Nat Vaughn, Blake Principal
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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.
Picture
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
Picture
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

Week of 3/30/21-4/5/21

3/31/2021

 
Important Dates
4/2 - No School
4/5 - Return to In-Person Model at Blake
4/7 - Full Length School Day
4/15 - School Committee Meeting
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about what learning could look like for each individual, our question of the week is: If you could design your own day of learning, what would it look like? Designing Your Learning (Week of 3/28/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
Term 2 SBR Reports
Cohort A and B students brought home a blue pocket folder containing SBR reports for their Term 2 report card over the past few days. Cohort D students will be receiving them (or received them) in the mail. Time will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished via a Google Form (a similar form will be given to Cohort D students in the next few days).  Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults.  We have included an attendance report for this year as an opportunity to reflect with your student on ways to ensure on-time arrival to school as we progress back to 5 day learning and consistent morning routines. As a reminder, students should arrive at school by 7:40 to have time to get to Go Block on time by 7:50. Students who arrive after 7:50 will be marked tardy to school. 
 
Please be sure to complete the form that is linked here for each of your Blake students to indicate that you have received and reviewed your student's report card by Thursday, April 1st.  If you have any questions about your child's work or the reports, please start by having a conversation with your own child.  If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight.  In addition, your child’s guidance counselor is an important resource.

Blake Student Council Update
Attention Blakers! Student Council is going to start meeting in person starting next week. The meetings will be held after school on Wednesdays from 2:20-2:50- location TBD. Everyone is welcome! Email Mrs. Ruminski or Mrs. Shaw with any questions.

Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battle's Bias will begin meeting IN-PERSON after school on Monday, April 5th. Any interested 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to join. Email Mrs. Gelormini or Ms. Thress with any questions.
 
Blake Logo Contest - Calling All Artists!
Calling all artists! Our Student Council is looking to create some Blake gear for students and staff, and we would love to use a logo created by a Blaker! If you are interested, you can start working on your logo. Insert a pic of the logo to this form when you are done. 
 
Follow Up from Incoming 6th-8th Grade Info Sessions
For your reference, I have copied links to the presentations and handouts from our incoming information sessions for the 2021-2022 school year…
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation - Recording
Passcode: 39KdD!Z!
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night March 2021 Presentation- Recording
Passcode: 6C1v!h%6
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 2021-2022
Blake Program of Studies 2021-2022
Within the presentation, you can find links to the 'subject specific' videos. 
Here are direct links to the Special Education Overview and Music Ensemble Videos...

Blake Special Education Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(8:10)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(4:34)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 7th/8th Grade
(3:55)
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
Sir Ken Robinson on role of a teacher
(2:23)
Nobody is Normal
(1:20)
Cornelius Minor at ILA 2018 - Changing Systems
(2:13)
Author of We Got This, Cornelius Minor Talks About What It Means to be Pro-Kids
(2:09)
Jesse Jackson - I am Somebody
(1:25)

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
 
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
If you haven't signed up your middle or high school children for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so.  Pooled testing is a great data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the safety of our schools.  Our goal is at least an 80% participation rate.  Here is the online Consent Form to fill out. 
Some reminders about the pooled testing:
  • Students will not miss any class time for the testing.
  • Testing will be done every week.
  • Results come back within 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 Blake for those students in the positive pool to determine the positive individual.
  • Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be the positive individual. 
  • 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.
  • If you don't hear from us, your student's pool was negative.
If you have any questions, please e-mail us or call in the school nurse's office at (508)242-8554.    
    

MFI Youth Leader Food Drive
MFI youth leaders will be running a food drive this Monday March 29th through Sunday April 4th! Donation boxes are located throughout various locations around town including Park Street Books, the public Library, the middle school library, and the high school. The food cupboards most needed items consist of Mac and cheese, hearty soup, creamy peanut butter, jelly, rice pilaf, canned beans, and beef stew. Any donation is greatly appreciated during this tough time, just make sure they are unopened and unexpired. Thank you so much, and feel free to reach out to Sophia Bruno with any questions!

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
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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 need 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
 
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Greta Krauss, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351.  Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project.  Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values -- humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others.  We are proud and honored that Greta will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
 
Blake MERJ Update
This month advisories have been participating in a scavenger hunt to learn about the individuals spotlighted by different advisories.  Check out our March newsletter...
Blake MERJ March Newsletter
Stay tuned for our April newsletter!
 
Blake is Social
Blake is Social will wrap up our Black History Month Posts by featuring all the lovely doors around the school. And as always we are looking for art work, photographs, videos of any and everything Blake students are up to. Feel free to send them to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net 
 
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

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
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.  

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Webinars of Interest
Leading Courageously in Turbulent Times: Rules of the Road
Wednesday, 3/31 at 7:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents…
The Covid-19 pandemic has upended virtually every aspect of our lives and our society, and the turbulence continues. How are we to lead—our organizations, communities, and families as well as ourselves—in this extraordinary moment?
Nancy Koehn, Ph.D., author of Forged in Crisis: The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times, will present critical tools, insights, and behaviors for leading courageously in crisis. She will examine several “rules of the road” for helping you, your team, your family and other followers navigate through the Covid-19 crisis, the consequent economic fallout, and the campaign for justice and equality. Prof. Koehn will offer lessons from iconic crisis leaders in history, such as Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Ernest Shackleton, and Rachel Carson, and will conclude by exploring how to lead for the next stage of this multi-phase crisis while empowering and caring for yourself.
 
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.

#𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙊𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 is going on NOW!!
All year, you have asked how YOU CAN HELP get our kids back into the classroom as safely as possible, and Monday is the time to come together and make it happen!! Wee launched a 5 day fundraising initiative to help cover needs that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as air filters, disinfecting spray and wipes.  Keeping our kids, teachers, staff and administrators safe is critical, but its not free.  Join us by making a donation and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do the same! medfieldcoalition.org

Blake PTO Update
The Medfield  K-8 PTO  is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)

MCPE Update
MCPE Date Night In Presents Murder, Mystery, Intrigue and Scandal: The Dark Side of Medfield Join us for a virtual history talk given by Medfield Town Historian, Richard DeSorgher, coupled with delicious pre-ordered pickup meals from Basil ​ Wednesday, April 7th at 6:00 p.m.

Week of 3/23/21-3/29/21

3/23/2021

 
Important Dates
3/23 - Harmony Day at Blake for Cohort A (see info below)
3/24 - MCAP Meeting
3/25 - Harmony Day at Blake for Cohorts B/D (see info below)
           Term 2 Reports go Home for Cohort B
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day - #DLDMedfield
           No School for Students
4/2 - No School
4/5 - Return to In-Person Model at Blake
4/15 - School Committee Meeting
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations, reflection, and dialogue about learning, our question of the week is: How do you define learning? Learning Gains (Week of 3/21/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
March Madness Returns to Blake!
School-wide voting on "Book Games" begins this week with Blake's 2021 March Madness Book Tournament.  Stay tuned for results.
 
Blake Theater Update
The Virtual Complaint Department and Lemonade, the third show on Zoom and the fifth show of the Blake Theater season, is this Thursday, March 25th at 7pm.
The link for Thursday night is:
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/85892974325?pwd=NGZvME9BOEIrOGJqR0hEdEVwQXNQdz09
Passcode: 771294
In other theater news, Theater Club will go on hiatus after Wednesday, March 24th. We will come back with one big end of the year Theater Club meeting for all theater participants. Rehearsals for our sixth show will begin March 30 and for our seventh show on April 1.
 
Blake Logo Contest - Calling All Artists!
Calling all artists! Our Student Council is looking to create some Blake gear for students and staff, and we would love to use a logo created by a Blaker! If you are interested, you can start working on your logo. Insert a pic of the logo to this form when you are done. 
 
Follow Up from Incoming 6th-8th Grade Info Sessions
For your reference, I have copied links to the presentations and handouts from our incoming information sessions for the 2021-2022 school year…
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation - Recording
Passcode: 39KdD!Z!
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night March 2021 Presentation- Recording
Passcode: 6C1v!h%6
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 2021-2022
Blake Program of Studies 2021-2022
Within the presentation, you can find links to the 'subject specific' videos. 
Here are direct links to the Special Education Overview and Music Ensemble Videos...

Blake Special Education Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(8:10)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(4:34)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 7th/8th Grade
(3:55)
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
Sir Ken Robinson on role of a teacher
(2:23)
Nobody is Normal
(1:20)
Cornelius Minor at ILA 2018 - Changing Systems
(2:13)
Author of We Got This, Cornelius Minor Talks About What It Means to be Pro-Kids
(2:09)
Jesse Jackson - I am Somebody
(1:25)

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
 
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
If you haven't signed up your middle or high school children for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so.  Pooled testing is a great data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the safety of our schools.  Our goal is at least an 80% participation rate.  Here is the online Consent Form to fill out. 
Some reminders about the pooled testing:
  • Students will not miss any class time for the testing.
  • Testing will be done every week.
  • Results come back within 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 Blake for those students in the positive pool to determine the positive individual.
  • Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be the positive individual. 
  • 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.
  • If you don't hear from us, your student's pool was negative.
If you have any questions, please e-mail us or call in the school nurse's office at (508) 242-8554.     
   

Harmony Day - 3/23/21 and 3/25/21
On Tuesday, March 23 (Cohort A) and Thursday, March 25 (Cohorts B and D) the Blake GSA invites all students/staff to participate in this year's Harmony Day recognition.  Harmony Day was started at the high school several years ago as a way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community - it is a day when any community member at Blake and MHS who has a friend, family member, etc. in their life who is LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer) to wear a green shirt.  The idea was started by Clinton Oxford, a 2008 graduate of Medfield High School, who thought if everyone could see just how many have a LGBTQ+ person in their lives, it might reduce the name-calling/anti-gay remarks heard in the hallways.  

Our students and staff at Blake are invited to wear green in support of these days. In addition to wearing green, there will also be a poster in the main foyer of the building. Students, staff, and even visitors are encouraged to hang a simple, anonymous, green sticker onto the "Harmony" poster that day in support of someone they know, care about, or just someone they've heard of who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.  It is our hope that this simple demonstration is a symbol of support in our community, reminding everyone of the importance of Acceptance.

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
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ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
Please visit this website for information from the high school. https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/welcome-class-of-2025/home
Here is the link to the  high school program of studies.  If you have questions about the placement process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
  • Science 
  • Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English 
    • Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies 
    • Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • World Language 
    • Ellen Toubman - etoubman@email.medfield.net
Please note the timelines for course selection:
  • March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections

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 need 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
 
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Greta Krauss, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351.  Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project.  Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values -- humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others.  We are proud and honored that Greta will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
 
Blake MERJ Update
This month advisories have been participating in a scavenger hunt to learn about the individuals spotlighted by different advisories.  Check out our March newsletter...
Blake MERJ March Newsletter
Stay tuned for our April newsletter!
 
