9/27 - Grade 6 Info Night - 6 p.m.
9/28 - Mental Health Awareness Day (see below)
10/3 - Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
10/9 - No School
10/12 - School Committee
10/17 - SEPAC - 7 p.m.
10/25-10/26 - Conference Afternoons (info coming)
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about making space for optimism and hope, our question for the week is: Share one or two positive ‘things’ that have happened since the beginning of school. Space for Optimism (Week of 9/24/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake’s Information Nights
Grade 6 Information Night takes place this week…
9/27 - Grade 6 Family Information Night (6:00 p.m.)
* This night is intended for parents and caregivers.
Intramurals Update
Chess and Magic the Gathering are set to start this week.
Unless we get more interest in Friendship Bracelets and Bucket Drumming we will not be able to run those activities - we have pushed the start date for those activities out a week in case anyone is interested. Registration information can be found here.
We are in the process of arranging a baking intramural. More information to come later this week. Please reach out if you have any questions: [email protected]
Mental Health Awareness Day - Wear Purple! (9/28)
Wear Purple to show your support for Mental Health Awareness Day! Today we strive to increase awareness that help is available for those who struggle with their mental health or who have a loved one who struggles. Help is available, you matter and you are NOT alone. Wear purple or a strand of purple beads to show your support.
At Pride Alliance, 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. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will start on October 2 and will meet on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero ([email protected]) and Kristin Manning ([email protected]).
Blake’s Reading Challenge
Hey Blakers, check out the Blake Library Website to learn about the reading challenge we are participating in. September's theme is a book recommended by a friend. Students can fill out the Google form linked on the website to show their participation.
"Challenge yourself; it is the only path which leads to growth."
- Morgan Freeman
Fall Intramurals
Registration for Fall Intramural Offerings will be shared soon. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Inktober is Coming!!!
Every October, artists all over the world take on the INkTOBER drawing challenge by doing one drawing a day the entire month. ANYONE CAN DO INKTOBER, JUST PICK UP A PEN AND START DRAWING!!!
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 Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) with any questions.
Teaching Assistant Opportunities at Blake
We currently have several teaching assistant position openings at Blake for the 2023-2024 school year. These are important roles for our students and we value their presence on our staff. If you are interested in applying or know of any potential candidates, please reach out to me ([email protected]) and/or Kelly([email protected]). Thanks in advance!
Yoga on the Turf
Due to the rain last weekend, Yoga on the Turf is RESCHEDULED for this Sunday, October 1st at 12pm at the high school turf.
September is Suicide Awareness Month and the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) is hosting our 7th annual Yoga on The Turf on Sunday, October 1st at 12pm at the high school turf. Tracy Buckley of Medfield Yoga Studio will host the class. The class is FREE, but donations to support the work and mission of the MCSP is greatly appreciated.
MCSP works to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of all community members, to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate our community to help end suicide.
Open to ALL AGES and ALL LEVELS; beginners more than welcome! Bring your own mat and water bottle. Thank you for supporting the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
Our theme for this school year at Blake is one of Belonging. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last eleven years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, Empathy, Diversity, Happiness, Courage, Curiosity, Imagination, and Discovery. As ideas and thoughts come to mind, do not hesitate to email me ([email protected]) or Kelly ([email protected]) - all ideas and thoughts are welcome!
Over the last few years the Blake Site Council has read several books and we will continue this practice during the 2023-2024 school year. Stay tuned for more information and we hope you can join in these discussions - all caregivers are invited and welcome!
Reminder - Family Inventories
Thanks to all who have completed the Family Learning Surveys for their students. If you have not yet had a chance, please take a few minutes as the information shared will help us support both students and families...
Blake Family Learning Inventory 2023-2024
Our hope is that the answers will help our team support students and families throughout the year.
** If you would like this survey translated into a different language, please let me know ([email protected]).
Reminder - Chromebook Responsible Use Agreement
We are asking all families to please fill out the respective Responsible Use Agreements (Google Forms) below…
Responsible Use Agreement for Borrowed Chromebooks 2023-2024 - Caregiver Form
Notification for Absences/Dismissals
If a student will be absent, tardy or dismissed early from school, please e-mail [email protected]. Additionally, for absences and tardies, you can call Blake's absence line at (508) 242-8501. For e-mails about dismissals, please include the following information:
- Date
- Time of dismissal
- Student name
- Reason for dismissal
- Person picking up
Medfield Outreach Suicide Prevention Month Initiative
Check them out: September is Suicide Prevention month. Keep an eye out for purple ribbons and purple lights around town. Scan the QR code on the tags hanging from the ribbon for more information and mental health resources.
You matter. We care. You are not alone.
#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. Stories of Hope and Recovery
Youth Action Club
Message from SEPAC
Medfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC). SEPAC is run by a group of parent & caregiver volunteers who work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. SEPAC has a lot of exciting things planned for this school year. Mark your calendars to join us at our upcoming meetings/ events:
Tuesday, October 17th at 7pm at the Blake Middle School Library: Meet the Medfield Educational Team Leaders (ETL) and the new Assistant Director of Student Services, Mark Harrison
Tuesday, November 14th at 7pm at the Blake Middle School Library: Basic Rights Workshop
Our meetings are open to all who wish to attend. A high school student has volunteered to child-watch during the meetings. A zoom link can be provided upon request. Please RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev0ywtTgQ5M5ZadWSb7RY8VxiV9ocbJszILYex2g7Lck4iUw/viewform?usp=sf_link or get in touch with us at [email protected] Also, check out our website, Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email [email protected]
Message from Medfield Music Association
Welcome back to school from the Medfield Music Association!
