5/29 - 7th Grade MFA Field Trip (Blue)
SEL Task Force Meeting at MHS
5/30 - 7th Grade MFA Field Trip (Red)
Blake Art Show Reception
Grades 7-8 Band and Orchestra Spring Concert
5/31 - 8th Grade Mandarin Field Trip
7th Grade MFA Field Trip (White)
6/1 - Great East Music Festival Trip
6/4 - Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
MHS Fall Sports Info Night (see details below)
6/5 - Bike Trip for Stars Cluster
6/6 - Bike Trip for Eagles Cluster
PEM Field Trip for Koalas
New Student Registration
Grades 7-8 Chorus Concert
6/7 - PEM Field Trip for Otters
6/8 - Bike Trip for Stripes Cluster
PEM Field Trip for Sea Turtles
6/14 - 8th Grade Closing Ceremony (6:30 p.m.)
6/18 - Last Day of School
6/19 - Happy Summer!
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about how individuals help to foster a truly diverse and rich community, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What contributions and 'gifts' can you bring to our community? Be specific. Out of Many, One (Week of 5/27/18) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake Middle School Art Show
Come join us at the Blake Middle School Art Show closing reception Wednesday, May 30 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Thank you to all of the staff for their support and help in making our 'No Homework Weekend' for Blake this past weekend a reality. This effort was part of our continued work to provide down time for students, staff, and families.
Washington, D.C. Trip - #blakeindc
I encourage the entire Blake community to check out the hashtag #blakeindc to view the pictures and 'online journal' of our excursion last week. In addition you can follow me on Twitter (@nat_vaughn), as I am using this account as a communication and resource tool for the Blake community - tweeting up-to-date information, Blake happenings, links to sites, and articles on a daily or more frequent basis. You can also follow the hashtag #bmsed for Blake-related announcements and items of interest.
Thank you for all of the cooler donations. They can be picked up this week at the Blake office. Mrs. Williams has also asked that medication from the trip be picked up this week. Please contact her with any questions that you have ([email protected]).
Blake Site Council Survey - Please Complete
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 six 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 survey should take about 10 minutes of your time. 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 May 2018
8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
I encourage the entire Blake community to follow our hashtag #blakeindc next week (5/22-25) to stay current with the Blake tweeters as we look to share and 'record' the trip.
Blake Mini-Marathon
The 6th Annual Blake mini Marathon will take place during the school day on Monday, June 11 (rain date 6/12). Stay tuned for emails about charitable donations, student permission slips, and community involvement!
New Student Registration at Blake
Blake would like to welcome any families with middle school students moving to Medfield to attend one of the Blake Registration Days. They will be held on Wednesday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, August 20 at 10 a.m. Please call the guidance office at508-359-2445 and speak with Debbie Avery to make an appointment to register. (After June 18, please call the main office at 508-359-2396 and speak to Mrs. Skerry). Paperwork needed to complete registration is listed on the guidance page - http://blakeguidancepage.weebly.com/new-student-information.html.
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.
8th Grade Parents - Request for Tents and Coolers
We are hoping to borrow EZ up tents for end of year activities - they can be dropped in main office with names on them. Also, donations of water coolers are welcome by June 13 - if you are able to donate, please e-mail Sharon Skerry ([email protected]). Loans of lawn games such as Kan Jam, Ladder golf, Volleyball nets, wiffle ball and bat, and Corn Hole, etc. would be appreciated for just the day of the 8th grade cookout-- June 15th. All games will be returned to owners at the end of the day .
ADL Info for 7th/8th Grade Families
As we begin to plan for our fifth year of the ADL peer leader program at Blake, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, we have taken time to reflect on our process of selecting students to be ADL Peer Leaders. Historically, we have asked students to respond to some questions in writing and then participate in an interview to expand on their thoughts, with the goal of selecting about 20 students. We have found each year that there are many Blake students, usually close to 80, interested in working toward a more inclusive community at Blake and the outside world. In an effort to provide access to more of these students who are interested in being changemakers, we have decided to eliminate the selection process.
We will instead welcome any student who:
- Submits a written statement of interest via Google Form which demonstrates an understanding of the mission and commitment of the ADL Peer Leader group,
- Commits to attend the three full days of training in the fall
- Commits to attend weekly after school meetings and lunch meetings twice monthly
- Expresses a comfort level with presenting to younger students in large groups.
This year ADL meetings took place on the same day as Student Council Meetings. This has been very positive as it has allowed the two student leadership groups to occasionally merge and share planning for some school-wide initiatives. The more leadership voices and role models in our school, the better! We expect to do the same again next year so students who are interested in a Student Council experience should know that ADL will meet on the same day. It will not be feasible to be part of both groups. Students will want to think about whether their focus is more on the specific topics of racial and cultural bias and discrimination at Blake and the world beyond or on planning social events and spirit activities for Blake.
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, discrimination, bias, and hate, including bullying and cyberbullying. For other students, it is an opportunity to actively promote respect for cultural differences and other human differences. And for others, it is an opportunity to build greater unity in our 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 ADL Peer Training Program. Current ADL Peer Leaders shared more information with students in the current 6th grade during assemblies at Blake on Friday, May 18th. Students in the 6th and 7th grades will receive a Google form directly today in which they should write a statement of interest and respond to a few prompts, and parents of students of students who choose to join will also receive an email in June with more information, including time commitments involved for training and participation. Commitment to this exciting program does entail a weekly after school 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. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
Take care,
Kelly Campbell
8th Grade Bike Trips - Save the dates!
