10/15 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
SEPAC Mtg - 7 p.m.
10/16 - Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council - 9:30 a.m.
SBR Information Sessions (see details below) - 11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Blake PTO Meeting - 7:30 p.m.
10/18 - Go Purple Spirit Day - see info below
Term 1 Interim Reports go home
10/21-10/25 - STEM Week
10/21 - Blake Picture Retake Day
10/22-10/25 - 7th Grade to Nature’s Classroom
10/22 - SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m. at MHS
10/24 - 8th Grade to Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie Visit
10/22-10/25 - Nature’s Classroom for 7th Grade
10/31 - Happy Halloween
11/1 - 7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
11/11 - Veterans Day - No School
11/12 - SOS Parent/Guardian Presentation - 6:30 p.m.
11/14 - SOS Student Presentations
11/19 - SEPAC Mtg - 7 p.m.
11/20 - Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council - 9:30 a.m.
SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m. at MHS
11/22-11/24 - Blake Fall Musical
11/27 - 1/2 Day for Students/Staff
11/28 - Thanksgiving - No School
11/29 - No School
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about our individual and collective sources of inspiration and ‘drivers’ for learning, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What inspires you to learn and improve? Why? Finding and 'Using' Inspiration (Week of 10/13/19) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
7th/8th Grade Dance - 11/1/19
Attention families of 7th & 8th graders. The first School Dance will be Friday, November 1, from 7:00-9:00pm in the Blake Gym. Details can be found on the contract students bring home this week. Please sign and return by Thursday 10/31/19.
Standards Based Reporting Information Sessions - 10/16/19
This year the Blake faculty is continuing and expanding our work and efforts to provide effective methods of formal and informal feedback for students. As such, in lieu of traditional grades, students at Blake will be receiving feedback in the form of Standards Based Reporting (SBR) in some of their classes. SBR is a researched-based, impactful feedback system that is gaining traction in a growing number of schools across the United States.
Instead of a letter grade, students will receive feedback in two major areas: (1) Content Standards and (2) Learning Skills. The Content Standards feedback provides information on the student's progress on meeting content area curriculum standards addressed by each department. Learning Skills feedback gives information on the student's progress on acquiring skills important for life-long learning that we strive to foster and help develop in our students.
We are pleased with the progress made to date. SBR has enabled us to provide:
- more descriptive and actionable feedback to students and families
- more meaningful and personalized grading practices
- greater calibration of expectations and assessment practices between teachers
Wednesday, October 16
11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
(These sessions will share the same information)
Please RSVP via our Google Form: Standards Based Reporting Information Sessions Fall 2019
Term 1 Interim Reports
This Friday students will be bringing home their interim reports for the first term. The interim report is a mid-term progress update on students' effort and work based on the first five weeks of school. It is not a report card and the expectation is that students will follow up on any suggestions that teachers provide in the interim report. Time will be spent in advisory reflecting upon the work they have accomplished, as well as setting healthy goals for the second half of the term. The signature sheet that accompanies the report should be returned on Monday, October 21 to advisory teachers. If you have any questions about your child's work on 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.
Advisory Update for Blake
In Wednesday’s advisory this week, students will be completing a pre-interim reflection. Some things students will be asked to think about include: some successes and challenges they’ve had thus far, the frequency of extra help sessions they have attended, and if they feel like they have been doing well so far this year. This will help them think about first term before they have seen their interim reports.
Blake Wednesday Advisory Website
Go Purple Spirit Day
LGBTQ+ students are significantly more likely to experience bullying in schools due to their identity. Spirit Day is a national day of support sponsored by GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). On Friday, October 18th, the Blake Gay-Straight Alliance will recognize the national Spirit Day (one day late because of the shortened school week) by inviting students and staff to wear purple to show support of LGBTQ+ youth and take a stand against bullying. For more information, please go to https://www.glaad.org/spiritday
Seventh Grade Trip to Nature's Classroom Reminders
Please note: It is important to email Mrs. Silva, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Campbell (all three please) if your child receives an injury over the weekend before the trip that limits your child’s mobility. If your child becomes ill over the weekend and requires a new medication during the trip, please bring the linked med administration form to the doctor with you and drop off the medication and form to Mrs. Williams the morning of the trip.
It’s an early start! Get ready for the 6:10 am drop off on Tuesday, October 22! Seventh graders should report to their bus to get their luggage tags, put the tags on the luggage and board the bus with their backpack. If your child is unable to go at the last second, please call the Blake office and your child’s roommate. We will find another room for the roommate to stay in at Nature’s Classroom.
Packing: A packing list and final details can be found here Nature's Classroom Final Details. On Tuesday, 10/15 a paper will be/was sent home with your child's bus and room number. The paper also lists the type of beds in the room. If you are sending your child with sheets, please check for the form carefully. Some rooms have full and queen sized beds. Roommates can arrange which beds they will be sleeping in. Folding beds will be brought in, if needed, to provide a bed for each student.
Medication: Please be sure your child takes their morning medications at home before the trip.
Bus Ride: Please be sure your child is dressed for the day when they board the bus. Long pants and closed toe shoes, please. Rain jackets if it is rainy. They should have a nut-free snack, a filled water bottle with their name on it and a book or non-electronic game to keep them busy. We expect to be home between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Friday, 10/25. We will be in touch with Mr. Vaughn to update our progress. Watch for his Tweets!