For over 50 years, the MMA has supported K-12 music education in the Medfield Public Schools. We are a parent volunteer organization that relies on support from our music families and donors in the community.
Interested in donating? Your donation can help support meaningful initiatives to excite and motivate our students to grow through music. Becoming a patron by October 31st allows us to grant music department initiatives in the current year. All donations are tax deductible.
Can you spare some time? The MMA relies on many helping hands, especially for our various events and activities which provide about half of our funding each year. We appreciate any amount of time you can give – big or small! To learn more about the MMA, please visit our website at:
medfield music association
Or send us an email at:
[email protected]
Thank you in advance for your support!
How to Prevent and Respond to Cyberbullying with Expert Dr. Sameer Hinduja
Hosted by Spark Kindness
Tuesday, 10/3 at 7 p.m.
Expert Sameer Hinduja, PhD, shares how parents/caregivers can address the ways youth are using & misusing their phones and other technology.
Are you concerned about your child/teen’s technology use and the effects of harmful online behavior? This program is about empowering children/teens, parents, and community members to build a healthier online community for all. The pandemic has led to increased technology use by both children and adults. There has also been an increase in cyberbullying and online toxicity. Cyberbullying expert Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., will share:
- Information on the current trends and factors that contribute to cyberbullying, sexting, and unsafe social media practices.
- Prevention strategies for parents/caregivers and the community to address cyberbullying and harmful behavior.
- Ways to best inquire about and respond to children/teens’ technology use and abuse.
- Research-based parenting approaches designed to induce moral and ethical choices online (and offline).
- Strategies to sharpen your ability to informally and formally monitor your children’s actions.
- How to report cyberbullying when you spot it, and how best to assist both aggressors and targets.
- The importance of intentionally cultivating resilience and empathy, and how to use media to do so.
Understanding the Relationship Between Parent and Teen Mental Health
Wednesday, 10/4 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
The medical community declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now new research is helping to shine a light on another important aspect of the story — the mental health of parents and the influence of their health on teens. We discuss strategies to better support the mental well-being of parents and caregivers, with a view to preventing anxiety and depression in adolescents.
Speakers include:
• Rick Weissbourd, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and Harvard Kennedy School; Director, Making Caring Common Project, HGSE
Host: Josephine Kim, Senior Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
"Making Desired Futures Real: Tools and Techniques That Move Beyond Futures Thinking" With Greg Curtis
Monday, 10/9 at 4 p.m.
Futures Thinking, in many forms, has grown in popularity. That’s a good thing, but many schools and leaders struggle to create meaningful goals and actions out of this generative process. The goal is not to create a slick “Map of the Future” as a product, but as a step towards articulating new goals and the bold shifts needed to achieve these.
In this session, author and consultant Greg Curtis will facilitate an investigation into processes and strategies to move beyond futures insights and foresights and towards actions intentionally designed to meet new learning goals for the future.
If you're interested in building your capacity to navigate the future, you won't want to miss this session. Register now!
About Greg:
Greg has been heavily invested in deep, systems-focused school improvement efforts for his entire career. With over 30 years of experience working from early years through high school programs, he has led progressive strategic processes involving curriculum initiatives, 21st century learning, technology infusion, assessment updates and change management. His work with think tanks and innovative collaborative organizations in Europe, Australia and Asia reflects his commitment to upgrading school culture and practice.
Planning for College After Affirmative Action
Wednesday, 10/18 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by HGSE Education Now Series
This year’s high school seniors are facing a much-changed college admissions landscape following the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action based on race. Our panel will discuss how seniors and other aspiring college students, including those in underserved communities, can best prepare for college and present themselves in the application process — and we'll also offer guidance for the counselors, educators, and parents who support them.
Speakers:
• Anthony Jack, Inaugural Faculty Director of the Newbury Center and Associate Professor, Boston University
• Mandy Savitz-Romer, Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education, and Faculty Lead Counseling Strand, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Eric Waldo, President and CEO, District of Columbia College Access Program
Host: Francesca Purcell, Senior Lecturer on Education, Faculty Director, Higher Education Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Dr. Lisa Damour on Raising Connected, Capable & Compassionate Adolescents
Wednesday, 10/18 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
In person event (at Natick High School) with limited seating. Register early!
For parents/caregivers of adolescents (ages 10-25)
World renowned author/expert Dr. Lisa Damour (NYTimes, CBS This Morning) will discuss her new book - “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers” and offer the concrete, practical information parents/caregivers need to steady their teens through the journey into adulthood.
Being - and raising - a teenager has never been easy and it’s especially challenging now. In this talk, psychologist and best-selling author Lisa Damour, Ph.D., will offer practical strategies to help parents and caregivers understand their teenagers’ emotional lives, how to help teens manage their emotions and how to support them through this critical developmental stage. The program will address:
- What to expect in the normal course of adolescent emotional development and when it’s time to worry.
- Why teens (and adults) need to understand that mental health isn’t about “feeling good” but about having feelings that fit the moment.
- Strategies for supporting teens in managing their feelings.
- The best ways to stay connected to your tween/teen and how to provide the kind of relationship that adolescents need and want.