taken.
If your student was photographed but did not purchase pictures, you received a "click it" card with a small proof of the photo on it. You may order online using the click it card information.
The 8th grade class photo will be taken OUTSIDE right at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, October 27th. Students will be brought outside by their A period teacher and should dress for the weather as we will be outside for a bit.
Yearbook group photos will be taken after the 8th grade photo on Friday 10/27. Students will be called down by groups on the PA (i.e. anyone who does jazz band, please report to the gym for photos).

Intramurals Info
Intramurals are up and running. There are spots left in Friendship Bracelets and Bucket Drumming - both on Wednesdays after school. Please reach out to Mr. Marenghi if you are interested.

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Blake’s Reading Challenge
CHECK IT OUT! All of Blake is participating in a reading challenge sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. October's theme is a book published in the year you were born. Students can fill out the Google form linked on the Blake library website to show their participation.

Inktober is Here!!!
Every October, artists all over the world take on the INkTOBER drawing challenge by doing one drawing a day the entire month. ANYONE CAN DO INKTOBER, JUST PICK UP A PEN AND START DRAWING!!!

YOUTH ACTION CLUB! (YAC!) open to all Blake students Meets @ Blake, weekly on Tuesdays from 2:15-3:00pm, start date TBD Does your child want to make a difference in their community? The Medfield Youth Action Club (YAC!) is their chance to get involved! Facilitated by Medfield Outreach Prevention Coordinators, YAC! is designed to empower middle school youth to take action in ways that support the health and wellness of the entire community. Throughout weekly club meetings, YAC! youth will identify a public health-related topic that is important to them and design an initiative to take positive action related to that topic. They will learn about basic public health concepts and develop skills related to decision-making, leadership, effective communication, and community involvement. YAC! provides Blake students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience using their voice to make a positive impact. Students will be able to sign-up in the coming weeks.

Message from SEPAC
Medfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent & caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year. Mark your calendars to join us:

Tuesday, November 14th at 7pm at the Blake Middle School Library: Basic Rights Workshop

Our meetings are open to all who wish to attend. A high school student has volunteered to child-watch during the meetings. A zoom link can be provided upon request. Please RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev0ywtTgQ5M5ZadWSb7RY8VxiV9ocbJszILYex2g7Lck4iUw/viewform?usp=sf_link or get in touch with us at sepac@email.medfield.net Also, check out our website, Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Message from Blake PTO
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Message from Medfield Music Association
Join us on Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, 2023 for the Medfield Music Association’s biggest community fundraiser of the year as we joyfully bring back a favorite winter tradition, now named "Spaghetti and Snowballs!" Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner and ice cream dessert, music performed by Medfield students, and photos with Olaf. There will also be a bake sale, gift basket raffles, and many more fun surprises.

Two dinner seatings are available: one at 5:15 p.m., and another at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each (plus a small processing fee) and only 250 tickets are available for each seating.This event sells out quickly every year, and families are encouraged to buy their tickets early. Ticket sales open on November 1st!

This event is brought to you by the Medfield Music Association (MMA) and proceeds benefit the music program in all Medfield Public Schools.

Workshops/Webinars of Interest
Talking Money With Kids and Teens
Wednesday, 11/1 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
How can families and educators help students develop healthy money habits early in life? While there is growing momentum for personal finance education, more than half of the country doesn't guarantee lessons at the public high school level let alone in the younger grades. Join as we explore why, when, and how to talk with kids and teens about money.
Guests:
• Ron Lieber, "Your Money" columnist, The New York Times; author of "The Price You Pay for College" and "The Opposite of Spoiled."
• Michelle Singletary, "The Color of Money," personal finance columnist, The Washington Post; author of "What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits" and "The 21 Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom."

Host: Uche Amaechi, Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Webinar: Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Dream Session
Tuesday, 11/7 at 11 a.m.
Join Dr. Douglas Reeves and expert panelists, Dr. Joseph Yun, Dr. Peter Ondish, and Brian Pasquini as they discuss how AI can support every level from the state department to the classroom.

In this interactive webinar, participants will learn what AI really is and how educators can maximize its use. Additionally, panelists will address specific AI pain points that are submitted by participants.

“'We’re Doing This to Them': How to Reverse the Mental Health Crisis in YOUR School"
Wednesday, 11/8 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by BQI Community - Free Webinar
We are in the midst of an international youth mental health crisis. Adolescent anxiety and depression are rampant, ESPECIALLY in high-achieving schools in middle and upper-middle-class communities. If you think it’s not happening in your school, you might be in denial.

