11/17 - SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m. (see details below)
11/18 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
11/19 - Blake Picture Day - Cohorts B and D (see below)
11/24 - Cohort B In-Person Learning; Cohort A Remote Learning
11/25 - Remote Learning Day - Early Dismissal for Students
11/26 - Thanksgiving
11/27 - No School
Topic/Question for the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the role curiosity plays in gaining perspective, understanding, and empathy for others, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What are some ways that we can learn more about other people, cultures, and their 'stories'? Be specific. Intentional Curiosity (Week of 11/16/20)
Blake Advisory Activities - Week of 11/16/20
As you know Blake's theme for the 2020-2021 school year is Curiosity - this will extend and build upon the work we have done over the last three years with our themes of Diversity, Happiness, and Courage. Over the summer Tony Wagner (@DrTonyWagner) shared these thoughts via Twitter…Why do people stop learning? Two thoughts: 1) because they’ve only learned for extrinsic reasons-rewards and punishments-and once those are gone, they have no intrinsic reason to learn. 2) the intrinsic reason to learn stems, I think, from being curious & schools kill it. My hope and sincere belief is that we are working as a school community to ‘combat’ this notion that ‘schools kill curiosity’ - this theme is one that will be important for our students, staff, and community!
In advisory this week we will be utilizing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, Danger of a Single Story, as a vehicle to foster conversations around our theme - highlighting the importance of listening to and learning about the many stories we all have and bring. Our hope is to help foster an understanding about the importance of perspective-taking and the role that curiosity plays in helping all of us, individually and collectively, move beyond the ‘single stories’ we tell ourselves and absorb into our thoughts and actions. Through this work, we hope our students will...
- Gain an understanding of perspective
- Make connections between perspective, empathy, and curiosity
- Reflect and look beyond the ‘single story’ of Thanksgiving
Danger of a Single Story Full Length Talk
Danger of a Single Story Abridged Talk
Danger of a Single Story Transcript
The single story creates stereotypes. And the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story. -- Chimamanda Adichie
The conversations and discussions that take place will help to serve as a foundation upon which we can build for future work.
Important Info for Blake Families - MCAP Survey
Below please find the link to an important letter from Meri Haas, Medfield's Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, regarding an upcoming MCAP (Medfield Cares About Prevention) survey to be administered to Blake students in early December. If you give permission for your child to participate, there is nothing you need to do. If you would like to see a copy of the survey before deciding whether to give permission, please email Meri Haas by November 20, 2020 at [email protected] to arrange for a Zoom meeting to view the survey. If you DO NOT want your child to take part in the survey, please e-mail Meri Haas by November 27, 2020 to let me know.
Link to the Letter...
Blake Parent Letter MCAP 2020 Student Survey - November, 2020
Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias, BBB, will meet again this Wednesday from 12-12:30. This week BBB will be exploring different perspectives around the holiday of Thanksgiving. Any 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to attend. Email [email protected] for information.
Spirit Week at Blake
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in our first spirit week leading up to Thanksgiving. Each cohort will have 3 spirit days.
Cohort A:
Monday 11/16 - Sport Theme Day
Tuesday 11/17 - Comfy Cozy Day
Monday 11/23 - Grade Level Color Day (stay tuned for color)
Cohort B & D:
Thursday 11/19 - Sport Theme Day
Friday 11/20 - Comfy Cozy Day
Tuesday 11/24 - Grade Level Color Day (stay tuned for color)
Show us your spirit on Instagram- mention us in a post or story @Blake_stuco!
Blake’s Virtual Info Night 2020-2021
Our Parent/Guardian Information Nights for this school year have been structured via a virtual, asynchronous format with recordings/videos of presentations from our staff. All of the staff videos have been uploaded to our Hybrid Learning website...
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
The videos are posted on each cluster page within the site, and specialists and related arts are linked there as well. You will also see an overview/introduction on each cluster page of the school year with messages from Kelly Campbell and me. Although it is certainly not the same as seeing Blake families in person, we hope that you find this information/format meaningful and helpful.
Change in Cohort Days - 11/24/20 (and potentially 12/22/20)
November
Monday, November 23rd - Cohort A will attend in person/ Cohort B will attend remotely
Tuesday, November 24th - Cohort B will attend in person/ Cohort A will attend remotely
December (If still in a hybrid model)
Monday, December 21st- Cohort A will attend in person/ Cohort B will attend remotely
Tuesday, December 22nd- Cohort B will attend in person/ Cohort A will attend remotely
Message from Blake PTO - Messages of Thanks!
Please help us share a message of "thanks" for the wonderful staff at Blake! Kindly add a simple word(s), poem(s), drawing(s), or voice recording(s) with a message of "Thanks" to our padlet. Be as creative as you wish, and feel free to include others for a group message too. No time right now... no worries, our padlet will be open until the end of December so there is plenty of time to brainstorm your great ideas !
