1/17 - Blake Student Council
1/18 - MAC Meeting
1/22-1/26 - Term 2 Family Outreach Week
1/22 - Pride Alliance
1/23 - ½ Day for Students
Professional Afternoon
1/24 - Blake Student Council
1/25 - MAC Meeting
1/29 - Pride Alliance
1/30 - Blake Site Council
1/31 - Blake Student Council
Harlem Wizards Event (see details below)
2/1 - MAC Meeting
MHS Info Night (see details below)
2/5 - Pride Alliance
2/7 - ½ Day for Students
Professional Afternoon
2/8 - MAC Meeting
2/10-2/11 - Blake Theater Performances (see details below)
2/12 - Pride Alliance
2/14 - Blake Student Council
2/15 - MAC Meeting
2/19-2/23 - February Vacation
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about continuous learning and improvement, our question for the week is: What is something you have learned recently that you would like to learn more about? Better Versions (Week of 1/14/24) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
MLK, Jr. Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
Thank you to all of the Blake staff for their support and help in making our 'No Homework Weekend' this past weekend a reality. This effort was part of our continued work to provide down time for students, staff, and families.
6th Grade Egypt Presentation
On January Monday, January 8 the sixth grade students welcomed Paulette Morin who provided a hands-on presentation about Ancient Egypt. Paulette's visit was an introduction to our Ancient Egypt unit. She provided the kids with detailed accounts of stories from Ancient Egyptian mythology, mummies, pyramids, and much more. On behalf of the sixth grade, we would like to thank the PTO for funding this experience.
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 1/22-1/26
The week of 1/22-1/26 is the Term 2 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week we take time as a community to provide you with an update with regard to areas of curricular focus and student work. You may have also received an email from your child’s teacher if there are specific areas of concern with regard to progress towards meeting the standards under consideration this term. Please know that you may reach out to teachers or your child's counselor at any time if you have questions or concerns about their progress.
Blake Intramurals - Winter Session
Registration for Blake's Winter Intramural Session in now open. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Project 351 - Blake Representative for 2023-2024
We are thrilled to share that Jackson Dunn, one of our eighth grade students, has been selected as Medfield's ambassador for Project 351. Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project. Ambassadors should embody the ethic of service and associated values - humility, integrity, compassion, commitment, and generosity of spirit. In essence, Project 351 celebrates and encourages students' leadership and commitment to others. Launch Day for the ambassadors was this past Saturday, 1/13 - a day-long endeavor that kicks off their work and service. We are proud and honored that Jackson will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield!
January Reading Challenge at Blake
Hi Blake Families, start the new year off by participating in the reading challenge! January’s theme is great for the whole family - a book under 100 pages. The real challenge this month might be finding a book that qualifies. Do you have a favorite picture book you would like to revisit? Some chapter books we have found in our library are: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Hub fans bid Kid adieu by John Updike, or All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World, by Lori Alexander and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. In our graphic novels section we have found quite a few, some of the most popular being the nonfiction books by Don Brown, and the Olympians series. Can you find any other titles? When a Blaker reads a book that qualifies for the challenge they can go to the library website and fill out a google form. Thanks for joining in!
MAC Update
Blake's Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC) will meet Thursday after school in Mr. Gow's room, room 513.
Get ready for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse!
The eclipse may overlap with dismissal for many Massachusetts schools. We recommend preparing students to safely experience the eclipse. Comprehensive information related to the eclipse is available on our new eclipse resource site. Visit NASA’s website for comprehensive information about the eclipse. Free eclipse glasses for families! Solareclipse.us is sponsoring 1 free pair of glasses per household. You will need to order by February 8th, 2024 to allow time to ship.
Pride Alliance
Pride Alliance will meet Monday, January 22 at 215 in Señora Manning's room. At Pride Alliance, we strive to create a safe space for people in the community, those who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, and also those who wish to learn how to become a better ally. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity. Meetings for Pride Alliance will take place on Mondays from 2:15-2:45 in room #309. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Dondero ([email protected]) and Kristin Manning ([email protected]).
