11/10 - MCPE Student Trivia (see details below)
11/11 - Veterans Day - No School
11/12 - Strategic Plan Focus Group (see details below)
11/13 - Grade 7 Pyramids and Pharoahs Presentation
MCPE Trivia Night Event
11/17 - AMC 8 Math Competition
Strategic Plan Focus Group (see details below)
11/18 - Strategic Plan Focus Group (see details below)
11/19 - Moxie Strings Concert
11/24 - 8th Grade Turkey Bowl (see details below)
Celebration of Voice Assembly
11/25 - No School
11/26 - Happy Thanksgiving!
11/27 - No School
11/30 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
12/1 - Grade 6 Chorus and Grades 6-8 Orchestra Concert (7 p.m.)
12/4 - Term 1 Ends
7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
12/7 - Blake Band Concert
12/9 - Spaghetti with Santa
12/10 - Grades 7/8 Chorus Concert (7 p.m.)
12/11 - Term 1 Report Cards go home
12/16 - 1/2 Day for Students
12/23 - 7th Grade to
12/24-1/1 - Vacation
1/1 - Happy New Year!
1/4 - School Resumes
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations about trying new ideas and shifting paradigms, the topic/question of the week is...
Have You Ever...
Have you ever viewed this video (11:40)?
Sir Ken Robinson’s now ubiquitous, "Changing Educational Paradigms" talk. His first TED talk on creativity in schools is the most-viewed TED talk in the world.
- yes
- no
- maybe, I don't remember
- yes, but I don't recall the details
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Veterans Day Recognition
Building off of the our Vietnam Veterans Memorial assembly a year ago, we took time as a Blake community over this past week to honor and recognize our local veterans. In 6th grade the veterans are spending time in Advisory on Tuesday, sharing their experiences and answering questions. We are then holding a luncheon for them in the library with our student council representatives. Some of our 7th grade Civics classes helped to create a video for 7th graders to view and discuss in Advisory this week. Continuing the tradition that has been in place for several years, students in the 8th grade spent time last week writing 'thank you' letters to veterans in town. They were mailed at the end of last week in the hopes that the veterans received them on Saturday before the actual holiday. I encourage all families to discuss these experiences with our students.
How to Raise an Adult - Book Discussion Group for Parents
As shared at the end of last year and in previous blog posts, one of my hopes for this year was to initiate a book discussion group for parents and educators. I am pleased to share that the Blake Site Council will be reading and discussing HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. For more information, here is a book review from The New York Times...
HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. We will be reading it throughout the year, taking time to discuss the ideas presented and have a common, shared experience. The discussions will take place at the end of each Site Council meeting (more information/details to come - our first book group will be 4:30 p.m. on Monday, 11/30). All parents are invited to join us. If you are interested in joining the book discussions, please fill out this Google Form: How to Raise an Adult Blake Book Group
School Absences
This is a reminder for parents that a student's absence or tardiness must be reported by a written note or a parental telephone call to the school absence line (508-242-8501) by 8 a.m. Absence from school for vacation purposes is discouraged. However, we are aware that some parents make the decision to take their student out of school based on specific circumstances that may allow for the family to be together or for the student to gain a different educational experience. We strongly request that student vacations or family obligations be scheduled within the framework of the school calendar. When parents/guardians do remove students from school, we request that two weeks notice is provided to the administration so that teachers can be notified. Should parents keep a child out of school for vacation purposes, they are assuming the responsibility for their child to make up the work. It should be recognized that teachers can not realistically provide work to take the place of instruction missed during planned absences. Since assignments are based on material that has been previously taught, work can not in most cases be identified until after the child returns Academic and special education teachers will not provide make-up instruction or tutorials.
Medfield Public Schools Guidance Counselor Blog!
http://medfieldguidance.blogspot.com/
The purpose of this blog is to increase awareness and raise professional knowledge of the role of the School Counselor. With technology firmly embedded into our school community, the Medfield Public Schools Guidance Counselors have created a blog to promote our department, to stay active and knowledgeable in our field, and stay connected with our school community. Please check it out! You can follow our blog by entering your email address to receive notification when the blog is updated.
