Important Dates
9/24-10/30 - Meadow Farms Fall Fundraiser (see details below)
10/21 - Back to the Future Spirit Day
Grade 8 Parent Coffee (9:30 a.m.) - see details below
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat - 8:30 p.m.
10/22 - Blake PTO Mtg - 9:00 a.m.
10/23 - Term 1 Interim Reports go home
7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
10/26 - Picture Retake Day
Technovation Information Mtg (see details below)
10/28 - 8th Grade to Tri-County
Grade 6 Parent Coffee (9:00 a.m.) - see details below
10/29 - 8th Grade Salem Field Trip
Divide and Conquer Presentation (9:30 a.m.) - see details below
10/30 - Costume Day at Blake (see details below)
10/31 - Happy Halloween!
11/2 - Magazine Drive Kick-Off
Blake Site Council Mtg - 3:30 p.m.
Divide and Conquer Presentation (6:30 p.m.) - see details below
11/3-11/6 - Theater Auditions (see details below)
11/4 - Grade 7 Parent Coffee (10 a.m.) - see details below
11/5 - Staff vs Student Basketball Game
11/10 - MCPE Student Trivia (see details below)
11/13 - Grade 7 Pyramids and Pharoahs Presentation
MCPE Trivia Night Event
11/19 - Moxie Strings Concert
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
How Should We Share?
How interested are you in knowing the experiences and ideas of people you have never met?
- Interested, yes
- Not sure yet
- Not interested enough
- I am already doing that
- Once I get past the hard part of establishing a routine, the chances are very good
- If I received regular reminders, I can eventually establish a routine.
- I am afraid that I would spend too much time on the site once I get there
- No chance
- Yes
- No
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 26 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.
Parent Coffees
Are you feeling like you had just mastered your child's last grade's norms and now you have a new set of expectations to adjust to? Maybe your student is in a whole new building with even greater expectations. The Blake guidance counselors would like to help put your mind at ease by talking about what each grade level looks like and answering your questions. The coffees will take place October 21 at 9:30 a.m. (Grade 8), October 28 at 9 a.m. (Grade 6), and November 4 at 10 a.m. (Grade 7). To RSVP, please go to this link -Parent Coffee Signup Form.
Divide and Conquer (Mathematics, Frameworks/Assessments, and Mindsets)
Please join Nat Vaughn and Susan Bycoff (Math Content Specialist, gr. 6-12) for their annual 'Divide & Conquer' parent presentation/workshop. This workshop series shares information about mathematics, how students learn math, the role mindsets play in the learning of math, and initiatives that are taking place. This year, parents and community members will hear about new math programming at the middle school and high school beginning in the fall of 2016. Time will also be devoted to discuss state assessments and initiatives such as MCAS, PARCC, Common Core State Standards and Massachusetts Math Curriculum Frameworks. The day workshop will take place Thursday, October 29 at 9:30 a.m., and the evening workshop will be Monday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP via this Google Form: Divide and Conquer Parent Workshop Fall 2015.
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat - 10/21 at 8:30 p.m.
As a way to bring the five schools together (staff and administration), we have been trying out Twitter chats for #MedfieldPS on a monthly basis. The focus of these chats are pertinent topics in education, initiatives, and ideas to collaborate around and share. Our October chat is Wednesday, 10/21 at 8:30 p.m. with a focus on homework. We hope you can join us or follow along!
Digital Citizenry Update at Blake
As we continue to increase the use of technology in our classrooms, we are working as a staff to raise good citizens in the digital world. Our students started the year getting tips on how to be a more responsibile learner in the digital age, exploring ways to get organized and stay focused with the possible distractions that an iPad might offer. Students also spent some time reflecting on how technology could improve and increase their learning.
This month, in continuation of our focus on Digital Citizenship, students will be learning how to better spot "Phishing Schemes" in order to keep their personal accounts (email, bank, social security, etc.) safe from identity theft. A quick video resource for your information can be found at this blog explaining "Phishing Schemes in Plain English". We will also continue our series of student panels, moderated by Mrs. Horvath, where students hear from their peers about their own experiences with technology. Ask your kids about some tips how to best navigate the hundreds of emails that you may receive on a weekly basis.
