2/29 - MAC Meeting
3/1 - 7th Grade Dance
3/4 - Pride Alliance
3/5 - Blake PTO Meeting
3/6 - Blake Student Council
Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night (see details below)
3/7 - MAC Meeting
3/8 - Term 2 Ends
3/11 - Term 3 Begins
Pride Alliance
Band-o-Rama
3/12 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
3/13 - Blake Student Council
String Fling
3/14 - MAC Meeting
Incoming 6th Grade Info Night (see details below)
3/18 - Term 3 Begins
Pride Alliance
3/20 - Blake Student Council
3/21 - MAC Meeting
‘A Night of Belonging’ (see details below)
3/22 - 7th/8th Grade Dance
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways that reflection fosters action, our question for the week is: What is something you are working on improving? Share one step you can take towards that improvement. Action from Reflection (Week of 2/25/24) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Volleyball Tourney at Blake
The Wellness Team was proud to host another Volleyball Championship tournament with all PE students the week leading up to February break. Students worked hard on their skills in hopes to be the championship team to face off against their teachers on the Friday before break. We had three spirited and enthusiastic teams (one from each grade) challenge their teachers for that final showdown. In a new format this year, we decided to invite a second student team to join in based on their camaraderie and sportsmanship to face their teachers as well. We laughed, cheered and watched in awe as digs and dives were made by both staff and students. Overall, a fantastic community event that we all look forward to. We hope to have the same enthusiasm as we begin our next PE unit - Floor Hockey!
Blake’s Kindness Club
In the bustling halls of Blake Middle School, a heartwarming movement is taking shape – the Kindness Club. Committed to creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere, this group of compassionate students is on a mission to spread kindness like confetti. The Kindness Club is busy organizing various activities and initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of unity and support within the student body. A Blake Meets Kindness site has been established, which will have all the information in one place.
7th Grade Dance
This Friday 3/1, from 7-9 in the Blake Gym, will be our first shcool dance of the year! The cost is $5. This dance is for 7th graders only. Here is a link to the Dance Contract that must be signed and returned to be permitted to the dance on Friday. Students should have received a paper copy from their Advisor. Here is a link to Google Slides students will see in Advisory going over some general information and the contract.
The Blake Break!
Thanks to our students and Kate Jones on the production of the Blake Break - special thanks to Blake PTO for their funding - check it out...
The Blake Break! Episode 2
In each episode of The Blake Break, students from the Design Studio classes (C2 and C4) will be delivering the news, events, and highlights from Blake Middle School.
If you have any video or information to share, upcoming reminders, and/or curriculum, club, activity highlights, pass them along to Kate Jones at [email protected]
We will do our best to include any content in upcoming episodes. Stay tuned!
Black History Month Update
Black History Month is a month dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the countless contributions Black Americans have made to society. In classes and advisory we are honoring the month through shared learning experiences.
Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/6 - 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.
3/14 - 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.
Save the Dates - 7th/8th Grade Dances
Save the Date(s) for the 2023-2024 school dances! There will be a total of 3 dances this year! There will be a dance for 7th graders, a dance for 8th graders, and a combined 7th/8th grade dance. Dance contracts and other details will be shared as we get closer to the events. Hope to see you there! Here are the dates:
➡️ 7th Grade Dance- Friday 3/1/24 from 7-9 pm
➡️ 7th/8th Grade Dance- Friday 3/22/24 from 7-9 pm
➡️ 8th Grade Dance- Friday 5/17/24 from 7-9 pm
“A Night of Belonging”
”A Night of Belonging” will occur on Thursday March 21st from 7:01 - 8:01. This will be a chance for students from grades 6, 7, and 8 to share and celebrate original poetry (+ art/music). All submissions are due to [email protected] by March 8.
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge, in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The trainings are presented by experts with advanced degrees and the trainings focus on child and adolescent development, including difficulties in school, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identity formation, racism, and grief. These trainings present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.