Blake is Social
Blake is Social will wrap up our Black History Month Posts by featuring all the lovely doors around the school. And as always we are looking for art work, photographs, videos of any and everything Blake students are up to. Feel free to send them to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net 
 
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). 
 
Blake Battles Bias Update
Members of Blake Battle's Bias will be joining 65 other school communities around New England and attending the Connections Conference: Listen, Learn, Act! Fighting for Justice in Our School Communities this Wednesday, 3/24.
 
Is your student interested in matters of social justice and bias? Blake Battles Bias has a new meeting time -- every other Monday from 2:45-3:15.   New members to BBB are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@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

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
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.  
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Webinars of Interest
Digital Equity in a COVID World - Beyond the Basic Requirements of Devices and Internet
Thursday, 3/18 at 8:00 p.m.
The global pandemic has revealed that the Digital Divide and Homework Gap may be bigger than anticipated. Last spring, Common Sense Media and Boston Consulting Group reported that 15-16 million students lack sufficient access to the Internet to support remote learning, and 9 million of those students also lack access to a laptop, tablet, or computer. When looking more closely at that data, a majority of those students identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) as well as live in rural and/or underserved communities.

Beyond access, a Digital Use Divide also impacts learners based on socioeconomics. Students from Title I schools have fewer opportunities to use technology in creative, meaningful ways. Instead, available tools are used primarily for drill-and-practice, test-prep, remediation, and content delivery - what Dr. S. Craig Watkins refers to as a “technology rich, curriculum poor environment.” In addition, new advances in artificial intelligence and big data add additional complexity to conversations about Digital Equity. So now what? As educators, what actions might you take? What questions might you ask? How might you help to ensure that ALL of your learners have access to an education that meets ALL of their needs?

A Seat at the Table With Education Week: How to Support Teacher Well-Being
Wednesday, 3/24 at 2:00 p.m.
The demands being placed on teachers, especially during the pandemic, have led to an increase in professional and personal stress. This episode of A Seat at the Table will focus on what school and district leaders can do to help teachers develop their own social-emotional competencies to alleviate some of the strain that they feel on the job.
 
Join Education Week contributor and blogger Peter DeWitt as he sits down with David Adams, chief executive officer of The Urban Assembly, and classroom teacher Sera Deo for a lively discussion about the importance of supporting teacher mental health and well-being during this challenging season as many educators prepare to head back to the school building for in-person and hybrid teaching.
 
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.

Blake PTO Update
The Medfield  K-8 PTO  is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)

MCPE Update
MCPE Date Night In Presents Murder, Mystery, Intrigue and Scandal: The Dark Side of Medfield Join us for a virtual history talk given by Medfield Town Historian, Richard DeSorgher, coupled with delicious pre-ordered pickup meals from Basil ​ 
Wednesday, April 7th at 6:00 p.m. 

Week of 3/16/21-3/22/21

3/15/2021

 
Important Dates
3/16 - SEPAC Meeting
3/24 - MCAP Meeting
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day
           No School for Students
4/2 - No School
4/5 - Return to In-Person Model at Blake
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations, reflection, and dialogue about our learning over the past year, our question of the week is: Please complete this sentence - Over the last year one thing I have learned is... Over the Last Year... (Week of 3/14/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)

March Madness Returns to Blake!
Blake's March Madness Book Tournament Bracket is here.  Students will begin voting next week on "book games," and advisories will compete for best book bracket.  2021 March Madness Book Bracket
 
Blake Logo Contest - Calling All Artists!
Calling all artists! Our Student Council is looking to create some Blake gear for students and staff, and we would love to use a logo created by a Blaker! If you are interested, you can start working on your logo. Insert a pic of the logo to this form when you are done. 
 
Follow Up from Incoming 6th-8th Grade Info Sessions
For your reference, I have copied links to the presentations and handouts from our incoming information sessions for the 2021-2022 school year…
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation - Recording
Passcode: 39KdD!Z!
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night March 2021 Presentation- Recording
Passcode: 6C1v!h%6
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 2021-2022
Blake Program of Studies 2021-2022
Within the presentation, you can find links to the 'subject specific' videos.  Here are direct links to the Special Education Overview and Music Ensemble Videos...
Blake Special Education Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(8:10)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(4:34)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 7th/8th Grade
(3:55)
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
Sir Ken Robinson on role of a teacher
(2:23)
Nobody is Normal
(1:20)
Cornelius Minor at ILA 2018 - Changing Systems
(2:13)
Author of We Got This, Cornelius Minor Talks About What It Means to be Pro-Kids
(2:09)
Jesse Jackson - I am Somebody
(1:25)

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
 
Parent/Guardian Input Information for 2020-2021
Parental/guardian input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2019-2020 academic year.  Please refer to this letter regarding our process and guidelines for parents/guardians for the 2020-2021 academic year…
Blake Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2021
If you are interested in sharing information, please submit your thoughts in writing no later than Monday, March 22.  As stated in the letter, written requests for specific teachers will not be entertained or accepted. Your letter should be addressed to your child's guidance counselor and Assistant Principal, Kelly Campbell.  Guidance counselors for next year will be Tracy Allen (Grade 6), Jen Dondero (Grade 7), and Matt Marenghi (Grade 8).
 
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
If you haven't signed up your middle or high school children for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so.  Pooled testing is a great data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the safety of our schools.  Our goal is at least an 80% participation rate.  Here is the online Consent Form to fill out. 
Some reminders about the pooled testing:
  • Students will not miss any class time for the testing.
  • Testing will be done every week.
  • Results come back within 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 Blake for those students in the positive pool to determine the positive individual.
  • Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be the positive individual. 
  • 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.
  • If you don't hear from us, your student's pool was negative.
If you have any questions, please e-mail us or call in the school nurse's office at (508) 242-8554.      

Harmony Day - 3/23/21 and 3/25/21
On Tuesday, March 23 (Cohort A) and Thursday, March 25 (Cohorts B and D) the Blake GSA invites all students/staff to participate in this year's Harmony Day recognition.  Harmony Day was started at the high school several years ago as a way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community - it is a day when any community member at Blake and MHS who has a friend, family member, etc. in their life who is LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer) to wear a green shirt.  The idea was started by Clinton Oxford, a 2008 graduate of Medfield High School, who thought if everyone could see just how many have a LGBTQ+ person in their lives, it might reduce the name-calling/anti-gay remarks heard in the hallways.  

Our students and staff at Blake are invited to wear green in support of these days. In addition to wearing green, there will also be a poster in the main foyer of the building. Students, staff, and even visitors are encouraged to hang a simple, anonymous, green sticker onto the "Harmony" poster that day in support of someone they know, care about, or just someone they've heard of who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.  It is our hope that this simple demonstration is a symbol of support in our community, reminding everyone of the importance of Acceptance.
 
Medfield SEPAC Presents ‘Post Secondary Transitions’
(see flyer link below)
Tuesday, March 16th at 7 p.m.
Please join the Medfield SEPAC on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7pm via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/89484751424?pwd=Ny9KNFhMZk9tZE5tUlRKYldlVGNMUT09 Meeting ID: 894 8475 1424
Passcode: sepac                    
We look forward to sharing the many ways that all students are being supported and encouraged to develop independence that will result in their success beyond high school.
Presenters:
Meredith Becker (Transition Program Coordinator/Out of District Coordinator), Karey Curley (Educational Team Leader at the High School)
Stephanie Worthley (Guidance Department Chair) 
Post Secondary Transitions - SEPAC Workshop - 3/16/21
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ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
Please visit this website for information from the high school. https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/welcome-class-of-2025/home
Here is the link to the  high school program of studies.  If you have questions about the placement process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
  • Science 
  • Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English 
    • Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies 
    • Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • World Language 
    • Ellen Toubman - etoubman@email.medfield.net
Please note the timelines for course selection:
  • March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections

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 need 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
 
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Greta Krauss, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351.  Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project.  Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values -- humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others.  We are proud and honored that Greta will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
 
Blake MERJ Update
As we wrap up our celebration of Black History Month, advisories will be finishing their work decorating their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black individual who made a significant contribution to society.  Upon completion of the doors, advisories will participate in a scavenger hunt to learn about the individuals spotlighted by different advisories.  Check out our March newsletter...
Blake MERJ March Newsletter
Stay tuned for our April newsletter!
 
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marked the beginning of Women’s History Month.  Please share any ideas you have as to how we can recognize this month within the Blake community.  Here are a couple of reads of interest…
What Schools Teach About Women’s History Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights
Educational resources are available from federal sources and the National Women's History Museum, among others.
 
Blake is Social
Blake is Social will wrap up our Black History Month Posts by featuring all the lovely doors around the school. And as always we are looking for art work, photographs, videos of any and everything Blake students are up to. Feel free to send them to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net 
 
Blake GSA Update
GSA runs every Thursday from 2:30- 3:00. We are also looking to support Medfield's Harmony day. Keep an eye out for those very GREEN updates.  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). 
 
Blake Battles Bias Update
Is your student interested in matters of social justice and bias? Blake Battles Bias has a new meeting time -- every other Monday from 2:45-3:15.   New members to BBB are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@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

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
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.  
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Webinars of Interest
Digital Equity in a COVID World - Beyond the Basic Requirements of Devices and Internet
Thursday, 3/18 at 8:00 p.m.
The global pandemic has revealed that the Digital Divide and Homework Gap may be bigger than anticipated. Last spring, Common Sense Media and Boston Consulting Group reported that 15-16 million students lack sufficient access to the Internet to support remote learning, and 9 million of those students also lack access to a laptop, tablet, or computer. When looking more closely at that data, a majority of those students identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) as well as live in rural and/or underserved communities.

Beyond access, a Digital Use Divide also impacts learners based on socioeconomics. Students from Title I schools have fewer opportunities to use technology in creative, meaningful ways. Instead, available tools are used primarily for drill-and-practice, test-prep, remediation, and content delivery - what Dr. S. Craig Watkins refers to as a “technology rich, curriculum poor environment.” In addition, new advances in artificial intelligence and big data add additional complexity to conversations about Digital Equity. So now what? As educators, what actions might you take? What questions might you ask? How might you help to ensure that ALL of your learners have access to an education that meets ALL of their needs?
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A Seat at the Table With Education Week: How to Support Teacher Well-Being
Wednesday, 3/24 at 2:00 p.m.
The demands being placed on teachers, especially during the pandemic, have led to an increase in professional and personal stress. This episode of A Seat at the Table will focus on what school and district leaders can do to help teachers develop their own social-emotional competencies to alleviate some of the strain that they feel on the job.
 