Save the dates for the 8th Grade Bike Trip around the town of Medfield.
The Stars cluster will be going on Tuesday, June 5.
The Eagles cluster will be going on Wednesday, June 6.
The Stripes cluster will be going on Friday, June 8.
This will be a half day trip around the town of Medfield where students will learn about various historical sites in their very own town. Each student will need a bike and a helmet to participate, so please contact us as soon as possible if you know your child will be in need of one of these items. We will also be working to include students who are not able to ride a bike for any reason.
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
Our 8th grade closing ceremony and goodbye evening will be on Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 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.
Bird Seed Requests for Mr. Gow
Mr. Gow is looking to resupply his bird seed containers for next year. He is looking for donations of black oil sunflower seeds both in the shell and out of the shell. The bird seed is used in conjunction with Mr. Gow's Exploration class where students observe, record, and track the birds of Blake. If you would like to donate, please contact Michael Gow at [email protected]
Help Request from Community Service Club
Sixth grade teacher and Community Service Advisor Mr. Gow, is looking for a parent or scout group who is/are willing to assist in the construction of an outdoor classroom space at the back of the school. he is in need of trail clearing assistance and the clearing of the outdoor classroom space. Additionally, he is looking for either a wooden shed or plastic shed to store the outdoor classroom furniture and supplies. Please contact Michael Gow at [email protected] for further information.
Medfield High School Fall Sports Night
On Monday, June 4th, at 7:00pm, there will be a meeting held in the gymnasium at the Medfield High School for all athletes and their parents interested in playing high school athletics in the fall season at Medfield High School. Online registration will open on June 1st (FamilyID.com). There is a direct link off the Athletics page (under Activities) on Blake Middle School and Medfield High School site. To complete registration, I will need a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”). You will also have the option to pay online with UniPay Gold. High School Sports offered for the Fall season are:
Football
Soccer
Field Hockey
Golf
Volleyball for Girls
Cross Country
Blake GSA Information
The Blake Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) meets every Tuesday from 2:15 - 3:00 in room 101. The GSA provides 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 Russ Becker ([email protected]) or Amy Reynolds ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns you may have.
Mindful Mornings at Blake
Looking for a way to ease into the school day? Come to Mindful Mornings on Mondays and Thursdays at 7am in the auditorium. If you come in late, please just quietly settle in. Staff and students are welcome.
Music Ensemble Selection
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete the selection form for music...
2018-2019 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...
2018-2019 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
MFI Youth Leader Applications
Interested in philanthropy and giving back to your community? The MFi is currently accepting applications for their Youth Leader Program. Current 8th and 9th graders are encouraged to apply. To learn more about MFi and the youth leader program and to apply please go to http://medfieldfoundation.org/youth-leadership/ . The deadline for applications is June 8th. For more information contact Minta Hissong at [email protected] or Sue Toohey at [email protected].
Blake is Social - Submit Work!
BLAKE IS SOCIAL is our take on the literary magazines of the past! Using Instagram and the blakeissocial.weebly.com website, our hope is to digitally publish all of the creative endeavors that make our community of learners so special. Please encourage students to submit art; photography; poetry, fiction or nonfiction writing; sports photos and/or articles; videos; projects across content areas; musical compositions or performance videos etc. We would love to PUBLISH YOUR WORK.
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.
Blake is on Facebook!
Blake is adding Facebook to our social media repertoire! You can now follow our page for the latest announcements, sharing of our school life, glimpses into special events and learning with FB Live and more...
Click this Link: www.facebook.com/BlakeMiddleSchool/ or search for @BlakeMiddleSchool
PMC Kids Ride Medfield
Hello! Zoe Lewis, Olivia Price and Kim Price are organizing the PMC kids ride in Medfield! The ride will be held on June 9, 2018 looping through the Medfield High School and Blake Middle School. This year our ride will be held for kids in grades K-8 and they will have a chance to ride their bikes for a good cause. The Kids PMC strives to get young cyclists interested into raising money for cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In addition to promoting fitness and physical activity, the program engages youth in charity work and teaches them values of working to benefit others. We, along with many others, have a loved one that has been diagnosed with cancer. We want to support the PMC’s mission of making a change and to start this adventure by bringing the PMC Kids Ride back to Medfield, with the support of our friends, family, and young riders and volunteers like you. Please join us on June 9th for the Medfield Kids PMC Ride. Check-in starts at 10:00 am and the ride will begin at 11:00 am. The riders have one hour to complete as many loops around the course as they can or want to. Stick around for activities and family fun after the ride! For more information about the ride, registration and volunteering, please visit the Medfield PMC Kids Ride website: kids.pmc.org/Medfield
Update from Blake PTO
BLAKE APPEAL - There's still time to contribute! We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the next 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 Keven Gallagher [email protected] with any questions.
GET YOUR MEDFIELD WARRIOR SIGNS, COASTERS, TRAYS, ETC! Rustic Marlin Designs has designed a line of wood-based Medfield Warrior products (signs, coasters, flags, trays, blocks, etc.) that will be carried exclusively at Be Charmed, a new store in town! Be Charmed is located at 70 North Street. 75% of the profits from the sale of the Warrior line will go to both the PTO and MCPE! It’s a great way to get Warrior merchandise while supporting a new local shop and raising money for our schools! GET YOURS TODAY! STAY IN TOUCH Please 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
Update from MCPE
The deadline to make a Blue Ribbon Recognition Donation is May 31st. Please visit our website www.medfieldcoalition.org to make your donation and recognize any of the many wonderful teachers that have impacted your children. Thanks!