12/19-12/23 - Spirit Week (see details below)
12/20 - 7th Grade Field Trip to A Christmas Carol
Blake Winter Orchestra Concert
12/21 - Blake Student Council
12/22 - Pride Alliance Mtg
Blake Winter Concert Snow Date
12/23 - ½ Day for Students and Staff
12/24-1/2 - Winter Vacation
1/1 - Happy New Year!
1/3 - Blake Site Council
1/4 - Blake Student Council
1/5 - Pride Alliance Mtg
1/11 - Blake Student Council
1/12 - Pride Alliance
School Committee Mtg
1/16 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
No School
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the process of learning and role that creativity plays, our question for the week is: When thinking back on 2022, what have you learned about yourself and how have you grown as a learner? Reflection-Action-Reflection... (Week of 12/18/22) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Spirit Week at Blake - 12/19-12/23!
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in a December Spirit Week next week- Monday 12/19 to Friday 12/23. The spirit days are as follows:
Monday 12/19 World Cup Day
Wear your favorite team jersey and/or colors!
Tuesday 12/20- Class Color Day
8th Grade- Pink
7th Grade- Blue
6th Grade- Green
Wednesday 12/21
Comfy Cozy/PJ Day
Thursday 12/22
Neon Day
Friday 12/23
Festive Friday
We can't wait to see all your spirit!
Blake Student Council
8th Annual STEM Talks - 12/22/22
The 8th Annual stem talk will take place in all grade 8 science classrooms on Thursday 12/22. Graduates from 2014 through 2022 will zoom into the science classrooms and describe their experiences studying/working in the stem field.
Term 1 Report Cards
During advisory on Monday, 12/12, students received their report cards for Term 1, along with a Term 1 Report Card Sign-Off Sheet to be completed and returned to advisors. If you have any questions 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. In addition, your student’s guidance counselor is an important resource.
Reporting and Feedback System
The purpose of reporting on learning is to provide feedback on a student’s progress and to help direct future efforts. Effective feedback to students during the learning process is essential to a healthy and productive learning experience. On our report cards, students are receiving feedback in two major realms: (1) Priority Standards and (2) Learning Skills.
The feedback on Priority Standards provides information on the student's progress toward meeting the aligned curriculum benchmarks addressed by each department. Priority standards are the ‘essential standards’ determined by each of our respective departments (i.e. math, English, science, etc.) - they stay consistent from grade to grade, but the specific topics within each content area vary in accordance with the MA state curriculum frameworks.
The feedback on Learning Skills provides information on the student's progress toward acquiring skills important for life-long learning that we strive to foster and help develop in our students.
Below I have outlined some information regarding our feedback and reporting system…
- All Blake classes utilize a 1-4 scale for the priority standards.
- 7th and 8th grade students receive a single end-of-term letter grade for 'academic' classes (math, science, SS, ELA, and World Language) based on their work throughout the term. This grade will align to the following format: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, Does Not Meet Standard.**
- Feedback on the Learning Skills is reported using a frequency scale.
** Here is a link to the ‘summation models’, outlining the composite mapping of how the summation of the priority standards establish the letter grades for grades 7 and 8…
Blake Summation Models - 2022-2023
This system was refined and made in consultation with Dr. Nathaniel Brown, Associate Research Professor of Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment at Boston College's Lynch School of Education. Dr. Brown is a leading expert in assessment and evaluation and he has provided professional development for our staff. Later this term we will be holding informational sessions for families, in an effort to collaboratively support the learning process for our students. Our overarching goal remains to continue steadfast efforts to provide meaningful, actionable, learner-centered feedback for all of our learners via...
- more descriptive and actionable feedback to students and families
- more meaningful and personalized assessment and grading practices
- greater calibration of expectations and assessment practices between/amongst teachers
Reflection For Students
After receiving their report cards, time was spent in advisory for all students to reflect on their work thus far 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...
- The second half of Term 1 has been positive for me. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Explain why you chose the answer you did to the question above.
- During the second half of Term 1, I Iearned something interesting or did something in school that excited me. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Explain why you chose the answer you did to the question above.
- At Blake there are opportunities for me to do what I do best every day.
- What are some ways teachers could or do provide opportunities for you to be successful in school?
- I have fun at Blake.
- Explain why you chose the answer you did to the question above.
- Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1, what are you most proud of?
- Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1 and the Term 1 reports from your teachers, what surprised you? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Why?
- Would you like to check in with your advisor or 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.
- Your learning skills are evaluated based on how often teacher's observe you demonstrating each skill. Reflect on your learning skills, the feedback you have received from your teachers, and what you have learned about yourself as a learner. WHAT IS AN AREA OF STRENGTH that you have shown and demonstrated? Explain how you have demonstrated/shown this strength in your class(es).
- Your learning skills are evaluated based on how often teacher's observe you demonstrating each skill. Reflect on your learning skills, the feedback you have received from your teachers, and what you have learned about yourself as a learner. WHAT IS AN AREA OF GROWTH/IMPROVEMENT for your learning? What is one step you can take to improve/grow in this learning skill?
- Describe a goal for yourself as a learner as we begin Term 2. What is one step you could take to help accomplish this goal?
- How can we help you as a learner? Please share ideas.
- What idea(s) do you have for activities in advisory? Other 'community building' ideas? Any suggestions for how we can recognize Dr. MLK, Jr. Day or Black History Month in February?
