5/16-5/17 - Grade 7 Math MCAS
5/17 - Diversity Theme Student-Staff Committee Meeting
5/18-5/19 - Grade 6 Math MCAS
5/18 - MCPE Annual Meeting (see details below)
5/19 - 7th/8th Grade Dance
5/23-5/26 - 8th Grade Trip
5/22 - MFA Field Trip - Red Cluster
5/23 - MFA Field Trip - Blue Cluster
5/24 - MFA Field Trip - White Cluster
5/29 - Memorial Day (No School)
5/30 - Dodgeball Tournament (see details below)
5/31 - Blake Art Show Reception
6/1 - Blake Marathon
MHS Model UN Club Info Mtg (see details below)
LGBTQ Book Club (2:30 p.m.)
6/2 - Great East Festival Music Trip
6/5 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
6/7 - PEM Field Trip - Otters
Blake New Student Orientation (2:30 p.m.)
6/8 - PEM Field Trip - Koalas
6/9 - PEM Field Trip - Sea Turtles
6/12 - High School Athletics Meeting (see details below)
6/19 - Transition Day
8th Grade Picnic
8th Grade Closing Ceremony (7 p.m.)
6/20 - 1/2 Day for Students
Last Day of School
Happy Summer!
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the messy nature of learning, our topic/question for the dinner table is: How is learning a messy process? Messy Learning (Week of 5/14/17) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake ADL Peer Leader Presentations
The Blake ADL Peer Leaders presented their second lesson to the 6th grade advisories this past Monday, May 8th. The lesson included the following:
- A quick reflection of the ground rules established and lesson from their first lesson
- Teaching about the "Pyramid of Hate"
- Speaking about significant figures in society from an ADL promotional video whose live were cut short by acts of hate
- Leading a group activity to create a poster themed on people having the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and to make efforts to keep things from escalating up the Pyramid of Hate
- Leading a group activity called "Have you ever..."
Our Peer Leaders then joined the 6th graders for lunch in the cafeteria. We are very proud of our Peer Leaders efforts and ability to connect with their younger classmates; they are truly model citizens within our school community.
Term 3 Interim Reports
Last Friday students brought home their interim reports for the third term. They spent time in their advisories reflecting upon the work they have accomplished thus far, and setting healthy/measured goals for the end of the year. Our hope is that this communication will give you an update on the progress your child is making in school. If you have any questions about your child's work or the reports, please start by having a conversation with your child. If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight.
iPad Planning Inventory for 17-18 - Please Complete
As you know we are continuing with our mobile learning program at Blake for the entire 6th-8th grade for the 2017-2018 academic year. To help us effectively plan for next year, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2017-2018 academic year) to let us know your plans for your student (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for next year, by completing this brief survey by Friday, May 19: iPad Planning Inventory at Blake Middle School for 2017-2018. Please fill out this inventory for each child that will be attending Blake next year. This decision is not binding and we recognize that your plans may change - confirmation and final decisions will be made by mid-June, 2017. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief inventory and am hoping for 100% participation.
We have outlined the Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for Blake students for this program. We are committed to providing an equitable learning experience for our students and appreciate the shared commitment and investment in the education of our students. As such we have a system in place for families with demonstrated financial need.
The 'minimum specifications' will still remain as the iPad 4, meaning the following are acceptable devices for students to use: iPad4, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, or iPad Air. The device selected by the students/families will suffice for the students' needs in school as long as Apple continues to update the OS (operating system) on that device. If your family intends to purchase a new device this year, then the iPad4, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, or iPad Air are the recommended devices. We are committed to making the experience meaningful and viable for all of our students, troubleshooting challenges that arise in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Our work over the last five years has provided a foundation as our teachers and staff continue to thoughtfully implement and review the effectiveness of this initiative. It is important to keep in mind that teachers and students will be following the same curriculum frameworks and the common core Blake curriculum.
For your reference I am sharing links below to documents about our initiative/program...
