11/7 - Basic Rights Workshop by Federation for Children with Special Needs hosted by Student Services Blake Library (7 p.m.)
Winter Athletics Meeting (see details below)
11/8 - Student-Staff Basketball Game (see details below)
Signs of Suicide Information Session for 7th Grade Parents/Guardians (see details below)
11/10 - No School (Veterans Day)
11/10-11/12 - Blake No Homework Weekend
11/14 - SEPAC Meeting in Blake MS Library (7 p.m.)
11/17-11/19 - Blake Theater Performances (see details below)
11/22 - 1/2 Day for Students
11/23 - Happy Thanksgiving!
11/24 - No School
11/28 - Divide and Conquer Parent Workshops (see details below)
12/1 - Term 1 Ends
12/4 - Term 2 Begins
12/6 - Spaghetti with Santa
12/8 - Hour of Code at Blake!
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about finding ways to explore, accept, and embrace change, our topic/question for the week is: How can we help others and ourselves explore, accept, and embrace change? Exploring, Accepting, and Embracing Change (Week of 11/5/17) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
SOS Information for 7th Grade Families
At Blake Middle School, we believe it is important to focus on the whole student, paying close attention to the emotions that are often associated with the teen years. On Tuesday, November 14, 2017, the Blake Middle School Guidance Department will be presenting the SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program to all 7th grade students. This is the only school-based suicide prevention program selected by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for its National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices that addresses suicide risk and depression, while reducing suicide attempts. As of 2013, the CDC ranks suicide as the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. Unfortunately, not many youth know what to do or who to turn to when they are in need of help either for themselves or a friend. Please know that we do require parental consent for a student to participate in the SOS program. Please complete the online consent form by November 9, 2017. In addition, I am inviting you to a parent presentation on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 6:30pm in the Blake Auditorium. Rose Cheyette, Coordinator of Community Education and Outreach at Samaritans, who is a certified suicide prevention educator, will be providing a free training around Suicide Prevention. In this presentation, you will learn how to recognize risk factors and warning signs in your child as well as learn how to talk to your child who may be feeling depressed or suicidal and basic steps in getting help. Parents will also have the opportunity to view the SOS video at the end of Rose’s presentation. We hope you can join us on November 8th.
Veterans Day Recognition
Building off of the our Vietnam Veterans Memorial assembly several years ago, we are taking time as a Blake community over this week to honor and recognize our local veterans. In 6th grade the veterans are spending time in Advisory on Thursday, sharing their experiences and answering questions. We are then holding a luncheon for them in the library with our student council representatives. I encourage all families to discuss these experiences with our students.
Veterans Day Weekend - No Homework Weekend for Blake
In a continued effort to provide down time for students, staff, and families, Veterans Day Weekend will be a 'No Homework Weekend' for all of Blake. No assignments will be given with a due date of 11/14 and tests, quizzes, and projects will not be due or given on November 14 or 15. 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.
Student-Staff Basketball Game for Christmas in the City - 11/8
Blakers- It is time for the annual Student-Staff Basketball Game to help raise money for Christmas in the City! Christmas in the City is an annual event held in the city of Boston for homeless children and families, where all children in attendance receive a gift from their wish list. Here at Blake, we help out in several ways, including taking the 8th grade into the city to help set up this great event, and purchasing gifts for children. The money raised during the Student-Staff basketball game will help to purchase as many gifts as possible. The game will take place during Wednesday, November 8th from 2:30-3:30 in the middle school gym, and the price per ticket is $3. Additional donations are welcome.
Divide and Conquer (Next Generation MCAS, Legacy MCAS, and Standards Based Reporting in Math)
Please join Nat Vaughn and Susan Bycoff (Math Content Specialist, gr. 6-12) for their annual 'Divide & Conquer' presentation/workshop. This workshop series shares information about mathematics, how students learn math, assessments in math, and initiatives that are taking place. This year, time will also be devoted to the discussion of state assessments including Next Generation MCAS and Legacy MCAS. Additionally, we will present parents and community members with information about our work surrounding new methods of reporting on both Math content standards and student learning skills. The day workshop will take place Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 10:15 a.m. and the evening workshop will be Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP via this Google Form:
Divide and Conquer Math Parent Workshops, November 2017
We hope that you will be able to join us for one of these workshops.