Tickets on Sale for MHS Spring Play: PUFFS
March 1-2, Medfield HIgh School Theatre Society will perform its spring show, PUFFS. PUFFS, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic, takes place at a pretty famous school with some pretty famous students and alums…but our show isn’t about them. Let’s say.. it’s a play in a place you may know, but people you do not. PUFFS follows three delightful young wizards who did not have famous parents or an evil Dark Lord constantly trying to kill them. Wayne Hopkins, the endearingly ordinary wizard and hero of our story, who loves video games, pop music, and movies. Megan Jones, moody, goth, sarcastic, angry…your typical teenager. And Oliver Rivers, a math prodigy who is very sad to learn this school has no math classes. There’s also a whole host of other hilarious characters who create chaos as our three friends navigate the many twists and turns of life as young wizards. They may start out as just boring “Puffs” but they become so much more.
Perfect for lovers of both magic and tales of underdogs rising to the occasion. PUFFS celebrates themes of friendship, acceptance and the importance of loyalty in a world where some people seem to care more about popularity and winning. Recommended for seven and up for some light innuendo, but use your own discretion. Run time is approximately two hours.
“Puffs (Two Act for Young Wizards)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com ; PUFFS, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox
Tickets are available at: https://www.ticketsource.us/medfield-high-school-theatre-society
Performances will be held March 1 & 2 at 7:00 pm at Medfield High School
GRiT - STEM Club
Gender Representation in Tech club GRiT is a student-led club at Concord Academy that organizes and hosts an annual tech conference designed to promote gender equity in the STEM world. While all individuals are welcome at this conference, our goal is to create an open space for female and genderqueer students to explore their interests in tech. We welcome all students grades 6 through 12 (ages 12-19), regardless of previous experience.
The 2024 GRiT conference will take place on April 20, 2024, from 1-3:30 pm at Concord Academy (166 Main St, Concord, MA 01742). The conference will consist of two workshop blocks with workshops hosted by CA alums and other non-males in the tech industry. Students will be able to choose the workshop they wish to attend through a form sent to them prior to the conference.
As examples of workshops, our 2023 conference hosted workshops regarding navigating the tech world as a WOC, an introduction to creating more accessible technology, how to use technology and psychology to discover your own work style, and more!
Free registration link
For more info - see our website
MAC Update
Blake's Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC) will meet Thursday after school in Mr. Gow's room, room 513.
Get ready for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse!
The eclipse may overlap with dismissal for many Massachusetts schools. We recommend preparing students to safely experience the eclipse. Comprehensive information related to the eclipse is available on our new eclipse resource site. Visit NASA’s website for comprehensive information about the eclipse. Free eclipse glasses for families! Solareclipse.us is sponsoring 1 free pair of glasses per household. You will need to order by February 8th, 2024 to allow time to ship.
Pride Alliance
Pride Alliance will meet Monday, January 29 at 215 in Señora Manning's room. At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero ([email protected]) and Kristin Manning ([email protected]).
Update from SEPAC
Please mark your calendars for our spring Workshops & Parent Connection Groups: 2/27 ASD Parent Connection Group, 7 pm Medfield Public Safety Building.
2/28 Technology Safety with School Resource Officers Hart and Manganello, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after.
3/4 ADHD Parent Connection Group, 7 pm Medfield Public Safety Building.
3/12 NEW IEP Process with Director of Student Services Mary Bruhl, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after.
3/20 Dyslexia + Language-Based Learning Disabilities Parent Connection Group - 7 pm Medfield Public Safety Building.
3/21 Down Syndrome Parent Connection Group, 11:30 am Medfield Public Library. 4/23 Executive Function with Ali Spidalieri, M.Ed BCBA, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after.
Details are always available on our website and social media (FB & IG)! Our workshops and board meetings offer childcare, and a remote link can be made available if you'd like. Our workshops and board meetings are open to EVERYONE. You do not need a child on an IEP or 504 to attend. RSVP to [email protected]
Our parent connection groups are limited to parents and caregivers of children with the corresponding diagnosis. Please email [email protected] with questions or to join a group. We hope to see you!
Volunteer with MCPE and make a difference for our kids and schools!
Are you looking for a way to give back to Medfield Public Schools? Join the Medfield Coalition for Public Education!
MCPE is an independent, non-profit organization funded to provide system-wide support and academic enrichment for the Medfield Public Schools through grants for the development of innovative programs, curriculum, and enrichment. MCPE is led by a volunteer board that works throughout the school year to organize community-wide fundraising events and make grants to teachers and staff at all five Medfield Public Schools.
