Nat Vaughn, Blake Principal

June 16, 2021

6/16/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6/8/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/31/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This evening will be our opportunity to thank and recognize our 8th graders for their years at Blake and wish them well as they head off to high school. Families are welcome and we ask that all guests bring lawn chairs/blankets for seating in the outfield. Students typically like to dress up a bit but cool clothing makes sense-- collared shirts and nice shorts, dresses, or pants are common choices -- students and families should dress for a potentially warm evening. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Info for all Medfield Families

SIGN UP HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medfield Together

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

5/28/2021

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

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

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

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

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

This evening will be our opportunity to thank and recognize our 8th graders for their years at Blake and wish them well as they head off to high school. Families are welcome and we ask that all guests bring lawn chairs/blankets for seating in the outfield. Students typically like to dress up a bit but cool clothing makes sense-- collared shirts and nice shorts, dresses, or pants are common choices -- students and families should dress for a potentially warm evening. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medfield Moves for Mental Health

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

Info for all Medfield Families

SIGN UP HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medfield Together

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

5/18/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medfield Moves for Mental Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medfield Together

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Medfield K-8 PTO) and follow us on Twitter (@MedfieldK8PTO). And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com

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

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

Week of 5/11/21-5/17/21

5/11/2021

Upcoming Dates
5/13 - School Committee Meeting
5/14 - 1/2 Day for Students
5/18 - SEPAC Meeting
5/19 - Blake PTO Meeting
5/20 - 8th Grade Career Day
5/24, 5/27, 5/28 - Blake Remote MCAS
5/31 - Memorial Day (No School)
6/3 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
School Committee Meeting
6/4 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
6/5 - Celebration for Class of 2021 (see below)
6/7 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
6/8 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
6/9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
6/10 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
6/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about what matters most in our lives, our question of the week is: What matters most to you in your life? Why? What Matters Most (Week of 5/9/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Teacher Appreciation Week - Thank you!
Thank you to all Blake students, families, and Blake PTO for the lovely notes and messages of support and care for the Blake staff during Teacher Appreciation Week - thank you!

Student Council is excited to announce our T-shirt & Sweatshirt Sale!

Student Council is selling T-shirts & Sweatshirts For ONE MORE WEEK ONLY! Congratulations to 7th grader Sophia Small for the winning design! T-shirts & sweatshirts are on sale for one more week! If Interested, students/families should fill out THIS FORM FOR T-SHIRTS ($9.00) and THIS FORM FOR SWEATSHIRTS ($22.00). Please fill out a separate form for each item you'd like to order. CASH or CHECKS (made payable to Town of Medfield) should be turned in to advisory teachers by Friday, May 14, 2021.

Memory Booklets at Blake
The literary club, Blake is Social, would like to offer you a 2020-2021 Memory Booklet opportunity! This is to make up for the fact that due to Covid we were unable to create a yearbook. This booklet will contain every grade's advisories, and a little something to highlight 8th grade. If you are interested please fill out the attached Google Doc (organized by grade). The cost of this booklet will be $8.00. Just have your child bring in the payment to his/her advisory teacher. Checks can be made out to "Town of Medfield". If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the head of Blake is Social, Cynthia McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net.
6th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
7th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
8th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet

Half-Day on Friday, 5/14
Friday, May 14 will be a half-day for all students in Medfield. The buses will be running on their normal weekday morning schedule, and the hours for students are 7:50a.m.-11:30 a.m. The specific period/bell times during the day will be shared with students once they are finalized. If there are any changes to the Cohort D schedule, we will let students and families know. Reminders will be shared with families and staff as well.

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

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

Blake MERJ Update
This month in advisory, students will be reviewing the discussions we've had around social justice, and developing some action steps. These action steps will be visually displayed as "footprints" on a path through the front of the school building.

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

Medfield Moves for Mental Health

Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias (BBB) meets every Monday after-school in-person from 2:15-3pm. BBB Peer Leaders are currently working on a "What is BBB?" introductory video and BBB activity to be shared with 6th grade advisories. Have any questions around BBB? Feel free to reach out to kgelormini@email.medfield.net.

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

Info for all Medfield Families

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

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

Webinars of Interest
COVID-19 Challenge: We Must Improve Assessment and Grading Practices
Tuesday, 5/11 at 4:00 p.m.
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged schools to question their assessment practices and grading policies. Are students retaining and applying the concepts and skills of the standards? What can be evidence of their learning? How do we motivate students to invest and monitor their own learning? What grading practices make the learning meaningful? Is what we are doing fair and equitable? This edWebinar examines how schools can answer these questions and more.
Attendees will connect standards-based principles with effective PLC strategies to enhance and improve assessment and grading practices. This work comes from Making Grades Matter: Standards-Based Grading in a Secondary PLC at Work and features authors Matt Townsley, Ed.D. and Nathan Wear. Attendees will have access to resources that support steps for immediate implementation in their classrooms, schools, or districts.
This edWebinar will be of interest to teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, and school and district leaders of all middle school, high school, and higher education levels. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

About the Presenters
Matt Townsley, Ed.D. is an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa. He is a former district administrator and teacher in Solon Community School District where he led curricula, assessment, and school-improvement initiatives, all under the umbrella of a professional learning community philosophy. Solon Community School District was named a district of distinction in 2015 by District Administration magazine, and multiple schools in the district were recognized by Solution Tree as model professional learning communities during his tenure.

In 2017, Dr. Townsley was named Iowa’s Central Office Administrator of the Year, and in 2014, he was recognized as an ASCD Emerging Leader. Dr. Townsley received a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College, a master’s degree from Iowa State University, an advanced studies certificate in educational leadership from the University of Northern Iowa, and a doctorate in school improvement from the University of West Georgia.

Nathan L. Wear is the associate superintendent and chief academic officer of Linn-Mar Community School District in Marion, Iowa. An educator since 2002, he has also served as an elementary teacher, elementary principal, and high school principal.
As principal of Solon High School in Solon, Iowa, he and his staff championed grading reform efforts and implemented standards-based grading within a professional learning community. During that time, his staff was recognized as a national model professional learning community. In 2014, Newsweek recognized Solon High School on its annual list of America’s Best High Schools. Nathan’s strong belief that leading a positive organizational culture through high accountability has resulted in marked improvement in the schools where he has worked.
Nathan received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wartburg College and a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas State University. He received his superintendent endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa.

Take CONTROL of Your Life with Mariana Atencio
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Tuesday, 5/11 at 7:00 p.m.
Award-winning bilingual journalist and author of Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real, Mariana Atencio will tell you how to achieve what you want in your life through inner strength, innovation, self-control, and a proven formula to increase productivity, well-being, and success on your own terms. This program will be presented in Spanish with simultaneous ASL and English translation.
This program will be offered in Spanish with simultaneous ASL and English translation.
Mariana Atencio is an award–winning journalist, author and speaker, as well as the co-founder of “GoLike”, a premium multimedia production company specialized in motivational content.
Mariana’s TEDx Talk on authenticity, “What Makes You Special?”, has been seen over 15M times and translated into 13 languages. Her first book, Perfectly You, was an Amazon Best Seller and selected as an Audible Editor’s Pick and AppleBooks “Must Listen.”