- If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?
- Do you have anything else you would like to share with us? What questions do you have? (Optional)
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.
Message from Our Nurses
Cold and flu season is here and we need your assistance in keeping our school community healthy. Please monitor your child(ren) daily for signs/symptoms of illness and keep them home from school to rest and hydrate if they are not feeling well or if they have a fever. It’s helpful to keep a thermometer in your home to check their temperature.
Symptoms which may initially appear to be just a common cold or allergies could actually be COVID or the flu, so please be vigilant and follow these reminders.
- If your child has cold/allergy symptoms (see COVID Guidelines), please test them for COVID before sending them to school. If the test results are negative, repeat the COVID test 48 hours later. If positive, please keep your child home to isolate x 5 days and notify us and your child’s primary care provider (PCP).
- If your child has a fever, please call their PCP and keep your child home from school until they have been fever free for 24 hours without any fever/pain reducing medications (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) and their symptoms have improved to the point where they are feeling well and ready to return to a full day of school.
- Frequent handwashing/hand sanitizing and mask wearing when you or your child(ren) have cold/flu or COVID symptoms in combination with keeping vaccinations up-to-date as recommended by the Department of Public Health are the most effective ways to decrease the spread of viral illnesses.
- Please call the Blake Middle School absence line (508-242-8501) by 7:40 a.m. each day your child will be absent or late for school. The absence line is available 24 hours a day. You may also send an email to [email protected]
- Please notify us in the school nurse’s office if your child has been diagnosed with COVID, influenza, strep throat or any other contagious illness as well as if your child is being treated for a concussion or recovering from an injury.
- You may email this information to [email protected] when you notify the school of your child’s absence or contact us directly.
Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural session is loosely set to run from mid January until the beginning of April. Be on the lookout for the offerings shortly after we return from winter break. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
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!
‘Coats for Kids’ Drive
We are collecting winter coats for those in need. The coat drive is called “Coats for Kids”, but coats for all ages are more than welcomed. The collection box will be located in the Blake front lobby. Please check if you have any coats that your family no longer needs that can be donated. The collection will run up until winter vacation. Thank you for supporting this great cause!
Blood Drive for MLK, Jr. Weekend
** Please see the message below from Cynthia McClelland...
Hello Medfield community,
I am proud to announce our annual MLK day blood drive, and it will be held at the middle school. Right now, we are looking for students to serve on the blood drive committee. Students on the committee will be responsible for organizing, promoting and supporting the Red Cross in running the blood drive the day of. If your child is interested they can reach out to Cynthia McClelland at [email protected].
Message from Medfield’s Destination Imagination Team…
Medfield's Destination Imagination organization is looking for volunteers to be appraisers at either of the regional tournaments (March 4th in Medfield or March 12th in Beverly). It is the perfect opportunity for someone 18 years or older (and out of high school) who would like to spend the day praising the accomplishments of each dedicated and hugely creative Destination Imagination team and awarding as many points as possible. It is truly a fun day spent enjoying the creativity of students in grades 3-12 and is a great community volunteer opportunity for anyone- college students, retired folks, those who have previously participated in Destination Imagination, etc.). Contact [email protected] for more information and learn about Destination Imagination at destinationimagination.org.
National Science Bee
Registration is now open for the National Science Bee. Registration is free and easy! Click on this link National Science Bee for information and click on this link to navigate to the qualifying event (20 min Online Regional Qualifying exam.
Students compete in separate grade divisions to keep things fair and fun. Study guides and free practice questions from past years' competitions can be found on this website.
MakerSpace Materials
Thanks to all who have been bringing in cardboard for the Makerspace. We are all stocked up for the moment! But, there is always a need for different kinds of tape, hot glue sticks,small binder clips, brad fasteners, small magnets, popsicle sticks, etc.- basic office supplies/crafty stuff.
Late Bus For MS/HS Students
Late bus service runs Monday through Thursday departing from outside the auditorium entrance at Medfield High School at 3:45 PM. We are unable to provide door-to-door service, but our bus company established a route with seven stops strategically placed throughout the town. These stops will remain consistent throughout the year.
Stop 1 - Corner of Lantern and Flintlocke
Stop 2 - Corner of Blacksmith and Marilyn
Stop 3 - Corner of Bridge and Marsh
Stop 4 - Corner of Algonquin and Orchard
Stop 5 - Corner of Indian Hill and Hopi
Stop 6 - Corner of South and Wilson
Stop 7 - Corner of Hummingbird and Granite
We will run this pilot throughout the 2022-2023 school year and then evaluate the interest for next year. Please contact the business office at 508-359-2302 if you have any questions.
Blake’s Pride Alliance
We are pleased to announce that the club formerly known as Blake GSA is now called Pride Alliance! This more inclusive name better represents the values of our club, where 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. Meetings are every Thursday until 2:45 in room 502. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity.
Blake Student Council
Blake’s Student Council meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2:15-2:45 in Mrs. Shaw’s room (525). All are welcome to join - the more members we have, the more we can accomplish! Spread the word!
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 Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Marcia Berkowtiz ([email protected]) with any questions.
Message from the Medfield Alumni Association
Looking for the perfect gift for the holidays? Our Alumni shirts are back in stock and ready to ship! We also have future alumni shirts in youth sizes! Limited quantities so get yours before they sell out! All proceeds go towards our scholarship programs!
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions! https://form.jotform.com/223328237287056