Blake Theater - Re-Save the Dates!
Re-save the dates. Blake's second theatrical production, Pure Imagination, will now take place Saturday, February 10th (1pm and 7pm) and Sunday, February 11th (1pm). Ticket information coming soon.
- Placement Letter - Please refer to this letter from the Department Chairs regarding course recommendations and placement.
- The 2024-2025 Program of Studies will be released in the next few weeks, prior to our evening program. Please note that students will complete high school course selections between March 1 - 7, 2024.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A Worthley
K-12 School Counseling Department Chair
Medfield Public Schools
[email protected]
Calling all K-12 student space and science enthusiasts!
NASA wants to hear where and how you’d explore space with the Power to Explore Student Challenge.
Students are challenged to research Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS), a type of nuclear “battery” used in space exploration, and dream up a new RPS-powered space mission to a destination with limited or obstructed access to light. Write about where your RPS-powered mission would go, the mission goal(s), the advantages of using RPS, and a unique power you have to help achieve mission success. In total, your submission is limited to 250 words.
Entries will be judged in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts, where students will learn about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore. Fifteen national semifinalists in each grade category (45 winners total) will receive a NASA RPS Prize pack, three national finalists in each grade category will (9 finalists total) will receive a virtual session with a NASA RPS expert, and one grand prize winner from each grade category (3 total) will receive a trip for two to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Learn more at the Challenge website. Entries due January 26, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET.
February Vacation Opportunities
Registration is open for TWO Medfield TV Youth Media Programs during February Vacation! These 4-day classes cover essential skills for video production and important topics related to health and wellbeing. Scan the QR codes to register!
Medfield SEPAC’s Cards for a Cause fundraiser has started!
Each box contains 30 (or more!) high-quality, hand-embellished cards for $30.00 that, if purchased from a store, would easily cost $4-7 each. Save money now and time later. It's a great deal for a great cause! The money raised will fund our scholarships, awarded to graduating seniors, and help us offer more workshops and events. Fundraiser Dates: Jan 16th - Feb 14
Order here: https://www.kidsbookfort.com/orgs/sepac For any questions, please contact: [email protected] Thanks in advance for your support!
Our Communications Workshop will be held on January 23rd at 7:30 pm in the Blake Middle School Library. This popular workshop will teach participants to create a one-page snapshot of their child. This resource is helpful for teachers, coaches, counselors, babysitters, and anyone who interacts with your child. We offer childcare for these workshops, and a remote link can be provided upon request. Please RSVP to [email protected] and bring a laptop or tablet with you to work on your snapshot.
Parent Connection Groups, each focused on a different diagnosis, are underway. These groups are informal meet-ups for parents and caregivers to connect and exchange resources on a particular diagnosis. They are coordinated by a parent volunteer. Your child does not need an IEP, 504 or be in the Medfield Public School system to join. This group is for any parent who wishes to connect with other parents who have experience with this diagnosis. If you are interested in joining the Down Syndrome, ADHD, ASD or Dyslexia + LBLD or Mental Health groups please email [email protected]
Did you hear the news? We just launched our brand-new newsletter, and it's full of useful information. Subscribe now by sending an email to [email protected], and don't forget to follow us on IG (@medfieldsepac) or FB for updates!
Reminder that the PTO serves to support Blake teachers through financial grants, hands-on support, and ongoing teacher appreciation efforts on behalf of all parents. If you have not already, please consider donating $50 for the year (or whatever amount feels appropriate) through Venmo @MedfieldTownwide-PTO or a check made out to Blake PTO. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month during the school day to help teachers with photocopying or bulletin boards, please email [email protected]
From MHS PTO - Harlem Wizards - 1/31 at 7 p.m.!
The FUNTASTIC AND HIGH-FLYING Harlem Wizards are returning to Medfield High School, Wednesday, January 31st 2024 at 7pm!! This event promises to be high energy, fun-filled, great for kids and adults and will guarantee to put a smile on all your faces! Extremely talented basketball players will play against your teachers from all Medfield District Schools. (We say ‘play', but we all know they’ll run circles around them in a very entertaining way!!)