6th Annual Student/Staff Charity Basketball Game
The 6th Annual Student/Staff Charity Basketball game will take place Thursday, November 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Middle School gym. Tickets cost $3 each. All money raised goes to benefit Christmas in the City, a non-profit organization which receives donations each year to throw a Christmas Party for homeless children in Boston. This year, 8th grade students and teachers will spend two days helping to set up the party and purchase gifts for homeless children. Students can purchase tickets during advisory or at the door the day of the event. Any additional donations are welcome.
Blake Magazine Drive Information
Thank you to the Medfield community for your support so far of The Blake Magazine Drive! To date, we are nearly halfway towards our goal of raising $10,000! The Magazine Drive is our important fall fundraiser. The Magazine Drive raises needed funds for annual author visits, field trips, cultural events and other special student activities. In addition, 30% of the profits from the 8th grade sales offset the cost of the Washington, DC trip. Many students pay for a large part of their trip through their subscription sales. There’s still time to reach our goal -- the last day of the drive is 11/18. Orders can be easily placed on line.
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 12:30 p.m.) to discuss the work that is taking place and provide feedback. The dates that have been set for these meetings are: 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
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
Private School Information
For those families looking to apply to private school for next year, please make sure all materials (all teacher recommendation forms, transcript request, an 8x11 envelope and 4 stamps per envelope) are to the guidance office at least 3 weeks prior to the application due date. We want to make sure the teachers have sufficient time to provide thoughtful letters for all students applying. If the forms will be sent electronically to the teachers, please email Mrs. Avery and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. Any questions, please contact Ms. Allen (6th), Mrs. Dondero (7th) or Mr. Marenghi (8th).
Strategic Plan Focus Groups: Parents Wanted!!
Medfield School Committee is hosting Strategic Plan Focus Groups on November 12, 17 and 18
See Schedule on www.medfield.net
The Medfield School Committee has begun the process of developing a 5 year strategic plan. This plan will outline the direction of the district to make sure our students are prepared for our changing world. This is a community effort and it involves outreach, analysis and prioritization. An important component of the strategic plan is to conduct focus groups to gather feedback on what should be preserved and what can be improved.
We understand that education in Medfield is a strong community value, therefore we want to hear what you have to say...please come and participate in one of our focus groups!
All Medfield Community Members Invited:
Parents of Students: Past, Present and Future; Teachers/Staff; Current Students; Former Students; Parents of students with IEP's and 504 plans; Town Officials; Administrators; Seniors, MEMO Members
Turkey Bowl - 8th Grade
8th Graders will once again take to the gridiron this year in an attempt to raise food for the Medfield Food Cupboard and raise student awareness that there are local families in need. The annual event is called the Turkey Bowl and this year it will take place on Tuesday, November 24. Students are asked to sign-up, in teams of four, with their Physical Education Teachers. As an entry fee, students will be required to bring in one non-perishable food item per player. This is an exciting and fun event and we are hoping to get every 8th grader to play.
Theater Update
After a wonderful week of auditions, students will be receiving emails about their parts by the end of today, Tuesday, 11/10. Mrs. Caprio and Ms. Allen spent many hours on the casting process and wish there were 100 lead roles for all the talented students. Blake is lucky to have them. Our hope is that every student will enjoy being part of theater family and take on the assigned role with the enthusiasm he/she showed at auditions. Each role is necessarl to a successful performance. The first run through - as well as the next Stage and Tech crew meeting - will be on Thursday, 11/12.
Veterans Day - Operation Delta Dog
In honor of Veterans Day this year two student service groups, MedSERVE and Service with a Purpose will be selling wristbands to raise money and awareness for Operation Delta Dog www.operationdeltadog.com. Operation Delta Dog is the first of it's kind in Massachusetts. They rescue homeless dogs and train them to be service dogs for veterans suffering with PTSD and other brain injuries. The bands can be purchased for a $1 each the mornings of November 9th and 10th. If you would like to donate more to this wonderful group, please feel free to write a check to Operation Delta Dog. Below, is more detailed information. We thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
Operation Delta Dog
Volleyball Wrapup
The volleyball team topped off the season with a lively and fun potluck lunch. It was a grand old time, and a perfect ending to a marvelous season. Good luck to all players in their future volleyball games!
Angel Run
It is Week 7 Angel Run Trainers. You will be in great company on race day with over 1,000 other registered participants. Keep the training going! Three times this week do the following: Two cycles of 10 minutes of running followed by 1 minute of walking then finish with another 10 minutes of running. If you did not make the pre-registration deadline you can sign up on race day at the high school beginning at 1pm. See you Sunday, December 6th.