In this powerful session, veteran educator and host of the Experience Matters podcast Steve Shapiro will bring together a student, a neuropsychologist, and a visionary school leader to address:

The student experience of struggling with chronic comparison and toxic competition
The neuropsychological impact on the developing brain and possible long-term impacts
Concrete steps schools can take to reverse the problem

Hope you can attend. Your highly stressed students will thank you.

Week of 10/17/23-10/23/23

10/17/2023

Upcoming Dates
10/16-10/20 - Term 1 Family Outreach Week
10/17 - SEPAC - 7 p.m.
10/18 - Blake Student Council Mtg
10/25-10/26 - ½ Days for Students
                     Conference Afternoons (info below)
10/27 - Blake Picture Retakes Day (see info below)
10/30 - Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
10/31 - ½ Day for Students
   Professional Afternoon for Staff
11/2 - School Committee Mtg
11/10 - No School (Veterans Day Observed)

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways we can be sure to look after our own well-being, our question(s) for the week is: How do you make time for yourself? Why is that important? Listening to Ourselves (Week of 10/15/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Term 1 Family Outreach Period - 10/16-10/20
The week of 10/16-10/20 is the Term 1 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week, teachers will send an email to families to notify them if their student is consistently not meeting the standard in an area OR if they do not have sufficient data to assess their student at that point in the term due to absence or missing work. If students are meeting the standards, families will not receive an email from teachers. Please know that you may reach out to teachers or your child's counselor if you have questions or concerns about their progress.

Conferences Information - 10/25 and 10/26
A detailed letter was sent to families last week, outlining the directions for signing up for conferences. Our hope is that these conferences will further strengthen school-home relationships and to provide an opportunity to discuss progress, including areas of strength and growth. It is important to note that these conferences are optional, and parents/caregivers are not required to meet with their teachers. Some reminders are outlined below...

The conferences will take place on Wednesday, 10/25 and Thursday, 10/26 between 11:50 a.m. and 2:50 p.m.
Conference sign-ups opened up on Thursday, October 12 at 10 a.m. and will close on Thursday, October 19 at 2 p.m.
Each conference will last 7 minutes and will be scheduled on the ‘10s’ (i.e. 11:50, 12:00, 12:10, etc.). There is a 3 minute window of ‘passing time’ between conferences if they are scheduled back-to-back.
These conferences can take place in person or virtually (via Zoom). The first hour each day is designated as ‘zoom slots’ and the second two hours are designated as ‘in person’.
Detailed instructions for creating an account and making appointments were included in the letter sent earlier this week.
In an effort to provide opportunities for more families to sign up for conferences, there is an initial ‘cap’ of 2 conferences per each student.
At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 10/17, we are opening up the remaining slots that are available within the schedule for conferences.

Info About School Picture Retakes, Yearbook Group Photos, and 8th Grade Class Photo - Friday, 10/27
School picture packages were distributed in advisory on Friday. If you have not seen them, please ask your student if they have them in their bookbag.

If a student does not like their original photograph and they purchased a package, they must return the picture package to the photographer at time of retake. Retakes will take place the morning of 10/27. If a student forgets their picture package at home on re-take day, they will need to mail their package to G&B at:

                   G&B Photography
                   3 Anngina Drive
                   Enfield, CT 06082
**A new package with their new photo will not be ordered until the original package is received by G&B.

If your student was ABSENT and did not have their photo taken on picture day, they should just come down when their grade level is called and have their photo taken.
If your student was photographed but did not purchase pictures, you received a "click it" card with a small proof of the photo on it. You may order online using the click it card information.
The 8th grade class photo will be taken OUTSIDE right at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, October 27th. Students will be brought outside by their A period teacher and should dress for the weather as we will be outside for a bit.
Yearbook group photos will be taken after the 8th grade photo on Friday 10/27. Students will be called down by groups on the PA (i.e. anyone who does jazz band, please report to the gym for photos).

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Event Hosted by Blake PTO - 10/18
We are writing to share about an event this coming Wednesday, October 18th hosted by the Blake PTO. All Blake students are invited to cheer on the Medfield middle school football team in their last home game. Pizza, water/Gatorade and goodies will be provided starting at 3 p.m. on the 'M stamp area' of the HS turf field. Students are invited to grab a bite and are very much encouraged to stay for the game which starts at 3:45 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Blake PTO and supported by the Medfield football team parents. This is not a school sponsored event, and as such there will not be Blake staff chaperoning the event. The football parents will be there supervising the kids. We look forward to seeing you there as well! Hopefully this will be the beginning of many more tailgates for our Blake middle schoolers!