We are so thankful for your support!
Best, The Blake PTO
https://medfieldps.padlet.org/dhorvath8/blakegivesthanks
Private School Applications
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 e-mail Mrs. Avery ([email protected]) and your student's guidance counselor to inform them. Mrs. Avery tracks all applications and makes sure they get out in time. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Mrs. Dondero (6th grade), Mr. Marenghi (7th grade), or Ms. Allen (8th grade).
Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!
Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for four building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are available Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday to align with your family’s Cohort schedules, that would work as well. Please contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) if you are interested or would like more information.
School Picture Info
COHORT B -- School Pictures will be taken on Thursday, November 19th in the Blake Gym. Students will be called down by cluster to maintain distancing, starting with 6th, then 7th, then 8th graders. All adults and students will be masked but the student being photographed will briefly remove their mask to be photographed, then put it back on before getting up and returning to class.
COHORT C -- School Pictures will be taken during their on-cluster days, not during their Library Cohort C days.
COHORT D -- School Pictures will be taken on Thursday, November 19th in the Blake Gym at 7:25 a.m. It is very important to please arrive at Blake by 7:25 a.m. in order to be able to access the school parking lot and avoid Pound Street being closed to traffic. Head straight to the GYM via the blue Gym doors for pictures. Only students will be permitted to enter the school for pictures. All adults and students will be masked but the student being photographed will briefly remove their mask to be photographed, then put it back on before getting up and returning to class.
Important Payment Information…This year, all pictures will need to be PRE-PAID ONLINE! There will be no forms coming home that need to be filled out. 1. Visit www.grynnternet.com
2. Enter code 5G9Q4Q7P and click login
3. Prepay for your pictures
4. Print your receipt and include in an envelope
5. Return envelope to school on picture day
Families can order online up to two days AFTER picture day. From there, they can no longer prepay and would need to wait for their student's Click & Save card. This card will have the student's personal web password to place an order online. All students will be photographed regardless of whether you choose to purchase photos.
Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips
Outdoor Lunches
We have been unbelievably lucky with the weather so far this school year and intend to continue with outdoor lunches for as long as possible despite the cooler weather. Outdoor lunches provide more flexibility for students with regard to seating and have been a nice break in the day. In the past two weeks, it is starting to feel a bit more like fall so we ask that students dress in layers so that they are comfortable being outside for mask breaks, Physical Education Classes and lunch periods despite windy, cool or cloudy weather. Classroom windows being open for ventilation also means that students will be comfortable in warm layers as we move deeper into cooler weather.
‘Go to Site’ for Hybrid Learning at Blake
Please bookmark and utilize our Hybrid Learning site - this is the ‘go to’ resource for students and families - thanks to Diane Horvath, our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work in establishing this resource…
Blake Middle School Hybrid Learning Website - 2020-2021
Remote Organizational Chart (ROC) and Checklists
All Blakers should be using the ROCs and completing the end-of-day checklists on the remote learning days...
GR 6 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 7 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
GR 8 Blake Hybrid Remote Cohort Days ROC Template 2020-2021
This video helps explain the chart and checklist...
Blake Remote Learning Organization Chart and Checklist Overview
(4:12)
** The checklists are linked below and all students are expected to complete them at the end of each remote learning day...
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 6)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 7)
Blake Hybrid Remote End-of-Day Checklist (gr. 8)
** You will each get a copy of your responses.
Blake Student Council
For any student interested in leadership, school spirit, and bringing our community together this year, please reach out to Mrs. Ruminski ([email protected]) or Mrs. Shaw ([email protected]). We would love to have you join!
Blake is Social
Blake is Social is looking for pictures of furry babies dressed up for halloween!!! Hat for your puppo, or cape for your catto? We would love a picture of it!
Medical and Health Information for Blake Families
Below please find important information from the Blake nursing team…
Flu Shots
All students are required to have a 2020/21 influenza vaccine (flu shot) by December 31, 2020 as mandated by the MA Department of Public Health. Please send in medical documentation your child(ren) received the vaccine prior to the end of 2020. This documentation can be your child’s updated vaccination record if the flu shot was given in his/her physician’s office or medical documentation from the pharmacy or clinic where your child received his/her flu shot.
Any medical or religious exemptions to vaccinations must be renewed annually every September at the start of the school year and submitted to the school nurse’s office.
Webinars of Interest
Permission to Feel: Strategies for Supporting Your Child's Emotional Well-Being During Uncertain Times
Wednesday, 11/18 at 8:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Common Sense Media
Throughout the pandemic, the critical role of schools and educators as sources of support, connectedness, and stability has never been more visible. And, as students, families, and educators face continued uncertainty and disruptions, social and emotional learning (SEL) has never been more important.