Join Education Week contributor and blogger Peter DeWitt as he sits down with David Adams, chief executive officer of The Urban Assembly, and classroom teacher Sera Deo for a lively discussion about the importance of supporting teacher mental health and well-being during this challenging season as many educators prepare to head back to the school building for in-person and hybrid teaching.

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.

Blake PTO Update
The Medfield  K-8 PTO  is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)

MCPE Update
MCPE Date Night In Presents Murder, Mystery, Intrigue and Scandal: The Dark Side of Medfield Join us for a virtual history talk given by Medfield Town Historian, Richard DeSorgher, coupled with delicious pre-ordered pickup meals from Basil ​ 
Wednesday, April 7th at 6:00 p.m. 

Week of 3/9/21-3/15/21

3/10/2021

 
Important Dates
3/10 - Blake PTO Meeting (7 p.m.)
3/11 - School Committee Meeting
3/24 - MCAP Meeting
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day
           No School for Students
4/2 - No School
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about sharing what we have learned with one another to foster a culture of continuous learning and growth, our question of the week is: Share a piece (or pieces of advice) that you have been given that you would pass on to someone else.  Sharing Our Learning (Week of 3/7/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
Follow Up from Incoming 6th-8th Grade Info Sessions
For your reference, I have copied links to the presentations and handouts from our incoming information sessions for the 2021-2022 school year…
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation - Recording
Passcode: 39KdD!Z!
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night March 2021 Presentation- Recording
Passcode: 6C1v!h%6
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 2021-2022
Blake Program of Studies 2021-2022
Within the presentation, you can find links to the 'subject specific' videos.  Here are direct links to the Special Education Overview and Music Ensemble Videos...
Blake Special Education Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(8:10)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(4:34)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 7th/8th Grade
(3:55)
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
Sir Ken Robinson on role of a teacher
(2:23)
Nobody is Normal
(1:20)
Cornelius Minor at ILA 2018 - Changing Systems
(2:13)
Author of We Got This, Cornelius Minor Talks About What It Means to be Pro-Kids
(2:09)
Jesse Jackson - I am Somebody
(1:25)

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
 
Parent/Guardian Input Information for 2020-2021
Parental/guardian input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2019-2020 academic year.  Please refer to this letter regarding our process and guidelines for parents/guardians for the 2020-2021 academic year…
Blake Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2021
If you are interested in sharing information, please submit your thoughts in writing no later than Friday, March 19.  As stated in the letter, written requests for specific teachers will not be entertained or accepted. Your letter should be addressed to your child's guidance counselor and Assistant Principal, Kelly Campbell.  Guidance counselors for next year will be Tracy Allen (Grade 6), Jen Dondero (Grade 7), and Matt Marenghi (Grade 8).
 
Blake Logo Contest - Calling All Artists!
Calling all artists! Our Student Council is looking to create some Blake gear for students and staff, and we would love to use a logo created by a Blaker! If you are interested, you can start working on your logo. Insert a pic of the logo to this form when you are done. 
 
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
Please fill out this Consent Form to have your child/student included.  We encourage you to sign up to be a part of this data collection tool to keep our students and staff safe and to help us move towards further in person learning. No individual health information is shared.
This is a painless, self-administered front of the nose swab (not the deep naso-pharyngeal swab). It takes a minute or two to complete and we do not anticipate any class time will be missed.  If a pool (classroom) of students/staff are negative, we presume all are negative. If there is a positive person in the pool, members of that pool will not miss school. We will use our rapid tests to individually test all students/staff in the positive pool and isolate the positive case. 
For additional information, please use this LINK.
If you have any questions, please email us or call in the school nurse's office at (508)242-8554.

School Start Times and Drop-Off Procedures
To help keep the line moving and facilitate a smooth process for traffic flow and on-time arrival, please be sure to let your students out of the car once you arrive at the drop-off spot.  We have seen an increased number of students waiting in cars in our drop-off line and this slows down the traffic flow, impacting on-time arrival for other students.  As a reminder, the start times for Blake this year are as follows...
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 7:50 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:40 a.m.
Wednesday - 8:00 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:50 a.m.

ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
Please visit this website for information from the high school. https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/welcome-class-of-2025/home
Here is the link to the  high school program of studies.  If you have questions about the placement process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
  • Science 
  • Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English 
    • Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies 
    • Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • World Language 
    • Ellen Toubman - etoubman@email.medfield.net
Please note the timelines for course selection:
  • March 5 - March 12 - Students make their Course Selections
  • March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections

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!
 
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Greta Krauss, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351.  Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project.  Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values -- humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others.  We are proud and honored that Greta will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
 
Blake MERJ Update
As we wrap up our celebration of Black History Month, advisories will be finishing their work decorating their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black individual who made a significant contribution to society.  Upon completion of the doors, advisories will participate in a scavenger hunt to learn about the individuals spotlighted by different advisories.  Check out our March newsletter...
Blake MERJ March Newsletter
Stay tuned for our April newsletter!
 
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marked the beginning of Women’s History Month.  Please share any ideas you have as to how we can recognize this month within the Blake community.  Here are a couple of reads of interest…
What Schools Teach About Women’s History Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights
Educational resources are available from federal sources and the National Women's History Museum, among others.
 
Blake is Social
Blake is Social will wrap up our Black History Month Posts by featuring all the lovely doors around the school. And as always we are looking for art work, photographs, videos of any and everything Blake students are up to. Feel free to send them to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net 
 

Blake GSA Update
GSA runs every Thursday from 2:30- 3:00. We are also looking to support Medfield's Harmony day. Keep an eye out for those very GREEN updates.  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).
 

Blake Battles Bias Update
Is your student interested in matters of social justice and bias? Blake Battles Bias has a new meeting time -- every other Monday from 2:45-3:15.   New members to BBB are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net
 
March Madness Returns to Blake!
March Madness is coming to Blake! The March Madness Book Tournament is a school-wide event, where students vote on favorite books and advisories compete with book brackets. Which title will be crowned this year's champion? Let the games begin!
 
Message from Dr. Worthley - Office of Social/Emotional Learning
If you were not able to attend, here is the link to the presentation prior to vacation. The presentation was titled, “Navigating School During Uncertain Times.” While this webinar was co-hosted by Medway Public Schools and Medfield Public Schools, Jon Kleiman, the presenter, is associated with Challenge Success.  Medfield is a Challenge Success school district. For those of you new to the district, or unaware of work we do with Challenge Success, I thought I’d give you a brief summary.  
Challenge Success is an organization associated with Stanford University, whose main goal is to help families, schools and communities help students find balance in their personal, social and academic lives. Medfield Public Schools sent a team to Stanford a few years ago to be trained in best practices, as we look fo focus not only on the academic development of students, but also the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our kids.  While our group meets primarily with a high school focus, the work is geared to trickle down into the younger grades, so that parents and students will develop with the understanding that academic achievement is but one part of the overall developmental cycle. At the high school level, we are seeing concerning numbers of students who are consumed with stress around academic achievement, and while we understand that the academic piece is very important, there must be a healthy balance for kids.
Our Challenge Success team consists of administration, teachers, students and parents.  Our student members consult with other member districts, and have recently hosted a webinar with a speaker discussing how to manage time, family, health and academics as a collegiate and then professional athlete.  Our district team meets to brainstorm ideas on how to educate students and families of students of all ages on healthy balance. It is pretty easy to fall into the trap of preparing our kids to see the goal as, “getting into a good college.” In reality, the “good” college is the one that is a great fit personality-wise at the time that the student is ready to attend. You may be surprised at some of the key findings in the research and in the White Papers.
You can follow @Medfield_CS on Twitter or reach out with questions you may have.

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

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
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.  
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Webinars of Interest
9 BIG Questions: A Framework for Thinking About Post-Pandemic Schools
Wednesday, 3/10 at 7 p.m.
How Do We Resist the Pull to Go "Back to Normal"?
This is a moment to ask some difficult questions about schools. Faced with an increasingly fast pace of change and a future that becomes more difficult to predict by the day, educators must be willing to consider new ways of thinking about the idea of "school." And that starts with asking some fundamental questions about who we are and who we must become.  Because we cannot simply go "back to normal" once the disruption of the pandemic begins to abate.  The work of designing a different experience of school is daunting, but necessary.

The truth is the pandemic has surfaced deep-seated concerns about the relevance of the curriculum, the lack of equity and belonging, and a general lack of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness among students and adults.  We need a framework that helps us understand this moment and move forward with hope and optimism.

This work is urgent. It demands coherence. It requires us to interrogate not just our institutions but ourselves in a way that not only uncovers our challenges but discovers opportunities for evolution and growth.
Join internationally recognized authors and speakers Homa Tavangar and Will Richardson for this free 45-minute webinar as they provide an overview of how we might reject "normal" and instead create a path to a more relevant, equitable future for schools.

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

Blake PTO Update
The Medfield  K-8 PTO  is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)

Week of 3/2/21-3/8/21

3/3/2021

 
Important Dates
3/4 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/9 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/10 - Blake PTO Meeting (7 p.m.)
3/11 - School Committee Meeting
3/24 - MCAP Meeting
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day
           No School for Students
4/2 - No School
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways that we impact one another, our question of the week is: Share an important or impactful ‘life lesson’ you have learned (or re-learned) this school year.  Why is/was it important or impactful? 'Life' Lessons (Week of 2/28/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
We began Pooled Testing last week at Blake MIddle School and Medfield High School and will continue once a week testing for Cohort A  (Mondays) and Cohort B (Thursdays). Please fill out this Consent Form to have your child/student included.  We encourage you to sign up to be a part of this data collection tool to keep our students and staff safe and to help us move towards further in person learning. No individual health information is shared.
This is a painless, self-administered front of the nose swab (not the deep naso-pharyngeal swab). It takes a minute or two to complete and we do not anticipate any class time will be missed.  If a pool (classroom) of students/staff are negative, we presume all are negative. If there is a positive person in the pool, members of that pool will not miss school. We will use our rapid tests to individually test all students/staff in the positive pool and isolate the positive case. 
For additional information, please use this LINK.
If you have any questions, please email us or call in the school nurse's office at (508)242-8554.