Blake’s Reading Challenge
CHECK IT OUT! All of Blake is participating in a reading challenge sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. October's theme is a book published in the year you were born. Students can fill out the Google form linked on the Blake library website to show their participation.

Fall Intramurals
Fall Intramural Offerings have begun. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

Inktober is Here!!!
Every October, artists all over the world take on the INkTOBER drawing challenge by doing one drawing a day the entire month. ANYONE CAN DO INKTOBER, JUST PICK UP A PEN AND START DRAWING!!!

YOUTH ACTION CLUB! (YAC!) open to all Blake students Meets @ Blake, weekly on Tuesdays from 2:15-3:00pm, start date TBD Does your child want to make a difference in their community? The Medfield Youth Action Club (YAC!) is their chance to get involved! Facilitated by Medfield Outreach Prevention Coordinators, YAC! is designed to empower middle school youth to take action in ways that support the health and wellness of the entire community. Throughout weekly club meetings, YAC! youth will identify a public health-related topic that is important to them and design an initiative to take positive action related to that topic. They will learn about basic public health concepts and develop skills related to decision-making, leadership, effective communication, and community involvement. YAC! provides Blake students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience using their voice to make a positive impact. Students will be able to sign-up in the coming weeks.

Message from SEPAC
Medfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent & caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year. Mark your calendars to join us at our upcoming meetings/ events:

Tuesday, October 17th at 7pm at the Blake Middle School Library: Meet the Medfield Educational Team Leaders (ETL) and the new Assistant Director of Student Services, Mark Harrison
Tuesday, November 14th at 7pm at the Blake Middle School Library: Basic Rights Workshop

Our meetings are open to all who wish to attend. A high school student has volunteered to child-watch during the meetings. A zoom link can be provided upon request. Please RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev0ywtTgQ5M5ZadWSb7RY8VxiV9ocbJszILYex2g7Lck4iUw/viewform?usp=sf_link or get in touch with us at sepac@email.medfield.net Also, check out our website, Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Message from Blake PTO
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Message from Medfield Music Association
Join us on Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, 2023 for the Medfield Music Association’s biggest community fundraiser of the year as we joyfully bring back a favorite winter tradition, now named "Spaghetti and Snowballs!" Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner and ice cream dessert, music performed by Medfield students, and photos with Olaf. There will also be a bake sale, gift basket raffles, and many more fun surprises.

Two dinner seatings are available: one at 5:15 p.m., and another at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each (plus a small processing fee) and only 250 tickets are available for each seating.This event sells out quickly every year, and families are encouraged to buy their tickets early. Ticket sales open on November 1st!

This event is brought to you by the Medfield Music Association (MMA) and proceeds benefit the music program in all Medfield Public Schools.

Workshops/Webinars of Interest
Planning for College After Affirmative Action
Wednesday, 10/18 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
This year’s high school seniors are facing a much-changed college admissions landscape following the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action based on race. Our panel will discuss how seniors and other aspiring college students, including those in underserved communities, can best prepare for college and present themselves in the application process — and we'll also offer guidance for the counselors, educators, and parents who support them.

Speakers:
• Anthony Jack, Inaugural Faculty Director of the Newbury Center and Associate Professor, Boston University
• Mandy Savitz-Romer, Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education, and Faculty Lead Counseling Strand, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Eric Waldo, President and CEO, District of Columbia College Access Program

Host: Francesca Purcell, Senior Lecturer on Education, Faculty Director, Higher Education Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Dr. Lisa Damour on Raising Connected, Capable & Compassionate Adolescents
Wednesday, 10/18 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
In person event (at Natick High School) with limited seating. Register early!
For parents/caregivers of adolescents (ages 10-25)
World renowned author/expert Dr. Lisa Damour (NYTimes, CBS This Morning) will discuss her new book - “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers” and offer the concrete, practical information parents/caregivers need to steady their teens through the journey into adulthood.

Being - and raising - a teenager has never been easy and it’s especially challenging now. In this talk, psychologist and best-selling author Lisa Damour, Ph.D., will offer practical strategies to help parents and caregivers understand their teenagers’ emotional lives, how to help teens manage their emotions and how to support them through this critical developmental stage. The program will address:

What to expect in the normal course of adolescent emotional development and when it’s time to worry.
Why teens (and adults) need to understand that mental health isn’t about “feeling good” but about having feelings that fit the moment.
Strategies for supporting teens in managing their feelings.
The best ways to stay connected to your tween/teen and how to provide the kind of relationship that adolescents need and want.