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine, authors of In Search of Deeper Learning and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted DintersmithThursday, 5/13 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Bringing both research and practitioner expertise, Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine will share with us their perspectives on deeper learning, innovation, and the future of American education. During our conversation, we’ll learn about their exploration of 30 innovative high schools that are the focus of their book In Search of Deeper Learning.
Featuring:
Jal Mehta is a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His research explores the role of different forms of knowledge in tackling major social and political problems, particularly problems of human improvement. Jal is the author of The Allure of Order: High Hopes, Dashed Expectations and the Troubled Quest to Remake American Schooling (New York: Oxford University Press, 2013) and the co-editor of The Futures of School Reform (Cambridge: Harvard Education Press, 2012). He is currently working on two projects: In Search of Deeper Learning, a contemporary study of schools, systems, and nations that are seeking to produce ambitious instruction; and The Chastened Dream, a history of the effort to link social science with social policy to achieve social progress. He is co-editor of the Learning Deeply blog at Education Week, and in 2014 was the top-ranked junior faculty scholar in the Rick Hess Education Week rankings. He is also the winner of the Morningstar Teaching Award at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He was recently awarded a Radcliffe Fellowship and will be on sabbatical for the 2016-17 academic year.

Sarah Fine is an educator and scholar working at the intersection of practice and research. She currently directs the San Diego Teacher Residency, hosted at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, and also teaches courses in educational leadership at the University of California San Diego. Sarah has written for a wide range of publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Chalkbeat, Education Week, Edutopia, and Educational Leadership, as well as scholarly journals such as The Journal of Educational Change and The Harvard Educational Review. Her recent book, coauthored with Jal Mehta, is In Search of Deeper learning: The Quest to Transform the American High School. In 2019, the book won the Grawemeyer award in Education. Her recent book, coauthored with Jal Mehta,In Search of Deeper learning: The Quest to transform the American High School, won the Grawemeyer award in Education.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medfield Together

Week of 5/4/21-5/10/21

5/4/2021

Important Dates
5/8 - Blake Theater Performances
5/14 - 1/2 Day for Students
5/18 - SEPAC Meeting
5/19 - Blake PTO Meeting
5/20 - 8th Grade Career Day
5/31 - Memorial Day (No School)

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about the paths in our lives and how we are a part of them, our question of the week is: What path/route/direction/decision would you choose - the one that is simple (less challenging and requires no change) and incorrect, or the one that is complex (more challenging and requires changes) and correct? Why did you choose this path? Does it depend on the situation? Can you share an example? Paths that Honor Our Students and Ourselves (Week of 5/2/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Student Council is excited to announce our T-shirt & Sweatshirt Sale!

Student Council is excited to announce our T-shirt & Sweatshirt Sale! Congratulations to 7th grader Sophia Small for the winning design! T-shirts & sweatshirts are on sale next week 5/3/21-5/7/21. If Interested, students should fill out THIS FORM FOR T-SHIRTS ($9.00) and THIS FORM FOR SWEATSHIRTS ($22.00). Please fill out a separate form for each item you'd like to order. CASH or CHECKS (made payable to Town of Medfield) should be turned in to advisory teachers by Friday, may 7, 2021.

Memory Booklets at Blake
The literary club, Blake is Social, would like to offer you a 2020-2021 Memory Booklet opportunity! This is to make up for the fact that due to Covid we were unable to create a yearbook. This booklet will contain every grade's advisories, and a little something to highlight 8th grade. If you are interested please fill out the attached Google Doc (organized by grade). The cost of this booklet will be $8.00. Just have your child bring in the payment to his/her advisory teacher. Checks can be made out to "Town of Medfield". If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the head of Blake is Social, Cynthia McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net.
6th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
7th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
8th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet

Half-Day on Friday, 5/14
Friday, May 14 will be a half-day for all students in Medfield. The buses will be running on their normal weekday morning schedule, and the hours for students are 7:50a.m.-11:30 a.m. The specific period/bell times during the day will be shared with students once they are finalized. If there are any changes to the Cohort D schedule, we will let students and families know. Reminders will be shared with families and staff as well.

Term 3 Family Outreach Period - 5/3-5/7
The week of 5/3-5/7 is the Term 3 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week, teachers will send an e-mail to families to notify them if their student is consistently not meeting the standard in an area OR if they do not have sufficient data to assess their student at that point in the term due to absence or missing work. If students are meeting the standards, families will not receive an e-mail from teachers. No news is good news. Please know that you may reach out to teachers or your child's guidance counselor if you have questions or concerns about their progress.

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

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

Reminders from Mrs. Campbell
I am writing to you with some reminders and updates as Spring is in the air at Blake. I addressed all students on Friday morning on the morning announcements during Go Block about some patterns of behavior that we are seeing increasingly at Blake. In the spirit of open communication, I am sharing this information with you with the hope that you will reinforce these conversations at home with your children.

Many students are arriving late to school. School starts at 7:50 a.m. Students should arrive by 7:40 to allow time to walk to their Go Block and get settled. There has been traffic in the mornings and families are asked to plan accordingly and leave plenty of time to arrive by 7:40 a.m. and encourage students to get out of the car and walk down the sidewalk rather than wait for the line of cars to move along.
Many students are also arriving at school with large Starbucks and Dunkin’ coffee drinks. Blake has always permitted "water only" at school due to concerns about spills and insects. We ask that students bring refillable water bottles but save other beverages for an after school treat. Students who arrive with these types of beverages this week will be asked to dispose of them upon arriving.
During the past week, there has been a pattern of misuse of the boys’ restroom in the 8th grade science wing and 6th grade wing, including emptying soap dispensers onto the floor and intentionally urinating on the floors and toilet paper holder. This disappointing behavior creates an unsanitary situation that our custodial crew has to clean up. I reminded students of expected behavior in the bathrooms, the COVID requirement that no more than 2 students be in the restroom at one time, and the importance of showing respect for one another and for our school property, as well as our custodians who are a part of our school community. I reminded students that while it is their job to clean up the typical messes and accidents that happen at Blake, this type of intentional mess is not in that category.

The patience and good-natured flexibility that our Blakers have exhibited this year has been remarkable and we hope to finish strong over the last two months. We are trying to get outside for lunch and recess, weather permitting, so please remind your child to dress for the weather.

Blake MERJ Update
This month in advisory, students will be reviewing the discussions we've had around social justice, and developing some action steps. These action steps will be visually displayed as "footprints" on a path through the front of the school building.

MCAS Dates for Blake Students - Spring 2021
6/3 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
6/4 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
6/7 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
6/8 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
6/9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
6/10 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
6/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS

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

Music Ensemble Course Selection Form for 2021-2022
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete the Course Selection Google Form for music ensembles. All families must complete these forms...
2021-2022 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection

Medfield Moves for Mental Health

Drop Off/Pick Up Reminders for Blake Families

All students can be dropped off starting at 7:30 a.m. Once families arrive 'in line', please let your students out of the car (outside of the HS auditorium) so that the traffic line keeps moving. Cars should not be parked and waiting to let their students out until a later time, as the traffic flow gets delayed and backed up. Students can wait outside in the morning and enter the building at 7:40 a.m.
With the staggered times of dismissal for both Blake and the high school, families should not arrive too much prior to 2 p.m. to allow time for the high school 'clearing out' and arrival of middle school buses.
When picking up students after school, all Blake cars should be exiting out the Pound Street side of the school property.
For those families with students who are biking to and from school, please remind your students to wear helmets and to be mindful of both walkers and the traffic flow.

