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 - see details below
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.)
How to Raise an Adult Book Group (4:30 p.m.) - see details below
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 respect, engagement, and listening, the topic/question for the dinner table is...
Respect - An Ode to Aretha
How often should an adult take into account the perspective expressed in the statement below, particularly when a teenager falls below expectations?
The challenging developmental tasks of separating from adults and seeking their own identity often lead them to push adults away, refute adult guidance, and disagree even when it betrays all rationality
- just about every single time
- just when the request/suggestion to the teenager is absolutely reasonable
- just after an extreme response from the teenager; other times, it is best to let it go, for the sake of both parties
It is important for us not to overlook the developmental necessity of these behaviors and to understand them. In doing so, we express our respect for each teen.
- difficult to do, yet an absolute necessity if you want to master your craft
- difficult to do, and because it is so variable, trying to do it can become a deterrent to teaching, thus a hindrance to learning
- somewhere between the first two, and it is hard to determine which statement it makes sense to follow in order to be the best you can be
Term 1 Interim Reports
All outstanding interim report signature sheets must be turned into the advisory teachers.
National French Week
In celebration of National French Week the week of November 2, the 7th grade French students prepared posters on a variety of themes. They will be posted throughout the school next week. Also, there will be a playlist of fabulous French music to enjoy between classes!
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 8th and 6th grade coffees have taken place and the 7th grade coffee is this Wednesday, November 4 at 10 a.m. To RSVP, please go to this link -Parent Coffee Signup Form.
8th Grade Salem Trip
On Thursday, October 29 the 8th grade went on a field trip to Salem, MA in connection with our reading of The Crucible. Arthur Miller's play is about the Salem Witch Trials which took place in 1692. While in Salem, students visited The Witch Dungeon, where they saw a reenactment of an actual trial and then had a chance to tour the recreated dungeons of where the witches were kept. We also visited the Salem Witch Museum which gave a more comprehensive view of how the witch trials started. Here, students were able to see the changing ideas of witches over the centuries. Both the Witch Museum and the With Dungeon directly connect to the play, The Crucible. Students were able to see how it was in real life in comparison to the play and how Miller changed facts to suit his story. At the Dungeon museum, students were able to see a reenactment of a trial of Elizabeth Proctor, one of the characters from the play. Lastly, students were able to take part in an interactive performance of Cry Innocent! which allowed them to see what a witch trial might have been like. Students were able to ask questions of the accused woman as well as witnesses and judges; they then voted on the guilt or innocence of the accused! Overall, it was an exciting day spent in historical Salem.
Veterans Day Recognition
This week and next week we will be taking time with our students in advisory to discuss Veterans Day to increase their understanding and appreciation of our Veterans. Please take time with your students to discuss this topic - more information will be provided in next week's blog update.
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.
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 contact Ms. Horvath ([email protected]) and Mrs. Heim ([email protected]).
Girls Who Code Film Screening
With the kickoff of the 2nd year for Blake’s Technovation Team, we are having a VIEWING PARTY of a soon-to-be released Documentary called Codegirl as it profiles the Technovation challenge and I believe, a team from Massachusetts! (The movie will be in the theaters and available on Youtube next week only -click the links to learn more)
Please join us in the Auditorium on Tues., Nov. 3rd at 2:45
There will be popcorn and treats! All are welcome (staff, parents, students)!
Also, it’s not too late for girls to sign up or point them in the directions of coming to watch the video to find out what TECHNOVATION is all about.
We are also having a brief meeting before the Viewing Party at 2:15 for those girls who are interested.
Divide and Conquer (Mathematics, Frameworks/Assessments, and Mindsets)
Thank you to everyone who attended our Divide and Conquer sessions. Here is a link to the presentation...
Divide and Conquer, Fall 2015
If you have any follow up questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Susan Bycoff ([email protected]) or Nat Vaughn ([email protected]).
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
Blake Magazine Drive Information
The Blake Magazine Drive - our important fall fundraiser - kicked off on Monday, November 2nd. The Magazine Drive raises needed funds for annual author visits, field trips and other special student activities and events. This year our goal is to raise $10,000. 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. New this year is a Entertainment savings app for your phone. This app lets you save money at hundreds of stores, restaurants, attractions and travel locally and nationwide. All orders count towards our sales goal. Please consider ordering a new subscription, or renewing an existing one and help raise funds for activities that enrich our students’ lives. As the holiday season approaches, keep in mind, that magazine subscriptions make easy and thoughtful gifts.
Important Dates:
Wednesday ,November 4 : Turn-in day for postcard booklets
Friday, November 6 : First turn-in day for magazine orders
Wednesday, November 18: Second turn-in day for magazine orders. Magazine drive ends -did we reach our goal?! Prizes distributed to students.
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
Community Service Club
To learn more about the Community Service Club, click on the website link to see the latest updates from the students of the CSC.
