3/26 - Medfield Talks - The Big Disconnect (see details below)
3/29-3/31 - Blake Musical
3/30 - Miss Amazing Pageant
4/1 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
4/2 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
SEL Task Force
4/4 - #DLDMedfield (No School for Students)
4/8 - 7th Grade Trout Release
Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
4/9 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m. (Blake LMC)
4/10 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
4/11 - Superintendent’s Advisory Council - 9:30 a.m.
4/15-4/19 - School Vacation
4/22 - Earth Day
4/23 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
4/24 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about learning and sharing with others in your own learning process, our topic/question of the week is: What have you learned recently that you would like to know more about and share with others? Sharing and Learning (Week of 3/24/19) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Students for Students
High School Sophomores Sam Hedges, Brendan Harding and Charles Marie have started a new club for middle school students who are dealing with a sick family member or have lost a family member to illness. Their club is called Students for Students. This is NOT a grief support group, instead it is more of a mentorship and connections based group. They wrote the following "The motivation behind this club is to bring middle school kids together to show them that they are not alone in the battle of illnesses within immediate families. Our goal is to give the kids a safe space to realize that their current situation gets better and gives them help if necessary. For our first meeting, we are planning on having pizza and doing ice breaker games with the kids. For meetings later on we are planning to do more activities such as games and fun outdoor activities. As the club grows our hope is that the older students will serve as mentors to the younger students who might be going through unique family situations that they can relate to. We also welcome to any ideas on how our club can grow and improve." The first meeting will be in the foods room at 2:15 on Tuesday, March 26th. Please contact Jen Dondero with any questions.
Coordinated Program Review Parent Survey - Please Complete
As part of our Coordinated Program Review for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), we have been asked to compete a Civil Rights program review. This will involve equity walkthroughs of each school building and central office, data review from DESE profiles and data collection from the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and finally, a crucial aspect of this process lies in receiving feedback from the Medfield Public Schools community.
To this end, we have created a survey for staff, families and students (in grades 5, 7, 8, 10 and 12). Students and faculty will complete this survey in the coming weeks during school hours. I am hoping that you will take the time to complete the survey as well over the next two weeks. Again, the information we gain from this survey will be anonymous and will help the district to assess its programs and evaluate all aspects in regards to Civil Rights.
Developing Reflective Learners - Feedback, Assessments, and Learning - Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m.
My personal belief is that at least in education relevance is more important than tradition when it comes to methodology. - Tom Whitby
If we look at the schools that have grown the most in the last five or ten years, schools that have made really significant improvements for students in learning, these are the places that have had teacher communities that have been willing to come together and pull their oars together towards the same coherent goals. - Justin Reich
Please join us for a workshop with Dr. Nathaniel Brown, Associate Research Professor at Boston College's Lynch School of Education, focused on Feedback, Assessments, and Learning. Dr. Brown** is a leading expert in assessment and evaluation. Topics to be addressed at this workshop include motivation, grading myths and truths, grade inflation, measurement, evaluation, and assessment precision.
Central to our work at Blake Middle School and the Medfield Public Schools is the continued refinement of all of our practices. Professional development and edification of current student-centered practices in education are at the core of our belief system and values at Blake and in Medfield. With all of our endeavors, we have followed four core principles to bring a student-centered model to fruition:
- Program Development
- Classroom Implementation
- Professional Development
- Reflection/Evaluation
Blake Middle School has a partnership with Boston College’s Lynch School of Education, and Dr. Brown has had meetings with our Blake Administrative Leadership team, led a professional development workshop with all Blake staff, and will be continuing formal work throughout the coming year. We are excited about this work and look forward to engaging parents/guardians and the community in our continued efforts to enhance the learning environment, provide a meaningful and relevant education for our students, and take steps towards our shared mission...
Blake Middle School believes in a living mission statement, based on the concept that our community seeks and respects knowledge, integrity, character, wisdom, and the willingness to adapt to a continually evolving world.
Please complete the Google Form below to RSVP for each parent/guardian joining us for this workshop on Wednesday, April 3...
Developing Reflective Learners - Parent Workshop with Dr. Brown (4/3/19)
Music Ensemble Selection - All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians
All parents/guardians must complete the music ensemble selection Google Form for 2019-2020.
2019-2020 Blake Middle School Music Selection
For Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
For your reference, I have copied the link to the presentation and handout along with the Program of Studies 2/27/19…
Blake Incoming 6th PIN 2019 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2019-2020
Blake Program of Studies 2019-2020
Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete…
2019-2020 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2019-2020 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
Incoming 7th/8th Grade Parents/Guardians
For your reference, I have copied the link to the presentation along with the Program of Studies evening...