We will continue to monitor the traffic flow/structure in partnership with the Medfield Police Department as we adjust to our new routine/schedule.

Pooled Testing Information
If you haven't signed up your middle school child(ren) for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so now. Currently, 72% of middle school students are participating in the pooled testing. As we have transitioned back into full in-person learning, we would like to increase participation to 90% with your support.

Pooled testing is an important data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the health and safety of our schools. If you haven’t signed up your child(ren) for the pooled testing yet and would like to do so, click here for the online consent form. If your child has been participating in the pooled testing already, then please do NOT complete the consent form again.

A few reminders:

Students will not miss class time for the testing.
Testing will be done once a week.
Results come back within 24-48 hrs after testing.
You will only be notified if the pool your student was in comes back positive.
If a pool is positive, we will run a rapid testing clinic at school for those students in the positive pool to determine if there is a positive case.
Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be positive when re-tested.
Students are spaced 6ft apart with masks below their nose (mouth covered) for about 15 seconds while they test. Students self-administer their test and sanitize their hands before and after testing.

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

MHS Class of 2024 Flag Flyer
The Class of 2024 Student Government is selling Medfield flags to raise money for our class! The flags cost $25.00 and are a standard 3 x 5 feet. They are perfect for decorating houses, hanging in rooms or even decorating cars for the Senior Rolling Rally. Checks should be made out to the Town of Medfield and delivered to Medfield High School 88 R South Street no later than Thursday, May 6th, so order quick! Orders can be placed by clicking the link below and filling out the form. Be on the lookout for scanning a QR code on flyers found around the school and town shops!
MHS Class of 2024 Flag Flyer
Medfield Flag Order Form

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

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

Webinars of Interest
Education Now: Cultivating the Power of Resilience
Wednesday, 5/5 at 3:00 p.m.
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftereffects of isolation, stress, fear, and sadness are sure to linger. How can we fortify ourselves to grapple with the legacy of this unprecedented year? How can we offer relief to ourselves, our children, our colleagues, and our loved ones? Join us as we dig into the power of resilience — not as a magic cure-all, but instead as a way to build the tools we need to contend with difficulty, fear, or loss, and to take care of ourselves, and others, so that we can weather the storm.

We’ll hear from three experts who will explore the notion of resilience from a variety of perspectives, offering helpful insight into how to sustain ourselves through challenging times.

Moderator: Junlei Li, Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Co-Chair, Human Development and Education Program, HGSE

• Richard Weissbourd, Senior Lecturer on Education, Faculty Director, Human Development and Psychology Master's Program, and Director, Making Caring Common Project, HGSE

• Lisa Damour, clinical psychologist, noted author and news commentator, and author of the monthly Adolescence column in the New York Times

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine, authors of In Search of Deeper Learning and Ted DintersmithPart of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Thursday, 5/13 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Bringing both research and practitioner expertise, Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine will share with us their perspectives on deeper learning, innovation, and the future of American education. During our conversation, we’ll learn about their exploration of 30 innovative high schools that are the focus of their book In Search of Deeper Learning.
Featuring:
Jal Mehta is a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His research explores the role of different forms of knowledge in tackling major social and political problems, particularly problems of human improvement. Jal is the author of The Allure of Order: High Hopes, Dashed Expectations and the Troubled Quest to Remake American Schooling (New York: Oxford University Press, 2013) and the co-editor of The Futures of School Reform (Cambridge: Harvard Education Press, 2012). He is currently working on two projects: In Search of Deeper Learning, a contemporary study of schools, systems, and nations that are seeking to produce ambitious instruction; and The Chastened Dream, a history of the effort to link social science with social policy to achieve social progress. He is co-editor of the Learning Deeply blog at Education Week, and in 2014 was the top-ranked junior faculty scholar in the Rick Hess Education Week rankings. He is also the winner of the Morningstar Teaching Award at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He was recently awarded a Radcliffe Fellowship and will be on sabbatical for the 2016-17 academic year.

Sarah Fine is an educator and scholar working at the intersection of practice and research. She currently directs the San Diego Teacher Residency, hosted at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, and also teaches courses in educational leadership at the University of California San Diego. Sarah has written for a wide range of publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Chalkbeat, Education Week, Edutopia, and Educational Leadership, as well as scholarly journals such as The Journal of Educational Change and The Harvard Educational Review. Her recent book, coauthored with Jal Mehta, is In Search of Deeper learning: The Quest to Transform the American High School. In 2019, the book won the Grawemeyer award in Education. Her recent book, coauthored with Jal Mehta,In Search of Deeper learning: The Quest to transform the American High School, won the Grawemeyer award in Education.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Medfield K-8 PTO) and follow us on Twitter (@MedfieldK8PTO). And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com

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

Week of 4/27/21-5/3/21

4/27/2021

Important Dates
4/29 - MCAP Meeting
5/1 - Miss Amazing (see info below)
5/6 - School Committee Meeting
5/8 - Blake Theater Performances
5/14 - 1/2 Day for Students

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about the environments and conditions that foster learning, reflection, and growth, our question of the week is: How can rest (a week of vacation) and time for reflection help you to learn, grow, and improve? Can you share a specific example? Environments (and Conditions) for Real Learning (Week of 4/25/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Pooled Testing Monday, 4/26 and Wednesday, 4/28
This week we will be testing all students whose parents/guardians have signed them up for the COVID pooled testing on both Monday, 4/26 and Wednesday, 4/28. If you have any questions, contact Tricia Williams (twilliams@email.medfield.net) or Arlene O'Donovan-Driscoll (aodonovandriscoll@email.medfield.net).

MCAS Dates for Blake Students - Spring 2021
6/3 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
6/4 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
6/7 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
6/8 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
6/9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
6/10 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
6/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS

Survey Reminder for all Blake Families
Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake and it should only take a few minutes of your time. The survey is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. We sincerely appreciate your honest responses and are hoping for 100% participation from the Blake community.
Link to the survey: Early Adopters - Blake Family Survey (April 2021)

Music Ensemble Course Selection Form for 2021-2022
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete the Course Selection Google Form for music ensembles. All families must complete these forms...
2021-2022 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection

Important Travel Information
Please see the travel information for all Blake families…
Important Travel Reminder

Medfield Moves for Mental Health

Memory Booklets at Blake
The literary club, Blake is Social, would like to offer you a 2020-2021 Memory Booklet opportunity! This is to make up for the fact that due to Covid we were unable to create a yearbook. This booklet will contain every grade's advisories, and a little something to highlight 8th grade. If you are interested please fill out the attached Google Doc (organized by grade). The cost of this booklet will be $8.00. Just have your child bring in the payment to his/her advisory teacher. Checks can be made out to "Town of Medfield". If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the head of Blake is Social, Cynthia McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net.
6th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
7th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
8th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet

Drop Off/Pick Up Reminders for Blake Families

All students can be dropped off starting at 7:30 a.m. Once families arrive 'in line', please let your students out of the car (outside of the HS auditorium) so that the traffic line keeps moving. Cars should not be parked and waiting to let their students out until a later time, as the traffic flow gets delayed and backed up. Students can wait outside in the morning and enter the building at 7:40 a.m.
With the staggered times of dismissal for both Blake and the high school, families should not arrive too much prior to 2 p.m. to allow time for the high school 'clearing out' and arrival of middle school buses.
When picking up students after school, all Blake cars should be exiting out the Pound Street side of the school property.
For those families with students who are biking to and from school, please remind your students to wear helmets and to be mindful of both walkers and the traffic flow.