School Start Times and Drop-Off Procedures
To help keep the line moving and facilitate a smooth process for traffic flow and on-time arrival, please be sure to let your students out of the car once you arrive at the drop-off spot.  We have seen an increased number of students waiting in cars in our drop-off line and this slows down the traffic flow, impacting on-time arrival for other students.  As a reminder, the start times for Blake this year are as follows...
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 7:50 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:40 a.m.
Wednesday - 8:00 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:50 a.m.

Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/4 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming sixth grade (current fifth grade) students.  We will be presenting information about the 6th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year along with an overview of the middle school.  A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2020-2021 academic year’s mobile learning Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
The login information for the Zoom webinar is...
Thursday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Link
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/86816069368?pwd=clpWK01pc2ppaFY2Z3p5c05rdGhxQT09
Password: 757493
The webinar will be recorded and we will share the link for those who are unable to attend and for future reference.
 
3/9 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh and eighth grade (current sixth and seventh grade) students.  We will be sharing information about the 7th and 8th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year.  
The login information for the Zoom webinar is...
Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Link
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/83925501317?pwd=Y25MQ05TZmVLQTZscmZKRWx1bElYQT09
Password: 641471
The webinar will be recorded and we will share the link for those who are unable to attend and for future reference.

ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
Please visit this website for information from the high school. https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/welcome-class-of-2025/home
Here is the link to the  high school program of studies.  If you have questions about the placement process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
  • Science 
  • Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English 
    • Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies 
    • Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • World Language 
    • Ellen Toubman - etoubman@email.medfield.net
Please note the timelines for course selection:
  • February 22 - March 3 - Teachers make recommendations in Aspen
  • Thursday, March 4th @2:00pm -  Aspen will be “Live” for 8th grade students
  • March 5 - March 12 - Students make their Course Selections
  • March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections
 
Form for All Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
All incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School World Language Selection

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

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!
 
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Greta Krauss, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351.  Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project.  Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values -- humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others.  We are proud and honored that Greta will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.

Update from the Blake LMC!
This week is Read Across America Week. This week was originally associated with Dr. Seuss's birthday, but that is no longer the case. In 2016, NEA moved away from that association. Here is a great article to share why from Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance). We will have a "Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers" display in the library showcasing some fun picture books to celebrate RAA if you are looking for a fun read aloud. Starting next week, we will also have a "March is Women's HIstory Month" display as well. Let us know if you want to check any books out for you-- or students! 
 
Are you looking to check out a book!? If so, check out the LMC website! Email kcowell@email.medfield.net if you would like to borrow a particular title-- or if you are looking for a great suggestion! Happy reading!!
 
Blake MERJ Update
As we wrap up our celebration of Black History Month, advisories will be finishing their work decorating their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black individual who made a significant contribution to society.  Upon completion of the doors, advisories will participate in a scavenger hunt to learn about the individuals spotlighted by different advisories.  Stay tuned for our April newsletter!
 
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month.  Please share any ideas you have as to how we can recognize this month within the Blake community.  Here are a couple of reads of interest…
What Schools Teach About Women’s History Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights
Educational resources are available from federal sources and the National Women's History Museum, among others.
 
Blood Drive Committee Follow Up
The Blood Drive Committee would like to thank the entire community for their support. This year we collected 48 units of blood. This many units could save up to 144 people. As always, thank you Medfield for your support.
 
Floral Heart Project Comes to Medfield on First National Day of Mourning for Covid-19
What: On March 1st, the first National Day of Mourning for COVID-19, volunteers will lay heart garlands for The Floral Heart Project in over 75 locations across America, to pay respect to those who have lost their lives or are suffering from the effects of COVID-19. Kristina Libby, a NYC artist and activist, started to reveal these dedication sites last April and has partnered up with 1-800-flowers and BloomStudios to expand this endeavor nationwide.
 
Where: Front lawn of Medfield Town Hall
 
When: On March 1st at 6pm, a small private gathering took place to unveil the memorial, made up of flowers and a dedication board, where people are invited to leave notes. Medfield strong, a community service group, will live stream the event on Facebook. The memorial will be exhibited through March 8th for citizens to visit, reflect and embellish upon.
 
How to get involved: Families are invited to visit the memorial at the lawn in front of Medfield Town Hall from March 2nd - March 8th.
 
Why: This project is aimed to help our community have a safe space to grieve and remember what we have lost at the hands of this pandemic. To learn more about this initiative, visit…
Floral Heart Project
** At Blake we are participating by making paper flowers as well!
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Blake is Social
Blake is Social will wrap up our Black History Month Posts by featuring all the lovely doors around the school. And as always we are looking for art work, photographs, videos of any and everything Blake students are up to. Feel free to send them to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net 
 
Blake GSA Update
GSA runs every Thursday from 2:30- 3:00. This week we will be playing GIMKIT, come join in on the fun. We are also looking to support Medfield's Harmony day. Keep an eye out for those very GREEN updates.
 
Blake Battles Bias Update
Is your student interested in matters of social justice and bias? Blake Battles Bias has a new meeting time -- every other Monday from 2:45-3:15.   New members to BBB are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net
 
March Madness Returns to Blake!
March Madness is coming to Blake! The March Madness Book Tournament is a school-wide event, where students vote on favorite books and advisories compete with book brackets. Which title will be crowned this year's champion? Let the games begin!
 
Message from Dr. Worthley - Office of Social/Emotional Learning
If you were not able to attend, here is the link to the presentation prior to vacation. The presentation was titled, “Navigating School During Uncertain Times.” While this webinar was co-hosted by Medway Public Schools and Medfield Public Schools, Jon Kleiman, the presenter, is associated with Challenge Success.  Medfield is a Challenge Success school district. For those of you new to the district, or unaware of work we do with Challenge Success, I thought I’d give you a brief summary.  
Challenge Success is an organization associated with Stanford University, whose main goal is to help families, schools and communities help students find balance in their personal, social and academic lives. Medfield Public Schools sent a team to Stanford a few years ago to be trained in best practices, as we look fo focus not only on the academic development of students, but also the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our kids.  While our group meets primarily with a high school focus, the work is geared to trickle down into the younger grades, so that parents and students will develop with the understanding that academic achievement is but one part of the overall developmental cycle. At the high school level, we are seeing concerning numbers of students who are consumed with stress around academic achievement, and while we understand that the academic piece is very important, there must be a healthy balance for kids.
Our Challenge Success team consists of administration, teachers, students and parents.  Our student members consult with other member districts, and have recently hosted a webinar with a speaker discussing how to manage time, family, health and academics as a collegiate and then professional athlete.  Our district team meets to brainstorm ideas on how to educate students and families of students of all ages on healthy balance. It is pretty easy to fall into the trap of preparing our kids to see the goal as, “getting into a good college.” In reality, the “good” college is the one that is a great fit personality-wise at the time that the student is ready to attend. You may be surprised at some of the key findings in the research and in the White Papers.
You can follow @Medfield_CS on Twitter or reach out with questions you may have.

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
 
Upcoming Fundraiser Event for Blake PTO
Below please find a link with information regarding an upcoming fundraiser for the Blake PTO on March 6, 2021.
Save the Date - Blake PTO Virtual Cooking Class Fundraiser

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
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.  
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Webinars of Interest
Talking About Race and Racism in the Classroom Using The New York Times
Thursday, 3/4 at 4:00 p.m.
Our students are living through history, from the protests following the killing of George Floyd while in police custody to the insurrection at the Capitol, all while dealing with a deadly pandemic that has disproportionately affected Black and brown communities. Though stories of police brutality and racial inequality are not new, the events of the last year have amplified the call to educators to create safe spaces for students to have critical conversations about race and racism. Navigating these conversations can be challenging. If you are struggling with where to start, or where to go next, you are not alone. 
During this webinar, educators will share their experiences and advice on talking about race and racism in the classroom and discuss why these conversations matter. We will provide guidance on how to use authentic sources, from The Times and elsewhere, to make meaningful connections by grounding conversations in historical and current events, as well as students’ experiences. We hope you will walk away with practical strategies to prepare yourself and your students to engage critically with issues that are important to them and to the future of our society.


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

Blake PTO Update
Ribpublic BBQ is partnering with Medfield K-8 PTO for a FUNDRAISER! Place your orders now for Sunday, March 7th with a portion of all proceeds going to the Medfield K-8 PTO in an effort to help support all of the great programs and initiatives of the PTO.  https://ribpublicbbq.com/product-category/online-food-orders/medfield-k-8-pto-fundraiser-sunday-march-7th/  
Pickup is at Dale Street School parking lot on Sunday, March 7th from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Choose from Ribs, Pulled Pork, Corn Bread, Coleslaw or a Family Meal deal. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PRE-ORDERED AND PLACED BY FRIDAY, MARCH 5th AT MIDNIGHT. The Medfield  K-8 PTO  is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)

The Medfield  K-8 PTO  is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)
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Save the Date - Blake PTO Pizza Night Cooking Class Fundraiser 
Virtual Class @ Home Cooking New York
Saturday, March 6, 2021 5 PM to 6:30 PM. 
The Blake PTO is hosting a pizza party! We will learn how to make homemade dough, sauce, and the sky's the limit on topping choices. All proceeds will go towards the students and staff of Blake Middle School. The cost is $50 per household and we have a max of 60 households that can attend. Details and signups will be coming soon. You'll make: Quick Pizza Dough, Classic Tomato Sauce, Sheet Pan Pizzas. 
HOW THESE VIRTUAL CLASS WILL WORK: 
1) After registering, you will be sent a link to log into the class at the appointed date/time along with the list of ingredients that you will need to have on hand. 
2) One day before the class you will be sent a copy of the recipes we'll be making, so you can cook from them again after the class!

MCPE Update
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BE PART OF OUR TEAM! MCPE is looking for new board members-men and women from the Medfield community with various skill sets and interests who want to have a voice in the improvements that reach our classrooms! Board members do not need to have kids currently in the school system—just a desire to support and enrich the Medfield Schools. Board members will serve a 3-year term and attend meetings one evening a month during the school year. The time commitment required to join the Board can be organized to fit the schedules of both stay-at-home and working parents. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Apply here by March 8th: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/volunteer-application-form #OneMedfield

Week of 2/23/21-3/1/21

2/26/2021

 
Important Dates
3/4 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/9 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/10 - Blake PTO Meeting (7 p.m.)
3/11 - School Committee Meeting
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day
           No School for Students

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways that we impact one another, our question of the week is: What are some ways that we can help others succeed? Be specific. Impacting Others (Week of 2/21/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
We began Pooled Testing this Thursday 2/25/21 at Blake MIddle School and Medfield High School and continue once a week testing for Cohort A  (Mondays) and Cohort B (Thursdays) . Please fill out this Consent Form to have your child/student included.  We encourage you to sign up to be a part of this data collection tool to keep our students and staff safe and to help us move towards further in person learning. No individual health information is shared.
This is a painless, self-administered front of the nose swab (not the deep naso-pharyngeal swab). It takes a minute or two to complete and we do not anticipate any class time will be missed.  If a pool (classroom) of students/staff are negative, we presume all are negative. If there is a positive person in the pool, members of that pool will not miss school. We will use our rapid tests to individually test all students/staff in the positive pool and isolate the positive case. 
For additional information, please use this LINK.
If you have any questions, please email us or call in the school nurse's office at (508)242-8554.
 
