12/18 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
Medfield Talks - Sarah Ward - 7-9 p.m. (see details below)
12/20 - 1/2 Day for Students and Staff
1/1 - Happy New Year!
1/2 - School Resumes
1/7 - SEL Task Force - 3:30 p.m. (MHS)
1/13 - Blake Site Council - 3:30 p.m. (Blake LMC)
1/15 - Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council - 9:30 a.m. (Blake LMC)
1/17 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
1/20 - MLK, Jr. Day - No School
Blake Day of Service
Blood Drive at Blake (see info below)
1/23 - Blake PTO Meeting - 7 p.m. (Blake LMC)
1/31 - Term 2 Interim Reports go Home
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the role that self-reflection plays in our growth as learners, our topic/question for the dinner table is: When thinking back on 2019, what have you learned about yourself and how have you grown as a learner? Holding Up a Mirror (Week of 12/15/19) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Spirit Week at Blake - 12/16-12/20
Students & Staff are invited to join in a spirit week next week before vacation!
Monday 12/16: Blanket/Pajama day (wear pajamas and/or bring a blanket!)
Tuesday 12/17: Winter hat day (self explanatory)
Wednesday 12/18: Festive Day (wear festive clothing, holiday/winter sweaters, "ugly" sweaters, etc!)
Thursday 12/19: Summer in winter day (Short sleeves, sunglasses, flip flops, etc.)
Friday 12/20: Happy New Year Day! (2020 glasses, Black & gold clothing, etc.)
Term 1 Report Cards
All students brought home their report cards for the first term on Monday, December 16. Time was and will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished via a Google Form. Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults. I have outlined the questions below and encourage you to have conversations this week to help bridge the connections between home and school...
- Looking at your Term 1 report card, what are you proud of?
- Looking at your Term 1 report card, what was not a surprise to you? Why was it not a surprise?
- What surprised you on your Term 1 report card? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Explain.
- In addition to your advisor, would you like to check in with one of your teachers?
- If you answered yes to the previous question, which teacher would you like to speak with and about what? Put "none" if you do not wish to check in with one of your teachers.
- Finish this sentence: I want to keep working on...
- Which of the following topics would you like to work on/discuss in Advisory this year? (Check all that apply - Study Skills, Time Management, Stress-Relieving Strategies, Mindfulness, Organization, Team Building, Peer Relationships/Friendships)
- Are there any other topics you would like to discuss in Advisory this year?
- What 'unplugged' activities have you enjoyed or would enjoy during SSA (Tuesday/Thursday) Advisory? (i.e. card games, puzzles, etc.)
- If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?
"Learn it Today, Use it Tomorrow! Practical Strategies to Develop Independent Executive Function Skills" - Presentation with Sarah Ward
12/18/19 from 7-9 p.m. (Medfield High School Auditorium)
Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in diagnostic evaluations and treatment of executive dysfunction. Ms. Ward holds a faculty appointment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Sarah is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars and workshops on the programs and strategies she has developed with her Co-Director Kristen Jacobsen. Their 360 Thinking Executive Function Program received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from the National Organization CHADD. She has presented to and consulted with over 1200 public and private schools in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Thanks to MCPE for their generous financial support.
Thank You to MCPE and PTO
Thank you to the Blake PTO and MCPE (Medfield Coalition for Public Education) for their generous support of our endeavors/grants. We greatly appreciate the contributions as we look to provide unique and innovative experiences for our students!
MHS Alumni Visit Blake
On Friday, January 3 during 8th grade science classes, students will hear talks from Medfield graduates who are majoring in or working in the field of STEM. Twelve recent graduates have volunteered to come to Blake and talk on topics including computer science, medicine and chemistry. We are excited at the opportunity for our students to listen to and learn from these graduates. Special thanks to Orla Berry for her help organizing these visits!
ADL Updates
The ADL Peer Leader program will be going into 6th Grade Advisories on Thursday 12/19 to introduce ADL and run a small activity that focuses on student connections as well as highlighting some of our individual unique qualities.
