11/11 - Veterans Day (No School)
MCPE Meeting
11/12 - Winter Athletics Meeting (see details below)
11/13 - 'Troubling Times' Parent Workshop (see details below)
11/14 - Grade 7 Egypt Presentation
MCPE Community Trivia Event
11/18 - Subway Night for Blake
11/19 - 26 Days of Kindness Begins (info coming soon)
Divide and Conquer Parent Workshop (see details below)
CSA Mtg (6:30 p.m. in Blake LMC)
11/25 - Turkey Bowl
Celebration of Voice Assembly
11/26 - No School
11/27 - Happy Thanksgiving!
11/28 - No School
12/2 - 6th Grade Chorus/6-8 Orchestra Concert
12/4 - Go Fresh Night for Blake
12/5 - Term 1 Ends
7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
12/8 - Term 2 Begins
Site Council Mtg (3:15 p.m. in Blake LMC)
Band Concert
12/9 - Ski Club Meeting
Royal Pizza Night for Blake
12/10 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Teachers
Spaghetti with Santa
12/11 - Divide and Conquer Parent Workshop (see details below)
12/16 - Subway Night for Blake
12/17 and 12/18 - 8th Grade to XITC
12/18 - 7th/8th Grade Chorus Concert
12/24-1/2 - Holiday Vacation
1/5 - School Resumes
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help bring together the ideas of digital citizenship and student voice into the conversations this week, our topic/question of the week is: When it comes to online security, what would happen if middle school students were given the ability to facilitate change in the goals, plans, practices?
5th Annual Student/Staff Charity Basketball Game
The 5th Annual Student/Staff Charity Basketball game will take place Thursday, November 6, 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.
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 spent time in Advisory on Monday, sharing their experiences and answering questions. We then held a luncheon for them in the library with our student council representatives. Through some of our 7th grade Civics classes, three sets of veterans were interviewed by students. The veterans represented two wars (Korea era and Vietnam era), and these interviews will be shown this week in advisory. 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 on Friday 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.
Veterans Day - No Homework Weekend at Blake
Thank you to all of the staff for their support and help in making our 'No Homework Weekend' for Blake this past weekend a reality. This effort was part of our continued work to provide down time for students, staff, and families.
Troubling Times: Talking With Your Family About Mental Health Issues
Presenter: Christi Barney, RN, MSN, Clinical Specialist and Therapist
Director of Patient Safety at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
Many families are impacted by friends, neighbors and family members who struggle with mental health issues. How do you answer difficult questions from your child about hospitalization or diagnosis? If you know a friend is struggling, do you raise the issue directly? How can we, as a Medfield community, support each other with these issues?Please join us for this important discussion on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Blake Middle School. If you are planning on attending please RSVP via this Google Form so that we can plan appropriately for the space/location (please know that you do not have to sign up ahead of time to attend, however): Troubling Times Parent Information Night.
Divide and Conquer (Mathematics, MCAS, and Mindsets) Parent Workshop
Join Nat Vaughn and Susan Bycoff, Math Content Specialist, gr. 6-12, for the Fall 2014 'Divide and Conquer' parent workshop. The focus is on mathematics, how students learn math, and a yearly review of MCAS will be presented. This year we will discuss an important topic in learning, Growth Mindset, exploring its place in learning and how students may benefit from this knowledge. The day workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 19 at 9:30 a.m., and the evening workshop will be Thursday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP via this Google Form: Divide and Conquer Parent Workshop Fall 2014.
MWAHS Administration
The administration of the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey for all Blake students took place Monday, November 10. This resource sheet (Resource Sheet for Teens) was shared with students after the administration. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Susan Cowell, Wellness Content Specialist, at [email protected].
Winter Athletics
Blake Middle School winter athletic registration is open to all 8th graders interested in participating in basketball for both boys and girls. The Winter Athletics meeting will take place Wednesday, 11/12 at 6 p.m. in the HS gym. Please visit the athletics page on the Blake Middle School web site or click the following link to register: https://www.familyid.com/medfield-public-schools Please contact Eric Scott ([email protected]) with any questions.
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.