Parent iPad Survey Fall 2015
As you know we are continually working on assessing our programs and are looking to gain insight from our students and parents to provide feedback. We have developed a survey that is being distributed electronically to all 6th-8th grade students and parents as part of a data collection assessment for the iPad Initiative. The questions will hopefully serve as a pre-assessment (beginning of year) tool and we will be administering similar surveys mid-year and at the end of the year as well. The questions have to do with organizational skills, executive functioning, and comfort with technology. Questions are being sent to all three grades. The survey is not an evaluative tool of the teachers or the students; rather, it is a tool that we believe will help us gain insight about the initiative, our programming, and technology. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. Please take the time to complete a unique survey for each student you have at Blake Middle School. You will see that the survey is for both students and parents, and students will be given time in school to complete it. It is important we only get one response per student. We sincerely appreciate your honest responses and are hoping for 100% participation from the student body and parents. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes of your time. Your sincere responses are essential to our information-gathering vision and mission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Link to the survey: Student/Parent iPad Survey Fall 2015
Reminder About Prompt Arrival to School
As a general reminder to all students and parents/guardians, we have copied the information about tardiness from our student handbook...
Students are responsible for being in school on time each day in order to prepare for the day and maximize learning time. Students arriving after 7:40 A.M. must report to the office to get a tardy pass. Students should have a note from home explaining their tardiness. The office logs all tardies as ‘excused’ or ‘unexcused.’ Examples of excused tardies are medical appointments, illness, and unavoidable events. Examples of unexcused tardies are traffic and oversleeping. After the third ‘unexcused’ is registered, the parent will receive a letter, and the student will be assigned a detention for each subsequent ‘unexcused’ tardy. Morning, afternoon or lunchtime detentions may be given for unexcused tardiness. After six tardies, excused or unexcused, Mrs. Campbell will meet with the student and contact the parents. In order to have an organized and comfortable start to the day and arrive to class by 7:40 a.m., it is best to arrive at school no later than 7:30 each day.
Get Ready Get Set and Code! This year’s Technovation Team is getting ready to push the RUN button!
What is Technovation? Technovation is a global competition for girls in grades 6-8 who work as a team to take on the challenge of developing a mobile app (yes, an actually app for your iPhone!) that solves a problem in our own community. We will also attend fun workshops at Microsoft, MIT, and Google and compete against other teams around the world! Girls do not need to have computer programming experience to participate! To learn more…please attend the informational meeting next Tuesday, Oct. 26th after school in Mrs. Heim’s room! Or talk to Ms. Horvath or Mrs. Heim!
Update on Student-run Fundraisers and Drives
As a community, we are trying to be respectful of the generosity that is always shown during fundraisers and drives and therefore are creating a more formal process for organization of in-school projects. In addition, we would like to model for students how to plan a thoughtful and successful event.
In order for students to seek approval of their project the following steps need to be taken:
1) Fill out this google form ( https://docs.google.com/a/email.medfield.net/forms/d/1ZWiFkGjgc4waH-New_6OJRL6mAfI25ibavn9L68oktU/viewform?usp=send_form) by the first day of the month that you'd like your project to take place. For example, if you wanted to gather people to stock shelves at the Food Cupboard in November, this google form would need to be filled out by November 1st. It is okay to fill it out earlier!
In the event that multiple students or groups are asking to do a similar project, every effort will be made to encourage collaboration.
2) Once approved, your completed promotional materials (2 minute video, posters, etc.) would need to be reviewed by Mrs. Campbell by the 15th of the month. If the materials are not ready by the 15th of that month, your project will not run at the end of the month.
3) After your project has been completed, you will be asked to write a reflection on the experience, and report back to our school community via a note of gratitude to those who supported your project (family, a morning announcement, helpful staff) as well as your next steps with the either the money (fundraising) or collection items (drive).
Nature's Classroom - Medication Pick Up
Medications from the Nature's Classroom trip is available for PARENT pick up in the nurse's office. Any medication not picked up by Friday, November 6 will be discarded.
Library/Media Update - Nature's Classroom Edition
The 7th graders made their annual trek last week to Nature’s Classroom on Lake George. We stay at the YMCA Silver Bay Conference Center, 700 acres of woods, fields, mountains and a mile of shorefront. Students had a great time, taking part in all sorts of science, hiking and recreational activities. They also did not take part in a major part of their home and school lives – screen technology. A survey of several students found that most felt taking a break from the screens was a good thing. Comments included: had to talk to people face-to-face instead of through a screen, better communication at mealtime when not playing with iPhone, more playing outside, better awareness of surroundings, had to think for themselves instead of letting computers think for them, doing real things instead of virtual things, played card and board games instead of video games, getting to better know classmates not in electronic “friend” circles, less neck and eye strain, better night’s sleep, great evening activities – night walks, talent show, stargazing, scary stores and the girls dorm fashion show. Comments on what they missed without their screens included: playing video games, keeping up with social media, contact with families, listening to music, texting, Netflix, phone flashlights, and watching cat videos. Overall, most students felt it was good to take their screen break and doing so made Nature’s Classroom a better experience. Several students also said they will now try to keep a better balance of their screen use in their home and school lives.