The event is a fundraiser for the Medfield High School PTO, to help raise funds for scholarships, deserving awards, inspirational speakers, grant requests to enrich classroom experiences and so much more. Please help support us buy purchasing tickets to this great show, bringing the whole community together. Tickets would make great Holiday Gifts giving you all something to look forward to in the New Year!
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE - Hurry before they sell out!
Thank you for your support.
VIEW QUICK EVENT PROMO
The “Why” and “How” of Standards-Based Grading
Tuesday, 1/16 at 2 p.m.
Join this webinar to learn from four school leaders who have guided their communities through a shift in grading practices and are successfully implementing standards-based grading. During this panel discussion, you’ll hear practical insights and real-world examples from each leader as we explore the following topics:
- Why schools across the country are shifting their grading approach and the different terms you may hear including standards-based, mastery-based, and competency-based grading
- How school leaders can support educators as they align curriculum and assessments with standards
- Consistency and fairness in grading, including the importance of assessing nonacademic skills
- Communication of grading policies with students and family
- Potential roadblocks you may encounter and plans to address them effectively
- Whether you’re just starting your journey with standards-based grading or bringing a wealth of experience, we invite you to join the conversation.
- Lauren Pawelkowski, Dean of Students, Bio-Med Science Academy STEM School in Ohio
- Matt Noblin, Assistant Principal, Sandersville Elementary School in Kentucky
- Michelle Slattery, Instructional Coach, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District in California
Kendell Hunter, Former Educator & Product Marketing Manager,Otus
FREE WEBINAR: "Inquiry Hub: The Dream, Create, Learn School" with Principal Dave Truss | BQI Community
Wednesday, 1/17 at 7 p.m.
Join us for this important overview of a compelling school model that highlights the power of project-based learning.
Inquiry Hub is a small Coquitlam School District (BC) high school that is unique in its approach and delivery. Known as the Dream – Create – Learn school, Inquiry Hub was born out of the idea that students don’t need to spend every minute of their day siloed into individual courses, without any unstructured time. It has evolved into a community of students who work both together and individually to complete the required curriculum while also designing some of their courses and their day around inquiries and passion projects that they want to pursue.
Grade 9’s and 10’s do cross-curricular projects using SCRUM project management, collaborating to get work done efficiently and effectively, and they also take an Inquiry Course designed around developing strong presentation skills and documenting their learning journeys, doing passion projects that they design. Grade 11’s and 12’s construct year-long IDS – Independent Directed Studies courses where they delve deep into their interests.
A key component of the program is DCL time, coined after the Dream – Create – Learn motto, where students are not in a structured class, but rather have unstructured time to work on their class projects, homework and assignments, and/or on their passion projects. Central to this is creating a community of learners who are eager to help each other and who have learned that failure is part of learning. Projects can be too big, too challenging, too overwhelming, but still result in a final product or presentation that exceeds expectations.
RSVP now to join us for this important session with principal Dave Truss and teacher Dr. John Sarte.
Success Reimagined - Exploring Intergenerational Perspectives on Life's Purpose
Thursday, 1/25 at 7 p.m.
Join Challenge Success Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor, Denise Pope, and New York Times Bestselling Author, Chip Conley, for a thought-provoking fireside chat as we delve into the complex concept of success from intergenerational viewpoints. “Success Reimagined” brings together individuals of different ages and backgrounds to discuss and explore life’s purpose and the evolving definition of success in our rapidly changing world.
Chip Conley was Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring as a ‘modern elder’ at Airbnb, where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary transformation from fast-growing start-up to the world’s most valuable hospitality brand. He then went on to create Modern Elder Academy (MEA) – the world’s first ‘midlife wisdom school.’ Dedicated to reframing the concept of aging, MEA supports adults to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. His new book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age, was recently profiled on Good Morning, America.