Digital Citizen Week at Blake
Last week (11/3-11/7)was Digital Citizen Week at Blake, part of the district's Digital Citizenship Initiative. With every student now having a mobile device, it’s more important than ever to begin "empowering students to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in our digital world.” (Common Sense Media). Therefore, The Common Sense Media Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum will provide our framework as we begin to build this work into our own curriculum. There were three components to the week:
- Cyberbullying Lesson - To begin the conversation about cyberbullying and helping students understand what behaviors 'cross the line' in their use of social media, our Digital Citizenship team have designed and will lead a lesson based on Common Sense Media's curriculum.
- OverSharing: Think Before You Post Posters - Along similar lines, students are often posting pictures and “mashups” of each other online which can have a negative impact on their relationships in and out of school. An advisory period will be spent discussing the topic of 'oversharing' and Thinking Before You Post.
- Teen Panel: To put our students voices at the center of the conversation, we are hosting a teen panel. Diane Horvath and Jon Haycock will be moderating the panel of 4 selected students and 1 teacher by posing 5 predetermined questions about how they use technology in their digital life - from the moment they wake up, their house rules, and their feelings around the need for unplugging. We hope that hearing and openly sharing about each other’s experience will lead to spreading more positive and thoughtful uses of technology.
Please do not hesitate to contact Diane Horvath ([email protected]) or Nat Vaughn ([email protected]) with any questions.
Theater
As you may now know we will be doing Darcy's Cinematic Life in January and Peter Pan in April. All students received an email with the links to the sign up sheets for our crew and to audition. They can also be found on the theater page - http://padlet.com/tallen/611ejx2h8v. Over the course of the productions the theater page will have the most up to date information. Auditions will be Dec 1-4. If your students have problems signing up or have any questions, please direct them to Tracy Allen or Kathleen Caprio.
Ted Ed Club
There is still time to join Blake's Ted Ed Club. The first meeting will be November 17th after school. If your student is interested in participating, please have him/her contact Tracy Allen or Seth Hellerstein.
Yearbooks on Sale
Yearbooks are on sale starting this week! The cost is $30, which guarantees a book in June. Please make out checks to Blake Middle School and return it to school with your child's advisory teacher. Please look for information coming home with students this week. The deadline is Friday, November 21. Please contact Mrs. Boulos with any questions. [email protected]
Technology Workshops for Parents
We were thrilled that many parents joined us for the Google Workshop 3-part series with Diane Horvath (@techmonstah), our Technology Integration Specialist. A special thank you to Diane for her expertise! If you missed the workshops or would like to refer to the presentations, please check out our mobile learning blog: Mobile Learning in Medfield. We look forward to offering more sessions in the future and welcome suggestions. If you have any questions or would like to share some suggestions, please e-mail Nat Vaughn ([email protected]) or Diane Horvath ([email protected]).
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 25th. 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.
Stuff the Truck at Blake
Seventh grade students will be participating in a "Stuff the Truck" event for Cradles to Crayons, an organization which provides children in homeless and low-income situations with essential items so they can thrive at home, at school and at play. The 7th grade will be donating clothing, shoes, books, arts and crafts supplies, toys, baby gear and hygiene and new baby supplies (lists of items are available in your child's advisory). This collection will take place from Nov 17th until Nov 21st, so please start putting aside items which can be donated. Thank you!
Ballroom Dance Presentations
A group of 14 Grade 6 students will be joining our physical education staff at the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance convention at the DCU Center in Worcester on November 17th! These students will be demonstrating the ballroom dances they learned in 4th and 5th grade at the Dale Street School. Medfield's ballroom dance program is among the most well-developed in the state, and our students will be participating along with a group of 9th grade students and the high school ballroom dance class students. High school wellness instructor Karen Renaud will be teaching educators from all across the state how to implement a successful ballroom dance program in their schools, and our student demonstrations will no doubt be a highlight of the presentation!
Private School Applications
Students who plan on applying to private school need to contact their guidance counselor. For more information, please call the guidance office or visit the guidance website: Blake Guidance Private School Information. Reminders of application deadlines will be noted in future blog updates.