Turkey Bowl for 8th Grade Students
On Wednesday, November 22nd, Blake Middle School will once again be hosting the 8th grade Turkey Bowl. The Turkey Bowl is a four on four touch football tournament designed to raise awareness and supplies for the Medfield Food Cupboard. Students will create their own four player teams and register at the Blake Middle School PE office in the gym. In order to register, students must bring in at least one non-perishable food item and place it in the donation box by the PE office. We are hoping for a high level of participation again this year, as it is always a great event.
EveryDay Blakers - Podcast Update!
Please listen to 'Everyday Blakers' episode 3 podcast! The theme is Halloween. Content includes an interview with Susan Bycoff the creator of our annual Halloween costumes for the staff, students and staff favorite costumes, a road trip to the MassCue conference, and much more!
https://anchor.fm/s/13536fc
Reminder for all Families
As the weather is turning a bit cooler, I am writing with a reminder about after school supervision at Blake. Students are welcome to stay after school with a teacher, in the library, in the fitness center, or to be part of an intramural activity. Supervision of students ends at 3:15 p.m. as that is when our front office staff leaves, library closes, and activities generally conclude. Exceptions may include the theatre program or sports. Students should plan for transportation home by 3:15 and are welcome to wait for rides outside in the area by the circle or in the lobby of the school but should not be wandering around the building, playing in the gym without adult supervision, or hanging out in unsupervised areas. Student safety is our priority so we ask that students be in a supervised activity or make plans to head home.
Standards Based Reporting Information Sessions
Thank you to all Blake parents/guardians who were able to come to our Standards Based Reporting information session on Thursday evening. As promised, here is the link to the presentation...
Standards-Based Reporting Parent Presentation October, 2017
New England Math League Comes to Blake
The New England Math League promotes the enjoyment and study of mathematics by organizing contests for grades 4-12. Contests serve as an enrichment to their current math program. Blake Middle School is holding the first annual math contests for students in grades 6-8. All Blake students are welcome to participate. Participation is easy. There are 3 practice meetings plus a contest date:
Practice Dates:
Thursday November 9th
Wednesday December 6th
Wednesday January 10th
Contest Dates:
Grades 6 7 8 contests: Tuesday February 27th, 2018 2:30-3:30 in room 108
Cost for the practice dates and 1 contest date: $24 (3 practices + 1 contest date)
Please do the following to register:
1. Complete this google form.
2. Please send in the following with your child to the front office:
-The indemnity form filled out (attached in this email).
-A check payable to 'Blake Middle School'.
Can't make it to the practices? No worries, you can still participate in the contest. Just contact Mrs. McLaughlin ([email protected]) or Mrs. Bycoff ([email protected]).
Magazine Drive for Blake
Blake's biggest fundraiser of the year is underway! Our Magazine (and More) Drive helps us raise needed funds for special school and student activities, such as the annual author visit, cultural events, field trips and more. Plus, students can earn up to $2,500 in college tuition points by participating. In addition to magazines, you can choose from over 1600 unique and fun gifts, including holiday gifts and personalized items.The first turn-in day for orders is Wednesday, 11/8. You can order from the catalog or online with a credit card. Thank you so much for your continued support!
Got Bird Seed? We'd Love Donations!
Mr. Gow's Exploration class is looking for bird seed donation. The class is in need of SHELLED SUNFLOWER seeds and PACKAGED SUET. If anyone is interested in donating one or all of these items, please contact Mr. Gow at [email protected]
MCAS Dates for Spring 2018
This spring our Blake students will be participating in the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). Below are the administration dates for these assessments...
Grade 6
ELA (4/26, 4/27)
Math (5/3, 5/4)
Grade 7
ELA (4/24, 4/25)
Math (5/14, 5/15)
Grade 8
ELA (4/11, 4/12)
Math (5/1, 5/2)
Sci/Tech/Eng (5/7, 5/8)
Make-up testing will take place when students return from their absence(s), provided that their return takes place within the testing window determined by the Commonwealth. We appreciate your assistance in looking at these dates and being mindful to try and avoid medical/dental appointments or conflicts with these assessments. As always, do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Winter Athletics Meeting - 11/7 at 6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, November 7, at 6:00pm, there will be a meeting held in the gymnasium at the Medfield High School for all athletes and a parent(s) interested in playing high school athletics this coming winter season at Medfield HS and Blake MS. This meeting is very important and will cover many questions and concerns you may have, as well as introductions to all high school coaches and staff. Immediately following this meeting, coaches will meet with their respective sports to speak about the season and answer any questions you may have.