Blake Mobile Learning Blog
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 17-18
Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options
iPad Program Estimated Lease-to-Own Pricing Structure 17-18
In the next few weeks we will be planning an iPad Highlights and Information Session for all Blake families. Our hope is for the entire Blake community of parents and guardians to hear and see highlights from teachers and students, answer questions, and gain an understanding of the work that is taking place. Stay tuned for more information!
We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead as we work to provide your students with the opportunity to learn with meaningful technology and are hopeful that we can foster and promote a positive and relevant learning experience. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
7th/8th Grade Dance Information
The third and final 7th/8th grade dance will take place Friday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Blake gymnasium. We ask that families drop students off no later than 7:15 p.m. and pick them up promptly at 9:00 p.m. (Families should contact Ms. Hurley or Mrs. Malone directly before Friday if the drop-off/pick-up times present any issues.) Students are reminded of the rules of conduct in the contract they have signed and families are encouraged to review appropriate behavior and attire with students before the dance. Students should check with Student Council if any questions remain as to whether a contract has been turned in.
8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
I encourage the entire Blake community to follow our hashtag #blakeindc this week (5/24-5/27) to stay current with the Blake tweeters as we look to share and 'record' the trip.
Teacher Appreciation - Thank You!
On behalf of the Blake staff, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Blake community for the lovely luncheon last Friday - we are fortunate to be part of this wonderful community!
Memorial Day Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
In a continued effort to provide down time for students, staff, and families, Memorial Day Weekend will be a 'No Homework Weekend' for all of Blake. No work will be due on Tuesday, May 30 and tests, quizzes, and projects will not be due or given on May 30 or May 31. Thank you to all of the staff for their support and help in making this happen. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know.
Dodgeball Tournament - 5/30
Student Council is sponsoring a Dodgeball Tournament on Tuesday, May 30 after school in the gym. Sign-up as a single player or as a team of 6 by May 22nd. Registration fee is $5 per player, to be donated to the Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation. Go to the Student Council website for permission slips, sign-up forms, and more information.
Medfield DI Team Going to Global Tournament
As you may have heard, one of our Destination Teams from Medfield has advanced to the Global Tournament at the end of this month - please see the note below from the team about a fundraiser/DI awareness day at Blake this Wednesday, 5/17. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to hearing about their experience!
Hello Blake Middle School supporters,
We are a Destination Imagination (DI) team of 12 year old boys who have advanced to the Global tournament at the University of Tennessee on May 24th-27th. Destination Imagination is a non-profit organization that helps kids learn skills like creative problem solving that we will need in our lives. There are two events that are part of competing at a DI tournament which are the Main Challenge and the Instant Challenge. The Instant Challenge is a problem the appraisers (judges) give at the tournament, and we have to think of creative solution and solve the problem in just a few minutes. This is worth 25% of our points (most points wins). The Main Challenge is a problem at the beginning of the DI year (October) and we work on it for months. We chose a community service project called Ready, Willing, and Fable. We did a project that benefits the community. We helped military families and made a fable about how a dragon (representing the team) helps a child (representing military kids who had a parent who was deployed).
To be able to go to TN, we need your help because it will cost our team $12,000 to go. Money donated goes to the Medfield Destination Imagination program and helps Medfield DI teams. The fundraiser is a MEDFIELD DI HAT DAY on May 17th with a suggested donation of $1 to wear a hat to school. We chose a hat because the appraisers wear hats during the DI competitions. The hats show off creativity which is one of the main points of DI. We hope you can participate, donate and support this cause.
We are also selling 50/50 raffle tickets (1 for $5, 3 for $10, and 7 for $20) and the drawing will be held on May 20th. Please let us know if you want any tickets. You can follow the raffle on Twitter at DI50/50Raffle@DIRaffle.
Also, tax deductible contributions can be made online at https://www.razoo.com/story/Sgp9we or checks can be made payable to Medfield DI and sent to:
Medfield DI Global Fund
Attn: Gary Minsky
71 Indian Hill Road
Medfield, MA 02052
Thank you for your support!