Blake Ski Club
Space is filling up quickly in the Nashoba Ski and Snowboard club. If you are planning on joining ski club, please sign your child up early next week to ensure your child's spot on the trips. Sign up and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at http://blakeskiclub.weebly.com/
All Night Graduation Party Selling Medfield Warrior Pennants
Show your community spirit and school support by purchasing a Medfield Warrior Pennant! Pennants cost $10 and all proceeds go directly to supporting this year's All Night Graduation Party (ANGP). This party (All Night Graduation Party Flyer) provides a safe and alcohol free way for each of our 199 graduating seniors to celebrate on June 7, 2015. Check out what they look like in the Thursday packet. To order e-mail Dawn Strehlke at [email protected].
Angel Run
It is Week 7 Angel Run Trainers. You will be in great company on race day with the 1,100 other registered participants. Keep the training going and get accustomed to the cooler temperatures that race day will likely bring. 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. You’ve got this!
More from Angel Run Headquarters...check out the MedfieldFoundation.org website on the Angel Run page or the Get Involved page for a link to lots of volunteer opportunities to assist with this year's Angel Run.
CSA News
Bay State Recycling reports that Medfield is # 1 for box average in the district for the 2nd month in a row - thank you all for donating! Let's keep those boxes full and the rebates coming!
Also our next CSA meeting is on Wednesday November 19th - please note an earlier start time of 6.30pm due to a conflict later that evening.
The library is looking for help 1 day a week to help laminate for 1-2 hours. Please let Donna Knott if you are able to volunteer. [email protected]
Don't forget to clip those box tops.
The CSA is hosting a New Field Day Spring Fundraiser. They are looking for committee members to help with this fun day for our students that will take place in the Spring on a 1/2 day. Please contact Joellyn Ripp at [email protected] to donate your time, ideas and expertise. We want to make this the best of all field days. Any amount of time you have for any part of this new fundraiser we'll take. Planning, procuring, volunteering the day of, etc. many thanks!
MCPE News
Support the Medfield Public Schools by purchasing raffle tickets for our amazing Legacy Place gift basket (valued at over $450). Please go to our web site MedfieldCoalition.org to buy tickets. The drawing will occur at MCPE Trivia Night on November 14th. The winner need not be present to win.
Entertaining for Education (E4E) is a Big Hit!
To help plan your E4E event, here are some fun ideas! Thanksgiving Pie Exchange, Girls’ Night Fiesta, Moms’ Movie Day, Ice Cream Eating Contest, Cupcake Decorating Contest, Chef Tasting, Fashion Show, Clothing Exchange Hoedown, Taste off (ribs, chowder, etc.) Indoor Soccer or Basketball Party.
Help MCPE raise money for academic enrichment programs for our schools by hosting an E4E party. Pick a date. Have a party. Invite your friends, asking them to make a donation to MCPE as their “ticket” to the event. It’s an easy way to raise money for our schools and have fun at the same time! Plan an E4E party today! All hosts will receive an MCPE “party pack” to help with the party. For more party ideas and to register your party, visit our website: MedfieldCoalition.org.
No time to host an E4E event? Please consider giving to our annual appeal: MedfieldCoalition.org/donate-now/.
Show Our Community That You Support the Medfield Public Schools and MCPE!
Make a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more to MCPE and you will receive an MCPE Proud Supporter magnet for your car. To make a donation, go to MedfieldCoalition.org and click on "Donate".
AmazonSmile Helps Raise Money for Medfield Public Schools
The Medfield Coalition for Public Education is pleased to announce an easy way to raise money for the Medfield Public Schools through AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support MCPE every time you shop at Amazon (with or without Amazon Prime) at no cost to you. Once registered, every time you shop Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to MCPE. To learn more about and/or register at AmazonSmile, go to medfieldcoalition.org/events-programs/amazonsmile/.
Thank you for supporting MCPE and for making the success of our schools a community effort.
Medfield Music Association
The Annual Wreath Sale has kicked off! Why buy a holiday wreath at a local retailer when you can buy one through the MMA and have a portion of the proceeds go to a great cause? Every wreath sold benefits the MMA scholarship fund for the Six Flags music trip this spring (or next year’s MHS music trip), or proceeds can be earmarked toward a specific music student to help with his/her own music trip costs. Enterprising Blake music students are welcome to sell multiple wreaths as a way to earn trip credits for themselves. For a wreath order form, go to the Thursday packet or www.medfieldmusicassociation.com. Wreath sales packets were also distributed last week. For more information, contact [email protected].