Students will not miss class time for the testing.
Testing will be done once a week.
Results come back within 24-48 hrs after testing.
You will only be notified if the pool your student was in comes back positive.
If a pool is positive, we will run a rapid testing clinic at school for those students in the positive pool to determine if there is a positive case.
Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be positive when re-tested.
Students are spaced 6ft apart with masks below their nose (mouth covered) for about 15 seconds while they test. Students self-administer their test and sanitize their hands before and after testing.

MHS Class of 2024 Flag Flyer
The Class of 2024 Student Government is selling Medfield flags to raise money for our class! The flags cost $25.00 and are a standard 3 x 5 feet. They are perfect for decorating houses, hanging in rooms or even decorating cars for the Senior Rolling Rally. Checks should be made out to the Town of Medfield and delivered to Medfield High School 88 R South Street no later than Thursday, May 6th, so order quick! Orders can be placed by clicking the link below and filling out the form. Be on the lookout for scanning a QR code on flyers found around the school and town shops!Medfield Flag Order Form
MHS Class of 2024 Flag Flyer

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

Blake MERJ Update
Check out the April Newsletter…
April MERJ Newsletter

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

Webinars of Interest
Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Stephanie Malia Krauss, author of Making It, and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Tuesday, 4/27 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Stephanie Malia Krauss is an expert in what’s essential to prepare children for a future none of us can predict. In this conversation with Ted Dintersmith, Stephanie will share with her the many insights she’s gained throughout her career, and her new book Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World.
Featuring:
Stephanie Malia Krauss is a mom with a background in education and social work. Eight years ago, she left her work in schools because she knew that helping students earn a high school diploma was not the same as getting them ready for adulthood. Since then, she has been on a mission to figure out what kids really need to be ready for college, work, and life.Stephanie is the author of Making It: What Today's Kids Need for Tomorrow's World, a senior advisor to Jobs for the Future, and a consultant for the Youth Transition Funders Group. You can learn more about Stephanie at www.stephaniemaliakrauss.com and find her on Twitter @stephanie_malia.

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

The Influential School Leader with authors Craig Murphy & John D'Auria
Wednesday, 4/28 at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a 1-hour live Zoom discussion of strategies to effectively reopen schools in 2021-2022 using their framework for change.

Learning Loss: A National Conversation about the term hosted by ASCD
Thursday 4/29 at 1:00 p.m.
Join ASCD and leaders from around the country as we discuss Learning Loss through the lens of Equity, Social-Emotional Learning, Leadership, and Curriculum and Instruction.

My Turn: Young Adults and Julie Lythcott-Haims
Thursday, 4/29 at 7:30 p.m.
On Thursday, 4/29th, 7:30 pm ET, join @jlythcotthaims author of Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, & a panel of young adults in a conversation about how to lead their best lives.

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Linda Darling-Hammond, founder and CEO of Learning Policy Institute and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Tuesday, 5/4 at 4:00 p.m.
About this Event
Linda Darling-Hammond is a towering figure in the world of education policy and practice. During this wide-ranging conversation, we’ll gain insights from an inspiring expert and leader on topics vital to the future of our schools, our children, and our democracy.
Featuring:
Linda Darling-Hammond is President of Learning Policy Institute, is Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University where she is Faculty Director of the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education. She is a former president of the American Educational Research Association and member of the National Academy of Education as well as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her research and policy work focus on issues of educational equity, teaching quality, and school reform. She has advised school leaders and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels. In 2008, she served as director of President Obama's education policy transition team. Her book, The Flat World and Education: How America’s Commitment to Equity will Determine our Future, received the coveted Grawemeyer Award in 2012. Among her most recent books are Getting Teacher Evaluation Right: What Really Matters for Effectiveness and Improvement (2013) and Beyond the Bubble Test: How Performance Assessments Support 21st Century Learning (2014).

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

Education Now: Cultivating the Power of Resilience
Wednesday, 5/5 at 3:00 p.m.
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftereffects of isolation, stress, fear, and sadness are sure to linger. How can we fortify ourselves to grapple with the legacy of this unprecedented year? How can we offer relief to ourselves, our children, our colleagues, and our loved ones? Join us as we dig into the power of resilience — not as a magic cure-all, but instead as a way to build the tools we need to contend with difficulty, fear, or loss, and to take care of ourselves, and others, so that we can weather the storm.

We’ll hear from three experts who will explore the notion of resilience from a variety of perspectives, offering helpful insight into how to sustain ourselves through challenging times.

Moderator: Junlei Li, Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Co-Chair, Human Development and Education Program, HGSE

• Richard Weissbourd, Senior Lecturer on Education, Faculty Director, Human Development and Psychology Master's Program, and Director, Making Caring Common Project, HGSE

• Lisa Damour, clinical psychologist, noted author and news commentator, and author of the monthly Adolescence column in the New York Times

Game Changer Series: A Conversation with Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine, authors of In Search of Deeper Learning and Ted Dintersmith
Part of What School Could Be’s Game Changer Series with Ted Dintersmith
Thursday, 5/13 at 7:00 p.m.
About this Event
Bringing both research and practitioner expertise, Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine will share with us their perspectives on deeper learning, innovation, and the future of American education. During our conversation, we’ll learn about their exploration of 30 innovative high schools that are the focus of their book In Search of Deeper Learning.
Featuring:
Jal Mehta is a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His research explores the role of different forms of knowledge in tackling major social and political problems, particularly problems of human improvement. Jal is the author of The Allure of Order: High Hopes, Dashed Expectations and the Troubled Quest to Remake American Schooling (New York: Oxford University Press, 2013) and the co-editor of The Futures of School Reform (Cambridge: Harvard Education Press, 2012). He is currently working on two projects: In Search of Deeper Learning, a contemporary study of schools, systems, and nations that are seeking to produce ambitious instruction; and The Chastened Dream, a history of the effort to link social science with social policy to achieve social progress. He is co-editor of the Learning Deeply blog at Education Week, and in 2014 was the top-ranked junior faculty scholar in the Rick Hess Education Week rankings. He is also the winner of the Morningstar Teaching Award at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He was recently awarded a Radcliffe Fellowship and will be on sabbatical for the 2016-17 academic year.