Thomas Boland, Will Boland, Kyle LeVangie, Kenny Manning, Guilherme Soares, Jack St. Mary, and Ryan Sullivan
Blake Guest Mathematicians Wanted 2017-2018
The 2016-2017 school year marked the beginning of The Blake New England Math League Club. It was a huge success! Many thanks to 7th grade math teacher, Nancy McLaughlin, for coordinating this club. I know this is the end of the year, but we would like to start the next year off with a bang. To that end, we are reaching out to educators and community members to join our bi-monthly meetings as guest mathematicians!
Qualifications:
An eagerness to work with our students on some interesting math problems! You do not have to be able to get all the answers correct, you just need to bring a spirit of collaboration and a willingness to try. If you are concerned this may not be for you, we are happy to have you join us and let students explain to you how they worked through a problem. Students love to share their insights and listeners play an important role. So...mark your calendar for September 2017 and look for an e-mail with the subject 'BLAKE GUEST MATHEMATICIAN'! You'll be glad you did:-) If you have any interest, please contact Susan Bycoff ([email protected]).
New Student Registration at Blake
Blake would like to welcome any families with middle school students moving to Medfield to attend one of the Blake Registration Days. They will be held on Wednesday, June 7th at 2:30pm and Wednesday, August 23rd at 10am. Please call the guidance office at508-359-2445 and speak with Debbie Avery to make an appointment to register. (After June 20th, please call the main office at 508-359-2396 and speak to Mrs. Skerry). Paperwork needed to complete registration is listed on the guidance page - http://blakeguidancepage.weebly.com/new-student-information.html.
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit medfield.net and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
ADL Peer Training Program
We are preparing to select and train our next cohort of 7th and 8th grade Peer Trainers in the Fall of 2017. While many of the current 7th grade Peer Trainers will be returning as 8th graders, we encourage interested 7th graders to apply with the understanding that there will be only a few openings in that grade level. For some students, the Peer Training Program, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, is an opportunity to inspire others to challenge all forms of prejudice, including bullying and cyberbullying. For other students, it is an opportunity to actively promote respect for cultural and other human differences. And for others, it is an opportunity to build greater unity in community. For everyone who participates, the Peer Training Program is an opportunity to transform their schools and communities.
The Program begins with a series of dynamic training sessions for new members led by adult facilitators from A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute. Participating students engage in fun activities and meaningful discussions on cultural, racial, socio-economic and other human differences, and on how these differences sometimes divide rather than unite people. In addition, the students explore what they can do, individually and collectively, to help foster a world in which human differences are valued and respected.
Students also develop their leadership potential, and their communication and presentation skills, so that they, too, can lead activities and discussions on these topics. When the trained students are fully prepared, they will facilitate workshops for their peers during the school year.
Any student with an interest in fostering a more accepting school community, facilitating workshops for their peers related to identifying and responding to bias of all types in our world, and learning more about how to build a more respectful environment for all people is welcome to apply to be a part of the Peer Training Program. A representative from ADL will be visiting Blake this week to share more information with students in the current 6th grade. Students in the 6th and 7th grades will receive electronic application materials via e-mail, and parents will also receive an email with more information, including time commitments involved for training and participation. Commitment to this exciting program does entail a weekly commitment to the program as well as several school days of training which would require students to check in with teachers to get any missed work. Heather Gonzalez and Matt Marenghi will be continuing in their roles of the Peer Trainer program advisors at Blake. I am grateful for their dedication to the program and the students. More information will be coming soon but please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
Sixth Grade Tomato Growing Initiative
As of today, all students in sixth grade have planted a cherry tomato seed with their social studies classes. The tomato initiative is designed to reinforce the lessons taught in our Economy and Poverty Unit. If you would still like to donate, sixth grade social studies teachers are collecting $1 donations that go directly to the NGO World Connect. Over the next two weeks, students will learn about the different projects we can help fund. By Memorial Day, students will vote on the project they wish to fund. The project receiving the most votes will be funded. Thank you to all those who have already donated.