*Sports offered for the winter season at Blake are...
Basketball (Boys and Girls 8th Grade)
Elf Jr!
Blake Theater's production of Elf is weeks away. The shows are Nov 17th & 18th at 7pm and Nov 19th at 3pm. Tickets will go on sale November 10th. The link to purchase tickets is elfjrbms.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets for students/MPS staff will be $12. Everyone else is $15/ticket. Hope to see you there!
Blake Open Studios
Every Thursday the Blake Art room will be open after school on Thursdays, until 3 p.m. All students are welcome to participate in studio activities of their own choice- choose from drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Ms. Jones will be on hand to provide materials and informal instruction. There will be no formal registration, it is on a first come, first served basis and limited to 15 students. We are looking forward to seeing you in the Art studio, room 208 !
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 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 Mrs. Dondero (6th), Mr. Marenghi (7th), or Ms. Allen (8th).
Blake is on Facebook!
Blake is adding Facebook to our social media repertoire! You can now follow our page for the latest announcements, sharing of our school life, glimpses into special events and learning with FB Live and more...
Click this Link: www.facebook.com/BlakeMiddleSchool/ or search for @BlakeMiddleSchool
Blake's BoxTop Contest
BLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL'S BOX TOP COLLECTION CONTEST IS HERE
EVERY BOX TOP COUNTS AND IS WORTH 10 CENTS. The winning cluster will receive a prize.
Here's the deal:
Collect your box tops in an envelope/baggie and start sending them in THIS WEEK. Each Advisory class will have a collection envelope.
Remember: Your trash is Blake's cash!!
****This contest will run from Oct 2 - Dec 1****
Medfield Angel Run News
MFi Angel Run thanks the more than 1,100 angels who did early bird registration. See you on Dec. 3rd. Online registration remains open until 11/26 at www.medfieldfoundation.org. For our trainees, here is this week's plan: Run for 10 minutes and walk for one. Repeat and run 10 minutes more. 32 minutes and you are done. You've got this angels!
SEPAC - KidStuff Coupon Book
The KidStuff coupon book fundraiser is underway. Your support helps SEPAC fund workshops, events for kids and families, and scholarships. If you are interested in purchasing a book, please contact Kate Tormey at [email protected].
Update from Blake PTO
The meeting minutes from our October 19th meeting are now on our website: http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake-meeting-minutes.html BLAKE'S BOX TOP COLLECTION CONTEST IS HERE! Every box top counts and is worth 10 cents. The winning cluster will receive a prize! Collect your box tops and start sending them into school. Each advisory class will have a collection envelope! REMEMBER: YOUR TRASH IS BLAKE'S CASH! Contest runs through December 1. GET YOUR MEDFIELD WARRIOR SIGNS, COASTERS, TRAYS, ETC! Rustic Marlin Designs has designed a line of wood-based Medfield Warrior products (signs, coasters, flags, trays, blocks, etc.) that will be carried exclusively at Be Charmed, a new store in town! Be Charmed is located at 70 North Street. 75% of the profits from the sale of the Warrior line will go to both the PTO and MCPE! It’s a great way to get Warrior merchandise while supporting a new local shop and raising money for our schools! GET YOURS TODAY! ONGOING BLAKE APPEAL - We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the 2017 - 2018 school year. We are requesting a contribution of $50/child this year. This is a suggested amount but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Making a donation is easy. Simply click on the link http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake.html and scroll down to the end of the page or send a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO to Blake at 24 Pound St. Medfield, MA 02052. Thank you in advance for your support of the Blake PTO. Please feel free to contact Claudia Rosen [email protected] or Keven Gallagher [email protected] with any questions. STAY IN TOUCH Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO and follow us on Twitter @MedfieldK8PTO. And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com
Update from MCPE
We are at 40% of our goal of $75,000. We hope we can see a blue ribbon on every mailbox in town recognizing your generosity in donating. Please visit our website to give www.medfieldcoalition.org. Thank you!