Blake Winter Intramurals
Our winter intramurals begin in the new year - if you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Molly Donovan, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351. Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project. Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values -- humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others. We are proud and honored that Molly will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
Hour of Code at Blake
Our 'Hour of Code' last week was a great success - thanks to Diane Horvath (@techmonstah) for all of her work in providing this great experience for our students! We hope that it sparked or continued an interest for our students in this field as we recognize that the skill of coding is increasingly important for our students as we work to increase their problem-solving and analytical skills in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. I encourage everyone to check out the following links...
Hour of Code
Calling All Learners and Teachers for Hour of Code
What Most Schools Don't Teach
Coding in the Classroom: What is it and Why is it So Important?
Advisory Update for Blake
Blake Wednesday Advisory Website
Information from Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Keigan
It seems to be that time of the year when we are starting to see an increase in illness throughout the school. Our Blake school nurses, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Keigan, have asked that we share this Illness guidelines link for information on sending your child back to school following an illness. Additionally, please note the following reminders:
- Students should go to the nurse's office if they are feeling ill, rather than text parents directly and getting dismissed via the main office. It is important that we are tracking illness in our school community and that students are cared for by an adult while they are not feeling well at school.
- Please review hand washing, hand-sanitizing, and tissue disposal etiquette with your child so that they can minimize the spread of germs at school.
- Please remind students that sharing foods, drinks and utensils at lunch can lead to the spread of illness. It is a surprisingly common occurrence.
- Please avoid sending your sick child to school just to take a test or quiz. We are happy to provide another time for your child to take it so that they can stay home, rest, and avoid spreading illness to other students.
- If your child is out for multiple days, you may contact the grade level guidance counselor or cluster leader to request that work be left in the guidance office for someone to pick up so that your child does not fall behind.
Community Service Club Information - Coat Drive
The Community Service Club of Blake is holding its annual coat drive right now. The drive will conclude in early January. Please donate new or gently used WINTER coats. The donation box can be found at the front of the school. All coats that are donated will be delivered to Medfield's Anton Cleaners who sponsors the drive.
Lost and Found Items
The number of items in our Lost and Found has increased. Please remind students to come take a look, as there are a number of items that are unlabeled that have been collected. We will be clearing out the Lost and Found during the winter vacation.
Blake Winter Intramurals
Be on the lookout for the 2020 Blake Winter Intramural offerings either later this week or early next week. The winter session will run from January 6 through March 20.If you have questions or ideas, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Blake is Social - Any Submissions?
Blake is social is looking for winter sports submissions. We would love pictures from ski club, or from basketball, or just an amazing snapshot of your snowman. What is Blake up to in the winter??? Work and submissions can be e-mailed to [email protected] or [email protected]
Blake’s Affinity Groups
The purpose of an affinity group is to provide a forum of support for students who may feel a disconnection relative to identity to their larger school community. Such disconnections to identity may include, but not be limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, and sexual orientation. An affinity group’s goal is to play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
An affinity group is open to students across every grade level. It is arranged for students in an affinity group to meet at least once a month during a mutually agreed upon time and the meetings are supervised by at least one staff member at Blake.
As the need for an affinity group may stem from a lack of or weaker connection to the larger Medfield community, efforts will be made to strengthen connections to the community. To this end, members of the community are welcome and at times will be invited to attend affinity group meetings.
For more information about starting or joining an affinity group at Blake, please contact Matt Marenghi, Guidance Counselor: [email protected] or 508-359-2445.