This special event will include an hour-long program with time for audience q + a, community partner info tables, book sales/ signing (thanks to Wellesley Books) and an informal reception for connecting immediately following the program.ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.

Navigating Inequity And Advancing Equitable Change At Scale
Hosted by Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development
Thursday, October 26, 2023 | 7:00-8:30 PM (ET) | Hybrid Lecture | Co-Sponsored By The Mental Health Counseling Urban Scholars Program, The Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars Program, And The Center For Psychological Humanities And Ethics
In this talk, Dr. Kimberly Leary shares her experience in the Biden-Harris Administration guiding the pursuit of equity in the public sector. The mass protests after George Floyd’s murder reignited movements for equity and economic justice, prompting the public to demand accelerated commitments from government, private companies, and community organizations.
Beginning on Day One, the Administration embarked on comprehensive efforts to advance racial equity and support underserved communities through the federal government. Executive orders mandated equity assessments, equitable data, and environmental justice. Equity principles were integrated into major spending plans like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Concurrently, cities and states also implemented equity initiatives, for example, civic engagement dialogue projects and launching pilot programs for guaranteed incomes. Corporate America, philanthropy, and business entities responded with more than $200B in equity focused initiatives.
The backlash has been as swift, such as claims of reverse discrimination and new voting restrictions. Others persist in viewing equity as a compelling public interest. Among them, the Biden Administration which has released new executive orders to further advance equity. In this talk, Dr. Leary will identify and distill lessons learned from these initiatives and suggest future pathways for progress despite headwinds, including the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.
Learning Objectives:

Identify which elements of racial equity reflect an adaptive challenge and which embody a technical problem
Explain systemic approaches to social justice and how they differ from organizational efforts
Compare approaches to evaluating at-scale efforts to advance equity across the federal government

Kimberlyn Leary, Ph.D., MPA is a senior vice president at the Urban Institute. She is an associate professor of psychology at the Harvard Medical School, an associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and a senior fellow at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. She served as an adviser to the Obama White House, working with the White House Council on Women and Girls to develop the Advancing Equity initiative, which focused on improving life outcomes for women and girls of color. Dr. Leary also served as a senior policy advisor to the Biden White House at the Domestic Policy Council and as a senior equity fellow at the Office of Management and Budget, supporting implementation of the administration’s executive orders on equity. Dr. Leary has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan, an M.P.A. from the Harvard Kennedy School, and an A.B. from Amherst College.

Talking Money With Kids and Teens
Wednesday, 11/1 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
How can families and educators help students develop healthy money habits early in life? While there is growing momentum for personal finance education, more than half of the country doesn't guarantee lessons at the public high school level let alone in the younger grades. Join as we explore why, when, and how to talk with kids and teens about money.
Guests:
• Ron Lieber, "Your Money" columnist, The New York Times; author of "The Price You Pay for College" and "The Opposite of Spoiled."
• Michelle Singletary, "The Color of Money," personal finance columnist, The Washington Post; author of "What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits" and "The 21 Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom."

Host: Uche Amaechi, Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“'We’re Doing This to Them': How to Reverse the Mental Health Crisis in YOUR School"
Wednesday, 11/8 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by BQI Community - Free Webinar
We are in the midst of an international youth mental health crisis. Adolescent anxiety and depression are rampant, ESPECIALLY in high-achieving schools in middle and upper-middle-class communities. If you think it’s not happening in your school, you might be in denial.

In this powerful session, veteran educator and host of the Experience Matters podcast Steve Shapiro will bring together a student, a neuropsychologist, and a visionary school leader to address:

The student experience of struggling with chronic comparison and toxic competition
The neuropsychological impact on the developing brain and possible long-term impacts
Concrete steps schools can take to reverse the problem

Hope you can attend. Your highly stressed students will thank you.