Black History Month Update
The Black History Month planning team has met to formalize plans to celebrate and honor Black History Month at Blake. Black History Month is a month dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the countless contributions Black Americans have made to society.  We are looking forward to honoring Black History Month again through some shared learning experiences.  We have held grade-level assemblies and asking each advisory to decorate their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black American who has made a significant contribution to our society.  
Check out the Blake MERJ February Newsletter!
 
Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/4 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming sixth grade (current fifth grade) students.  We will be presenting information about the 6th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year along with an overview of the middle school.  A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2020-2021 academic year’s mobile learning Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
 
3/9 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh and eighth grade (current sixth and seventh grade) students.  We will be sharing information about the 7th and 8th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year.  
 
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month.  Please share any ideas you have as to how we can recognize this month within the Blake community.  Here are a couple of reads of interest…
What Schools Teach About Women’s History Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights
Educational resources are available from federal sources and the National Women's History Museum, among others.
 
School Start Times and Drop-Off Procedures
To help keep the line moving and facilitate a smooth process for traffic flow and on-time arrival, please be sure to let your students out of the car once you arrive at the drop-off spot.  We have seen an increased number of students waiting in cars in our drop-off line and this slows down the traffic flow, impacting on-time arrival for other students.  As a reminder, the start times for Blake this year are as follows...
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 7:50 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:40 a.m.
Wednesday - 8:00 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:50 a.m.
 
Floral Heart Project Comes to Medfield on First National Day of Mourning for Covid-19
What: On March 1st, the first National Day of Mourning for COVID-19, volunteers will lay heart garlands for The Floral Heart Project in over 75 locations across America, to pay respect to those who have lost their lives or are suffering from the effects of COVID-19. Kristina Libby, a NYC artist and activist, started to reveal these dedication sites last April and has partnered up with 1-800-flowers and BloomStudios to expand this endeavor nationwide.
 
Where: Front lawn of Medfield Town Hall
 
When: On March 1st at 6pm, a small private gathering will take place to unveil the memorial, made up of flowers and a dedication board, where people are invited to leave notes. Medfield strong, a community service group, will live stream the event on Facebook. The memorial will be exhibited through March 8th for citizens to visit, reflect and embellish upon.
 
How to get involved:
1. On the night of March 1st, families are invited to join in a moment of silence remotely and light a candle to display on their front step in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to this virus.
2. Families are invited to visit the memorial at the lawn in front of Medfield Town Hall from March 2nd - March 8th.
3. High Schoolers will participate in a moment of silence at school and will be invited to visit a memorial at school set up outside the office to reflect and leave notes.
 
Why: This project is aimed to help our community have a safe space to grieve and remember what we have lost at the hands of this pandemic. To learn more about this initiative, visit…
Floral Heart Project
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Message from Dr. Worthley - Office of Social/Emotional Learning
If you were not able to attend, here is the link to the presentation prior to vacation. The presentation was titled, “Navigating School During Uncertain Times.” While this webinar was co-hosted by Medway Public Schools and Medfield Public Schools, Jon Kleiman, the presenter, is associated with Challenge Success.  Medfield is a Challenge Success school district. For those of you new to the district, or unaware of work we do with Challenge Success, I thought I’d give you a brief summary.  
Challenge Success is an organization associated with Stanford University, whose main goal is to help families, schools and communities help students find balance in their personal, social and academic lives. Medfield Public Schools sent a team to Stanford a few years ago to be trained in best practices, as we look fo focus not only on the academic development of students, but also the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our kids.  While our group meets primarily with a high school focus, the work is geared to trickle down into the younger grades, so that parents and students will develop with the understanding that academic achievement is but one part of the overall developmental cycle. At the high school level, we are seeing concerning numbers of students who are consumed with stress around academic achievement, and while we understand that the academic piece is very important, there must be a healthy balance for kids.
Our Challenge Success team consists of administration, teachers, students and parents.  Our student members consult with other member districts, and have recently hosted a webinar with a speaker discussing how to manage time, family, health and academics as a collegiate and then professional athlete.  Our district team meets to brainstorm ideas on how to educate students and families of students of all ages on healthy balance. It is pretty easy to fall into the trap of preparing our kids to see the goal as, “getting into a good college.” In reality, the “good” college is the one that is a great fit personality-wise at the time that the student is ready to attend. You may be surprised at some of the key findings in the research and in the White Papers.
You can follow @Medfield_CS on Twitter or reach out with questions you may have.

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
 
Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School?  We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year.  If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well.  Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.
 
Upcoming Fundraiser Event for Blake PTO
Below please find a link with information regarding an upcoming fundraiser for the Blake PTO on March 6, 2021.
Save the Date - Blake PTO Virtual Cooking Class Fundraiser
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In celebration of Black History Month, Medfield Together invites you to join us on our Black History Knowledge Quest. Families and individuals are challenged to visit various locations throughout Medfield to find Black history portals. Each portal features a placard highlighting the achievements and contributions of either a past or present figure in Black history - several have connections to Medfield!
 (Hint: While most portals are displayed in windows of downtown businesses, don’t forget to check outside the Medfield schools too! Each portal will be marked with the logo above.)
Find as many people as you can - if you like solving mysteries, use the puzzle decoders on our website to find the portal locations. There are inventors, scholars, athletes, artists, and other trailblazers! Then enter our contest to win a gift card to Park Street Books! Head to our website for contest entry information! https://www.medfieldtogether.com/black-history-knowledge-quest/

ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
Please visit this website for information from the high school. https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/welcome-class-of-2025/home
Here is the link to the  high school program of studies.  If you have questions about the placement process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
  • Science 
  • Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English 
    • Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies 
    • Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    • Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • World Language 
    • Ellen Toubman - etoubman@email.medfield.net
Please note the timelines for course selection:
  • February 22 - March 3 - Teachers make recommendations in Aspen
  • Thursday, March 4th @2:00pm -  Aspen will be “Live” for 8th grade students
  • March 5 - March 12 - Students make their Course Selections
  • March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
Blake is Social
Blake is Social would love any and all work from students. We love to show off what makes Blake special. We meet every Monday via zoom, if interested please reach out to Mrs. McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net
 
Blake Battles Bias
Is your 7th or 8th grade student interested in matters of racial justice and other forms of bias? BBB (Blake Battles Bias) meets every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. New members are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net
 
Blake’s GSA
Come and join our zoom, Thursday from 2:30-3:00. Need the zoom link? Reach out to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.
 
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.  
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Webinars of Interest
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.
 
Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!
 
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions. 
      
Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
 
Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)
 
Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners.  Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions.  Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning) 
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Blake PTO Update
The Medfield  K-8 PTO  is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)
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Save the Date - Blake PTO Pizza Night Cooking Class Fundraiser 
Virtual Class @ Home Cooking New York
Saturday, March 6, 2021 5 PM to 6:30 PM. 
The Blake PTO is hosting a pizza party! We will learn how to make homemade dough, sauce, and the sky's the limit on topping choices. All proceeds will go towards the students and staff of Blake Middle School. The cost is $50 per household and we have a max of 60 households that can attend. Details and signups will be coming soon. You'll make: Quick Pizza Dough, Classic Tomato Sauce, Sheet Pan Pizzas. 
HOW THESE VIRTUAL CLASS WILL WORK: 
1) After registering, you will be sent a link to log into the class at the appointed date/time along with the list of ingredients that you will need to have on hand. 
2) One day before the class you will be sent a copy of the recipes we'll be making, so you can cook from them again after the class!

MCPE Update
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BE PART OF OUR TEAM! MCPE is looking for new board members-men and women from the Medfield community with various skill sets and interests who want to have a voice in the improvements that reach our classrooms! Board members do not need to have kids currently in the school system—just a desire to support and enrich the Medfield Schools. Board members will serve a 3-year term and attend meetings one evening a month during the school year. The time commitment required to join the Board can be organized to fit the schedules of both stay-at-home and working parents. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Apply here by March 8th: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/volunteer-application-form #OneMedfield

Weeks of 2/9/21-2/22/21

2/12/2021

 
Important Dates
2/8-2/12 - Term 2 Family Outreach Period 
2/11 - School Committee Meeting
2/15-2/19 - February Vacation
3/4 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/9 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/10 - Blake PTO Meeting (7 p.m.)
3/11 - School Committee Meeting
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day
           No School for Students

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways we intentionally make use of the time we have, our question of the week is: What are you looking forward to doing or hoping to do over the vacation week?  Taking the Time (Week of 2/7/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
Black History Month Update
The Black History Month planning team has met to formalize plans to celebrate and honor Black History Month at Blake. Black History Month is a month dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the countless contributions Black Americans have made to society.  We are looking forward to honoring Black History Month again through some shared learning experiences.  We have held grade-level assemblies and asking each advisory to decorate their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black American who has made a significant contribution to our society.  
Check out the Blake MERJ February Newsletter!
 
Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/4 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming sixth grade (current fifth grade) students.  We will be presenting information about the 6th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year along with an overview of the middle school.  A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2020-2021 academic year’s mobile learning Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
 
3/9 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh and eighth grade (current sixth and seventh grade) students.  We will be sharing information about the 7th and 8th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year.  
 
Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School?  We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year.  If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well.  Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.
 
Upcoming Fundraiser Event for Blake PTO
Below please find a link with information regarding an upcoming fundraiser for the Blake PTO on March 6, 2021.
Save the Date - Blake PTO Virtual Cooking Class Fundraiser
 
Chinese New Year
2021 Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival 春节 (chūn jié). It marks the beginning of the new lunar year. For this year, Chinese New Year falls on Friday, February 12th, and it is the year of the Ox.

The celebration goes on for 15 days, which includes having reunion dinner on the Chinese New Year Eve, exchanging gifts, giving red envelope, 
setting off firecrackers, watching Chinese New Year Gala and dragon dance.

You can use the following link to read more about Chinese New Year!
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/

Wish you all
新 年 快 乐 (xīn nián kuài lè): Happy New Year!
心 想 事 成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng): May all your wishes come true!
 