Chip’s mission aligns directly with Challenge Success’ beliefs that there are many roads to success for students, and lots of ups and downs along the way. We are challenging the narrow notion of success that often leads to high stress, overload, and a lack of well-being for middle and high school students. Challenge Success partners with school communities to elevate student voice and implement research-based, equity-centered strategies that improve student well-being, belonging, and engagement. Our vision is that educational systems value each student for their unique identities, assets, and individual definitions of success and effectively prepare them for the variety of opportunities and challenges they will encounter in school and beyond.
A recording of the event will be sent to all registrants on January 26th.
Real Self-Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Taking Good Care of Yourself
How to shift self-care from a task on your “to do” list to a values-based practice of setting priorities.
Wednesday, 2/14 at 12 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
In this Q&A “fireside” chat, author and psychiatrist Pooja Lakshmin, MD, offers an inclusive and affirming approach to prioritizing your own well-being. Her approach shifts self-care from a task on your “to do” list (that you feel guilty about not achieving) to a values-based practice of setting priorities and taking action. Dr. Lakshmin will share accessible, science-based strategies to help you shift your relationships, nurture yourself, and find ownership over your life. Participant questions will be welcomed before the program.
Live ASL Interpretation will be provided.
Dr. Pooja Lakshmin MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, author, keynote speaker, and a contributor to The New York Times. Her debut book, REAL SELF-CARE: Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble-Baths Not Included, is an NPR Best Book of 2023 and a national best-seller. Real Self-Care has been featured by Good Morning America, NPR’s Code Switch, The New York Times, The Ezra Klein Show, The Guardian, and translated into 9 languages. Pooja serves as a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at George Washington University School of Medicine, and maintains an active private practice where she treats women struggling with burnout, perfectionism, and disillusionment, as well as clinical conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. She frequently speaks, advises, and consults for organizations on mental health, well-being, and real self-care. Pooja also writes the email newsletter Therapy Takeaway, which is available for free on Substack.
Tackling Unhealed Trauma in Communities and Schools
HGSE Education Now Series
Wednesday, 2/7 at 3 p.m.
Kids growing up in neighborhoods affected by violence often experience persistent traumatic stress, which, through no fault of their own, can impact their learning, development, and mental health. In this episode, we explore a social-emotional learning approach that promotes self-esteem and offers a holistic view of recovery for young people of color managing that kind of trauma while also creating positive conditions for academic achievement. Sign up for a conversation about the practice of healing-centered engagement.
Speakers include:
• Jayme Banks, Deputy Chief, Office of Prevention & Intervention, The School District of Philadelphia, PA
• Shawn Ginwright, Jerome T. Murphy Professor of the Practice, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Host: Josephine Kim, Senior Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Pathways to Careers with Purpose
HGSE Education Now Series
Wednesday, 2/21 at 3 p.m.
Recent research shows that many young adults are struggling to find purpose or meaning in their lives and work. This episode will consider new ways to help high school and college students discern their vocations and pursue fulfilling careers in an age where job prospects are evolving, thanks to artificial intelligence and other technological changes, and where financial uncertainty affects the daily lives of many young people.
CASCD Webinar - AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Tuesday, 2/27 at 7 p.m.
Join Dr. Douglas Reeves and expert panelists as they discuss how AI can support every level from the state department to the classroom. In this interactive webinar, participants learned what AI really is and how educators can maximize its use. Additionally, panelists addressed specific AI pain points that are submitted by participants.
Nurturing Relationships in Early Childhood
HGSE Education Now Series
Wednesday, 3/6 at 3 p.m.
While many early childhood frameworks have focused primarily on the healthy development of children, an emerging framework named known as “early relational health” stresses the importance of nurturing the broader human ecosystem around babies and toddlers as well. We explore key principles that can guide practitioners and leaders on the front lines of education, health, and social services.
Speakers:
• Thelma Ramirez, Researcher, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Co-author of Early Relational Health: A Review of Research, Principles, and Perspectives
• Jessica Sager, Co-founder and CEO, All Our Kin