4/25-4/26 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
4/26 - #MedfieldPS Chat - Diversity (8 p.m.)
4/27 - LBGTQ Book Discussion (see details below)
4/27-4/28 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
4/28 - #LightitupBlue Day at Blake (see details below)
5/1 - Blake Site Council Meeting (3:30 p.m. in Blake LMC)
5/2 - Medfield Talks Presentation - Dr. Ruth Potee (7 p.m. at MHS)
5/2 - 7th Grade Roman Army Presentation
5/4-5/5 - Grade 8 Math MCAS
5/10-5/11 - Grade 8 Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
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
5/29 - Memorial Day (No School)
5/31 - Blake Art Show Reception
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about looking towards the future with growth in mind, our topic/question for the dinner table is: How are you hoping to grow as a learner during the last two months of school? Towards a Future of Growth (This is an anonymous Google Form)
#LightitupBlue Day at Blake - 4/28/17
April is Autism Awareness Month
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community. For more information from the 'Autism Society', please click on the following link: http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/national-autism-awareness-month/
To help raise awareness for our community, we will be having a #LightitupBlue day at Blake on Friday, April 28.
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
Grade 7 Medfield Food Pantry Drive
The seventh grade participated in a food drive to benefit the Medfield Food Cupboard. In the four day drive before vacation, seventh graders brought in over 250 items to support local residents in need. Students participated in a grade-wide bingo game at the end of the drive where representatives from the food cupboard thanked them for their generosity and helped students understand how they were helping the community.
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.
Blake GSA Information
The Blake Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) will meet each Tuesday, from 2:15 - 3:00, in room 101. The GSA will provide a space for open dialogue about topics such as how to be better ally and how to make our school a safe place for LGBTQ students and families. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please feel free to contact Elise Malone ([email protected]), Russ Becker ([email protected]) or Amy Reynolds ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns you may have.
LBGTQ Book Discussion
Interested in discovering more books for children and teens that have LGBTQ characters? Blake educators and community members are invited to attend an LGBTQ book talk and share on Thursday, April 27th at 2:30. Please refer to this doc for more information and book title suggestions - LGBTQ Book Talk.
Blake Math League - Back by Popular Demand!
The New England Math League promotes the enjoyment and study of mathematics by organizing contests for grades 4-12. Contests serve as an enrichment to their current math program. Blake Middle School is holding the first annual math contests for students in grades 6-8. All Blake students are welcome to participate. We have decided to offer 3 more "practices" for students. New participants welcome!
Date:
Wednesday April 26, 2017 (If you have already signed up for the Algebra I contest, you will need to take that on this day instead.)
Cost for participation is $18 ($12 if you have already signed up for the Algebra I contest)
Please make check payable to 'Blake Middle School'. To register you must fill out this google form and submit the check and indemnity form to the main office. Contact Mrs. McLaughlin ([email protected]) or Mrs. Bycoff ([email protected]) with questions.
Thank you!
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.
School Attire Guidelines
As we transition into spring at last, it is a good time to review guidelines for school dress. These guidelines can be found in the Blake student handbook. Students have an electronic copy and one is available on the Blake website for your reference. Open dialogue, balance, and discretion are important when dealing with issues related to dress. The responsibility for student dress and attire rests with both the student and the parent/guardian. We are confident that good judgment on the part of students and parents will result in the wearing of clothing that creates an environment that is conducive to learning for all. Each student will abide by the guidelines of decency, cleanliness and safety at all times. In accordance with our expectations for school dress, students are required to wear clothing that does not show the 4 B's: boxers, breasts, buttocks, and belly buttons. We do ask students not to wear hats, short shorts, midriff shirts, off the shoulder shirts, or clothing that displays obscene language, violence, lewd or vulgar pictures, alcohol or drug references, sexual innuendoes, racial/ethnic/religiously offensive materials, or any graphic that may interfere with the educational process. If clothing is deemed inappropriate for school, the parents/guardians will be contacted. We encourage students to consult their parents if they are concerned about an item of clothing that they may be considering wearing to school.
Author Visit
On Monday, April 24th, Margaret Haddix visited the sixth grade at Blake. Ms. Haddix is known for her New York Times Bestselling series - 39 Clues, The Shadow Children, and The Missing. Ms. Haddix will be presenting to students about the writing process and how she became a published author. Students will also have a question/answer opportunity with Ms. Haddix. Students are able to purchase copies of Ms. Haddix's books, and Wellesley Books will have Margaret Haddix sign the purchased books ahead of time.
