5/19 - 8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
5/22 - Blake Battles Bias Mtg
5/23-5/26 - 8th Grade Trip
5/24 - Student Council
5/25 - Pride Alliance
5/27-5/29 - No Homework Weekend
5/29 - Memorial Day (No School)
5/30 - Blake Spring Band Concert - 7 p.m.
5/31 - Student Council
Blake Spring Chorus/Orchestra Concert - 6:30 p.m.
6/1 - 8th Grade Bike Trip (Stripes)
Pride Alliance
6/2 - Great East Festival
6/5-6/9 - Blake Art Show
6/5 - 8th Grade Bike Trip (Stars)
6/6 - 8th Grade Bike Trip (Eagles)
6/7 - 8th Grade Bike Trip (Rain Date)
6/8 - 8th Grade Mandarin Field Trip
6/9 - 8th Grade Bike Trip (Rain Date)
6/12 - 8th Grade Bike Trip (Rain Date)
6/14 - Transition Day
8th Grade Cookout
8th Grade Closing Ceremony - 6 p.m.
6/15 - Last Day for Students and Staff
Half-Day of School
6/16 - Happy Summer!
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about being intentional about the practice of appreciation, our question for this week is: Who and/or what do you appreciate most in your life? Why? Practicing Appreciation (Week of 5/14/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 3 Family Outreach Period
Below please find links to letters from the each grade level team with mid-term messages along with the information about Term 3's Family Outreach Period. If you have any questions about your student's progress, please contact their guidance counselor or teachers directly.
Grade 6 - Term 3 Family Outreach Updates (May, 2023)
Grade 7 - Term 3 Family Outreach Updates (May, 2023)
Grade 8 - Term 3 Family Outreach Updates (May, 2023)
Teacher Appreciation Week - Thank You!
Thank you to the Blake PTO and to the entire Blake community for taking time to recognize all of our staff and teachers!
As part of the process of strengthening our alignment to proficiency and informing our program, once again this year we will be administering 3 sections of the AAPPL proficiency (form A) assessment to our eighth grade world language students on May 31st. This test is untimed, but we expect that most students will complete this portion of the assessment in the first 3 periods of the day. Students will complete the speaking portion during class time between 5/12 -5/22.This assessment is the same format as the proficiency assessment that students take to measure their proficiency for the seal of biliteracy in high school. The form we will use, however, is designed for middle school students. The AAPPL test is different from other standardized tests such as MCAS or SAT as it is a proficiency-based assessment that is designed to determine a student's ability to function in a language in real-life circumstances while assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
For more than 70 years, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness month. The focus of Mental Health Awareness Month is to call attention to the various issues people have with stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges while at the same time reminding us all that each individual has inherent value. Throughout the month, we will be promoting mental health awareness and encouraging our students to prioritize their emotional well-being. Below please find some webinars and workshops that pertain to this endeavor.
Mental health is as vital as physical health, and in fact can impact physical well-being. Adolescence is a challenging time for many. It is important that we provide students with the support they need to cope with the various stressors in their lives.
We invite parents and other caregivers to join in our efforts. Speaking with children about their concerns, fears, and other challenges in their lives, and sharing resources to help them cope with these challenges is one way to promote positive mental health. Working collaboratively we can build resilience, create a healthy and positive learning environment, and help young people develop skills that will serve them into adulthood. Below please find a couple of resources and ‘shares’ of interest.
How can I support you? A teen mental health primer
from Making Caring Common Project
Harvard EdCast: A Crisis of Belonging
(27 minutes)
Geoff Cohen discusses ways we can nurture belonging as educators, parents, and citizens.
Memorial Day Presentation for 6th Graders
Jonathan Gray will be presenting his father's POW story to our sixth grade students on Friday May 26. His compelling story and portrayal of his father is captivating. The presentation is in honor of Memorial Day.
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 Tuesday, May 30. 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.
Art and Ice Cream!
Join us at the Blake Art Show and Empty Bowls Fundraiser June 6th 5:30-7. Come to the Blake LMC to view the amazing works of art by Blake artists. Purchase an ice cream sundae and 100% of funds raised will benefit the Medfield Food Cupboard. Thank you PTO for granting the seed money for this community event!