Theater
The last event for Blake Theater this year is a celebration of a wonderful season. It will take place from 2:15-3:15pm on Monday, June 12. Please make sure your student RSVP's to Ms. Allen via email.
2017-2018 Theme Work Group
To add to the work Blake will do around it's 2018 theme of Diversity, we are adding student voices to the planning process. The first meeting will be Wednesday, May 17 to share thoughts about discussions and activities that we could do to bring the theme of diversity to Blake students next year. Current 8th graders are welcome to join the May and June meetings if they are interested. Any questions should be directed to Tracy Allen ([email protected]).
Music Ensemble Selection
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete the selection form for music...
2017-18 Blake Middle School Music Selection
For Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete...
2017-18 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2017-18 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
The 5th annual Blake Marathon is here!!
Who: Blake staff, students, & families
What: Runners/walkers will be grouped into 6 heats
When: Thursday, June 1, 2017
Where: The race will snake around the Middle and High School campuses for 2.1 miles.
Why: To bring our Blake Community together and raise money for a good cause - The Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation!
What do we need from families?
1) Parents MUST sign the Indemnity Form for ALL students (Runners, walkers, and cheering group) in order for students to participate.
2) This year’s registration “fee” is a suggested donation of $5.00 to The Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation. “Fees” can be submitted in cash or checks made payable to The Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation.
3) Parents/guardians interested in helping with the following roles, should click on the Google form below – we’d LOVE any support you can offer, especially in providing cases of water - we need more than 20 cases!!
Parent Help sign-up - Click here
BEFORE RACE DAY:
Dropping off a case of water - WE NEED OVER 20 CASES of water!!
ON RACE DAY:
Runner check-in - before the race
Recording running times– during the race
Operating water station/ recovery zone - during & after race
MCAS Information
As we are now in 'MCAS season', the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education asks that we review our expectations with students prior to testing. I have posted the Student Responsibilities during Testing sheet that will be reviewed with students during the week in their classes. I would like to call your attention to the updated guidelines with regard to electronics (iPods, iPhones, iPads, phones, Apple Watches, all types of Kindles, Nooks, and e-readers). The DESE states: "Results will be invalidated for students who use cell phones or other electronic devices at any time during a session, including after a student turns in his or her test materials, during a break, or during the transition to a test completion area." Please review this aspect of digital responsibility with your child.
While we do not want to foster undue anxiety or pressure for students, a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast will ensure that they come to school prepared to do their best. Please be sure that students arrive at school on time. Arrival by 7:30 allows plenty of time to get settled. If your student is sick on the day of a scheduled test date, it is best for your child to get some rest and take it on a make-up day. Make up tests will be given throughout the testing window. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) or your child's guidance counselor.
Blake Site Council 16-17 Survey
The Blake Site Council has been working on the development of our annual survey to students and parents. A similar survey has been administered the last three years and we are committed to having parents and students take it each year as part of our continual efforts to examine our programming. Focus areas include the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. The results will help us to gather information and examine our current practices to better meet the needs of our students and assess progress towards our mission. Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake, and base your responses on your student's experiences this year. The questionnaire 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 ([email protected]). Link to the survey: Blake Middle School Parent Survey February 2017
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey. The Blake Middle School Executive Summary 15-16 of the compiled data is here for your reference, and I hope you are able to find some time to read the highlights.
What are Your Words of Acceptance?
"Acceptance is not love. You love a person because he or she has lovable traits, but you accept everybody just because they are alive and human." - Albert Ellis
A new bulletin board, set up outside the entrance to the Library, greets all those who enter Blake. Students and staff were invited to share their "words of acceptance." They could type their words, write them, draw them - whatever, and however, they wanted to express their ideas. The message is simple: "Within these Walls, All are Welcome!" Stop by and see Blake's warm-hearted thoughts.
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
Our 8th grade closing ceremony and goodbye evening will be on Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m. This evening will be our opportunity to thank and recognize our 8th graders for their years at Blake and wish them well as they head off to high school. Families are welcome, and there will be a reception with refreshments, including allergen-free treats, in the cafeteria following the ceremony. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening.