Sarah Fine is an educator and scholar working at the intersection of practice and research. She currently directs the San Diego Teacher Residency, hosted at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, and also teaches courses in educational leadership at the University of California San Diego. Sarah has written for a wide range of publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Chalkbeat, Education Week, Edutopia, and Educational Leadership, as well as scholarly journals such as The Journal of Educational Change and The Harvard Educational Review. Her recent book, coauthored with Jal Mehta, is In Search of Deeper learning: The Quest to Transform the American High School. In 2019, the book won the Grawemeyer award in Education. Her recent book, coauthored with Jal Mehta,In Search of Deeper learning: The Quest to transform the American High School, won the Grawemeyer award in Education.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Medfield K-8 PTO) and follow us on Twitter (@MedfieldK8PTO). And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com

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

Weeks of 4/13/21-4/26/21

4/17/2021

Important Dates
4/12-4/16 - Blake Spirit Week (see details below)
4/15 - School Committee Meeting
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation
4/28 - MCAP Meeting
5/1 - Miss Amazing (see info below)
5/3 - School Committee Meeting
5/14 - 1/2 Day for Students

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about which experiences influence our own learning, our question of the week is: During this school year, what experiences have helped you to become a better learner? Explain why. Teachable/'Mirror' Moments (Week of 4/11/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Survey for all Blake Families
Over the past year, the district has partnered with the state in an endeavor to improve the IEP process for students and families. As part of this project, we are gathering data about our current practices in order to identify areas of strength and improvement. One aspect of this data collection is surveying all families in the Blake community. The information we gather will help to guide our work and next steps.

Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake and it should only take a few minutes of your time. The survey is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. We sincerely appreciate your honest responses and are hoping for 100% participation from the Blake community. If you have any questions or have difficulty accessing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me directly (nvaughn@email.medfield.net).
Link to the survey: Early Adopters - Blake Family Survey (April 2021)

Important Travel Information
Please see the travel information for all Blake families…
Important Travel Reminder

Blake Spirit Week
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in a pre-spring vacation spirit week. Students will be competing for first dismissal at the end of the day for a period of time! Cohort D can also join in on the fun and help their grade level.
Monday 4/12: Comfy Cozy Day
Tuesday 4/13: Crazy Socks Day
Wednesday 4/14: Class Color Day (6th- purple, 7th- blue, 8th- black)
Thursday 4/15: Sports Team Day
Friday 4/16: Decade Day

Memory Booklets at Blake
The literary club, Blake is Social, would like to offer you a 2020-2021 Memory Booklet opportunity! This is to make up for the fact that due to Covid we were unable to create a yearbook. This booklet will contain every grade's advisories, and a little something to highlight 8th grade. If you are interested please fill out the attached Google Doc (organized by grade). The cost of this booklet will be $8.00. Just have your child bring in the payment to his/her advisory teacher. Checks can be made out to "Town of Medfield". If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the head of Blake is Social, Cynthia McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net.
6th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
7th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
8th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet

Drop Off/Pick Up Reminders for Blake Families

All students can be dropped off starting at 7:30 a.m. Once families arrive 'in line', please let your students out of the car (outside of the HS auditorium) so that the traffic line keeps moving. Cars should not be parked and waiting to let their students out until a later time, as the traffic flow gets delayed and backed up. Students can wait outside in the morning and enter the building at 7:40 a.m.
With the staggered times of dismissal for both Blake and the high school, families should not arrive too much prior to 2 p.m. to allow time for the high school 'clearing out' and arrival of middle school buses.
When picking up students after school, all Blake cars should be exiting out the Pound Street side of the school property.
For those families with students who are biking to and from school, please remind your students to wear helmets and to be mindful of both walkers and the traffic flow.

We will continue to monitor the traffic flow/structure in partnership with the Medfield Police Department as we adjust to our new routine/schedule.

For the twenty-sixth year, the Zullo Gallery, in collaboration with the K-12 Visual Arts faculty of the Medfield Public Schools, is hosting its Annual Student-Faculty Art Exhibit. The Zullo Gallery offers a fantastic opportunity for deserving student artwork to receive special notice by our community in a professional gallery setting. This year’s exhibit will be held from April 3rd through April 25th.

The Zullo Gallery is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon until 5 PM. Over the course of the exhibit, the Zullo Gallery is typically visited by hundreds of viewers, enjoying the display of our wonderful student artwork.
Congratulations to our Blake artists:
Hannah Crocker
Keira Oliveto
Molly Cragan
Sara Sahr
Ben Vasquez
Sophia Small
Lily Lewis
Alithea Varughese
Amelia DeHoff
Lucas Gatti
Anna LaRowe
Owen McEntee
Yara Chahine

Pooled Testing Information
If you haven't signed up your middle school child(ren) for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so now. Currently, 72% of middle school students are participating in the pooled testing. As we have transitioned back into full in-person learning, we would like to increase participation to 90% with your support.

Pooled testing is an important data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the health and safety of our schools. If you haven’t signed up your child(ren) for the pooled testing yet and would like to do so, click here for the online consent form. If your child has been participating in the pooled testing already, then please do NOT complete the consent form again.

A few reminders:

Students will not miss class time for the testing.
Testing will be done once a week.
Results come back within 24-48 hrs after testing.
You will only be notified if the pool your student was in comes back positive.
If a pool is positive, we will run a rapid testing clinic at school for those students in the positive pool to determine if there is a positive case.
Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be positive when re-tested.
Students are spaced 6ft apart with masks below their nose (mouth covered) for about 15 seconds while they test. Students self-administer their test and sanitize their hands before and after testing.

We have completed five weeks of Pooled Testing for students and staff at Blake Middle School, and there have been no positive cases thus far. Just a reminder, pooled testing is for students who are feeling well to monitor the school environment and to detect and mitigate COVID cases early on.
If your child is feeling ill, then please keep them home from school and notify the school nurse as well as the main office of their absence. COVID symptoms can present as a cold or other symptoms, so please click here to help you determine when you should keep your child home from school. We would be happy to review your child’s symptoms with you.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We appreciate your ongoing support.

Info for Current 6th Grade Families
In order to keep your child’s school health record updated per Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, please send in a copy of your child’s 6th grade physical including a current immunization record if you have not already done so this year. For students who had a physical over the past eight months (dated from July 1, 2020 on), please send in a copy of your child’s physical by next Friday, April 16, 2021. For students who are scheduled for their 6th grade physical this spring, please send in a copy of the physical following their appointment.

You are welcome to email the physical to us or send in a copy with your 6th grader. If you are sending in a copy of the physical with your child, then please let us know as physicals often end up at the bottom of backpacks without ever being turned in. If you prefer to email their physical, then please email us directly to our school email addresses listed below. Please do not reply to or attach your child’s physical to this email as it is a group email.

Thank you very much for your assistance. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns as your child(ren) transitions back to school on a full-time basis.

Exciting Miss Amazing news!
The seventh annual Miss Amazing will take place in person on Sunday, May 2nd, with a rain date of Saturday, May 1st! Miss Amazing’s mission statement declares, “Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment.” Many thanks to Medfield Parks and Recreation for allowing the event to take place at Hinkley Pond free of charge. Their generosity and kindness is incredibly appreciated! Even though the event will look different this year with no public audience, there are still ways to support the cause and get involved. We encourage everyone to participate in our Italian Groceria fundraiser on Wednesday, April 14th, from 5 to 8 pm. A percentage of their profit will be donated directly to Miss Amazing. We hope to see you there!

Blake Student Council Update
Attention Blakers! Blake’s Student Council now meets after school on Wednesdays from 2:20-2:50 p.m. Everyone is welcome! E-mail Mrs. Ruminski or Mrs. Shaw with any questions.

Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias (BBB) will meet in-person every Monday after school from 2:15-3. Currently, BBB students are working on their Peer Leader presentations for 6th grade. Have a student who is interested in conversations around social justice? Reach out to kgelormini@email.medfield.net for more information.

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

Form for All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection

Form for All Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School World Language Selection

Info for all Medfield Families
Last year was the introduction of the Rolling Rally which was a wonderful and successful celebration that many said should be done every year, so we are bringing it back. The Medfield Community was phenomenal with their outpouring of support and we’re asking for the same enthusiasm again this year.

On June 5th, the Seniors will ride through town and end at Blake Middle School baseball park for a ‘Party in the Park’. This will be a safe, supervised and substance-free celebration. Please contact us HERE if you’d like to volunteer at this event. You don’t need to be creative, just have fun working with friends decorating either the Town or the Party in the Park.

This event is dependent on kind donations from our generous community, any level of contribution will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made HERE

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

Registration for Spring Sports at Blake
Registration for Blake Middle School spring 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, Mr. Scott needs a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”). If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Athletics, Eric Scott (escott@email.medfield.net).

*Blake Middle School Sports offered for the spring season are:
Track & Field (Boy’s and Girl’s – Grades 6-8)
Coach Krah (Head Boy’s Coach) – kkrah@email.medfield.net
Coach Graham (Head Girl’s Coach) – pgraham@email.medfield.net
Softball (8th grade Girls). *
* 7th Graders MAY be open to sign up and play if not enough 8th graders to field team).
Coach McClelland - cmcclelland@email.medfield.net
Baseball (8th grade Boys)
Coach Becker – rbecker@email.medfield.net

Blake MERJ Update
Check out the April Newsletter…
April MERJ Newsletter

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

Webinars of Interest
A Seat at the Table With Education Week: What Did We Learn About Schooling Models This Year?
Wednesday, 4/14 at 2 p.m.
After a year of living with the pandemic, what schooling models might we turn to as we look ahead to improve the student learning experience? Could year-round schooling be one of them? What about online or hybrid learning? What lessons can we glean from the collective experience over these last 12 months that could be applied as we look ahead? Getting a better understanding of the impact these models could have on educators, students, and families—for better or worse—is a key part of knowing what might work as we head to the fall.

Pull up your chair to join Education Week contributor and blogger Peter DeWitt for A Seat at the Table as he talks with former principal now district leader Brad Currie and superintendent David Hornak to discuss the future of schooling and what it could mean for you, your school, your district, and your community.

Education Now: Understanding Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
Wednesday, 4/14 at 3:00 p.m.
Amid pandemic losses and continuing shocks of racist violence, one legacy of this year’s trauma is a greater willingness on the part of many to take stock of their own role in perpetuating or responding to racism. Schools and communities have a key part to play in this necessary accounting, and for many educators and parents, the work is central and non-negotiable. Join us for a conversation in which we explore our commitment to anti-racism — and how the events of this past year have deepened our understanding of those commitments. We’ll share insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas for how schools, parents, and school leaders can work — from their individual roles, and collectively — to confront racism in our society and our schools. How can our own commitments help to empower communities — and the young people we are raising and educating?
Moderator: Tracie Jones, Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, HGSE
Speakers:
- Malcolm Cawthorne, Teacher and civic leader, Brookline (MA) High School
- Jennifer Perry Cheatham, Senior Lecturer on Education and Co-Chair of the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP), HGSE
- Heidi Shin, Journalist and a public radio and podcast producer

Most Likely To Succeed: The Film That Launched Ten Thousand Screenings
Wednesday, 4/14 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Join us for a most memorable evening as we re-connect with the filmmakers, students & teachers from Most Likely To Succeed
A decade ago, Ted Dintersmith and filmmaker Greg Whiteley had an initial conversation about working together on a film about education. Well, one thing led to another. After premiering at Sundance, Most Likely To Succeed went on to be screened by some 10,000 school communities around the globe. This special evening will feature the film’s now-much-older student stars Brian and Samantha, two of their HTH teachers, and others with distinctive perspectives on MLTS and its impact. This will be a most memorable evening!

How Educators Can Support and Empower BIPOC Students
Thursday, 4/15 at 4:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for educators (for educators of Preschool - High School students)
Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith on how educators and school leaders can support BIPOC children amidst racism, racialized violence and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how to create a school environment that promotes pride and affirms the identity of BIPOC students. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will also offer resources for engaging in conversation, addressing trauma and connecting with families of color. Please note this session is for educators. SPARK Kindness is very excited to also be hosting a 2nd session at 7pm ET on how parents can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma that is also FREE and available to all.
How BIPOC Families Can Support Themselves and Their Children
Thursday, 4/15 at 7:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for caregivers and parents of BIPOC children of all ages with Dr. Briscoe-Smith
Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents and caregivers can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents can support themselves and nurture and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism, racial violence and trauma. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will offer tools, strategies and frameworks to assist parents/caregivers in listening to their children and promoting their emotional health, resilience, empowerment and self care. Finally, in the midst of the pandemic, Dr. Briscoe-Smith will speak about how BIPOC families can offer themselves and their children grace amidst these times that are challenging on many levels.

Education Now: Making Schools More Human
Wednesday, 4/21 at 3:00 p.m.
Education Now is an HGSE webinar series that responds to the dramatic changes in the field of education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each episode is designed to prompt observations and insights that are thought-provoking and actionable.

Education Now: Innovations in Global Education
Friday, 4/23 at 10:30 a.m.
Every nation describes education as a top domestic policy priority. But few avenues exist to connect those policy conversations across national boundaries. What should a global conversation about education look like? What are the pressing international challenges that educators and societies face — and where are the opportunities for innovation, collaboration, discovery, and meaningful engagement on real-world problems?

Join us for this special one-hour broadcast as we explore the powerful ideas that will shape the world’s education landscape for the next decade and beyond. We’re proud to host members of the Council of Luminaries, an international and cross-disciplinary group of leading thinkers convened by the Yidan Prize Foundation in 2020 to fuel education progress globally.

Education Now: Cultivating the Power of Resilience
Wednesday, 5/5 at 3:00 p.m.
Education Now is an HGSE webinar series that responds to the dramatic changes in the field of education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each episode is designed to prompt observations and insights that are thought-provoking and actionable.

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Medfield K-8 PTO) and follow us on Twitter (@MedfieldK8PTO). And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com

Week of 4/6/21-4/12/21

4/7/2021

Important Dates
4/7 - Full Length School Day
4/15 - School Committee Meeting
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation
4/28 - MCAP Meeting
5/1 - Miss Amazing (see info below)
5/3 - School Committee Meeting

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways that we find joy and carve out time for joy in our lives, our question of the week is: What brings you joy and how do/can you make room in your day/schedule for joy? Making Time for Joy (Week of 4/4/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

Drop Off/Pick Up Reminders for Blake Families

All students can be dropped off starting at 7:30 a.m. Once families arrive 'in line', please let your students out of the car (outside of the HS auditorium) so that the traffic line keeps moving. Cars should not be parked and waiting to let their students out until a later time, as the traffic flow gets delayed and backed up. Students can wait outside in the morning and enter the building at 7:40 a.m.
With the staggered times of dismissal for both Blake and the high school, families should not arrive too much prior to 2 p.m. to allow time for the high school 'clearing out' and arrival of middle school buses.
When picking up students after school, all Blake cars should be exiting out the Pound Street side of the school property.
For those families with students who are biking to and from school, please remind your students to wear helmets and to be mindful of both walkers and the traffic flow.