Electronics: Please do not allow your child to bring electronics or cell phones in any form. They are not allowed on the trip and will be confiscated.
Food: Except for the snack for the bus ride to Nature’s Classroom, do not allow your child to bring food or candy of any type. Food allergies and safety are a serious concern and students found with food or candy in their room will serve community service at Nature’s Classroom and all food will be confiscated.
Clothing: Students are not allowed to wear shorts outside of their room due to poison ivy and ticks. Please send a warm winter jacket, gloves and a hat. A hooded sweatshirt will not be warm enough for late October nights outdoors in Lake George. Chapstick will also help keep students comfortable. The evenings outside will be cold.
Follow us at NC! Follow #blakeatnc and @kmcsoup for photos and updates throughout the week. Daily email updates will be sent each day as well. We are looking forward to the trip! Contact Judy Silva, [email protected], with any questions. See you bright and early on Tuesday, October 22!
8th Grade to Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie Visits
The 8th grade will be traveling to Tri County on Thursday October 24th. Students will explore the "shops" and learn about the opportunities available at Tri County. Students should pack a bag lunch. We will also be having an afternoon presentation from the Norfolk Aggie at 1pm. Permission slips will be sent home the week of October 15th. Tri-County’s mission is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Norfolk Aggie provides for a hands-on education, with caring and involved teachers in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. Students are united in their interests and attend vocational and academic classes every day. If you have any questions, please reach out to Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
8th Grade American Mathematics Contest
The 8th Grade American Mathematics Contest (AMC 8) is a multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. It is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. The contest is held yearly in November. Students from all over the country participate in this contest both individually and on a school-wide basis. In the past, students in 8th grade Algebra I accelerated have participated. We will continue this tradition, but would like to extend the opportunity to participate in the AMC8 Contest to all 8th grade math students this year.
The exam will be given during E period on November 12th. Students who do not have math during this time slot will be excused from their class. Although the test is challenging, it certainly allows for a variety of learners to meet success and experience a high level of mathematical thinking. Below are several links that will allow you to explore this contest. All students in Algebra I Accelerated math classes have been registered. If your child is in Math 8 and you are interested in having them participate in this test, please complete this Google form HERE to sign up. Please note: If your child is in Algebra I Accelerated, they have already been registered.
For information about the AMC 8 Contest, click HERE.
For sample test questions, click HERE.
It is important to register by Wednesday October 16, 2019. There are a limited number of spots, so please respond as soon as possible. As always, please do not hesitate to contact your student's math teacher or Jessica Safer (Math Department Chair) at [email protected] if you have any questions.
October is Inktober Month!
Every October, artists all over the world take on the Inktober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month. Inktober was created in 2009 as a challenge to improve drawing skills and develop positive creative habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year. This year, Blake will be participating in this creative social media challenge by posting our artwork on twitter and instagram. Look for flyers posted around the school for the daily prompts and additional info. ANYONE CAN DO INKTOBER, JUST PICK UP A PEN AND START DRAWING!
Draw a picture in your sketchbook and submit it to the INKTOBER google classroom. See your art teacher if you have any questions. Check out inktober.com for more information!
Blake’s ADL
Mrs. Gelormini and Ms. Thress are already impressed by the students' thoughtfulness and dedication in supporting kindness, inclusiveness, and positive social awareness and change in our community. For any interested 7th or 8th grade student, there is still time to join. The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 22nd. The purpose of Blake's ADL is to:
- Promote positive social change at Blake.
- Learn about bias-related issues.
- Encourage a greater sense of social responsibility for a more respectful and inclusive community.
- Explore how students can become an ally for their peers.
- Develop student leadership.
Registration for Blake Middle School Winter 2019-2020 Athletics (Boys and Girls 8th grade basketball) is now open!
Please visit the following to register:
https://www.familyid.com/organizations/medfield-athletics
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.
Blake Site Council Book Discussion Group
Over the last two years the Blake Site Council has read several books and we will continue this practice during the 2019-2020 school year. Stay tuned for more information and we hope you can join in these discussions!
Education Event at Wellesley College - 10/17/19
Save the date! I want to highlight a free event at Wellesley College on Thursday, 10/17 - Eve L. Ewing, Assistant Professor at University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, will be discussing her book, Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago’s South Side. This is part of the Diane Ravitch Lecture Series (https://www.wellesley.edu/events/node/167791).
SEPAC Meeting - 10/15 at 7 p.m.
Our next SEPAC meeting is Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 in the Blake Middle School Library. All are welcome!
Message from MCPE
MCPE is seeking sponsors for our Fall Fest! From food donations, to auction items like gift cards and experiences, to event sponsorship, there’s an opportunity for every budget! Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Blake PTO Update
Volunteers Needed for Blake! In particular, we are in need of a Hospitality Chair or Co-Chairs, which helps coordinates 3-4 teacher luncheons a year. It's a great way to get involved and appreciate the wonderful staff at our school! Please click on the link to the volunteer form below. Thank you!! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVH6fbiK1-cVI5r7yu42e6szW5bnuT2EUO9qk3CLc-l9A8UQ/viewform
Also, our next meeting will be October 16 at 7:30 in the Blake LMC