Week of 10/10/23-10/16/23

10/12/2023

Upcoming Dates
10/12 - School Committee
10/16-10/20 - Term 1 Family Outreach Week
10/17 - SEPAC - 7 p.m.
10/25-10/26 - Conference Afternoons (info coming)
10/27 - Blake Picture Retakes Day
10/30 - Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
10/31 - ½ Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
11/10 - No School (Veterans Day Observed)

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about our day-to-day work in schools in the context of our mission/vision, our question for the week is: What do you believe is the purpose of school? Why do you believe this? Grounding Our Work (Week of 10/8/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Term 1 Family Outreach Period - 10/16-10/20
The week of 10/16-10/20 is the Term 1 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week, teachers will send an email to families to notify them if their student is consistently not meeting the standard in an area OR if they do not have sufficient data to assess their student at that point in the term due to absence or missing work. If students are meeting the standards, families will not receive an email from teachers. Please know that you may reach out to teachers or your child's counselor if you have questions or concerns about their progress.

Conferences Information - 10/25 and 10/26
A detailed letter was sent to families earlier this week, outlining the directions for signing up for conferences. Our hope is that these conferences will further strengthen school-home relationships and to provide an opportunity to discuss progress, including areas of strength and growth. It is important to note that these conferences are optional, and parents/caregivers are not required to meet with their teachers. Some reminders are outlined below...

The conferences will take place on Wednesday, 10/25 and Thursday, 10/26 between 11:50 a.m. and 2:50 p.m.
Conference sign-ups opened up on Thursday, October 12 at 10 a.m. and will close at noon on Thursday, October 19 at 2 p.m.
Each conference will last 7 minutes and will be scheduled on the ‘10s’ (i.e. 11:50, 12:00, 12:10, etc.). There is a 3 minute window of ‘passing time’ between conferences if they are scheduled back-to-back.
These conferences can take place in person or virtually (via Zoom). The first hour each day is designated as ‘zoom slots’ and the second two hours are designated as ‘in person’.
Detailed instructions for creating an account and making appointments were included in the letter sent earlier this week.
In an effort to provide opportunities for more families to sign up for conferences, there will be a ‘cap’ of 2 conferences per each student.
Halfway through the sign-up period, if slots are still open, we will open them up for families to sign up for more appointments. We will send an email to families if/when more slots are opened and available.

Blake’s Information Nights
For your reference and information, here are the links from our Information Nights for parents and caregivers…
Slide Decks
Blake Grade 6 Info Night Slides for Families - Fall, 2023
Blake Grade 7 Info Night Slides for Families - Fall, 2023
Blake Grade 8 Info Night Slides for Families - Fall, 2023

Videos within Slide Deck
The Difference of Belonging and Fitting In
(0:40)
Garreth Heidt - Questions to Ask
Why are things the way they are?
How can we make them better?
(2:29)

Medfield Cares About Prevention Youth Action Club Info Video
MCAP Youth Action Club Video for Families
(2:04)

Articles/Shares within Slide Deck
Kids' Declining Mental Health Is the 'Crisis of Our Time,' Surgeon General Says
by Caitlyn Peetz in Education Week
“Child psychologist: The No. 1 skill that sets mentally strong kids apart from ‘those who give up’—and how parents can teach it.”
by Michele Borba in CNBC News
Stop Telling Students, ‘You Belong!’
by Greg Walton in Education Week
The Parent of a Teen-Ager Is an Emotional-Garbage Collector
by Jessica Winter in The New Yorker
The Homework Apocalypse
by Ethan Mollick
Why we need to change schools (right now).
by Chris McNutt in Medium
Battling Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace from The Puberty Podcast
What We Lose When We Push Our Kids to ‘Achieve’
by Adam Gopnik in The New York Times
5 ways parents can shore up a middle schooler’s self-image
by Phillis Fagell in CNN Health
Does Anyone Win When Colleges Compete?
by Andrew Bauld in Harvard Ed. Magazine

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Blake’s Reading Challenge
CHECK IT OUT! All of Blake is participating in a reading challenge sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. October's theme is a book published in the year you were born. Students can fill out the Google form linked on the Blake library website to show their participation.

Fall Intramurals
Fall Intramural Offerings have begun. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

Inktober is Here!!!
Every October, artists all over the world take on the INkTOBER drawing challenge by doing one drawing a day the entire month. ANYONE CAN DO INKTOBER, JUST PICK UP A PEN AND START DRAWING!!!

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) with any questions.

Teaching Assistant Opportunities at BlakeWe currently have several teaching assistant position openings at Blake for the 2023-2024 school year. These are important roles for our students and we value their presence on our staff. If you are interested in applying or know of any potential candidates, please reach out to me (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) and/or Kelly(kcampbell@email.medfield.net). Thanks in advance!