7th & 8th grade dance
Our first 7th & 8th grade dance of the year is Friday, October 23rd from 7:00-9:00pm in the Blake gym. The cost is $5.00, and an additional collection at the door will go to the HEATHER ABBOTT FOUNDATION. Students must have turned in a dance contract, signed by their family, by the day of the dance.
Back to the Future - SPIRIT DAY -10/21/15
Did you know that Marty & Doc travelled into the future to 10/21/15??? Well Student Council Invites staff and students to travel "Back to the future" with us on Wednesday, October 21. Dress in the clothes from any generation (past or future). Accordingly, please leave your hoverboards at home!
Pumpkin Decorating
Each advisory will be decorating a pumpkin for our annual contest! Pumpkins are due in the library by 3:00pm Thursday, October 29. Teachers will vote in the library on Friday, October 30- prize to the winning homeroom!
Costume Spirit Day 10/30/15
Friday, October 30, Student Council invites staff and students to join in wearing costumes to school. No full face masks or paint, and no weapons (real or fake). We are offering people the opportunity to donate (optional) to the Heather Abbott Foundation in order to wear a costume - There will be a cauldron to collect money in the main office!
Grade 6 Standards Based Reporting Pilot and Focus Group
Thank you to all sixth grade parents/guardians who were able to come to one of our Standards Based Reporting information sessions. As promised, here is the link to the presentation...
Standards Based Reporting Presentation Fall 2015
We are also looking for parents/guardians to be part of our parent focus group. This group will be comprised of the 6th grade science teachers, administration, and parents and will meet throughout the year (Fridays at 8:30 a.m.) to discuss the work that is taking place and provide feedback. The dates that have been set for these meetings are: 10/16, 11/13, 1/8, 2/26, 4/1, and 6/3. If you are interested, please complete the form below...
Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Sign-Up
Twitter Workshop Follow Up
Thank you to all who were able to join our Twitter workshop last week. As promised, here is a link to the presentation...
Twitter Workshop for Parents 2015
Connected Educator Month - Twitter Account (@nat_vaughn and @BlakeOffice)
As noted in the weekly blog update, October is Connected Educator Month and I am encouraging both staff and students to explore the world of Twitter. For the past year I have used this technology as a communication and resource tool for both the Blake community and my own learning network. If you are interested in exploring with me, my account is @nat_vaughn and Blake's office account is @BlakeOffice. In addition to the weekly blog to our community, I plan on continuing tweeting up-to-date information, Blake happenings, links to sites, and articles of interest on a daily or more frequent basis. We have established the hashtag (#bmsed) for education-related tweets of interest and Blake events and (#bmstech) for technology tweets of interest at Blake, so be sure to check them out! This is by no means an expectation for anyone, but I thought you may find it of interest - I have found the 'dialogue and network' via Twitter to be relevant, engaging, tangible, and simply put - useful.
Theater Update
Auditions for both Trumpet of the Swan and Beauty and the Beast will take place Nov 3-6. To sign up to audition and/or do tech or stage crew, please fill out this form no later than October 26 -
https://docs.google.com/a/email.medfield.net/forms/d/18NiqwgKJr5yZQDg2E1mP3TXa8dwsO0ur_k3ffvFYIZQ/viewform?usp=send_form
The mandatory info session is October 29th at 2:15. If you can not make it, please make sure you fill out the form and email Ms. Allen.
Book Discussion Group for Parents - Stay Tuned!
As shared at the end of the 14-15 year and in the summer blog update, I am hoping to initiate a book discussion group for parents for this year. The book will be HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. Reading it has been centering and thought-provoking - as I have said before, I am not sure I agree with everything, but it certainly has sparked reflection and introspection. Stay tuned!
Angel Run
It’s training week #4. You are almost halfway through the prep. Three times this week get out in the cooler air and do 4 cycles of 5 minutes of running and 2.5 minutes of walking. Are you registered? MedfieldFoundation.org by 10/31 for t-shirt and early bird price. Don't be tricked! Register by Halloween to treat yourself to the commemorative t-shirt.
3v3 Basketball Tournament Registration NOW OPEN FOR 4th - 7th GRADE BOYS AND GIRLS!
