6/20 - 1/2 Day for Students
Last Day of School for Staff
Happy Summer!
6/21 - Summer Hours at Blake Begin
8/23 - Blake New Student Orientation (10:00 a.m.)
8/28 - Professional Day for Teachers
8/29 - Professional Day for Teachers
8/30 - First Day of School
Delayed Start for 7th/8th Grade
9/1 - Half Day
9/4 - Labor Day (No School)
9/7 - Grade 8 Trip Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 8 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/8 - Blake Picture Day
9/12 - Grade 7 Nature's Classroom Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 7 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/13 - Grade 6 Music Ensemble Info Sessions (6 p.m.)
Grade 6 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/21 - Rosh Hashanah (No School)
10/6 - Half Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
10/9 Columbus Day (No School)
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways we learn from one another, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What have you learned this year from a student? Learning From Students (Week of 6/11/17) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chats
I encourage everyone to check out the 'storify' archives of our district-wide #MedfieldPS chats below. 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. Hopefully you will be able to follow along, lurk, or join in one of our future chats - stay tuned for a mid-summer chat!
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-reflections-on-16-17
(Reflections on Learning 16-17)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-diversity-4-26-17
(Diversity)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-literacy#publicize
(Literacy)
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)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfield-ps-a-community-of-learners-7-25-16
(A Community of Learners)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-reflections-on-15-16-twitter-chat-june-
(Reflections on Student Learning, 2015-2016)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-april-2016-twitter-chat
(Social Emotional Learning)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps
(Learning Skills)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-february-2016-twitter-chat
(Spirit of #DLDMedfield)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-twitter-chat-resolutions-and-reflection
(Resolutions and Reflection)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-december-2015-twitter-chat-relevance
(Relevance)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-november-2015-twitter-chat
(DLD Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-october-2015-twitter-chat
(Homework Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-august-2015-twitter-chat
(Back to School)
8th Grade Bike Trip Recap
Last week he 8th grade students explored interesting historical sites in Medfield by taking guided bicycle tours to notable locations around town. The students learned about people who have contributed to and enhanced our lives, and also learned about historic events that have happened in Medfield; as far back as 350 years ago.
Creature Feature Recap
The seventh graders visited their siblings, previous teachers and lots of elementary school classes with their creatures and the creature's story. It was a great success for all the students involved and very touching to see the older kids be role models for the younger ones.
Blake Parent Nights for Fall 2017
The Blake parent nights for this fall have been scheduled...
9/7 - Grade 8 Trip Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 8 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/12 - Grade 7 Nature's Classroom Info Session (6 p.m.)
Grade 7 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
9/13 - Grade 6 Music Ensemble Info Sessions (6 p.m.)
Grade 6 Parent Night (6:30 p.m.)
ADL Update
After a long process of reading detailed applications and interviewing students about their interest and experiences with bias and discrimination, as well as their comfort level with presenting to sixth graders, we have selected the new ADL Peer Leaders for 2017-18. We have reduced the size of the group a bit in order to keep it manageable and allow for all to contribute in a meaningful way. A positive outcome of the interviews was the perspective of many applicants that the experience of having ADL peer leaders come in and lead activities in 6th grade advisories felt to many students like it allowed their advisory to get to know and accept one another better. We wish we could have 60 peer leaders but we had to narrow it down to the 20 who showed the greatest interest and commitment to the mission of ADL. All applicants were notified via email on Thursday evening. We encourage students who are not part of ADL to consider serving their school community through student council, community service club or participation in other Blake clubs and activities.
Lost and Found Items
The number of items in our Lost and Found has certainly increased! We will be clearing out the Lost and Found after school gets out - I encourage all students and parents/guardians to come take a look.
Library Reminder
Parents, just a reminder, that all library books are now due back in the Blake Library. Students with checked out items were notified last week. Please encourage your child to return any library books promptly so that we can get the Library back in order before the end of the year. If the Library books are not returned, we will unfortunately have to ask for payment. Thanks for your help.
Blake Summer Reading
Please refer to the Blake Summer 2017 Reading Lists for copies of the 6th-8th grade reading lists for this summer. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Haycock at [email protected].