We will continue to monitor the traffic flow/structure in partnership with the Medfield Police Department as we adjust to our new routine/schedule.

For the twenty-sixth year, the Zullo Gallery, in collaboration with the K-12 Visual Arts faculty of the Medfield Public Schools, is hosting its Annual Student-Faculty Art Exhibit. The Zullo Gallery offers a fantastic opportunity for deserving student artwork to receive special notice by our community in a professional gallery setting. This year’s exhibit will be held from April 3rd through April 25th.

The Zullo Gallery is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon until 5 PM. Over the course of the exhibit, the Zullo Gallery is typically visited by hundreds of viewers, enjoying the display of our wonderful student artwork.
Congratulations to our Blake artists:
Hannah Crocker
Keira Oliveto
Molly Cragan
Sara Sahr
Ben Vasquez
Sophia Small
Lily Lewis
Alithea Varughese
Amelia DeHoff
Lucas Gatti
Anna LaRowe
Owen McEntee
Yara Chahine

"Book Spirit" Colors for the March Madness Winner
Which book would you like to see crowned this year's March Madness Book Tourney champion? Hunger Games? Harry Potter? This Friday, wear "book spirit" colors to show your choice! If you want Hunger Games to win, wear black and/or gray to represent Katniss and District 12. If you want Harry Potter to win, wear red and/or gold to represent Harry Potter and Gryffindor. May the best book win! And remember, we have an advisory competition to watch as well between Mrs. Doolan's Cohort B and Mrs. Cuomo's Cohort A!

Pooled Testing Information
If you haven't signed up your middle school child(ren) for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so now. Currently, 72% of middle school students are participating in the pooled testing. As we have transitioned back into full in-person learning, we would like to increase participation to 90% with your support.

Pooled testing is an important data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the health and safety of our schools. If you haven’t signed up your child(ren) for the pooled testing yet and would like to do so, click here for the online consent form. If your child has been participating in the pooled testing already, then please do NOT complete the consent form again.

A few reminders:

Students will not miss class time for the testing.
Testing will be done once a week.
Results come back within 24-48 hrs after testing.
You will only be notified if the pool your student was in comes back positive.
If a pool is positive, we will run a rapid testing clinic at school for those students in the positive pool to determine if there is a positive case.
Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be positive when re-tested.
Students are spaced 6ft apart with masks below their nose (mouth covered) for about 15 seconds while they test. Students self-administer their test and sanitize their hands before and after testing.

We have completed five weeks of Pooled Testing for students and staff at Blake Middle School, and there have been no positive cases thus far. Just a reminder, pooled testing is for students who are feeling well to monitor the school environment and to detect and mitigate COVID cases early on.
If your child is feeling ill, then please keep them home from school and notify the school nurse as well as the main office of their absence. COVID symptoms can present as a cold or other symptoms, so please click here to help you determine when you should keep your child home from school. We would be happy to review your child’s symptoms with you.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We appreciate your ongoing support.

Info for Current 6th Grade Families
In order to keep your child’s school health record updated per Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, please send in a copy of your child’s 6th grade physical including a current immunization record if you have not already done so this year. For students who had a physical over the past eight months (dated from July 1, 2020 on), please send in a copy of your child’s physical by next Friday, April 16, 2021. For students who are scheduled for their 6th grade physical this spring, please send in a copy of the physical following their appointment.

You are welcome to email the physical to us or send in a copy with your 6th grader. If you are sending in a copy of the physical with your child, then please let us know as physicals often end up at the bottom of backpacks without ever being turned in. If you prefer to email their physical, then please email us directly to our school email addresses listed below. Please do not reply to or attach your child’s physical to this email as it is a group email.

Thank you very much for your assistance. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns as your child(ren) transitions back to school on a full-time basis.

Exciting Miss Amazing news!
The seventh annual Miss Amazing will take place in person on Sunday, May 2nd, with a rain date of Saturday, May 1st! Miss Amazing’s mission statement declares, “Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment.” Many thanks to Medfield Parks and Recreation for allowing the event to take place at Hinkley Pond free of charge. Their generosity and kindness is incredibly appreciated! Even though the event will look different this year with no public audience, there are still ways to support the cause and get involved. We encourage everyone to participate in our Italian Groceria fundraiser on Wednesday, April 14th, from 5 to 8 pm. A percentage of their profit will be donated directly to Miss Amazing. We hope to see you there!

Blake Student Council Update
Attention Blakers! Blake’s Student Council now meets after school on Wednesdays from 2:20-2:50- location TBD. Everyone is welcome! E-mail Mrs. Ruminski or Mrs. Shaw with any questions.

Blake Battles Bias
Any interested 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to join. E-mail Mrs. Gelormini or Ms. Thress with any questions.

Form for All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection

Form for All Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School World Language Selection

Info for all Medfield Families
Last year was the introduction of the Rolling Rally which was a wonderful and successful celebration that many said should be done every year, so we are bringing it back. The Medfield Community was phenomenal with their outpouring of support and we’re asking for the same enthusiasm again this year.

On June 5th, the Seniors will ride through town and end at Blake Middle School baseball park for a ‘Party in the Park’. This will be a safe, supervised and substance-free celebration. Please contact us HERE if you’d like to volunteer at this event. You don’t need to be creative, just have fun working with friends decorating either the Town or the Party in the Park.

This event is dependent on kind donations from our generous community, any level of contribution will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made HERE

Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.

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

Mathematics Placement Process for Incoming 8th Grade
Our seventh grade math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2021-2022 school year. The goal of the process is to see that every student is placed in a class that allows them to learn math well while feeling good about their efforts. For current 7th grade students, decisions on student placement are made by considering current class performance, placement test scores, and teacher recommendations. For current 8th grade students, placement is determined by success in their current class level and teacher recommendation. We are very mindful during this time to consider the whole child while making these decisions. Additionally, it is important to us that parents/guardians feel they have a voice in this process. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher. If your questions involve long-term planning for math, do not hesitate to email Jess Safer, Math Department Chair at jsafer@email.medfield.net. Thank you!

Registration for Spring Sports at Blake
Registration for Blake Middle School spring 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, Mr. Scott needs a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”). If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Athletics, Eric Scott (escott@email.medfield.net).

*Blake Middle School Sports offered for the spring season are:
Track & Field (Boy’s and Girl’s – Grades 6-8)
Coach Krah (Head Boy’s Coach) – kkrah@email.medfield.net
Coach Graham (Head Girl’s Coach) – pgraham@email.medfield.net
Softball (8th grade Girls). *
* 7th Graders MAY be open to sign up and play if not enough 8th graders to field team).
Coach McClelland - cmcclelland@email.medfield.net
Baseball (8th grade Boys)
Coach Becker – rbecker@email.medfield.net

Blake MERJ Update
Check out the April Newsletter…
April MERJ Newsletter

Blake GSA Update
GSA runs every Thursday from 2:30- 3:00. If you have any questions about the Blake GSA, please reach out to Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net),Cynthia McClelland (cmcclelland@email.medfield.net), or Jen Dondero (jdondero@email.medfield.net).