Having a tough time making ends meet? Are basic resources such as obtaining food and covering the cost of utilities becoming more daunting? Medfield Youth Outreach, a confidential town service, may be able to help. Learn about food and utility resources as well as holiday and birthday programs that help ease the stress during difficult financial times. Reach out at 508-359-7121 to Chelsea at Medfield Youth Outreach to learn more about what help is available. This office also provides other services which you can learn about here: https://www.town.medfield.net/403/Medfield-Youth-Outreach
After School Supervision - Reminder for all Families
As the weather is turning a bit cooler, I am writing with a reminder about after school supervision at Blake. Students are welcome to stay after school with a teacher, in the library, in the fitness center, or to be part of an intramural activity. Supervision of students ends at 3:15 p.m. as that is when our front office staff leaves, library closes, and activities generally conclude. Exceptions may include the theatre program or sports. Students should plan for transportation home by 3:15 and are welcome to wait for rides outside in the area by the circle or in the lobby of the school but should not be wandering around the building, playing in the gym without adult supervision, or hanging out in unsupervised areas. Student safety is our priority so we ask that students be in a supervised activity or make plans to head home.
Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.
Reminder for all Blake Students and Families - Gift Giving
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
Blake Blood Drive Information
The blood drive is well underway. Please mark your calendars, Monday, January 20 from 8am-2pm. It means so much to the kids your being a part. We will have helpers for those who need to bring young ones with them. The donation age is as young as 16yrs. with parents permission. This blood drive is perfectly geared for first time donors.
Blake Site Council Book Discussion Group - Middle School Matters
This year the Blake Site Council’s first book is Middle School Matters by Phyllis Fagell. Stay tuned for more information and we hope you can join in these discussions!
Theme of Courage for 2019-2020
Our theme for this academic year at Blake is one of Courage. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last seven years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, Empathy, Diversity, and Happiness. As a staff we have begun brainstorming ideas and I encourage all families to join us in the brainstorming process as well. As ideas and thoughts come to mind, do not hesitate to e-mail me ([email protected]) or Kelly C. ([email protected]).
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 http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Substitute Nurses
As with our teaching positions, from time to time our nurse, Tricia Williams, will be out of the building and we need a substitute nurse for these days. We are fortunate that we have several substitute nurses in the district who are able to work on those days. If you are a registered nurse and have an interest in potentially serving as a substitute throughout the year, please let us know. You can contact me ([email protected]) or Tricia Williams ([email protected]). By the same token, if you have friends in the area who would have an interest in serving as a substitute, please let them know that they can contact us as well. The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority, and we would appreciate your interest in one of these roles.
Soccer Equipment Drive
Please Bring in gently used soccer equipment that will get donated to kids in Antigua through a program called MAP PASSBACK
Equipment being collected includes: Cleats, Shorts , Soccer balls, Shirts, and Soccer Socks. We are donating to Antigua because the people there desperately need and would love to receive anything soccer." Please Join is helping the children in Antigua who do not have the resources to play the Beautiful Game of Soccer. The soccer drive will run until about April break. Thank you!! Collection bins are located at the Blake middle school and Star & Glick orthodontist, Both bins are located in Medfield! More information about the drive can be found at http://www.massathlete.com/content/about-us/mapp-passback-antigua
Moxie Strings - 1/16/20
The MMA is proud to sponsor a return visit of The Moxie Strings on Jan. 16. The Billboard Top 20 classical strings musicians will work in clinics with Blake and MHS orchestra students during the day, and perform a can't-miss, high-energy concert with Medfield orchestra students that evening at 7pm in the MHS Auditorium. Admission is free to all Dale, Blake, and MHS orchestra students, and $12 for the general public. For tickets, visit medfieldmusicassociation.com or purchase at the door.
MMA Update
A big thank you to all who supported Spaghetti with Santa & Friends on 12/10! The event was a huge success, and the funds raised will provide great opportunities for Medfield music students from kindergarten through high school!
MCPE Update
There's still time to make a 2019 donation to MCPE! We know you have many options when it comes to year-end giving. Why not choose MCPE? We are providing system-wide support and academic enrichment for Medfield Public Schools. Donate today at medfieldcoalition.org
Blake PTO Update
Volunteers Needed for Blake! Please click on the link to the volunteer form below. Thank you!!
Blake PTO: 2019-2020 Volunteer Sign-Up Form