Notification for Absences/Dismissals
If a student will be absent, tardy or dismissed early from school, please e-mail blakeattendance@email.medfield.net. Additionally, for absences and tardies, you can call Blake's absence line at (508) 242-8501. For e-mails about dismissals, please include the following information:

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

If you have a last minute dismissal that your student is not aware of, please call the main office at (508) 359-2396 in addition to providing the written notice in order to assure that we get it in time.

Youth Action Club

YOUTH ACTION CLUB! (YAC!) open to all Blake students Meets @ Blake, weekly on Tuesdays from 2:15-3:00pm, start date TBD Does your child want to make a difference in their community? The Medfield Youth Action Club (YAC!) is their chance to get involved! Facilitated by Medfield Outreach Prevention Coordinators, YAC! is designed to empower middle school youth to take action in ways that support the health and wellness of the entire community. Throughout weekly club meetings, YAC! youth will identify a public health-related topic that is important to them and design an initiative to take positive action related to that topic. They will learn about basic public health concepts and develop skills related to decision-making, leadership, effective communication, and community involvement. YAC! provides Blake students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience using their voice to make a positive impact. Students will be able to sign-up in the coming weeks.

Message from SEPAC
Medfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent & caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year. Mark your calendars to join us at our upcoming meetings/ events:
Tuesday, October 17th at 7pm at the Blake Middle School Library: Meet the Medfield Educational Team Leaders (ETL) and the new Assistant Director of Student Services, Mark Harrison
Tuesday, November 14th at 7pm at the Blake Middle School Library: Basic Rights Workshop

Our meetings are open to all who wish to attend. A high school student has volunteered to child-watch during the meetings. A zoom link can be provided upon request. Please RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev0ywtTgQ5M5ZadWSb7RY8VxiV9ocbJszILYex2g7Lck4iUw/viewform?usp=sf_link or get in touch with us at sepac@email.medfield.net Also, check out our website, Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Message from Blake PTO
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Message from Medfield Music Association
Join us on Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, 2023 for the Medfield Music Association’s biggest community fundraiser of the year as we joyfully bring back a favorite winter tradition, now named "Spaghetti and Snowballs!" Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner and ice cream dessert, music performed by Medfield students, and photos with Olaf. There will also be a bake sale, gift basket raffles, and many more fun surprises.

Two dinner seatings are available: one at 5:15 p.m., and another at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each (plus a small processing fee) and only 250 tickets are available for each seating.This event sells out quickly every year, and families are encouraged to buy their tickets early. Ticket sales open on November 1st!

This event is brought to you by the Medfield Music Association (MMA) and proceeds benefit the music program in all Medfield Public Schools.

Workshops/Webinars of Interest
Planning for College After Affirmative Action
Wednesday, 10/18 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
This year’s high school seniors are facing a much-changed college admissions landscape following the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action based on race. Our panel will discuss how seniors and other aspiring college students, including those in underserved communities, can best prepare for college and present themselves in the application process — and we'll also offer guidance for the counselors, educators, and parents who support them.

Speakers:
• Anthony Jack, Inaugural Faculty Director of the Newbury Center and Associate Professor, Boston University
• Mandy Savitz-Romer, Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education, and Faculty Lead Counseling Strand, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Eric Waldo, President and CEO, District of Columbia College Access Program

Host: Francesca Purcell, Senior Lecturer on Education, Faculty Director, Higher Education Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Dr. Lisa Damour on Raising Connected, Capable & Compassionate Adolescents
Wednesday, 10/18 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
In person event (at Natick High School) with limited seating. Register early!
For parents/caregivers of adolescents (ages 10-25)
World renowned author/expert Dr. Lisa Damour (NYTimes, CBS This Morning) will discuss her new book - “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers” and offer the concrete, practical information parents/caregivers need to steady their teens through the journey into adulthood.
Being - and raising - a teenager has never been easy and it’s especially challenging now. In this talk, psychologist and best-selling author Lisa Damour, Ph.D., will offer practical strategies to help parents and caregivers understand their teenagers’ emotional lives, how to help teens manage their emotions and how to support them through this critical developmental stage. The program will address:

What to expect in the normal course of adolescent emotional development and when it’s time to worry.
Why teens (and adults) need to understand that mental health isn’t about “feeling good” but about having feelings that fit the moment.
Strategies for supporting teens in managing their feelings.
The best ways to stay connected to your tween/teen and how to provide the kind of relationship that adolescents need and want.

