3/1 - SEPAC Mtg (see info below)
3/2 - PRIDE Alliance
3/6 - Blake Battles Bias
3/7 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:15 p.m.)
3/8 - Blake Student Council
Incoming 7th/8th Info Night (see details below)
3/9 - PRIDE Alliance
School Committee Mtg
3/10 - Term 2 Ends
3/16 - Incoming 6th Info Night (see details below)
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the importance of vacation in the process of learning, our question for this week is: How can vacations help us learn? Looking Back to Step Forward (Week of 2/26/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/8 - 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.
3/16 - 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. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2023-2024 academic year’s mobile learning Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
SEPAC Updates
Thank you to everyone who attended our last session. Back by popular demand is another parent connection night. Join us via zoom on 3/1/23 @ 7 p.m. to connect with other parents with children with IEP/504s and learn some tips and tricks to navigating special education.
Meeting Link: https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/83531929083?pwd=RFUxVHJNcllObHA4MStpemx3WkMrZz09
To ensure this meeting provides value for all, you are encouraged to send your questions to us in advance to [email protected]. We also encourage you to send your topic ideas for future meetings via the link sent by Student Services on 1/25/23. We look forward to hearing from you!
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. 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!
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. Throughout the month in classes and advisory we have honored the month through shared learning experiences. Starting the month with grade-level assemblies, we asked each advisory to decorate their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black American who has made a significant contribution to our society.
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month. Please share any ideas you have as to how we can recognize this month within the Blake community. Here are a couple of reads of interest…
What Schools Teach About Women’s History Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights
Educational resources are available from federal sources and the National Women's History Museum, among others.
Message from MCPE
The annual rite of Spring known as March Madness is around the corner. MCPE is sponsoring a bracket pool to benefit the MCPE 35th Anniversary Appeal! This year, you can watch hoops while supporting Medfield Public Schools. Win win (if you’re lucky!). Click here to sign up now. Brackets will be available to complete in the evening on March 12 and must be completed by 12:15pm on March 16. It costs $20 per bracket to play and there will be cash prizes, including $500 for the winning bracket! Please feel free to share the pool with friends, family, and colleagues, near and far. The more participants we have, the more our schools and kids will benefit!
Destination Imagination - Best wishes!
Students to showcase their creativity and innovation at local academic competition
On Saturday, March 4th, Medfield High School will host an innovative, fun-filled tournament called Destination Imagination (DI). After months of preparation, student teams from many schools in our region will present their creative solutions to a number of mind-bending STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) challenges.
Destination Imagination is an international, project-based educational program that encourages innovation, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Students choose one of seven STEAM-based DI challenges and work in teams to research, plan, create and present their solution to the challenge.
Seven Medfield DI teams will compete at the March 4th regional tournament. Competing in the Elementary Technical Challenge is the third grade team “No Brainers” with Thomas Crocker, Sawyer Feig, Ayden McArdle, Erik McArdle, Declan McCullough, and Calvin Rowntree, managed by Mike Crocker and Kyle McGough. Competing in the Elementary Fine Arts Challenge is the third grade team “DI Surprise” with Mica Annigeri, Devan Crocker, Piper Kay, Cate McCullough, Claire Puglia, and Elizabeth Rogers, managed by Maria Puglia and Lindsay Rogers. Competing in the Elementary Engineering Challenge are three teams; the third grade team “Brain Warriors” with Ryan Cooper, Maeve Dondero, Cora Tower, Brooks Viglas, and Teddy Zaks, managed by Sylvia Cooper; the fourth grade team “DI Gamers” with Logan Bergiel, Dean Childers, Nolan Herman, Josh MacLean, Sean Peters, Deke Pingpank, and Colin Reitz, managed by Lauren Bergiel, Kaleen Childers, and Beth Peters; and the fourth grade team “Medfield Thrillers” with Ryan Dorman, Nate Hern, Ryan Kenworthy, Rubin Liu, Wyler Smith, Teddy Smits, and Brooks Weber, managed by Randal Kenworthy and Jennifer Hern. Competing in the Elementary Improvisational Challenge is the fifth grade team “The Flaming Marshmallows” with Jaclyn Callender, Serena Marciniszyn, and Amelia Wacek, managed by Irene Callender and Sonali Pandya. Competing in the Middle level Scientific Challenge is the sixth grade team “Medfield Madness” with Kameli Annigeri, Maddie Crocker, Tess Healey, Tess Henebry, Charlotte Keefe, Lia Kenworthy, and Tenley Rogers, managed by Randal Kenworthy and Karyn Healey.
The event is open to the public, and visitors and media are encouraged to attend.
About Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-led non-profit organization whose purpose is to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. The organization is a leader in project-based learning experiences, where students work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM and service learning challenges and then present their solutions at tournaments. Destination Imagination has impacted more than one million students. To learn more, please visit http://destinationimagination.org and Medfield Destination Imagination’s Facebook page.