More from Angel Run Headquarters...Volunteers needed! Check out the sign up link www.SignUpGenius.com/go/904084EADAA2DA20-volunteer for lots of volunteer opportunities to assist with this year's Angel Run. And, a special congratulations to Blake student Abby Silva who had the winning poster for the Angel Run's 10th Anniversary poster contest.
K-8 PTO News
IMPORTANT SCRIP UPDATE
After many successful years of fundraising, the SCRIP program is retiring from Medfield. This program raised thousands of dollars over the last several years and many volunteers put in countless hours to help make this program work. The participation in SCRIP has diminished to a place where it no longer makes sense to run the program. Thanks to ALL those who helped make it work, we appreciate all you did!!! Park Street Books still has SCRIP cards available until we sell out....so visit soon before they are all gone! Please see the new fundraisers from Medfield K-8 PTO below.
MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR
It’s back………SPIRIT WEAR is here and YOU get to design it! Customize everything yourself or see what your kids can create! Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, bags, hats, blankets & more.
12% of proceeds from each order will go to your school’s PTO.
This is all you have to do:
Go to http://www.shop.mylocker.net
Enter your school locker number
o BLAKE BD979
Start creating and shopping
Please use the specific promo code for your school to receive $10 off every order you place
o BLAKE b2g6dTK1
Spend $85 or more and get a free t-shirt
Watch your items be delivered right to your door
NOTE: Due to different branding sizes, make sure to check all size charts when ordering to ensure you get a great fit for each product. Use MyLocker to create apparel for your teams, clubs, service groups, and more. The possibilities are endless! Please contact Laura Zaher [email protected] with any questions.
Zebra’s Flatbread Fridays Fundraiser
No need to cook on a Friday night after a crazy week! Enjoy a delicious flatbread from Zebra’s and support the Medfield Public Schools at the same time. 10% of the proceeds from flatbreads sold via take-out or in the restaurant on Friday evenings will be donated to the Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) and Medfield K-8 PTO. Try the Seasonal Roasted Autumn Squash & Mushroom Flatbread, Truffle Cream, Goat Cheese & Baby Kale for $18. Please contact Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
Box Tops
Easy fundraiser - Please cut out your Box Tops and have your child bring them to the Blake office or their advisory. Visit http://www.boxtops4education.com/coupons for coupons on participating Box Tops products! We will be revealing our exciting Box Tops collection challenge soon.
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
Just a reminder that the textile 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.
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
COMING THIS TUESDAY! It's not too late to throw together a team for MCPE's second annual Student Trivia Challenge. This great event, open to students in grades 6-12, 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 from2:40-4:00 PM. The MHS challenge runs from 4:00-5:15 PM. Spectators are encouraged to come as well. Concessions will be available for purchase. Click here for more information and to register: medfieldcoalition.org. WALK INS ARE WELCOME!!
LAST CHANCE! Don’t Miss the MCPE Community Trivia Night Raffle! (Valued at over $500.) Enter for your chance to win a fabulous Gourmet Wine and Dine Gift Basket, which includes: three 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 five tickets for $20. Winner need not be present to win.
Mark your calendars for the return of MCPE's outstanding and much anticipated online auction of “Treasured Experiences”. Featuring unique opportunities for students to spend time with their favorite teachers, this online auction will run from Monday, November 30-December 4th. Be sure to start your holiday shopping on Cyber Monday at medfieldcoalition.org.
Medfield Music Association
The MMA Wreath Sale is up and running, and Blake music students can earn $5 per wreath toward Six Flags music trip expenses. The 18” balsam holiday wreaths are $20 each, and deadline to order is Friday, Nov. 13. Order forms and student sales packets can be downloaded from the home page of the MMA web site: www.medfieldmusicassociation.com, or the Thursday packet. Wreaths will be delivered the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28).
Raffle basket items are now needed for the 42nd annual Spaghetti with Santa! Even if your children have outgrown this annual event, you can still have fun contributing to its success by donating items to the raffle baskets, such as toys, books, gift cards, craft supplies, sports/snow items, DVDs, dolls, etc. Individual items will be grouped together into themed baskets, and you also have the option of making your own basket to donate. Collection boxes can be found in the Blake lobby and in the MHS Music Room. Deadline to donate is Dec. 1; proceeds benefit the Medfield Music Program.
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.