Week of 10/3/23-10/9/23

10/3/2023

Upcoming Dates
10/9 - No School
10/12 - School Committee
10/16-10/20 - Term 1 Family Outreach Week
10/17 - SEPAC - 7 p.m.
10/25-10/26 - Conference Afternoons (info coming)
10/27 - Blake Picture Retakes Day
10/30 - Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
10/31 - ½ Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff

Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about teams, contributions, and learning, our question for the week is: What needs to be ‘in place’ for you to contribute and find success on a team? (team/group in the classroom/school, sports team, team at work, etc.) Conditions for Teams (Week of 10/1/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Term 1 Family Outreach Period - 10/16-10/20
The week of 10/16-10/20 is the Term 1 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week, teachers will send an email to families to notify them if their student is consistently not meeting the standard in an area OR if they do not have sufficient data to assess their student at that point in the term due to absence or missing work. If students are meeting the standards, families will not receive an email from teachers. Please know that you may reach out to teachers or your child's counselor if you have questions or concerns about their progress.

Blake’s Information Nights
For your reference and information, here are the links from our Information Nights for parents and caregivers…
Slide Decks
Blake Grade 6 Info Night Slides for Families - Fall, 2023
Blake Grade 7 Info Night Slides for Families - Fall, 2023
Blake Grade 8 Info Night Slides for Families - Fall, 2023

Videos within Slide Deck
The Difference of Belonging and Fitting In
(0:40)
Garreth Heidt - Questions to Ask
Why are things the way they are?
How can we make them better?
(2:29)

Medfield Cares About Prevention Youth Action Club Info Video
MCAP Youth Action Club Video for Families
(2:04)

Articles/Shares within Slide Deck
Kids' Declining Mental Health Is the 'Crisis of Our Time,' Surgeon General Says
by Caitlyn Peetz in Education Week
“Child psychologist: The No. 1 skill that sets mentally strong kids apart from ‘those who give up’—and how parents can teach it.”
by Michele Borba in CNBC News
Stop Telling Students, ‘You Belong!’
by Greg Walton in Education Week
The Parent of a Teen-Ager Is an Emotional-Garbage Collector
by Jessica Winter in The New Yorker
The Homework Apocalypse
by Ethan Mollick
Why we need to change schools (right now).
by Chris McNutt in Medium
Battling Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace from The Puberty Podcast
What We Lose When We Push Our Kids to ‘Achieve’
by Adam Gopnik in The New York Times
5 ways parents can shore up a middle schooler’s self-image
by Phillis Fagell in CNN Health
Does Anyone Win When Colleges Compete?
by Andrew Bauld in Harvard Ed. Magazine

Pride Alliance
At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net) and Kristin Manning (kmanning@email.medfield.net).

Blake’s Reading Challenge
CHECK IT OUT! All of Blake is participating in a reading challenge sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. October's theme is a book published in the year you were born. Students can fill out the Google form linked on the Blake library website to show their participation.

Fall Intramurals
Fall Intramural Offerings have begun. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net).

Inktober is Here!!!
Every October, artists all over the world take on the INkTOBER drawing challenge by doing one drawing a day the entire month. ANYONE CAN DO INKTOBER, JUST PICK UP A PEN AND START DRAWING!!!

Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) with any questions.

Teaching Assistant Opportunities at Blake
We currently have several teaching assistant position openings at Blake for the 2023-2024 school year. These are important roles for our students and we value their presence on our staff. If you are interested in applying or know of any potential candidates, please reach out to me (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) and/or Kelly(kcampbell@email.medfield.net). Thanks in advance!

Theme of Belonging for 2023-2024
Our theme for this school year at Blake is one of Belonging. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last eleven years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, Empathy, Diversity, Happiness, Courage, Curiosity, Imagination, and Discovery. As ideas and thoughts come to mind, do not hesitate to email me (nvaughn@email.medfield.net) or Kelly (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) - all ideas and thoughts are welcome!

Book Discussion Group for Parents for 2023-2024
Over the last few years the Blake Site Council has read several books and we will continue this practice during the 2023-2024 school year. Stay tuned for more information and we hope you can join in these discussions - all caregivers are invited and welcome!