Go Block Changes and Reminders
  • Remote GO Block for Cohorts A,B, and C (7:50-8:05 a.m.) will no longer take place at Blake.
  • Students are encouraged to use this time at home to get settled and set up for their day prior to zooming in to their first class of the day. Please take a moment to review the details of your child's schedule with them to be sure that they know what time their first class will be starting each day.
  • In-Person GO Block will continue to be an important part of our day at Blake.
  • Families are reminded that students should arrive at Blake by 7:40, allowing plenty of time to walk to their GO Block classroom and arrive on time for the start of school at 7:50 a.m.
  • The start time of school on Wednesdays for all students is 8:00 a.m. (students should arrive by 7:50 a.m.).
  • If you travel by car, please allow plenty of time, especially as it seems many students are being driven on these increasingly cold mornings and we are seeing an increase in tardiness to school.
  • All Cohort D students will continue to be expected to attend GO Block with Mr. Gagne and Mr. Sullivan each morning.
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In celebration of Black History Month, Medfield Together invites you to join us on our Black History Knowledge Quest. Families and individuals are challenged to visit various locations throughout Medfield to find Black history portals. Each portal features a placard highlighting the achievements and contributions of either a past or present figure in Black history - several have connections to Medfield!
 (Hint: While most portals are displayed in windows of downtown businesses, don’t forget to check outside the Medfield schools too! Each portal will be marked with the logo above.)
Knowledge Quest participants will also have the opportunity to win a gift card to Park Street Books. For more details and to sign up for the Knowledge Quest, visit https://www.medfieldtogether.com/bhkq.

ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
Please visit this website for information from the high school. https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/welcome-class-of-2025/home
Here is the link to the  high school program of studies.  If you have questions about the placement process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
  • Science 
    Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English 
    Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies 
    Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
  • Mathematics
    Jess Safer - jsafer@email.medfield.net
  • World Language 
    Ellen Toubman - etoubman@email.medfield.net
Please note the timelines for course selection:
  • February 22 - March 3 - Teachers make recommendations in Aspen
  • Thursday, March 4th @2:00pm -  Aspen will be “Live” for 8th grade students
  • March 5 - March 12 - Students make their Course Selections
  • March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections
 
Synchronous Learning Reminders from Blake
Blake Synchronous Learning Letter - January 15, 2021
As always, thank you for your support, flexibility, grace, and understanding as we walk this path together as a community.
  • 6th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies classes on their remote learning days.
  • 7th and 8th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Language/Reading classes on remote learning days. 
  • Our expectation is that students maintain the norms and routines that have been set for remote participation in classes, including appropriate usage of the chat feature and respect for all students and staff - Blake's Netiquette Guidelines 2020-2021
  • All students should arrive on time and be prepared for their Zoom classes with fully charged devices, materials, and headphones/earbuds.
  • All students are expected to have the video enabled, and camera ON during Zoom sessions.  If you have any concerns about this, please contact your teacher or guidance counselor.
 
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 2/8-2/12
The week of 2/8-2/12 is the Term 2 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. 
 
Challenge Success Update
  • On Thursday Feb. 4th, Medfield Talks presented "WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS HELP" featuring Christi Barney of B&W Hospital, Kathy McDonald of Medfield Outreach and David Worthley of Medfield Schools. The discussion on navigating a crisis provided details on when to seek help and from whom (pediatrician, therapist, school, etc).  Future events by Medfield Talks will be announced soon. 
  • Medfield's Challenge Success group, comprised of students, teachers, administrators and parents, had a coaching session with Challenge Success mentors on Monday, February 8th (rescheduled from Feb. 1st). Stay tuned for a recap!   
  • As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to Kristen Careau at kristencareau@gmail.com
 
Start With Hello
Start With Hello presented to all Blake Middle School students over the last week via virtual assemblies.  Start With Hello teaches students the skills they need to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within our classrooms and  school.  Following the assemblies, students had the opportunity to discuss and reflect the presentation with classmates and their advisors.  Our Student Council will be involved in brainstorming and implementing ideas for students and our community.
 
For further information, please visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/start-with-hello/. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Guidance Counselor.
 
Blake MERJ Update
The focus for this month is Black History Month - Check out the Blake MERJ February Newsletter!
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership.  Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
Blake Intramurals
Please go to the website for a list of offerings and registration info.  If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net). 
 
ZoomProv!
ZoomProv! (virtual improv comedy club) will meet every Monday at 2:45 beginning next week.  Open to all Blake students who would like to play some improv games and embrace their silly side.  No experience necessary.  Head to the Blake Intramural page to sign up and check out other club offerings as well. If you have any questions, contact Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net).
 
Blake is Social
Blake is Social would love any and all work from students. We love to show off what makes Blake special. We meet every Monday via zoom, if interested please reach out to Mrs. McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net

Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school.  We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.
 
Blake Battles Bias
Is your 7th or 8th grade student interested in matters of racial justice and other forms of bias? BBB (Blake Battles Bias) meets every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. New members are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net
 
Blake’s GSA
Come and join our zoom, Thursday from 2:30-3:00. Need the zoom link? Reach out to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.
 
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. 
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Webinars of Interest
Racial Trauma: The Psychological Consequences Of Racism Across The Lifespan
Thursday, 2/18 at 7 p.m.
Experiences of racism and racial discrimination have been found to significantly predict racial stress and trauma (e.g., Carter et al., 2013). Despite both the prevalence of racial discrimination (e.g., between 50 and 75% of Black, Hispanic, and Asians reporting experiences of racial discrimination; Lee et al., 2019) and its consistent association with racial stress and trauma, most mental health providers and supports lack the necessary training to assess and treat racial trauma in therapeutic settings (Hemmings & Evans, 2018). As such, this program uses recent and relevant research to facilitate mental health clinicians’ understanding of racial trauma and its sequelae, across the lifespan. The virtual presentation will provide an overview of the history of racial trauma and its proposed recommendations for treatment. Conceptualization of racial trauma as a form of psychological distress arising from experiences of racism and racial discrimination yet, distinct from the traditional trauma framework will be highlighted. Finally, strategies for effective assessment and treatment of racial trauma will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
  1. Define racial trauma in the context of mental health assessment and treatment.
  2. Identify the mental and physical health symptoms correlated with significant experiences of racial discrimination and its mental health consequences and integrate clinical tools for assessing the mental health impact of racial discrimination and racial trauma in therapeutic contexts.
  3. Apply an understanding of the conceptual models of racial socialization and racial identity development to the assessment and treatment planning of racial trauma.
Presenter:  Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi
Dr. Jernigan-Noesi brings almost two decades of experience as a health professional. As a clinical-researcher, Dr. Jernigan-Noesi’s contributions to the field of behavioral health have earned recognition from numerous organizations including the Ford Foundation and the American Psychological Association. She is Director of the Intersections Research Lab.
Building Partnerships Inside and Outside the Classroom
Friday, 2/19 at 1 p.m.
CASEL CARES is an initiative for anyone who supports young people to connect to experts in social and emotional learning on key topics during these challenging times.

Authentic school-community partnerships help create and support positive student experiences both in school and out of school. But how do you align in-school and out-of-school work on social and emotional learning? That’s what the Partnerships for Social Emotional Learning Initiative (PSELI) sought to uncover in a multiyear project across six school district communities. (Learn more: http://bit.ly/3qkceEq)

Join CASEL, the Wallace Foundation, and district and community leaders from Palm Beach County as they share findings about how school and out-of-school time partners can work together to align and implement SEL. Recommended for district leaders, school leaders, and community partners, attendees will gain insights about how to support the adults in the community, improve school climate, and create seamless experiences for students.

A New Way Forward - Leaning into a Learner-Centered Mindset in 2021
Thursday, 2/25 at 3 p.m. 
What possibilities did the chaos of 2020 expose us to?
2020 is (finally) in the history books, which means we’ve now spent ten months navigating this strange, COVID-19 world—putting our best foot forward to continue providing learner-centered experiences for our young people.
What have we learned since March 2020? What are the bright spots learner-centered education leaders and practitioners have found while navigating this new world? These questions will be driving our third A New Way Forward summit February 25th (3:00pm-5:00pm EST).
By attending this summit, you will gain FREE access to the keynote and workshops hosted by learner-centered leaders who have found success in their learning communities in spite of the many challenges the pandemic has thrown everyone’s way.
 
Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!
 
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions. 
      
Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
 
Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)
 
Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners.  Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions.  Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning) 
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Blake PTO Update
The Medfield K-8 PTO is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond (nicolelewydrummond@gmail.com)
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Save the Date - Blake PTO Pizza Night Cooking Class Fundraiser 
Virtual Class @ Home Cooking New York
Saturday, March 6, 2021 5 PM to 6:30 PM. 
The Blake PTO is hosting a pizza party! We will learn how to make homemade dough, sauce, and the sky's the limit on topping choices. All proceeds will go towards the students and staff of Blake Middle School. The cost is $50 per household and we have a max of 60 households that can attend. Details and signups will be coming soon. You'll make: Quick Pizza Dough, Classic Tomato Sauce, Sheet Pan Pizzas. 
HOW THESE VIRTUAL CLASS WILL WORK: 
1) After registering, you will be sent a link to log into the class at the appointed date/time along with the list of ingredients that you will need to have on hand. 
2) One day before the class you will be sent a copy of the recipes we'll be making, so you can cook from them again after the class!

MCPE Update
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BE PART OF OUR TEAM! MCPE is looking for new board members-men and women from the Medfield community with various skill sets and interests who want to have a voice in the improvements that reach our classrooms! Board members do not need to have kids currently in the school system—just a desire to support and enrich the Medfield Schools. Board members will serve a 3-year term and attend meetings one evening a month during the school year. The time commitment required to join the Board can be organized to fit the schedules of both stay-at-home and working parents. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Apply here by March 8th: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/volunteer-application-form #OneMedfield

Week of 2/2/21-2/8/21

2/2/2021

 
Important Dates
2/3 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Webinar - see below
2/4 - Medfield Talks Presentation - see info below
2/8-2/12 - Term 2 Family Outreach Period 
2/8 - SEL Task Force Meeting
2/9 - Blake Site Council Meeting - 3:15 p.m.
2/11 - School Committee Meeting
2/15-2/19 - February Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the systems and practices that need to be in place to foster lifelong and ‘long life’ learning, our question of the week is: What can we do (or keep doing) to help all learners love to learn? Be specific. Learning to Love Learning (Week of 1/31/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
National School Counseling Week
As you may have seen or know, this week (2/1-2/5) is National School Counseling Week - please join me in thanking all of our counselors for their care, support, and guidance they provide for all of us (students, families, staff, and community).  Please join me in sharing thanks by sending an e-mail or writing a note to convey your gratitude and appreciation.  If you are on social media, the hashtag #NSCW21 is being used on Twitter and Instagram and the website is https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Events-Professional-Development/Events/National-School-Counseling-Week.
 