Lost and Found Items
The "Lost and Found" at Blake is overflowing with water bottles, jackets, sweatshirts, sneakers, books, and lunch boxes. We have been sifting through, trying to return items with names on them to their owners but there are still a lot of unclaimed items. Please encourage your child to take a look during lunch as the lost and found is located in the lunchroom. Parents may feel free to stop by, check in at the main office, and claim any belongings over the next week. Any remaining items will be donated at the end of the day on Friday, June 24.
Summer Supply Lists
All students should refer to the School Supply Lists located on the Guidance webpage.
Eighth Grade Canoe and Swim Test Information
As part of the eighth grade Charles River Community Awareness Unit offered in the fall, each eighth grade student is required to pass a swimming test during the summer. Each student is required to tread water for five minutes and swim a distance of seventy-five yards. A qualified swim instructor is required to administer the test and sign the form: Swim Test Form. Completed swim tests may be dropped off at the main office of the Middle School Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. throughout the summer. All swim tests must be completed and returned to the student’s new advisory teacher by the first day of school. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. The Charles River Community Awareness Unit is an exciting way for students to begin their eighth grade experience! (FYI: In the past, students have been certified at Hinkley Pond, YMCA and
local swim clubs.)
Theme of Diversity for 2017-2018
Our theme for the next academic year at Blake is one of Diversity. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last five years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, and Empathy. 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 medfield.net and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
iPad Planning Inventory for 17-18 - Please Complete
As you know we are continuing with our mobile learning program at Blake for the entire 6th-8th grade for the 2017-2018 academic year. To help us effectively plan for next year, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2017-2018 academic year) to let us know your plans for your student (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for next year, by completing this brief survey by Friday, May 19: iPad Planning Inventory at Blake Middle School for 2017-2018. Please fill out this inventory for each child that will be attending Blake next year. This decision is not binding and we recognize that your plans may change - confirmation and final decisions will be made by mid-June, 2017. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief inventory and am hoping for 100% participation.
We have outlined the Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for Blake students for this program. We are committed to providing an equitable learning experience for our students and appreciate the shared commitment and investment in the education of our students. As such we have a system in place for families with demonstrated financial need.
The 'minimum specifications' will still remain as the iPad 4, meaning the following are acceptable devices for students to use: iPad4, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, or iPad Air. The device selected by the students/families will suffice for the students' needs in school as long as Apple continues to update the OS (operating system) on that device. If your family intends to purchase a new device this year, then the iPad4, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, or iPad Air are the recommended devices. We are committed to making the experience meaningful and viable for all of our students, troubleshooting challenges that arise in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Our work over the last five years has provided a foundation as our teachers and staff continue to thoughtfully implement and review the effectiveness of this initiative. It is important to keep in mind that teachers and students will be following the same curriculum frameworks and the common core Blake curriculum.
For your reference I am sharing links below to documents about our initiative/program...
Blake Mobile Learning Blog
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 17-18
Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options
iPad Program Estimated Lease-to-Own Pricing Structure 17-18
We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead as we work to provide your students with the opportunity to learn with meaningful technology and are hopeful that we can foster and promote a positive and relevant learning experience. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
New Student Registration at Blake
Blake would like to welcome any families with middle school students moving to Medfield to attend the Blake Registration Day on Wednesday, August 23 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 20th, 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
Message from Blake PTO
THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS & PURCHASES WERE MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR MANY VOLUNTEERS & SUPPORTERS DURING THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR.
THANK YOU!
- ipad storage- $1,172
- 12 Art Panels $1,695
- Artwork Posters and Frames $948
- LMC Tables and Chairs $4,700
- PA Cabinet for PE Department $1,695
- Christmas in the City Buses $2,250
- Safe Learning Environment Presentation (co-funded with MCPE) $1,500
- Grupo Fantasia Presentation $1,800
- Shakespeare Now! Midsummer Night’s Dream $1,160
- 7th Grade Roman Army Presentation $750
- DI Globals for Blake Team $500
- Theater Sound System (co-funded with MCPE) $2,000
Take a look, grab a friend and see what committees you would like to help with next year at Blake. There are so many fun things to help with like the 8th grade Cookout, 8th grade Celebration, 7th grade Ice Cream Social, Career Day, Copy Room Helper, Box Tops Helper, Hospitality and more. Sign-up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVH6fbiK1-cVI5r7yu42e6szW5bnuT2EUO9qk3CLc-l9A8UQ/viewform. We appreciate all your help!
ONGOING BLAKE APPEAL - 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.
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