Notification for Absences/Dismissals
If a student will be absent, tardy or dismissed early from school, please e-mail blakeattendance@email.medfield.net. Additionally, for absences and tardies, you can call Blake's absence line at (508) 242-8501. For e-mails about dismissals, please include the following information:

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

The MCPE 2023 Fall Fest is officially sold out! But good news…if you weren’t able to snag tickets, you can join the waitlist. If any tickets become available, we'll get in touch with you in the order we received submissions. Whether or not you can make it to Fall Fest, you can still purchase limited-edition Medfield merch and support our schools! MCPE is excited to offer a limited-run of special edition Medfield items to celebrate Fall Fest and keep you snuggly warm at all your outdoor fall events. All pre-orders will be available for pick up at Fall Fest on October 20th. If you will not be at Fall Fest, or plans change and you can’t make it that evening, you will be contacted with additional pickup options after October 20th. Pre-orders will close on October 3rd, so please order today! We will have a limited number of items available for purchase at Fall Fest, so place a pre-order to guarantee availability and avoid disappointment (and the chilly air!). Note: Images are representative items only and are not photos of actual product samples.

Message from Blake PTO
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email brenna.ferrick@gmail.com

Message from Medfield Music Association
Welcome back to school from the Medfield Music Association!
For over 50 years, the MMA has supported K-12 music education in the Medfield Public Schools. We are a parent volunteer organization that relies on support from our music families and donors in the community.

Interested in donating? Your donation can help support meaningful initiatives to excite and motivate our students to grow through music. Becoming a patron by October 31st allows us to grant music department initiatives in the current year. All donations are tax deductible.

Can you spare some time? The MMA relies on many helping hands, especially for our various events and activities which provide about half of our funding each year. We appreciate any amount of time you can give – big or small! To learn more about the MMA, please visit our website at:
medfield music association
Or send us an email at:
mail@medfieldmusicassociation.com
Thank you in advance for your support!

Workshops/Webinars of Interest
"Making Desired Futures Real: Tools and Techniques That Move Beyond Futures Thinking" With Greg Curtis
Monday, 10/9 at 4 p.m.
Futures Thinking, in many forms, has grown in popularity. That’s a good thing, but many schools and leaders struggle to create meaningful goals and actions out of this generative process. The goal is not to create a slick “Map of the Future” as a product, but as a step towards articulating new goals and the bold shifts needed to achieve these.

In this session, author and consultant Greg Curtis will facilitate an investigation into processes and strategies to move beyond futures insights and foresights and towards actions intentionally designed to meet new learning goals for the future.

If you're interested in building your capacity to navigate the future, you won't want to miss this session. Register now!

About Greg:
Greg has been heavily invested in deep, systems-focused school improvement efforts for his entire career. With over 30 years of experience working from early years through high school programs, he has led progressive strategic processes involving curriculum initiatives, 21st century learning, technology infusion, assessment updates and change management. His work with think tanks and innovative collaborative organizations in Europe, Australia and Asia reflects his commitment to upgrading school culture and practice.

Planning for College After Affirmative Action
Wednesday, 10/18 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
This year’s high school seniors are facing a much-changed college admissions landscape following the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action based on race. Our panel will discuss how seniors and other aspiring college students, including those in underserved communities, can best prepare for college and present themselves in the application process — and we'll also offer guidance for the counselors, educators, and parents who support them.

Speakers:
• Anthony Jack, Inaugural Faculty Director of the Newbury Center and Associate Professor, Boston University
• Mandy Savitz-Romer, Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education, and Faculty Lead Counseling Strand, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Eric Waldo, President and CEO, District of Columbia College Access Program

Host: Francesca Purcell, Senior Lecturer on Education, Faculty Director, Higher Education Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Dr. Lisa Damour on Raising Connected, Capable & Compassionate Adolescents
Wednesday, 10/18 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
In person event (at Natick High School) with limited seating. Register early!
For parents/caregivers of adolescents (ages 10-25)
World renowned author/expert Dr. Lisa Damour (NYTimes, CBS This Morning) will discuss her new book - “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers” and offer the concrete, practical information parents/caregivers need to steady their teens through the journey into adulthood.

Being - and raising - a teenager has never been easy and it’s especially challenging now. In this talk, psychologist and best-selling author Lisa Damour, Ph.D., will offer practical strategies to help parents and caregivers understand their teenagers’ emotional lives, how to help teens manage their emotions and how to support them through this critical developmental stage. The program will address:

What to expect in the normal course of adolescent emotional development and when it’s time to worry.
Why teens (and adults) need to understand that mental health isn’t about “feeling good” but about having feelings that fit the moment.
Strategies for supporting teens in managing their feelings.
The best ways to stay connected to your tween/teen and how to provide the kind of relationship that adolescents need and want.

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