Go Block Changes and Reminders - Starting This Week
  • Remote GO Block for Cohorts A,B, and C (7:50-8:05 a.m.) will no longer take place at Blake.
  • Students are encouraged to use this time at home to get settled and set up for their day prior to zooming in to their first class of the day. Please take a moment to review the details of your child's schedule with them to be sure that they know what time their first class will be starting each day.
  • In-Person GO Block will continue to be an important part of our day at Blake.
  • Families are reminded that students should arrive at Blake by 7:40, allowing plenty of time to walk to their GO Block classroom and arrive on time for the start of school at 7:50 a.m.
  • If you travel by car, please allow plenty of time, especially as it seems many students are being driven on these increasingly cold mornings and we are seeing an increase in tardiness to school.
  • All Cohort D students will continue to be expected to attend GO Block with Mr. Gagne and Mr. Sullivan each morning.

ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
This Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:30pm, the high school is hosting a webinar to welcome the Class of 2025! Students and parents will hear about academic offerings, high school culture, expectations, timelines, and more! Here is the link to the  high school program of studies. Placement tests for ninth grade classes will take place as follows - if you have questions about the process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
  • Science - 1/26 and 1/28
  • Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English - 2/4-2/9
    • Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies - 2/8-2/12
    • Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
Please note the timelines for course selection:
  • Wednesday, February 3 @6:30pm - Incoming 9th Grade Student & Parent Information Webinar
  • February 22 - March 3 - Teachers make recommendations in Aspen
  • Thursday, March 4th @2:00pm -  Aspen will be “Live” for 8th grade students
  • March 5 - March 12 - Students make their Course Selections
  • March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections
 
Medfield Talks - Thursday, 2/4 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a discussion on navigating a crisis, featuring a panel of medical and education professionals. "WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS HELP" will feature Christi Barney of B&W Hospital, Kathy McDonald of Medfield Outreach and David Worthley of Medfield Schools. An announcement from the district with log-in details is forthcoming.    
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Synchronous Learning Reminders from Blake
Blake Synchronous Learning Letter - January 15, 2021
As always, thank you for your support, flexibility, grace, and understanding as we walk this path together as a community.
  • 6th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies classes on their remote learning days.
  • 7th and 8th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Language/Reading classes on remote learning days. 
  • Our expectation is that students maintain the norms and routines that have been set for remote participation in classes, including appropriate usage of the chat feature and respect for all students and staff - Blake's Netiquette Guidelines 2020-2021
  • All students should arrive on time and be prepared for their Zoom classes with fully charged devices, materials, and headphones/earbuds.
  • All students are expected to have the video enabled, and camera ON during Zoom sessions.  If you have any concerns about this, please contact your teacher or guidance counselor.
 
Black History Month Update
The Black History Month planning team has met to formalize plans to celebrate and honor Black History Month at Blake. Black History Month is a month dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the countless contributions Black Americans have made to society.  We are looking forward to honoring Black History Month again through some shared learning experiences.  We will be holding grade-level assemblies and asking each advisory to decorate their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black American who has made a significant contribution to our society.  Stay tuned for more information!
 
Feedback Request
Thanks to everyone who has completed the Blake Family Monthly Check-In sent on Friday.  Our hope is that everyone will be able to take a few minutes to provide some feedback for each child you have at Blake and base your responses on the last four weeks of school.  The survey 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).
Links to Surveys:  
Blake Family Monthly Check-In (1/29/21)
Blake Family Monthly Check-In - Cohort D (1/29/21)
** A couple questions specifically ask about the experience thus far with 'live-streaming'/synchronous Zoom classes.  We recognize that the connectivity/Internet issues we are experiencing has been an obstacle and a real challenge for students, families, and teachers.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your student's teachers, guidance counselor, Kelly C., or myself.  
 
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 2/8-2/12
The week of 2/8-2/12 is the Term 2 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. 
 
Challenge Success Update
  • Medfield's Challenge Success group, comprised of students, teachers, administrators and parents, will be having a coaching session with Challenge Success mentors on Monday, February 8th. Stay tuned for a recap!    
  • Feedback on the presentation by Sarah Ward was well-received. Medfield TV will broadcast the presentation on Tuesday 2/9/21 on the EDU Channel Comcast 12 and Verizon 36 as well as the Watch Page www.medfield.tv/watch at 10AM and again at 9PM for those who missed it. 
  • As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to Kristen Careau at kristencareau@gmail.com
 
Start With Hello
Start With Hello presented to all Blake Middle School students over the last week via virtual assemblies.  Start With Hello teaches students the skills they need to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within our classrooms and  school.  Following the assemblies, students had the opportunity to discuss and reflect the presentation with classmates and their advisors.  Our Student Council will be involved in brainstorming and implementing ideas for students and our community.
 
For further information, please visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/start-with-hello/. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Guidance Counselor.
 
Blake MERJ Update
Stay tuned for a copy of the Blake MERJ February newsletter!  The focus for this month will be Black History Month.
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership.  Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School?  We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year.  If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well.  Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.
 
Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural Session has begun.  Please go to the website for a list of offerings and registration info.  If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net). 
  
Blake is Social
Blake is Social would love any and all work from students. We love to show off what makes Blake special. We meet every Monday via zoom, if interested please reach out to Mrs. McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net

Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school.  We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.
 
Blake Battles Bias
Is your 7th or 8th grade student interested in matters of racial justice and other forms of bias? BBB (Blake Battles Bias) meets every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. New members are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net
 
Blake’s GSA
Come and join our zoom, Thursday from 2:30-3:00. Need the zoom link? Reach out to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.
 
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.  
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Webinars of Interest
Historically Speaking: Four Hundred Souls – A Conversation With Ibram Kendi And Keisha N. Blain
Tuesday, 2/2 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Renowned scholars Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, and Keisha N. Blain, author of Set the World on Fire have assembled 90 extraordinary writers to document the four-hundred-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present. Entitled Four Hundred Souls, each contributor writes about a five-year period of 400 years of American history using essays, short stories, personal vignettes, and fiery polemics. They approach history from various perspectives: through the eyes of towering historical icons, the untold stories of ordinary people, as well as landmarks, laws, and artifacts. An extraordinary, moderated discussion featuring editors Kendi and Blain will focus on historic eras such as Slavery, Reconstruction, Segregation, and their sustained impact on the United States.
Contributors Herb Boyd, City University of New York, Kali Nicole, Gross, Emory University, Peniel Joseph, University of Texas, and Annette Gordon Reed, Harvard University will join Prof. Kendi and Prof. Blain in a discussion about the impact of the African American community on social justice trajectory of American History.  Mary N. Elliot, NMAAHC curator will moderate.


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

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

From Passenger to Copilot: Practical Ways to Assess with Our Students
Thursday, 2/4 at 3 p.m.
For far too long, assessment is what we have done to students, not with them. Research suggests the extent to which students understand the process of learning is likely linked to how much they care and feel empowered in the pursuit of it. Join ASCD author Myron Dueck for a webinar featuring his new book, Giving Students a Say: Smarter Assessment Practices to Empower and Engage. This webinar will focus on practical ways that we can invite students into the assessment realm as active copilots rather than disinterested passengers. Key topics will include
  • Sharing and cocreating learning targets based on standards.
  • Helping students understand and use performance assessments and rubrics.
  • Considering the right scale: proficiency levels versus 100 categories.
  • Student self-reporting on academics, behaviors, and personal insights.


Shaping the Future for Learners Around the World | The Opportunities, Innovations, and Challenges of Higher Education Now
Friday, 2/5 at 9 a.m.
Join two of Harvard's most innovative higher education leaders to explore the decision-making, curricular changes, pedagogical opportunities, and digital reinventions prompted by the pandemic and the shift to remote learning over the past year. How will the mass experiment on Zoom alter the landscape of higher education in the future, for learners around the world? What are the opportunities for increased engagement, participation, and collaboration? What are the advantages and challenges, and what are the lessons learned, both at Harvard and at institutions around the world?

Host: Mark Elliott, Vice Provost for International Affairs, Harvard University
Moderator: Matthew Miller, Senior Lecturer on Education and Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Panelists:
• Bridget Long, Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
• Bharat Anand, Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School; Vice Provost for Advances in Learning, Harvard University
 
Great Teaching by Design: From Intention to Implementation
Monday, 2/8 at 6:30 p.m.
John Hattie, Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, John Almarode, and Vince Bustamante present a Free webinar
Why leave student success to chance? By combining your intuition and experience with the latest research on high-impact learning practices, you can evolve your teaching from good to great and make a lasting difference for your students. Join the authors of Great Teaching by Design as they lead you through how to turn good intentions into great practice through a model of implementation. 
Participants will learn to:
• Engage in practices of diagnosis/discovery of their learners unique dispositions
• Develop a practice of implementation and evaluation of their impact on student learning
• Use the DIIE model as a system of implementation in their classrooms to measure the impact they have on student learning

Navigating Screen Time, Digital Socializing, and Parenting during COVID-19 with Dr. Jill Walsh
Thursday, 2/11 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a virtual workshop as Dr. Jill Walsh explains best practices around technology consumption. This talk will include:
  • the most important conversations to have with your children about technology now
  • how to think about screen time during hybrid/ remote learning
  • the key tech rules to institute for home learning that will set your child up for success
  • understanding the opportunities and challenges that digital socializing provides your child

Racial Trauma: The Psychological Consequences Of Racism Across The Lifespan
Thursday, 2/18 at 7 p.m.
Experiences of racism and racial discrimination have been found to significantly predict racial stress and trauma (e.g., Carter et al., 2013). Despite both the prevalence of racial discrimination (e.g., between 50 and 75% of Black, Hispanic, and Asians reporting experiences of racial discrimination; Lee et al., 2019) and its consistent association with racial stress and trauma, most mental health providers and supports lack the necessary training to assess and treat racial trauma in therapeutic settings (Hemmings & Evans, 2018). As such, this program uses recent and relevant research to facilitate mental health clinicians’ understanding of racial trauma and its sequelae, across the lifespan. The virtual presentation will provide an overview of the history of racial trauma and its proposed recommendations for treatment. Conceptualization of racial trauma as a form of psychological distress arising from experiences of racism and racial discrimination yet, distinct from the traditional trauma framework will be highlighted. Finally, strategies for effective assessment and treatment of racial trauma will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
  1. Define racial trauma in the context of mental health assessment and treatment.
  2. Identify the mental and physical health symptoms correlated with significant experiences of racial discrimination and its mental health consequences and integrate clinical tools for assessing the mental health impact of racial discrimination and racial trauma in therapeutic contexts.
  3. Apply an understanding of the conceptual models of racial socialization and racial identity development to the assessment and treatment planning of racial trauma.
Presenter:  Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi
Dr. Jernigan-Noesi brings almost two decades of experience as a health professional. As a clinical-researcher, Dr. Jernigan-Noesi’s contributions to the field of behavioral health have earned recognition from numerous organizations including the Ford Foundation and the American Psychological Association. She is Director of the Intersections Research Lab.