People to People
People to People, a community service group of MHS 10th graders, is collecting donations of new pajamas (sizes 0-3 mos. through Adult M) to support the Cradle to Crayons Annual Bruins PJ Drive. With your help, we can help reach the collective goal of 10,000 PJs for Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund. Cradles to Crayons works to fight children's clothing insecurity in various states and raises awareness about this crisis nationally. The Wonderfund works to provide children involved with the MA Department of Children & Families the opportunities, experiences, and essentials that every child deserves. Please see the flyer for more information. You can drop off donations in one of the 5 boxes, or donate via this link: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/11943124-5f3c-4bc7-85b2-053e85636337 Every $10 donated will purchase 1 pair of PJs. Thank you for your support of this great cause!
All of the activities are underway for this session. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Yearbook Ordering
If you are interested in ordering a yearbook for your student this year please follow the instructions below. Grades 6-8 are showcased in the middle school yearbook. Please reach out to Kristin Buley([email protected]) or Kristin Manning([email protected]) with specific questions.
- Go to HerffJones.com
- Select that you are a parent or a student looking to buy a yearbook
- Click Shop Now
- Click Visit our Yearbook order center in red
- Search by school name: Thomas A Blake Middle School (note there is no period after the A)
CLICK HERE to order a yearbook the 2022-2023 school year
Blake PTO Updates
The BLAKE PTO is searching for new board members to support the Blake Community beginning next year, with opportunities to shadow members this year if interested.
The following positions will need to be filled: Co-President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested or want to know more, please reach out to Karen Peters, [email protected] or Brenna Ferrick at [email protected] if you would like to know more. Look forward to hearing from you!
Blake’s Pride Alliance
We are pleased to announce that the club formerly known as Blake GSA is now called Pride Alliance! This more inclusive name better represents the values of our club, where 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. Meetings are every Thursday until 2:45 in room 502. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity.
Blake Student Council
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
Social Justice Parenting with Dr. Traci Baxley
Tuesday, 3/7 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers and community members (all ages) All are welcome!
Social Justice Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Anti-Racist, and Socially Conscious Children
This program will address how to raise children who work to promote justice, compassion, and belonging for themselves and others. Dr. Traci Baxley will discuss the principles of Social Justice Parenting and offer strategies for implementing these values into your daily life.
Simultaneous ASL and Portuguese Language Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
DR. TRACI BAXLEY is an author, professor, DEIB consultant, parenting coach, speaker, mother to five children, and the creator of Social Justice Parenting. An educator for over 30 years with degrees in child development, elementary education, and curriculum and instruction, she specializes in diversity and inclusion, racial identity, anti-bias curriculum, and social justice education.
Learn more at socialjusticeparenting.com
Stopping the Cycle of Anger: How to Navigate Anxiety and Big Feelings with Calm and Compassion
Thursday, 3/23 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Renee Jain, MA, will offer practical, supportive techniques to address anger and other intense emotions in ourselves, our children and our teens with more understanding and less screaming. She will discuss how to uncover what's underneath these big feelings and how to empower individuals, parents, and children to shift to more positive response patterns.
Please note this program is 75 minutes.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
Renee Jain is the founder and Chief Storyteller of GoZen! She has been recognized as a pioneer in marrying technology and child psychology in a unique approach that nurtures the hearts and minds of kids. Through her writing, product invention and development, masterclasses for parents, and children’s advocacy, she works to build the emotional intelligence of kids. Originally a tech entrepreneur who suffered with her own anxiety, Renee founded GoZen! to help a new generation of kids, parents and therapists. Renee earned her Master’s degree in Positive Psychology — the scientific study of optimal human functioning — from the University of Pennsylvania and is the NYT bestselling co-author of Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience.
Visit the GoZen! website at gozen.com
Growing Up in Public: Navigating Reputation and Social Media in the Digital Age with Dr. Devorah Heitner
Thursday, 4/13 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Devorah Heitner, PhD, will share pragmatic, research-based advice on how we can mentor our kids on cultivating a healthy online presence. She will address why character and learning how to navigate relationships are most important and how parents can stop stressing and focus instead on helping young people become responsible digital citizens.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
Free Book Giveaway
Please include your shipping address when prompted (during your registration) if you would like a chance to win a free copy of Devorah Heitner's next book! Everyone who shares their address will be entered into a raffle for one of 100 free books from SPARK as part of this event.
About Our Presenter
Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and her book on navigating Privacy and Reputation with kids and teens, Growing Up in Public will be out in 2023 with Penguin Random House.Dr. Heitner’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager and she lives with her family in Chicagoland. You can follow her on Twitter @Devorahheitner and on Instagram @devorahheitnerphd.
Visit her website at www.devorahheitner.com