In this session, Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and lead developer of RULER, the evidence-based approach to teaching kids how to become emotion scientists, will share his research, tools, and strategies that can help make the ride a little smoother.
Join us for a 45-minute conversation with Marc as he outlines a blueprint for understanding emotions and using them wisely, supported by the latest research and powerful stories. You will leave this interactive webinar with strategies and tools to support your children's well-being during these challenging times and beyond.
Addressing Personal Bias While Defining Your Authentic Self
Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Kalise Wornum, PhD. offers techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves + our families.
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Want to learn practical ways to address bias in ourselves and our community? Expert Kalise Wornum, PhD., will lead this interactive program with techniques to identify personal biases and promote antiracist and equitable behavior in ourselves, families, organizations and community.
Kalise enrolled in the METCO program at a very early age and graduated from the program with honors. Given her background with METCO, this alum has a deep understanding of the complications and beauty produced in culturally diverse classrooms. It was at this young age that she made the decision to always confront racism and found her passion for teaching. The METCO experience instilled in Kalise a lifelong passion to always confront racism and continuously educate others.
Kalise received her B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in interpersonal communications from Bradford College, a Masters degree in Educational Administration from The University of Vermont, and her Doctorate in 2017. Kalise has worked at numerous colleges /universities and K-12 districts which has given her a unique and in-depth understanding of the American educational system.
As the Executive Director of Empowering Multicultural Initiatives with curriculum development and instructional responsibilities, she learned the importance of appropriate consistent professional development for teachers. This position also allowed her to work with and provide professional development to educators across the commonwealth and the New England area. Kalise next received her administration license after completing an ELI program through the Boston University/Education Collaborative program enabling her to better identify the perspectives of school leaders.
Furthermore, she is frequently described as an incredibly energetic, informative, and dynamic presenter. Her genuinely authentic entrance into this very complex and daunting conversation relaxes all and makes this seeming impenetrable topic extremely approachable.
Self Compassion During Challenging Times with Dr. Kristen Neff
Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. But how can we learn to be kinder to ourselves, especially when facing difficult times?
Hosted by SPARK Kindness
Self-compassion involves learning to treat ourselves with care and support. Rather than continually judging ourselves, we can have compassion toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learn to cope better with the inevitable struggles of life.
In this talk, leading Self Compassion expert Dr. Kristen Neff will show how we can use both fierce and tender self-compassion to cope with the pandemic and also racial injustice. In times like these we need a friend, and we can learn to be a friend to ourselves.
Kristin Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, studying moral development. She did two years of postdoctoral study at the University of Denver studying self-concept development. She is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct over fifteen years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, released by William Morrow.
In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, both published by Guilford. She is also co-founder and board president of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.
Theme of Curiosity for 2020-2021
Our theme for this school year at Blake is one of Curiosity. 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, Happiness, and Courage. Tony Wagner (@DrTonyWagner) recently shared these thoughts via Twitter…
Why do people stop learning? Two thoughts: 1) because they’ve only learned for extrinsic reasons-rewards and punishments-and once those are gone, they have no intrinsic reason to learn. 2)the intrinsic reason to learn stems, I think, from being curious & schools kill it.
My hope and sincere belief is that we are working as a school community to ‘combat’ this notion that ‘schools kill curiosity’ - this theme is one that will be important for our students, staff, and community! 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]).
Resources for Families
CASEL CARES: Permission To Feel for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
(57:11)
Blake ‘EdChats’ - Adapting and Learning
We are trying out some ‘edchats’ with Blake teachers/staff as a way to connect and share what we are thinking and talking about as a community of learners. Each chat will have a particular focus and we will take some time to talk through a few questions. Check out our chats…
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 2 (Learning)
(Maura Batts, Tom Woods, Seth Hellerstein, Marjorie Heim, Michael Gow)
Adapting and Learning - EdChat # 1(Learning)
(Jason Heim, Orla Berry, Brian Gavaghan, Susan Bycoff, Marissa Gumas, and Diane Horvath)
SEPAC Meeting - 11/17/20
Our next SEPAC meeting is on 11/17 at 7pm. We will start the meeting with reviewing the results of the google form that was sent out on 11/6 asking for participants to share questions, concerns, and positive feedback as related to IEPS and 504s. Join Zoom Meeting https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/86490515453?pwd=TTgvVXVpOEZaaExLc09oYnJ1YVBxdz09 Meeting ID: 864 9051 5453 Passcode: 310759 We hope you can join us.
Challenge Success Update
Challenge Success has many positive, collaborative goals for this school year!
