12/9 - Remote Learning Day
Blake PTO Meeting - 7 p.m.
12/10 - 7th Grade Samaritan Family Program (see info below)
12/14 - Term 1 Ends
12/15 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/16 - Remote Learning Day
12/18 - 7th Grade Samaritans Presentation (see info below)
12/18, 12/21 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
12/21 - Cohort A In-Person Learning; Cohort B Remote Learning
12/22 - Cohort B In-Person Learning; Cohort A Remote Learning
12/23 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
12/24-1/3 - December Vacation
1/4 - Hybrid Learning Resumes
Topic/Question for the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways that discomfort is an integral part of the process of learning, our topic/question for the week is: How can discomfort help you learn? Seeking Discomfort (Week of 12/6/20) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Samaritans Workshop/Presentation for 7th Grade Parents/Guardians/Caregivers - 12/10 at 6:30 p.m.
We hope you will join us on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. via zoom for a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. This virtual workshop on the 10th will give parents foundational knowledge and practical tools to talk with their children about depression and suicide. Led by Samaritans, Inc., topics covered in this workshop will include:
- Suicide risk factors and warning signs
- Coping skills and resiliency building
- Facts, figures, and myth-busting
- Best practices for talking to and helping someone who may be suicidal
- School and community resources
ZOOM Information:
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join. https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/84144763174?pwd=QUtORUVJc3M1VDdPRXJIMkxibnRuUT09
Passcode: 639417
Or join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 841 4476 3174
Passcode: 639417
International numbers available: https://medfield-net.zoom.us/u/kY1OYlTCV
Important Info for 7th Grade Families
At Blake Middle School, the Guidance Counselors believe it is important to focus on the whole student, paying close attention to the emotions that are often associated with the teen years. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. Unfortunately, not many youth know what to do or who to turn to when they are in need of help either for themselves or a friend.
On Thursday, December 10th at 6:30pm, we will virtually host a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. In this presentation, you will learn how to recognize risk factors and warning signs in your child as well as learn how to talk to your child who may be feeling depressed or suicidal and basic steps in getting help.
Samaritans, Inc. will also be presenting this information to all 7th grade students. Cohort A will see the presentation on Tuesday, December 15th, and Cohort B on Friday, December 18th.
We hope you will join us on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:30pm via zoom for a Suicide Prevention Workshop presented by Samaritans, Inc. No one wants to think about their child dealing with thoughts of suicide, however, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years old. This virtual workshop on the 10th will give parents foundational knowledge and practical tools to talk with their children. Led by Samaritans, Inc., topics covered in this workshop will include:
- Suicide risk factors and warning signs
- Coping skills and resiliency building
- Facts, figures, and myth-busting
- Best practices for talking to and helping someone who may be suicidal
- School and community resources
- To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness, and help them assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression.
- To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur as a result of untreated depression.
- To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend.
- To impress upon our students that they can help themselves or a friend by taking a simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.
Cold Weather Attire
With the colder weather now fully upon us, please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school. We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.
Season of Kindness
Blake is happy to announce its Season of Kindness starting this week and going until the holiday break. This year we will be reading picture books with themes of kindness and discussing them in our advisories. Then the students will be writing their very own kindness themed story to be shared with our elementary schools. In addition, a list is available of other thoughtful and kind ways students can be involved. This can all be found in the flyer at this link. Feel free to contact Marissa Gumas if you have any questions.
BBB - Blake Battles Bias - will continue to meet every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. We've been exploring the questions "What is implicit bias?" and "What does social justice look like?" Any 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to attend! Email [email protected] for information.
Blake’s GSA
Blake’s Gay Straight Alliance seeks to make our school community a more welcoming and accepting place by helping to educate students and staff about the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, and also for those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. We meet on Zoom every Thursday from 2:40 to 3:10. An announcement will also be made to students, and please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.
Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.
Health Information from the School Nurses
Please refer to this important guidance from the MA Department of Public Health: Thanksgiving During COVID
Flu Vaccine - Please remember to get your child immunized against influenza by December 31, 2020 as required by the MA Department of Public Health. Documentation of flu vaccine administration should be submitted to the attention of our school nurses.
Physicals - Please send in a copy of your child’s physical to our school nurses following their annual appointment to keep their school health record updated.
MA Travel Order - If you are traveling out-of-state to a high risk state, your child will need to get a COVID-19 test and a copy of the test results needs to be submitted to our school nurses before your child can return to school in person. MA DPH Travel Order
Contact information for our school nurses:
Tricia Williams, RN, NCSN, [email protected]
Arlene O’Donovan Driscoll, RN, MSN, [email protected]
Thomas A. Blake Middle School
24 Pound St.
Medfield, MA 02052
Office: 508-242-8554
Fax: 508-359-0134
Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
Blake Supported Blood Drive in January
The Red Cross is holding a blood drive on MLK Day. Due to Covid we are unable to hold our own blood drive, but Blake will continue to save lives by supporting this blood drive. It will be held @ University Station in Westwood (Wegmans shopping center). We look forward to your support and hope to see you there.
Hat and Glove Drive
Medfield Girl Scout Troop 74900 is collecting NEW hats and gloves for the Massachusetts Department of Children's Services. We want to help keep the children warm this winter. There is a box located in the Blake Middle School front office. Please consider donating. We are collecting donations until December 20th, 2020.
Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
December MERJ newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.
Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks
Private School Applications
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please e-mail Mrs. Avery ([email protected]) and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Mrs. Dondero (6th grade), Mr. Marenghi (7th grade), or Ms. Allen (8th grade).
Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!
Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) 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 [email protected] with any questions.
Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips
‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)
** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.
Webinars of Interest
The Future of Education
Wednesday, 12/9 at 3:00 p.m.
