Important Dates
5/10-5/11 - Grade 8 Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
5/11 - One Day Fresh Produce Drive (see details below)
Transition Planning Workshop (see details below)
5/12 - Term 3 Interim Reports go home
5/16-5/17 - Grade 7 Math MCAS
5/18-5/19 - Grade 6 Math MCAS
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)
5/31 - Blake Art Show Reception
6/1 - Blake Marathon
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
6/19 - 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 staying fresh and excited about learning, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What are your hopes for the rest of this year? Keeping Hopes Alive (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 3 Interim Reports
This Friday students will be bringing home their interim reports for the third term. They will be spending 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.
7th Grade Roman Army Presentation Follow Up
7th graders had a special experience this week when Doug Ryan, a former middle school teacher for many years, came and gave an interactive presentation about the Roman army. This was a great way for students to launch into the Rome unit, as the Roman army in many ways was the backbone of Roman society. Not only did the army fight and win many battles, they actually spent most of their time building things (roads, cities, aqueducts, etc.). Doug brought in many examples of tools the Romans used in construction, such as crane with a hamster-wheel type attachment that soldiers would go in to help move the crane. Doug discussed various aspects of the Roman army but was careful to note that battle was largely a brutal thing in the ancient world (as, in many ways, it continues to be today). For example, Doug analyzed several clips from famous movies such as Ben Hur to point out that the movies usually focus on what plays well on the screen vs. historical accuracy (shocker, right!?). As the highlight of this presentation, Doug invited students to come down front and wear a uniform typical to a Roman infantryman, or foot soldier. It was fun for students to see their classmates dressed up in this ancient military garb! We were thankful to have Doug share his knowledge with us on this enjoyable day.
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 thoughts, notes, and signs of appreciation throughout last week. We are fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community.
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. Students are welcome to apply to be part of a theme work group by filling out this google doc- https://goo.gl/forms/aphowa3Ps5hNSYNV2 - by Friday May 12. Twelve-fifteen 6th and 7th graders will be chosen to meet monthly, starting 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.
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.
Spring Reminders
Last week Kelly Campbell and Nat Vaughn met with each grade of students at Blake in an assembly forum to share some reminders as we head into "end of year" mode. We will renew our expectations for all students with regard to good decision-making and responsible behavior across the board but especially as it pertains to the following topics:
- field trips and safety when off campus
- end of year activities
- technology and devices
- school attire
- substitute teachers
- locking up your belongings, especially after school
- being in a supervised area before and after school
- on-time arrival to school in the morning
Transition Planning Workshop
SEPAC has coordinated with the Federation for Children with Special Needs to sponsor a free workshop open to all that will provide an overview of the Transition Planning Process for students on IEPs. This workshop will be held Thursday May 11th at 7pm in the Blake Library Media Center. Please RSVP to [email protected] so that plenty of materials are available. The goal of transition planning within the IEP process is to help students receiving special education services to successfully move from school into the adult world--to live, work and participate in the community as fully and independently as possible. In Massachusetts, transition planning begins when the student turns 14 (or earlier if the IEP team agrees), and the student is invited to be part of the IEP team and participate in developing a vision and goals for their future. Transition planning encompasses the broader planning for a child with disabilities that includes academic and non-academic course and learning experience, employment and related training opportunities, community living, and leisure activities. IDEA defines transition services as a coordinated set of activities for a student designed within a results-oriented process, focused on improving academic and functional achievement and those that facilitate movement from school to post-school activities. Please join us to learn more!
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.
One Day Fresh Produce Drive to Benefit the Medfield Food Cupboard
On Thursday May, 11 we will be hosting a one day fresh produce drive to benefit the families who go to the Medfield food cupboard don't get the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce. Much needed items include, bags of apples, oranges , pears , carrots and we would love a donation of your favorite produce! Please deliver your items to the guidance room on May 11. The produce will be distributed that evening at the food cupboard. This effort will touch a lot of people!
Blake Track Update
Our track teams had a successful tri-meet with King Philip and Medway middle schools. The schedule for this week is as follows...
Tuesday, 5/9 – practice
Wednesday, 5/10 – practice
Thursday, 5/11 – home meet with Westwood
Friday, 5/12 – off
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 complete 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.
TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON - It is time to show our Blake Teachers some love! We will be having a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, May 12th. We have made things super easy this year! Please check out the Sign-Up Genius below and see if you can help. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054bacab2faa8-blake4/
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.
COMING SOON - PRE-ASSEMBLED SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS - School Supply Kits for the 2017-2018 school year will be available again through online ordering May 30th - June 13th. These kits are tailored to teacher’s class lists by grade. School Kidz ships the completed school supply kits directly to your selected school so your child’s kit will be at their desk the first day of school. More info coming soon!
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