Spring Cleaning - Request for MakerSpace Donations
In our ongoing efforts to foster experiences for students to be 'hands-on' and creative with materials, we are looking to provide outlets for students to create in our 'maker space'. As you begin your spring cleaning efforts (optimistic, I know!), we are looking for any donations from Medfield families of: old toys and electronics, PVC pipe, felt/fabric, crafty supplies (yarn, string, makers, wipe off markers, wipe off contact paper, marbles, duct tape, wasabi tape, different types of glue), cookie cutters (variety of shapes), old tools, play dough, recyclables (anything used for storage containers/bins), cell batteries, AA batteries, conductive materials (copper wire, aluminum foil, telephone wire, washers, brackets). Any donations can be dropped off at the Blake main office and would be greatly appreciated.
Blake Track 2017 Schedule
Thursday, April 27: Home vs. Wilson Natick (Medfield High Track)
Tuesday, May 2: Home vs. Medway (Medfield High Track)
Thursday, May 4: Blake @ Hopkinton (Hopkinton High Track)
Monday, May 8: Blake @ Ashland (Ashland High Track)
Thursday, May 11: Home vs. Westwood (Medfield High Track)
Thursday, May 18: Blake @ Holliston (Holliston High Track)
Tuesday, May 30: Blake @ North Attleboro (North Attleboro High Track)
Saturday, June 3: Middle School State Meet @ Clinton High School
(for team members who have qualified)
8th Grade Trip Forms
All outstanding forms should be turned in ASAP. Forms should be completed in pen, dated and signed. If your child will need to take any medication on the trip (prescription and/or non-prescription), then his/her physician needs to review and sign the medication form. Please contact our school nurse, Tricia Williams, at 508-242-8554 or [email protected] if you have any questions after reviewing the packet. Your assistance is appreciated in returning the forms on time as we finalize preparations for the trip.
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat on 4/26/17
Our next district-wide Twitter chat is Thursday, 4/14/16 at 8 p.m. with a focus on Diversity. The goal of these chats is to bring the five schools together (staff and administration) to discuss pertinent topics in education, initiatives, and ideas to collaborate around and share. I encourage you to follow the hashtag #MedfieldPS during the chat and to participate! Below are links to 'storify' archives of previous chats...
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-literacy#publicize
(Diversity)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-58a34a86a51b8de45f9bfd78
(Differentiation)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat
(Resolutions, Reflection, and Growth)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-december-20-2016-a-potluck-chat
(A Potluck Chat)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medf
(#DLDMedfield)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-safe-learning-environments
(Safe Learning Environments)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-57e2929f8c7e6bca7fc31872
(Empathy)
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.
Medfield Talks Speaker Series - 5/2 at MHS
The Medfield High School Parent Teacher Organization would like to remind you to SAVE THE DATE for the next speaker in the MEDFIELD TALKS Speaker Series on TUESDAY, May 2
from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the MHS auditorium...
Medfield Talks Speaker Series: Ruth A. Potee, MD
The Physiology of Addiction and the Developing Brain
Overview:
Dr. Ruth Potee is a practicing family physician and addiction specialist who will talk about the critical period of adolescent brain development. Her specific focus is exposure to addictive substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, and the disruption to the pathways leading to a healthy and resilient brain.
Message from Blake PTO
2nd ANNUAL BLAKE APPEAL
We have reached 48% of our $30,000 goal. 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.
HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE OUR TEACHERS?
Teacher Appreciation week is coming up and it is a great time to let our teachers know how much we appreciate them. We would love to flood our teachers with kind letters from parents and students during the week of May 1st - 5th. Please copy the school Principal as well so they know how much our teachers mean to all of us!
TOWN WIDE BOX TOPS CONTEST WINNER….
MEMORIAL SCHOOL won with 3,841 Box Tops! Stay tuned to hear more about the prize for Memorial students. Thank you to everyone for all your support!
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].
7th GRADE YEAR END ICE CREAM SOCIAL VOLUNTEERS We are looking for ten volunteers and a chair person to help us with the 7th grade year end Ice Cream Social. Please contact Maura Gerardi if you are interested. [email protected]
STAY IN TOUCH Our email address has changed to www.medfieldk8pto.com. Make sure you don't miss out on important posts sent throughout the week. Please LIKE us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO and follow us on Twitter @MedfieldK8PTO.