Incoming 7th/8th PIN March 2019 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2019-2020
Blake Program of Studies 2019-2020
Nature's Classroom PIN Slideshow March 2019
8th Grade Trip Roommate Process
This Tuesday during advisory we will be having our annual assembly to introduce students to the process of selecting roommates for the Washington D.C. trip. We recognize that this process can cause some stress for both students and parents so we hope that this opportunity to preview with your student may be helpful. The specific process will be explained Tuesday so we continue to encourage families to hold off on formalizing any room plans until the details of the process are explained to students. While we try our best to accommodate requests, our overall priority is the safety and inclusion of all students. As we navigate this process, Mr. Marenghi is available as a resource to all students to help with finding a roommate, as well as the 8th grade cluster leaders, Mrs. Kearney, Mrs. Shaw and Mr. Heim.
Theater Announcement
How to Eat Like a Child: And Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up is next weekend in the Blake auditorium this Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 1pm. Tickets are on sale at blakelikeachild.brownpapertickets.com or at the door (if available).
Project 351 Cradles to Crayons Drive
My name is Molly Donovan and from Monday, March 25 through Wednesday, April 3 I will be running a clothing and shoe drive in support of Cradles to Crayons. Donating will provide children who are in extreme circumstances such as homelessness and poverty with essentials they need to feel safe, warm and valued. Every child should feel loved and supported, and donating to this drive will make a positive difference in their lives. The children served by Cradles to Crayons are ages 0-12, so a variety of clothing and shoe sizes are needed. A collection bin will be located in front of the library- any donations will be greatly appreciated!
You will soon receive 2 e-mails from Blake regarding your child's math placement for the 2019-2020 school year.
Email #1: A customized email with the first name and math placement scores for your 6th grader.
Email #2: An email with a link to a Google Form to allow you to confirm receipt of your child's math placement information. Please be sure to complete the Google Form by Wednesday, April 3, 2019, to allow us to schedule your child for the upcoming school year.
Math Placement Information - For Incoming Grade 8th Grade Families
You will soon receive 2 emails from Blake regarding your child's math placement for the 2019-2020 school year.
Email # 1: A customized email with the first name and math placement scores for your 7th grader.
Email #2: A letter with a link to a Google Form allowing you to confirm receipt of your child's 8th-grade math placement. Please be sure to complete the Google Form by Wednesday, April 3, 2019 to allow us to schedule your child for the upcoming school year.
Spring Intramurals at Blake
The 2019 Spring Intramural Session is scheduled to start soon. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Challenge Success Student Survey Information
Throughout this past year Medfield has partnered with Challenge Success, a program out of Stanford with this mission statement: Challenge Success partners with schools, families, and communities to embrace a broad definition of success and to implement research-based strategies that promote student well-being and engagement with learning. This program is designed to support and provide resources to our student and parent community. The Challenge Success team in Medfield has been working to identify and develop strategies to meet the social/emotional needs of our students. As part of this work, all of our students took the Challenge Success student survey last week. The surveys will be analyzed by researchers at Stanford University who will then provide us with a detailed report. These links provide more information about our work...
Medfield Challenge Success Introductory Video
Medfield Challenge Success
Please do not hesitate to reach out to if you have any questions or concerns about the survey or this initiative.
March Madness Book Tourney at Blake
March Madness has arrived at Blake with the March Madness Book Tournament! Students nominate favorite books, make predictions on winning titles in book battles, and compete for best bracket. Winning titles are determined by school-wide vote. Reading is a social activity, and the buzz around Blake is that this year's bracket is the most challenging yet. Take a peek and join in the fun at home.
MCAS Information
As we are now close to 'MCAS season', the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education asks that we review our expectations with students prior to testing. English teachers will be reviewing student responsibilities in English classes in the weeks ahead. 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." Blake students will be instructed to turn off all devices and place them in their locked hallway locker. This is a good time to check in with your child to be sure that they still have a combination lock on their locker and that they are using it to secure their belongings. 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.
Kindness Month at Blake
Please join the Blake community for ‘A Month of Kindness’. Be sure to follow the hashtags #blakeiskind, #bmsed, #happyblakers, and #medfieldprojecthappiness. We encourage everyone to participate!
For Project Happiness this week students will be starting a two week lesson that is a combines happiness and kindness to celebrate kindness month at blake. This week, students will be watching a video, reading an article, and listening to a podcast and making connections between kindness and happiness. A few notes for your reference...
- The daily inspiration from Project Happiness is included in the morning announcements to staff and students.
- To subscribe: https://www.projecthappiness.org
- To follow on Twitter: @happyblakers #MedfieldProjectHappiness
Kindness Padlet
Take some time and add your thoughts, ideas, and quotes to our kindness padlet!
https://padlet.com/mgumas1/p32ltjcih3hh
Medfield Talks - The Big Disconnect (3/26/19
MEDFIELD TALKS Presents Catherine Steiner-Adair Sign-Up Form
Last Friday students will be brought home their report cards for the second term. Students will be reflecting upon the work they accomplished, as well as setting healthy goals for the third term. If you have a question about your child's work or the reports, please start by having a conversation with your own child. If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight.