We’re recruiting new board members to start in the 2024-25 school year! If you are interested in becoming an MCPE board member, we would love to hear from you. We're looking for candidates who can commit to a 3-year term, attend board meetings once a month (Sept-June), and have an active interest in enriching kids' education in Medfield schools. All skill sets are welcome, and we strive to have a board with diverse backgrounds.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/volunteer
SAVE THE DATE:
* Early March – March Madness bracket pool benefitting MCPE!
* Monday, March 18 – Spelling Bee for Wheelock and Dale students!
* Mid-May – MCPE's Blue Ribbon Recognition Program gives you the chance to honor a Medfield teacher or staff member who has made a positive impact in a student's life and show your appreciation
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email [email protected]
The Medfield Alumni Association presents Showcase Pro Wrestling!
Join us for an action-packed evening of wrestling excitement at Medfield High School! The Medfield Alumni Association is thrilled to bring you this event that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to witness incredible feats of strength and high-flying maneuvers as talented wrestlers from Showcase Pro Wrestling showcase their skills in the ring. Cheer on your favorite wrestlers and experience the adrenaline rush of live wrestling.
Don’t miss this opportunity to relive your favorite wrestling memories or create new ones! Grab your friends and family and join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment! Tickets are on sale now!
Doors open at 6:00 pm
First bell: 7:05 pm
Get your tickets https://MHSAAWRESTLING.eventbrite.com
We also have Sponsorship opportunities https://forms.gle/oXmFqePZXeBqqrV97
This event would not be possible without help from the Medfield Community if you can help, please see our volunteer sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AA8A92CA5F8CE9-47890127-wrestling
Nurturing Relationships in Early Childhood
HGSE Education Now Series
Wednesday, 3/6 at 3 p.m.
While many early childhood frameworks have focused primarily on the healthy development of children, an emerging framework named known as “early relational health” stresses the importance of nurturing the broader human ecosystem around babies and toddlers as well. We explore key principles that can guide practitioners and leaders on the front lines of education, health, and social services.
Speakers:
• Thelma Ramirez, Researcher, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Co-author of Early Relational Health: A Review of Research, Principles, and Perspectives
• Jessica Sager, Co-founder and CEO, All Our Kin
Managing Moods 101: How to Help Kids Develop an Emotional Vocabulary
Wednesday, 3/20 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
In this interactive talk, author and child development expert Deborah Farmer Kris, M.Ed., will give practical advice about how to help kids name, normalize, and navigate their feelings – especially the tricky ones – so they can better manage themselves and the world around them.
We all want to raise kind and thoughtful kids – children who can reach out with compassion and bounce back from challenges. That’s why it’s important to support their emotional awareness and resilience. Emotionally literate kids are better equipped to learn in school, deal with difficulties, form healthy relationships, and make responsible choices. This program is a great opportunity for parents of preschool and elementary-aged children to add helpful tools to their parenting toolkit!
Igniting Lifelong Learning: SEL & Academic Integration
4/16, 5/23, 6/20
We recommend registering for the entire three-part series. You don’t need to be available to attend every webinar live. By registering, you will receive the recordings and follow-up resources straight to your inbox.
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Academic recovery is a top priority and will require a deep understanding of how students learn and progress. Research tells us that students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development are deeply intertwined and key to academic learning and success. So how can we effectively integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) with academic content to best support learning and thriving?
This three-part webinar series will explore the research, practices, and policy conditions that promote SEL and academic integration. Through 60-minute thought leadership conversations, we aim to share expertise that can strengthen your work, encourage new approaches, and leave you curious to learn more.
Join us and collaborators once a month as we build a shared understanding of SEL and academic integration (part I), explore classroom and school strategies (part II), and spotlight supportive policies (part III).
Recommended for: Education and research/policy leaders at the state, district, and school levels.
Sessions:
April 16: Introduction to SEL and academic integration (Part 1 of 3)
May 23: School and classroom strategies that integrate SEL and academic learning (Part 2 of 3)
June 20: Beyond the classroom strategies (Part 3 of 3)