1/12 - SEL Task Force Meeting - 3:30 p.m.
1/15 - No School for Students
Teacher Professional Day
1/18 - Dr. MLK, Jr. Day - No School
1/19 - SEPAC Meeting
1/26 - ‘Navigating Schools During Uncertain Times’ (see info below)
1/27 - MCAP Meeting
Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about changes we can and should make to nurture and support all learners, our question for this week is: What are some necessary changes that you hope will take place to improve our schools and learning environments for all of our learners? Necessary Change (Week of 1/10/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Information for 8th Grade Families
ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents! Please mark your calendars for a Welcome to MHS Webinar on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:30pm via zoom. Students and parents will hear about academic offerings, high school culture, expectations, timelines, and more! The zoom link will be shared when the event gets closer.
MLK, Jr. Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
In a continued effort to provide down time for students, staff, and families, MLK, JR. Weekend will be a 'No Homework Weekend' for all of Blake. No assignments will be given with a due date of 1/19 and tests, quizzes, and projects will not be due nor given January 19 or 20. Thank you to all of the staff for their support and help in making this happen. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know.
Term 1 SBR Reports
Prior to vacation Cohort A and B students will be brought home a blue pocket folder containing SBR reports for their Term 1 report card. Cohort D students received them in the mail. Time was and will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished via a Google Form (a similar form will be given to Cohort D students when we return from vacation). Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults. I have outlined the questions below and encourage you to have conversations this week to help bridge the connections between home and school…
- Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1, what are you most proud of?
- Reflecting on your Term 1 reports, what was not a surprise to you? Why was it not a surprise?
- What surprised you on your Term 1 reports? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Explain.
- Would you like to check in with your advisor or one of your teachers? (Yes, No, Maybe)
- If you answered yes to the previous question, which teacher would you like to speak with and about what? Put "none" if you do not wish to check in with one of your teachers.
- What is your biggest challenge as a learner right now?
- Finish this sentence: I want to improve...
- What is your favorite part of 'in school' learning days?
- What is your favorite part of 'remote' learning days?
- What is working well with 'Go Block'?
- How could 'Go Block' be improved? What would be helpful for you?
- How can we help you as a learner on your remote learning days? Please share ideas.
- What would be helpful for you during advisory (check all that apply)?
- Which of the following topics would you like to work on/discuss in Advisory this year? (Check all that apply - Mindfulness strategies, Time to check-in with my teachers, Stress-Relieving strategies, Organization time, Time to work on homework, Discussions about friendships/peer relationships)
- Are there any other topics you would like to discuss in Advisory this year?
- If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?
During 8th grade science classes on 12/21 and 12/22, our students heard from recent and not so recent grads of MPS now studying or working in the STEM field. Thanks so much to the following graduates: Cara Abecunas, Kathleen O’Connor, Megan Keith, Anna Joseph, Emma Nedell, Ryan Eng, Sam Johnson, Andrew Maritan, Maddy Reddy, Dylan Hogan, and Christian Daniele. I encourage everyone to think of other ways we can make the learning tangible for our students - via in person or virtual connections with alumni, individuals 'in the field', or outreach. Thanks to Orla for coordinating and to the 8th grade science teachers for hosting!
Blake MERJ (Medfield Educators for Racial Justice) Update
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis and has put together a monthly newsletter for the Blake staff and community. Within the newsletter are resources and ideas for advisory lessons. Over the next couple of weeks in advisory, students will be exploring some different activities from our MERJ January Newsletter. The focus for this month is "Justice January", with advisory activities about social justice and activism. We encourage you to take a look and continue the conversations with your students at home…
Blake MERJ January Newsletter
Here is the mission statement for the district-wide MERJ group...
Medfield Educators for Racial Justice seeks to promote racial justice and equity within the Medfield Public Schools and the larger Medfield community through staff development and education, curriculum review, design, and implementation, and community outreach and partnership. Through reflection, discussion, and action, we seek to promote an antiracist and anti-bias education in order to better prepare our students, staff, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to ultimately make our schools a more equitable, just, and inclusive learning community.
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.
Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural session is loosely set to run from mid January until the beginning of April. Be on the lookout for the offerings shortly! If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Blake is Social
Blake is Social would love any and all work from students. We love to show off what makes Blake special. We meet every Monday via zoom, if intersted please reach out to Mrs. McClelland at [email protected]
Cold Weather Attire
Please remind students to be sure that they dress in layers and bring hats, gloves, and coats to school. We will certainly be mindful of outdoor lunches but will hopefully be having outdoor mask breaks as much as possible.
Blake Blood Drive
The annual Blake Middle School Blood Drive is still on. This year we are supporting the American Red Cross rather than hosting the drive here at the middle school. The new location for this year will be at the University Station in Westwood, January 18th from 8am-2pm. Please consider donating.
Blake Battles Bias
Is your 7th or 8th grade student interested in matters of racial justice? BBB (Blake Battles Bias) meets every other Wednesday from 12-12:30. New members are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini [email protected]
Blake’s GSA
GSA- The GSA club will be held Thursday via zoom. This week we will talk music and create the ultimate playlist. Hope to see you there! Please feel free to contact Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. Dondero, or Mr. Marenghi with any questions.
Rainbow Peace Flag Project
We have received a donation of a rainbow PEACE flag as part of the Rainbow Peace Flag Project. - The Rainbow Peace Flag Project seeks to extend kindness and caring across national borders, with love that includes people of all sexualities, genders, abilities, religions, races, and cultures, and to condemn acts of violence and hatred, embracing peaceful dialogue instead.
Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS. Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious? Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy? We are availble to listen and help! Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Email [email protected] to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.
A Seat at the Table With Education Week: Testing & Accountability
Wednesday, 1/13 at 2:00 p.m. EST
The pandemic has disrupted lives and schooling for nearly a year—and some in the education space—and beyond—worry about lost learning. One way to know what has been lost is through testing, but is it reasonable to hold students—or their teachers—accountable for one of the most challenging years in recent memory? This year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP—often referred to as “the Nation’s Report Card—has been postponed because of the pandemic. What impact will this decision have on education in this country?
Join Peter DeWitt as he sits down with researcher Lorrie Shepard, past president of the American Educational Research Association and the National Council on Measurement in Education, as they discuss this critical topic, especially given the circumstances.
What Learning Means in 2021
Thursday, 1/14 at 3:00 p.m. EST
It’s the beginning of 2021. A year that comes in the wake of the unprecedented 2020, a year that had learners and leaders scrambling to learn new methods, models and new expectations.
Many of these “firsts” helped to spotlight the pre-existing inequities and inadequacies of our education system, serving as a green light for implementing new ideas and reminding us all what education is about at its core — the people involved. During this live conversation, we will be exploring our recommendations for the new administration at the Department of Education, a team of experienced leaders coming into deep and troubled waters; discussing the themes, topics and trends that we are eager to continue exploring in 2021; and giving you a look at what’s next for Difference Making, our book and campaign on purpose-based learning and community-connected projects.
We hope to see you there to learn together and lay the foundation for the future of education for 2021 and beyond.
“Navigating School During Uncertain Times”
Tuesday, 1/26 at 7:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Medfield Public Schools will again partner with Medway Public Schools to bring Jon Klienman from Challenge Success to host a Webinar, (a link will be shared closer to the presentation). This webinar will focus on the following: How can parents best support the personal and academic needs of their children while also attending to their own professional and familial needs? In this presentation, caregivers will learn how they can establish a healthier home environment for their school-aged child, reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase their child’s resilience, creativity, and well-being.
Navigating Screen Time, Digital Socializing, and Parenting during COVID-19 with Dr. Jill Walsh
Thursday, 2/11 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a virtual workshop as Dr. Jill Walsh explains best practices around technology consumption. This talk will include:
- the most important conversations to have with your children about technology now
- how to think about screen time during hybrid/ remote learning
- the key tech rules to institute for home learning that will set your child up for success
- understanding the opportunities and challenges that digital socializing provides your child
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!
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.
Google Classroom Tips for Families
Resharing a resource for families:
Blake Middle School - Google Classroom Tips
‘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.
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)
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 liason 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]
MCPE Update
MCPE is bring back our popular Trivia Night in a fun virtual way! Join 200 of your closest friends on January 30 at 8:00pm for a full pub trivia experience without having to leave your couch! Register your team of 4-8 people here: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/trivia-2021
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.