Community Service Club of Blake Middle School
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 and18
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
Theater - Auditions and Crew
This week auditions will be held in the auditorium. Auditions are Tuesday (3:30-5), Wednesday (3:30-5), Thursday (2:30-4pm) and Friday (2:15-3:45). Students who signed up on the theater form have received confirmation of their audition day. Stage and Tech crew will start on Thursday. They will meet from 2:15-3:45pm. Any questions, please contact Ms. Allen
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.
Blake Ski Club Update
With the hope that it will be helpful in planning your child's activities for this winter, we are providing this information about the Blake Ski Club. Due to the various commitments of our staff, we do not have the structures in place to safely run this program for our students and are not able to offer the Blake Ski Club for our students this year. We are grateful to the parents and chaperones who helped over the past few years to support the ski club. As with all of our endeavors, we review all of our programs (both in school and out of school) on an annual basis and may be able to run this program again in future years. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Blake Volleyball Team Wrapup
The Blake volleyball team season is over, and what a great year it was. Aside from having a strong winning record, Coach H gives his heartfelt thank you to the whole team for making this a positive, high-spirited and fun year. Every player on the team deserves to be praised and congratulated for the team's success.
Veterans Day - Operation Delta Dog
In honor of Veteran's 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
Nurse Substitutes Needed…Can you help?
Substituting will offer the opportunity to learn what school nursing involves and to interact with our wonderful students. The need is sporadic, but the rewards are great! A current Massachusetts RN license is required. Duties include: tending to the health needs of the students and staff, dispensing medication, and communicating with parents. A basic orientation is provided. Please speak to any of the school nurses for more information or contact the superintendent’s office for an application.
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 Monday, 11/9 at 6:30 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.
Miss Amazing Pageant
Planning for the 3rd annual Miss Amazing celebration is underway! We are looking for volunteers and participants. If you or someone you know would like to be part of this year’s event, please go to www.missamazingpageant.com and click “Get Involved” to sign up. The event will be held on Saturday, February 27th, 2016 at Medfield High School. If you or your business would like to donate or become a sponsor, please email us at:[email protected] for more information.
Girls' Adventure Math Expedition
MIT's Undergraduate Society of Women in Mathematics (USWIM) is proud to host the Girls’ Adventure Math Expedition (GAME) at MIT this Saturday, November 7th, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The event is open to 6th and 7th grade girls regardless of previous math knowledge. The girls will participate in a hands-on math challenge in small teams supervised by a USWIM member or adult volunteer. Although we encourage lighthearted competition, the event will be generally relaxed; the goal is for the girls to have fun, work together, and learn some cool ways to use math. We will be providing food, drinks, snacks, and small prizes to participants.
To register, please go to: http://goo.gl/forms/Sj4PGDrcPj
Email [email protected] with any questions!
The IAM Strong Foundation presents...
Confessions of a Depressed Comic...An Evening with Kevin Breel followed by a panel discussion
“Personal Reflections...living with teenagers struggling with mental health issues”
Sponsored by Westwood-Mansfield Pediatric Associates with the support of The Norwood Theatre
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The Norwood Theatre
109 Central St, Norwood MA
7:30pm (doors open at 7:00)
Free to the Public
We will be accepting donations of new socks and underwear for adults and teens in need who are currently receiving inpatient psychiatric care.
www.iamstrongfoundation.org
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 RECEIVED 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
Angel Run
It's Week 6 Angel Run Trainers. You are entering the home stretch. Here is your routine to do 3 times this week. Two cycles of 9 minutes of running followed by 1.5 minutes of walking, then add one more 9 minutes of running. Go to MedfieldFoundation.org if you want to take a look ahead at the rest of the schedule. If you are still looking for more Angel Run involvement check out the sign up form here www.SignUpGenius.com/go/904084EADAA2DA20-volunteer Volunteer jobs of every variety are available and we would love your help.
K-8 PTO News
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.mylocker.net
Click on the green bar that says GET STARTED
Click on K-12 Schools
Enter Medfield, MA and click SEARCH
A drop-down menu will appear and you can choose your school
Start creating and shopping
BLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL use promo code b2g6dTK1 and receive $10 off every order you place
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.
Grant Funded
A $505 grant requested by Tracy Allen was approved and funded to purchase Wallums for the Blake auditorium. They will include a variety of arts, inspirational quotes and robots that are in line with Blake, Blake arts programming and the hope that kids go for their dreams. Make sure you check out the decorations next time you come in!
Box Tops
Easy fundraiser - Please cut out your Box Tops and have your child bring them to the Blake office or their advisory. Visithttp://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.
Bay State Textiles
Just a reminder 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.
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
Parents and students who shop at Subway this coming TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd from 4-8 PM will get a chance to enter a FREE RAFFLE to win an amazing Medfield Gift Basket including a Medfield T-shirt and water bottle as well as a $10 gift card to each Park Street Books, Starbucks, and Dunkin Donuts! TWENTY PERCENT of all proceeds from Subway Night will be donated to MCPE. Join us at Subway this Tuesday to benefit our schools and you could be our lucky winner!
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 from2:40-4:00 PM. The MHS challenge runs from 4:00-5:15 PM. WALK INS ARE WELCOME!! Spectators are encouraged to come as well. 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 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.
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 November 30-December 4th.
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.