WPI's Sonia Kovalevsky Day 2021: Registration Now Open!
The WPI Department of Mathematical Sciences and WPI Student Chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) are excited to announce our third-annual Sonia Kovalevsky Day (SK Day) outreach event for local 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls, to be held virtually on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

SK Days at WPI aim to bolster our participants’ passion and enthusiasm for mathematics in a supportive environment, while meeting girls in the New England area who share similar interests and, of course, having fun! SK Day 2021 will provide an interactive online experience for participants (and their parents/guardians!) to engage in math activities led remotely by WPI students and will feature keynote talks by women leaders in STEM.

Please see the attached flyer for more information about the event. In particular, interested participants should register by visiting:
https://www.wpi.edu/news/calendar/events/sonia-kovalevsky-day
^^ The link to the registration form is found at this site. Space is limited, so we ask that participants please register early (no later than March 27, 2021).

Jr Tech STEM Opportunity
Jr.Tech is committed to inspiring students to think about STEM topics and explore STEM career paths. We are hosting Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 in April 2021. This year's Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 will take place on two half-day Saturdays: Saturday, April 3rd, and Saturday, April 10th, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, both days. It will be hosted as a live, online, program via Zoom.

The summit is for girls in grades 8-12 who are interested in careers in the STEM fields. As this is a critical time in their education, and college decisions are beginning, we hope to empower these young women to see the many opportunities available to them within STEM.

Please share the attached PDF flyer with your teachers, curriculum heads, guidance staff, and principal to make them aware of Girls STEM Summit Live 2021 and ask them to share with your community. We invite your high school to purchase a group for your school or have parents register them individually.

Who: Girls in grades 8 - 12 interested in exploring STEM fields and career choices
What: #GirlsSTEMSummitLIVE2021
When: Hosted online two Saturday mornings via Zoom
Dates: Saturday, April 3, 2021, 8:30am - noon and
            Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8:30 am - noon
Fee: $65
Register: https://juniortech.org/girls-stem-summit-live-2021/
Email: info@juniortech.org

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

Webinars/Workshops of interest…
Education Now: The Future of Work
Wednesday, 4/7 at 2:30 p.m.
Well before the pandemic, a group of educators and economists saw glitches on the pathway from school to career. Workplaces — increasingly collaborative and digital — needed skills, capacities, and mindsets that job candidates weren’t bringing. For too many job seekers, access to the job market was blocked by inequity, discrimination, and licensing barriers, putting meaningful careers out of reach. And jobs themselves were changing, requiring new leadership skills and candidates who could thrive in uncertainty.

And then the pandemic arrived, to upend and reinvent our workplaces right in front of us. Did the pandemic usher us into a future that was already coming? How can we shape that future so that barriers are lowered and opportunity is broad? How should educators and school leaders prepare their students — and what are the skills that will matter most in the workplaces of today and tomorrow?

Join Harvard faculty for a conversation on the future of work, how the pandemic is shaping the future, and how education can respond.

We Remember: Sylvia Ruth Gutmann, Holocaust Survivor, Shares Her Story
Thursday, 4/8 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Join us for this important webinar commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoah. Sylvia Ruth Gutmann, author, speaker, and Holocaust survivor, will be interviewed by high school students from the Nobles and Greenough School in Dedham, MA and Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, New Hampshire in this moving webinar. Sylvia's story of survival and resilience is an important call to action and will inspire you to be an active steward for a more just world.
Please have a candle nearby for a brief commemorative ceremony.

Most Likely To Succeed: The Film That Launched Ten Thousand Screenings
Wednesday, 4/14 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Join us for a most memorable evening as we re-connect with the filmmakers, students & teachers from Most Likely To Succeed
A decade ago, Ted Dintersmith and filmmaker Greg Whiteley had an initial conversation about working together on a film about education. Well, one thing led to another. After premiering at Sundance, Most Likely To Succeed went on to be screened by some 10,000 school communities around the globe. This special evening will feature the film’s now-much-older student stars Brian and Samantha, two of their HTH teachers, and others with distinctive perspectives on MLTS and its impact. This will be a most memorable evening!

How Educators Can Support and Empower BIPOC Students
Thursday, 4/15 at 4:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for educators (for educators of Preschool - High School students)
Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith on how educators and school leaders can support BIPOC children amidst racism, racialized violence and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how to create a school environment that promotes pride and affirms the identity of BIPOC students. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will also offer resources for engaging in conversation, addressing trauma and connecting with families of color. Please note this session is for educators. SPARK Kindness is very excited to also be hosting a 2nd session at 7pm ET on how parents can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma that is also FREE and available to all.

How BIPOC Families Can Support Themselves and Their Children
Thursday, 4/15 at 7:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for caregivers and parents of BIPOC children of all ages with Dr. Briscoe-Smith
Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents and caregivers can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents can support themselves and nurture and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism, racial violence and trauma. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will offer tools, strategies and frameworks to assist parents/caregivers in listening to their children and promoting their emotional health, resilience, empowerment and self care. Finally, in the midst of the pandemic, Dr. Briscoe-Smith will speak about how BIPOC families can offer themselves and their children grace amidst these times that are challenging on many levels.

Education Now: Making Schools More Human
Wednesday, 4/21 at 3:00 p.m.
Education Now is an HGSE webinar series that responds to the dramatic changes in the field of education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each episode is designed to prompt observations and insights that are thought-provoking and actionable.

Education Now: Innovations in Global Education
Friday, 4/23 at 10:30 a.m.
Every nation describes education as a top domestic policy priority. But few avenues exist to connect those policy conversations across national boundaries. What should a global conversation about education look like? What are the pressing international challenges that educators and societies face — and where are the opportunities for innovation, collaboration, discovery, and meaningful engagement on real-world problems?

Join us for this special one-hour broadcast as we explore the powerful ideas that will shape the world’s education landscape for the next decade and beyond. We’re proud to host members of the Council of Luminaries, an international and cross-disciplinary group of leading thinkers convened by the Yidan Prize Foundation in 2020 to fuel education progress globally.

Education Now: Cultivating the Power of Resilience
Wednesday, 5/5 at 3:00 p.m.
Education Now is an HGSE webinar series that responds to the dramatic changes in the field of education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each episode is designed to prompt observations and insights that are thought-provoking and actionable.

#𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙊𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 - Thank You!
𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙆 𝙔𝙊𝙐 Medfield!!! Over $106,000 in less than a week! This community is truly amazing. 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙆 𝙔𝙊𝙐-this community has come together and shown what #𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙊𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 is all about 💙 Congratulations Medfield!!

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

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

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Medfield K-8 PTO) and follow us on Twitter (@MedfieldK8PTO). And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com

<<Previous

June 16, 2021

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

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

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

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

Week of 5/11/21-5/17/21

Week of 5/4/21-5/10/21

Week of 4/27/21-5/3/21

Weeks of 4/13/21-4/26/21

Week of 4/6/21-4/12/21

Archives

Categories