The Big Blue Basketball team is hosting a 3v3 tournament for Boys and Girls in 4th - 7th grade on Wednesday, November 11th. This is a holiday for the Medfield Public Schools. Registration forms can be found and printed from the Medfield Youth Basketball website at www.medfieldbasketball.org. REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT MUST BE RECIEVED BY OCTOBER 30th! $25 per player. Multiple games guaranteed, prizes awarded for 1st place in their division and Most Spirit award. Schedules of team playtime will be sent out by November 9th. Contact Jack Madej at 508-359-4629 or email at [email protected] with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE: 6th and 7th Grade may only have 2 travel players per team. Please see FAQ and Rules for more information or email [email protected]. Registration and Payment are due no later than October 30th. Schedules will be finalized, posted and communicated to Team Captain by November 9th.
Thank you for your support
Evan Howell, Jack Madej, John Williams
Big Blue Captains
K-8 PTO News
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Meadow Farms Fundraiser
We need your help! Sales for this Fundraiser are at an all-time low. Please check in with your child/ren to make sure they received the Meadow Farms Packet … if not, extra Packets are available in the School Office, please stop by the office to grab one.
This Fundraiser officially ends on Friday, October 16th , however, we have been able to extend the online ordering until October 30th. Ordering online is easy and products ship directly to your home … visit www.meadowfarms.com and follow these simple instructions – PLEASE NOTE you will need the order form located inside the Packet:
Once on the site, click on REGISTER CHILD. Enter our School ID: 1032048, click SUBMIT. When you see Blake Middle School, hit CONTINUE . Enter 7-digit number found on the bottom left corner of your order form [located in the packet] Click SUBMIT. Follow instructions for information and ordering.
PLEASE NOTE: In lieu of purchasing product(s), you may make a monetary donation directly to Blake Middle School which will go towards special activities, events, outside speakers and more that the Meadow Farms fundraiser helps to fund.
PLEASE REMEMBER
… Proceeds from this Fundraiser benefit all Blake students by funding special activities, events, outside speakers and more … your efforts will go a long way!
… 8th Graders – 25% of the profit of your sales will be applied to the cost of your DC Trip, so the more you sell, the more you save on your trip!
… Top 3 sellers in the school will receive a gift card as a thank you for their efforts.
If you have any questions, please contact Kim Lipsy at [email protected] or 508 423 9765.
Open Volunteer Position-
We really need your help! If we do not find a volunteer for this position, this fundraiser will go away! Local Business Coordinator - This is the liaison that works with Subway, Go Fresh and La Groceria for Blake dinner nights. Please contact Maura Gerardi at [email protected] if you are interested in this position.
Bay State Textiles-
The Bay State Textile Fundraiser for Town Wide PTO continues to be a great success! Just a reminder as you clean out your closets for fall that the bins accept clothing, shoes, pocketbooks, linens, accessories, and stuffed animals are as long as they are in clean and dry condition. This helps the PTO fundraise, helps the town save on disposal fees and helps the environment! Last year we raised $3,000 for our schools! Please keep those donations coming! If the bin at your school is full, please feel free to drop off at any school or at the bin at the Transfer Station.
PTO Meeting-
The next Blake PTO meeting will be October 22nd at 9:00 AM. We will be voting on a grant from Tracy Allen for auditorium décor in the amount of $500
Social Media-
Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO , follow us on Twitter MedfieldK8PTO and check out our website http://medfieldpto.weebly.com
MCPE News
Are your kids smarter than their teachers? Have them find out at the second annual MCPE Student Trivia Challenge! This great event, open to students in grades 6-12, is back and will take place on Tuesday, November 10th. Teams of teachers will increase the challenge and add to the fun! Held in the high school cafeteria, teams will compete for prizes in either the Blake or MHS division. The cost is $40 per team of four players. The Blake event runs from 2:40-4:00 PM. MHS challenge runs from 4:00-5:15 PM. Spectators are welcome. Concessions will be available for purchase. Don’t delay, seating is limited, and the event is filling up. Click here for more information and to register: MedfieldCoalition.org.
Don’t Miss Our Community Trivia Night Raffle! (Valued at over $500.) Enter for your chance to win a fabulous Gourmet Wine and Dine Gift Basket, which includes: 3 bottles of exceptional wine handpicked by Matt at Medfield Wine Shoppe, $100 gift card to Zebra's Bistro, plus a cheeseboard and stemless wine glasses. Buy your tickets at MedfieldCoalition.org. $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Winner need not be present to win.
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.