High School Athletics Meeting - Info from Eric Scott
On Monday, June 12th, at 6:00pm, there will be a meeting held in the gymnasium at the Medfield High School for all athletes and their parents interested in playing high school athletics in the fall season at Medfield High School. Online registration will open on June 1 (FamilyID.com). There is a direct link off the Athletics page (under Activities) on Blake Middle School and Medfield High School site. To complete registration, I will also need a current (last 13 months) copy of physical exam and a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”). You will also have the option to pay online with UniPay Gold.
*High School Sports offered for the Fall season are:
Football
Soccer (Boys and Girls)
Field Hockey
Golf
Volleyball (Girls)
Cross Country (Boys and Girls)
SEPAC Meeting - 5/16 at 7 p.m.
The last SEPAC meeting of the year will be Tues 5/16 at 7 p.m. The agenda is here. Jeff Marsden and Gina Dalan will join the meeting at 7:45pm to discuss transition and staffing updates.
MCPE Annual Meeting - 5/18 at 7 p.m.
The MCPE would like to invite all members of the community to its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Zullo Gallery. The Annual Meeting includes the presidents' report and recap of all of the grants given in the last year, as well as a celebration of the winners of 2017's Thomas Reis Award, The Robert C. Maguire Award and the Busconi Grant. For more information regarding the Annual Meeting, proposals funded by the MCPE and the Reis, Busconi and Maguire Awards, please visit our website: www.medfieldcoalition.org.
Message from Blake PTO
SPRING HAS SPRUNG - SPIRIT WEAR TIME! Medfield K-8 PTO has partnered with TriValley sports in Medway for our Spring Spirit Wear campaign. With warm weather ahead we've added some new seasonal items that will look great at camp, on the field or at the beach. Check out our store at http://trivalley.tuosystems.com/stores/medfield-k-8-pto-spring-2017 and note that all purchases must be completed by Monday, May 22nd to allow time for processing and delivery prior to the end of the school year. We cannot offer Under Armor due to lack of inventory, but there are lots of wonderful alternatives that can ship directly to your home or pick up in Medway. Thank you for your support.
SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS - DEADLINE JUNE 13th!
Medfield K-8 PTO is happy to announce that we are using School Kidz again this year for pre-assembled school supply kits tailored to teacher’s class lists by grade. No need for trips to Target or Walmart for last minute school supplies! School Kidz ships the kits directly to Memorial, Wheelock, Dale Street or Blake so your child’s kit will be at their desk or in advisory the first day of school. A portion of the proceeds will be given back to the Medfield K-8 PTO. Ordering begins now and runs through June 13th. Order now and get it out of the way so you can enjoy your summer.
Click here to start shopping http://www.shopttkits.com.
School Codes:
Blake - 86343
Dale St. - 86230
Wheelock - 86231
Memorial - 86174
Cost Per Kit:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade - $45
2nd & 3rd Grade - $40
4th Grade - $55
5th Grade - $48
6th Grade - $35
7th Grade - $40
8th Grade - $18
ONGOING ANNUAL BLAKE APPEAL - We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the 2017 - 2018 school year. We are requesting a contribution of $50/child this year. This is a suggested amount but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Making a donation is easy. Simply click on the link http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake.html and scroll down to the end of the page or send a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO to Blake at 24 Pound St. Medfield, MA 02052. Thank you in advance for your support of the Blake PTO. Please feel free to contact Claudia Rosen [email protected] or Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
OPEN PTO BOARD POSITION for 2017-2019 SCHOOL YEAR The town wide PTO is looking for a publicist to cover Memorial, Wheelock, Dale St. and Blake Middle School for the 2017-2019 school years. There will be training for this position. We would love to have you join our team! Please contact Kim Price for more information [email protected].
STAY IN TOUCH Please LIKE us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO and follow us on Twitter @MedfieldK8PTO. www.medfieldk8pto.com