Building Partnerships Inside and Outside the Classroom
Friday, 2/19 at 1 p.m.
CASEL CARES is an initiative for anyone who supports young people to connect to experts in social and emotional learning on key topics during these challenging times.

Authentic school-community partnerships help create and support positive student experiences both in school and out of school. But how do you align in-school and out-of-school work on social and emotional learning? That’s what the Partnerships for Social Emotional Learning Initiative (PSELI) sought to uncover in a multiyear project across six school district communities. (Learn more: http://bit.ly/3qkceEq)

Join CASEL, the Wallace Foundation, and district and community leaders from Palm Beach County as they share findings about how school and out-of-school time partners can work together to align and implement SEL. Recommended for district leaders, school leaders, and community partners, attendees will gain insights about how to support the adults in the community, improve school climate, and create seamless experiences for students.

A New Way Forward - Leaning into a Learner-Centered Mindset in 2021
Thursday, 2/25 at 3 p.m. 
What possibilities did the chaos of 2020 expose us to?
2020 is (finally) in the history books, which means we’ve now spent ten months navigating this strange, COVID-19 world—putting our best foot forward to continue providing learner-centered experiences for our young people.
What have we learned since March 2020? What are the bright spots learner-centered education leaders and practitioners have found while navigating this new world? These questions will be driving our third A New Way Forward summit February 25th (3:00pm-5:00pm EST).
By attending this summit, you will gain FREE access to the keynote and workshops hosted by learner-centered leaders who have found success in their learning communities in spite of the many challenges the pandemic has thrown everyone’s way.
 
Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!
 
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions. 
      
Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
 
Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)
 
Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners.  Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions.  Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning) 
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)


Blake PTO Update

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Save the Date - Blake PTO Pizza Night Cooking Class Fundraiser 
Virtual Class @ Home Cooking New York
Saturday, March 6, 2021 5 PM to 6:30 PM. 
The Blake PTO is hosting a pizza party! We will learn how to make homemade dough, sauce, and the sky's the limit on topping choices. All proceeds will go towards the students and staff of Blake Middle School. The cost is $50 per household and we have a max of 60 households that can attend. Details and signups will be coming soon. You'll make: Quick Pizza Dough, Classic Tomato Sauce, Sheet Pan Pizzas. 
HOW THESE VIRTUAL CLASS WILL WORK: 
1) After registering, you will be sent a link to log into the class at the appointed date/time along with the list of ingredients that you will need to have on hand. 
2) One day before the class you will be sent a copy of the recipes we'll be making, so you can cook from them again after the class!

Week of 1/26/21-2/1/21

1/26/2021

 
Important Dates
1/27 - MCAP Meeting
1/28 - School Committee Meeting
2/3 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Webinar - see below
2/11 - School Committee Meeting
2/15-2/19 - February Vacation

Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about reflection and the process of improving and learning, our question of the week is: What helps you to improve and learn? Reflecting, Improving, and Learning (Week of 1/24/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
 
Synchronous Learning Update from Blake
Below please find a link to a letter outlining Blake-specific information regarding synchronous learning and ‘live-streaming’.  Beginning this week, all students on their remote learning days will be attending classes via Zoom in a synchronous manner...
Blake Synchronous Learning Letter - January 15, 2021
As always, thank you for your support, flexibility, grace, and understanding as we walk this path together as a community.
  • 6th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies classes on their remote learning days.
  • 7th and 8th Grade students are required to attend their English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Language/Reading classes on remote learning days. 
  • You will receive (or have received) Zoom links and passwords for your classes from their teachers via Google Classroom.
  • Remote GO Block attendance will continue to be required for all students on their remote learning days.
  • Our expectation is that students maintain the norms and routines that have been set for remote participation in classes, including appropriate usage of the chat feature and respect for all students and staff - Blake's Netiquette Guidelines 2020-2021
  • All students should arrive on time and be prepared for their Zoom classes with fully charged devices, materials, and headphones/earbuds.
  • All students are expected to have the video enabled, and camera ON during Zoom sessions.  If you have any concerns about this, please contact your teacher or guidance counselor.
 
Start With Hello
Start With Hello presented to all Blake Middle School students over the last week via virtual assemblies.  Start With Hello teaches students the skills they need to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within our classrooms and  school.  Following the assemblies, students had the opportunity to discuss and reflect the presentation with classmates and their advisors.  Our Student Council will be involved in brainstorming and implementing ideas for students and our community.
 
For further information, please visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/start-with-hello/. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Guidance Counselor.
 
Black History Month Update
The Black History Month planning team has met to formalize plans to celebrate and honor Black History Month at Blake. Black History Month is a month dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the countless contributions Black Americans have made to society.  We are looking forward to honoring Black History Month again through some shared learning experiences.  We will be holding grade-level assemblies and asking each advisory to decorate their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black American who has made a significant contribution to our society.  Stay tuned for more information!
 
Information for 8th Grade Families
ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents! Please mark your calendars for a Welcome to MHS Webinar on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:30pm via zoom. Students and parents will hear about academic offerings, high school culture, expectations, timelines, and more! The zoom link will be shared when the event gets closer.  Placement tests for ninth grade classes will take place as follows - if you have questions about the process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below...
  • Science - 1/26 and 1/28
    • Orla Berry - oberry@email.medfield.net
  • English - 2/1-2/5
    • Gail Duffy - gduffy@email.medfield.net
  • Social Studies - 2/8-2/12
    • Kathleen Emerson - kemerson@email.medfield.net
 
Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community.  Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons.  This month in advisory, students will be exploring some different activities from our MERJ January Newsletter. The focus for this month is "Justice January", with advisory activities about social justice and activism.  We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
Blake MERJ January Newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership.  Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.

Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices.  Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell (kcowell@email.medfield.net) and Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net). Happy Reading!
 
Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School?  We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year.  If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well.  Please contact Kelly Campbell (kcampbell@email.medfield.net) if you are interested or would like more information.
 
Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural Session has begun.  Please go to the website for a list of offerings and registration info.  If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi (mmarenghi@email.medfield.net). 
 
ZoomProv!
ZoomProv! (virtual improv comedy club) will meet every Monday at 2:45 beginning next week.  Open to all Blake students who would like to play some improv games and embrace their silly side.  No experience necessary.  Head to the Blake Intramural page to sign up and check out other club offerings as well. If you have any questions, contact Kara Gelormini (kgelormini@email.medfield.net).
 
Blake is Social
Blake is Social would love any and all work from students. We love to show off what makes Blake special. We meet every Monday via zoom, if interested please reach out to Mrs. McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net

Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school.  We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.
 
Blake Battles Bias
Is your 7th or 8th grade student interested in matters of racial justice and other forms of bias? BBB (Blake Battles Bias) meets every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. New members are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini kgelormini@email.medfield.net
 
Blake’s GSA
Come and join our zoom, Thursday from 2:30-3:00. Need the zoom link? Reach out to cmcclelland@email.medfield.net Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.
 
Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.  
 
Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS.   Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious?  Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy?  We are availble to listen and help!  Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am.  Email Medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to sign up for a free confidential  specific time slot via telehealth.  
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Webinars of Interest
Building Resilience in Middle School Students - SPARK Kindness Event
Wednesday, 2/3 at 7 p.m.
Parenting a middle schooler can be a time of stress and isolation for parents and caregivers. In this talk, psychologist and SPARK team member, Dr. Kristen Aberle will share tools and strategies to make the best of the middle school years and strengthen your child’s mental health and resilience.

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

Navigating Screen Time, Digital Socializing, and Parenting during COVID-19 with Dr. Jill Walsh
Thursday, 2/11 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a virtual workshop as Dr. Jill Walsh explains best practices around technology consumption. This talk will include:
  • the most important conversations to have with your children about technology now
  • how to think about screen time during hybrid/ remote learning
  • the key tech rules to institute for home learning that will set your child up for success
  • understanding the opportunities and challenges that digital socializing provides your child

Building Partnerships Inside and Outside the Classroom
Friday, 2/19 at 1 p.m.
CASEL CARES is an initiative for anyone who supports young people to connect to experts in social and emotional learning on key topics during these challenging times.

Authentic school-community partnerships help create and support positive student experiences both in school and out of school. But how do you align in-school and out-of-school work on social and emotional learning? That’s what the Partnerships for Social Emotional Learning Initiative (PSELI) sought to uncover in a multiyear project across six school district communities. (Learn more: http://bit.ly/3qkceEq)

Join CASEL, the Wallace Foundation, and district and community leaders from Palm Beach County as they share findings about how school and out-of-school time partners can work together to align and implement SEL. Recommended for district leaders, school leaders, and community partners, attendees will gain insights about how to support the adults in the community, improve school climate, and create seamless experiences for students.
 
Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!
 
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at kcampbell@email.medfield.net with any questions. 
      
Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips

‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
 
Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)
 
Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners.  Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions.  Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning) 
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)

Blake PTO Update
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Save the Date - Blake PTO Pizza Night Cooking Class Fundraiser 
Virtual Class @ Home Cooking New York
Saturday, March 6, 2021 5 PM to 6:30 PM. 
The Blake PTO is hosting a pizza party! We will learn how to make homemade dough, sauce, and the sky's the limit on topping choices. All proceeds will go towards the students and staff of Blake Middle School. The cost is $50 per household and we have a max of 60 households that can attend. Details and signups will be coming soon. You'll make: Quick Pizza Dough, Classic Tomato Sauce, Sheet Pan Pizzas. 
HOW THESE VIRTUAL CLASS WILL WORK: 
1) After registering, you will be sent a link to log into the class at the appointed date/time along with the list of ingredients that you will need to have on hand. 
2) One day before the class you will be sent a copy of the recipes we'll be making, so you can cook from them again after the class!

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