Blake Intramurals
The Spring Intramurals session is in session. You can find information on the Blake Intramural Website. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
MassHealth Info from DESE
Outreach toolkit about renewing MassHealth: Families with MassHealth need to renew their coverage this year in order to maintain coverage. Information is available on mass.gov/masshealthrenew; and school leaders can help spread the word using the newly available Phase 2 Redeterminations Outreach Toolkit, which contains downloadable flyers, posters, and other materials in nine languages. Individuals who interact with MassHealth members might also find the new MassHealth Renewal Help Guide helpful.
Update from SEPAC
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) mission is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. Our role as a parent council is to advise the district on children with special needs; share information and discuss matters of common concern and interest; offer speaker events, workshops, and other programs for families and children; and fundraise to support the schools and award scholarships. We like to say we “Advocate, Educate and Celebrate”.
SEPAC is starting to plan for next year and has many fun ideas. We seek members to join our Fundraising, Community & Events, and Communications committees. If interested, please reach out to [email protected].
Message from MCAP and Medfield Outreach
Still looking for somthing for your 10-14 year old to do this summer?
Consider The Norfolk County Sheriff's Youth Leadership Academy!
This year's academy will be held in Medway.
With a goal of developing youth leaders in the community, the Academy includes icebreakers, games,activities and demonstrations aimed at building self-confidence, problem-solving, goal-setting and communication skills in an atmosphere of fun and adventure.
A highlight of the Academy are the adventure days on the high ropes course to give the participants an opportunity to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. This summer there are 4 sessions available, each session is one-week long. Sessions start July 10, July 17, July 24 and July 31.
Although the Sheriff’s Office runs this program, this is not a ‘boot camp’ style experience. We aim to engage students in a fun and friendly way. Contact us for more information.
The program is for children aged 10 to 14 years old. $199 for the week per child ($35 if they qualify for free or reduced school lunch). To register visit: youthacademymedway.campbrainregistration.com
For more information: [email protected] or 781-751-3501
Do you know a Medfield teacher or staff member who has made a positive impact in a student's life? MCPE's Blue Ribbon Recognition Program is the perfect way to honor their efforts and show your appreciation! By making a donation to MCPE in their name, you can recognize their hard work and dedication to our students.
And what better time to participate in the program than during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week? This is a thoughtful and easy way to recognize the important role these individuals play in shaping our children's future.
Let's show our gratitude and make a difference in our school community by participating in the Blue Ribbon Recognition Program today!
Submit your Blue Ribbon Recognition here: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/blue-ribbon-recognition-2023
Message from The All Night Grad Party Team
Please 'Pay it forward' and volunteer to help the Class of 2023 celebrate their Graduation in a fun, memorable, and SAFE party space at Medfield High School.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4BA8AF2CA3FF2-angp1
Parents of Seniors are not allowed to volunteer during the All Night Grad Party. It’s really not cool to have your own parent or guardian at the same party watching over you!!
So, as you’re more cool, please consider volunteering your time to help keep the Seniors safe during the night of June 3rd going into the morning of June 4th. Time flies as it’s such a fun and entertaining night.
Graduation is on a Saturday this year, so you’ll be able to sleep it off all day Sunday or come in early Sunday morning to help dismantle it all.
Your kid will be graduating before you know it, so lets keep this really fun 30 year Medfield tradition alive by helping the ANGP team put on the party of the year for these deserving seniors.
Thank you for signing up!
Janie Boylan and Patty Borteck
ANGP Co-Chairs
To Donate visit: www.medfieldangp.com
Blake’s Student Council meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2:15-2:45 in Mrs. Shaw’s room (525). All are welcome to join - the more members we have, the more we can accomplish! Spread the word!
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 Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Marcia Berkowtiz ([email protected]) with any questions.
Webinars/Workshops of Interest
Teen Truth: Youth Mental Health, Managing Success and Achievement, and Understanding the Pressures of Adolescence
Tuesday, 5/23 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of balancing mental health, achievement, the pressures of adolescence, and what caring, supportive adults can do to help. Ex-NFL Linebacker, West Point Graduate, and former Army Officer, Caleb Campbell, will share his story of overcoming challenges, managing success, and finding his way to a life he loves. Teens are encouraged to join with their parents/caregivers.
Free, Virtual Event
Hosted by the NWH Resilience Project’s Building Resilience Series