Parking
This is a general reminder to all parents to be sure to follow the parking regulations in the parking lots and around the 'flagpole circle'. When dropping off or picking up students, vehicles should not be parked ('stationary' or 'live') in the fire zone. We need to make sure that we are providing a safe environment at all times for our students and community. Thank you for your cooperation.
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.
Digital Learning Day for Blake and Medfield Staff - 4/4/19
April 4, 2019 is Digital Learning Day for the staff of the Medfield Public Schools. I encourage you to begin checking out the hashtag #DLDMedfield and to look for more information to stay current with the Blake and Medfield tweeters. Some of our Blake students will be helping out throughout the day as well. We are excited about this opportunity to learn from one another and expand our understandings of technology integration as we continue to work towards our mission for our students and school.
Fly Girls Author Visit for 8th Grade - Book Signing Opportunity
Hello students and members of the Blake community! If you turn in an order form for the book FLY GIRLS no later than March 26th, you can get this book signed by the author Keith O'Brien! Think about it, this compelling real story of five amazing pilots who overcame the odds and made history may someday become a movie, a box office hit. Imagine having a signed copy of a book that was made into a movie. How cool is that!
Think about how it could be an awesome gift for someone, like a relative or a family friend who likes stories of success, grace and valor. Don't you think they would love to have a book like that!? Author Keith O'Brien will be here on April 12th to tell us more about the story of these five fantastic aviators. Let us hope when he comes to see us, he can feel glad that people really want to read his book. Happy reading!
Blake’s Site Council book is What School Could Be by Ted Dintersmith. At our next Site Council meeting (4/8/19), we will be discussing the book - join us!
Blake Middle School Site Council Survey
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey and the Executive Summary can be found here: Blake Middle School Executive Summary 17-18. Focus areas on the survey centered on the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. Our intent is to distribute the 2018-2019 survey in the near future. Stay tuned!
Nature’s Classroom Information
Save the date! The 2019 trip to Nature’s Classroom will be Tuesday, October 22 to Friday, October 25. The cost of the trip will be $490.00 and a deposit of $245.00 is due on Friday, April 12, 2019. The balance will be due on Friday, May 17, 2019. Cost is never a reason for a child not to attend the trip. Please reach out to Nat Vaughn [email protected] if this is a concern for you.
In preparation for the trip an updated physical must be on file. Please submit your child’s 6th grade physical to Mrs. Williams as soon as possible. You may send it in with your child, or email directly to Mrs. Williams at [email protected].
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Judy Silva
[email protected]
Seventh Grade Science
Spring Track at Blake
Click here to learn about and register for Blake Track 2019 - season starts April 2!
Save the Date - Miss Amazing!
Miss Amazing’s event is less than two weeks away and tickets are now on sale! Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miss-amazing-massachusetts-and-rhode-island-2019-tickets-57856394032 to buy your tickets! Tickets will only be available online until March 28th, then all further sales will take place at the door. Space is limited and tickets are going fast so buy yours today!
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". Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
MHS Youth Lacrosse Clinic for Boys
Registration is now open for the April 4th Youth Lacrosse Clinic for boys in Grades 6-8, hosted by the MHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse team. For more information, please see the registration form posted in the Thursday packet.
SEPAC Update
Save the date! Please join us and all five of our Medfield Principals on Tuesday, April 9th at 7pm in the Blake Library to learn about the tiers of support in each building, accommodations, access, inclusion, and opportunities for partnership. This is a wonderful chance to hear directly from our leadership and build relationships within our community. We anticipate this being a full evening, so please submit your questions in advance in this Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJbT-tvi99TB19fU85Msu3d2GXQ02n-C_uYHNro9veGuzjug/viewform?usp=sf_link
Due to the limited time with the principals, pre-submitted questions from this form will be asked by the moderator, SEPAC President Christi Barney, by grouping them into themes, as there likely won't be time for unstructured questions and answers. Please submit your question(s) by 4/2. We look forward to seeing you on April 9th!
To learn more about SEPAC, visit our website: https://sites.google.com/mail.medfield.k12.ma.us/sepac/
MCPE Update
Are you looking for a way to give back to Medfield public schools? Consider joining Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE). ALL skill sets are welcome. We're looking for candidates who can commit to a 3 year term, attend Board meetings once a month and have an active interest in enriching their kids' education in Medfield Schools. Go to https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/volunteer-application-form for more information, or to apply today!
Blake PTO Update
Want to get involved? We're looking for a Treasurer for our Board next year! Contact Keven Gallagher ([email protected]) for more information!
Our Annual Appeal is here! We are again requesting a contribution of $50/child this year; an amount that has remained the same over the past 4 years. This is a suggested amount, but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Please make checks out to Blake Middle School PTO and send it in with your child. We are hoping for 100% participation of Blake families by April 1, 2019. This will allow our students and teachers to benefit over the next year, as the students and teachers did before them. We thank you in advance for your financial support of the Blake PTO.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Medfield K-8 PTO) and follow us on Twitter (@MedfieldK8PTO). And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com