If you missed the webinar "Guiding Our Children Through Crisis", it discusses how to handle the impact of 2020 on all families. Strategies are provided for all types of caregivers and families, not just the majority; strategies include conversation-starters, self-soothing, self-care, prioritization and many others. You will learn how to be supportive and productive when addressing hot topics including the pandemic, the polarizing presidential election, societal tension, and remote learning. Hopefully you will walk away knowing how to better cope and heal from the trauma that has presented during 2020. You can still watch it here: https://www.ecornell.com/keynotes/view/K111620a/
VOLUNTEERS: We're also still looking for volunteers for the communication committee, with roles including social media management, newsletter writer, and liaison with principal blogs. MEETINGS: I recognize that we can’t all do it all, so we provide options for members who support CS but don’t currently have time to attend meetings and/or volunteer. Please reach out if you would like to connect with the Challenge Success Medfield Parent Group.
Stay well! I’m excited to work with you to find balance in our lives and provide the tools for our Medfield students!
- Kristen Careau [email protected]
MCAP Coalition and Medfield Police Department Launch a “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Campaign in Medfield: Be prepared if your kids ask questions.
Did you know that 78% of Medfield High School seniors have tried alcohol?
As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol during their high school and college years, long before it's legal for them to drink it. Although experimentation with alcohol can be common among kids, it's not safe or legal. So it's important to start discussing alcohol use and misuse with your kids at an early age and keep talking about it as they grow up.
Check out this PDF from Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) to learn more about how to talk to your Blake student. Or, visit MCAP’s website to learn more about the November Social Host Campaign: https://medfieldcares.org/wp/?qards_page=social-host-laws
COVID got you down? Is hybrid learning stressful? Could you benefit from a little extra support or some guidance about a child-related concern? Medfield Outreach is offering drop-in hours for personal, individualized appointments with two licensed mental health professionals. The Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours will be extended through November on Thursdays from 10 am to 11:30 am. Check-ins are confidential and free. Please email [email protected] for a telehealth link and to sign up for a specific time slot.
Do your kids have questions about race in America? Do you feel comfortable having these conversations with them, or could you use some guidance? Medfield Together would like to share a series of workshops for parents and kids coming up in December. These workshops will be conducted by WeethePeople, a Boston-based social justice initiative for kids. The "What is Racism" workshop is offered for kids ages 6-10. The adult workshop, called "the ABCs of Racism," explores the barriers that prevent adults from talking about race and racism with kids, examines social science of race awareness in kids, and identifies strategies to start the conversation with kids about the complexities of race, racism, and racial differences. Go to https://www.weethepeopleboston.org for more details and to sign up! For more information about Medfield Together, check out our website: https://www.medfieldtogether.com
MCPE Update
HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.
Blake PTO Update
ANNUAL FUNDING DRIVE-going on now! The drive makes it possible for the PTO to operate and cover academic enrichment, classroom events, teacher appreciation activities and other school/class activities throughout the school year. Funds from this drive are dispersed evenly to all four schools based on the number of students per school. Therefore, you may send in one payment even if you have multiple children at different schools. Suggested contribution of $30 per child Pay by PayPal or Venmo (@MedfieldTownwide-PTO) Or checks made payable to Medfield K-8 PTO sent to: Medfield K-8 PTO P.O. Box 387 Medfield, MA 02052 Or please visit www.medfieldk8pto.com for more information Contributions of any amount are accepted and are tax-deductible. Please consider asking your employer if they will match your contribution. Thank you for your continued support!
HEROES UNDER THE MASK: Our Medfield Public School teachers and staff are working tirelessly to ensure our children's safety, social emotional health, educational progress, and happiness. If you’d like to celebrate the positive experiences that go above and beyond the normal role of teachers, staff and administrators, this is your chance! Please take a moment to share the positive experiences your family is experiencing during this time by nominating a hero using Using the Heroes Under the Mask Nomination https://forms.gle/LZPP54oZ15ANGgbg8 Nominations will be shared publicly so that we can celebrate the positive efforts as a community.
Medfield Music Association Update
We're incredibly sad to announce that Spaghetti with Santa & Friends isn't feasible this year due to event restrictions. But ask yourself this... Do you want to build a snowman or teddy bear? The MMA is offering 9" build-your-own snowmen or teddy bears with stuffing, birth certificates, other goodies, and a fun live Zoom party where special guests will show how to stuff the cozy friends and lead sing-a-longs and story time. To learn more or join the fun: medfieldmusicassociation.com.
WREATHS & BULBS! Medfield Music Association's Fall Fundraiser is in full swing. The MMA is accepting orders NOW for or our beautiful, updated 20" Noble Fir wreaths with natural incense cedar, juniper, ponderosa cone accents, and exceptional needle retention. The new design was met with rave reviews and COMPLETELY SOLD OUT last year. Also, NEW THIS YEAR, amaryllis bulb kits in assorted colors. Visit https://www.medfieldmusicassociation.com/shop for more information or to purchase. Thank you for your support!
Medfield Foundation - Angel Run Info!
Medfield Foundation Virtual Angel Run & Fundraiser