As we look ahead to a post-pandemic world, with educational disparities laid bare by COVID-19, the Harvard Graduate School of Education ends its Centennial year by asking: What will education look like five years from now? What about 25 years from now? What are the innovations — fueled by the pandemic’s necessities, or powered by the world’s push for racial justice and equal access — that will take us forward? What should we do now to work toward that future we want to build? And what factors, both positive and challenging, will help to determine that future?
Join HGSE Dean Bridget Long for a special centennial discussion with HGSE faculty on their perspectives and hopes for education going forward.
Moderator: Bridget Long, Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics, HGSE
Panelists:
• Karen Brennan, Associate Professor of Education, HGSE
• Jennifer Cheatham, Senior Lecturer on Education and Director of the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP), HGSE
• Anthony Jack, Assistant Professor of Education, HGSE
• Adriana Umaña-Taylor, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot Professor of Education, HGSE
• Martin West, William Henry Bloomberg Professor of Education, HGSE; and Deputy Director, Program on Education Policy and Governance (PEPG), Harvard Kennedy School
Exhaustion and RRAGE! Reflections on 2020 and a Tool for 2021
Wednesday, 12/9 at 7:00 p.m.
Big Questions Institute - Will Richardson and Homa Tavangar
It's Time to Turn the Page on an Incredibly Difficult Year
Let's get together for a quick look back at what we learned from this year and how we might start the new year off right. Join us for an interactive discussion on Two BIG Questions:
1. What are we taking away from 2020?
We've said this before: This year may have been the most intense year of learning for educators...ever.
When we think about everything that's happened, there's no question that we've weathered some profound change in the world.
Let's talk about the year that was...and wasn't.
2. What might we do differently in 2021?
We have to see next year as an opportunity.
Obviously, as the mini-viral Tweet below suggests, we're ready to think hard about different right now.
Self Compassion During Challenging Times with Dr. Kristen Neff
Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. But how can we learn to be kinder to ourselves, especially when facing difficult times?
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Self-compassion involves learning to treat ourselves with care and support. Rather than continually judging ourselves, we can have compassion toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learn to cope better with the inevitable struggles of life.
In this talk, leading Self Compassion expert Dr. Kristen Neff will show how we can use both fierce and tender self-compassion to cope with the pandemic and also racial injustice. In times like these we need a friend, and we can learn to be a friend to ourselves.
Kristin Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, studying moral development. She did two years of postdoctoral study at the University of Denver studying self-concept development. She is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct over fifteen years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, released by William Morrow.
In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, both published by Guilford. She is also co-founder and board president of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.
Exploring Social Connection w/ Dr. Marc Brackett and Dr. Niobe Way
Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
From Marc Brackett...
On Thursday, December 17th at 7pm, I’ll be hosting a webinar where I’ll interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Niobe Way, a professor at NYU. We’ll be talking about human connection and its importance. Among Niobe’s many accomplishments, she is founder of the Project for the Advancement of our Common Humanity.
Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)
Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)
Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year! If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liason with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group. Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students! Kristen Careau [email protected]
Message from MCAP - Social Host Law
MCAP's Social Host Law Campaign is coming to an end but our work is not yet finished! You are invited to join the Medfield Cares About Prevention Community Coalition and help us make change in the Medfield community. Click here to read more about how to get involved or email Meri Haas at [email protected]
Message from Medfield Outreach - ‘Pen Pal Program’
Medfield Outreach, The Council on Aging and MHS partner to bring you: "The Pen Pal Program Goes Intergenerational" Looking for service hours? Looking to contribute to your community by making connections and brightening someone's day? Come join us!! Pen Pal Program, communicate by mail. It's a great way to learn about each other, talk about differences, share activities each did when young, and discuss plans and hopes for the future. Letter-writing is not old fashioned; it is something wonderful to be valued and supported. VOLUNTEERS: Middle and High school students interested, please email [email protected].
Do your kids have questions about race in America? Do you feel comfortable having these conversations with them, or could you use some guidance? Medfield Together would like to share a series of workshops for parents and kids coming up in December. These workshops will be conducted by WeethePeople, a Boston-based social justice initiative for kids. The "What is Racism" workshop is offered for kids ages 6-10. The adult workshop, called "the ABCs of Racism," explores the barriers that prevent adults from talking about race and racism with kids, examines social science of race awareness in kids, and identifies strategies to start the conversation with kids about the complexities of race, racism, and racial differences. Go to https://www.weethepeopleboston.org for more details and to sign up! For more information about Medfield Together, check out our website: https://www.medfieldtogether.com
MCPE Update
HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.
Blake PTO Update
ANNUAL FUNDING DRIVE-going on now! The drive makes it possible for the PTO to operate and cover academic enrichment, classroom events, teacher appreciation activities and other school/class activities throughout the school year. Funds from this drive are dispersed evenly to all four schools based on the number of students per school. Therefore, you may send in one payment even if you have multiple children at different schools. Suggested contribution of $30 per child Pay by PayPal or Venmo (@MedfieldTownwide-PTO) Or checks made payable to Medfield K-8 PTO sent to: Medfield K-8 PTO P.O. Box 387 Medfield, MA 02052 Or please visit www.medfieldk8pto.com for more information Contributions of any amount are accepted and are tax-deductible. Please consider asking your employer if they will match your contribution. Thank you for your continued support!
HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.
Medfield Music Association Update
We're incredibly sad to announce that Spaghetti with Santa & Friends isn't feasible this year due to event restrictions. But ask yourself this... Do you want to build a snowman or teddy bear? The MMA is offering 9" build-your-own snowmen or teddy bears with stuffing, birth certificates, other goodies, and a fun live Zoom party where special guests will show how to stuff the cozy friends and lead sing-a-longs and story time. To learn more or join the fun: medfieldmusicassociation.com.