1/17 - SEPAC Mtg - see details below
1/18 - Student Council Mtg
1/19 - Pride Alliance Mtg
1/19 - DEI Task Force Mtg
1/24 - ½ Day for Students; Professional Afternoon
1/25 - Student Council Mtg
MCAP Meeting
1/26 - Pride Alliance Mtg
School Committee Mtg
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about the ways that our own growth and improvement can also benefit others, our question for this week is: What is one thing you can commit to doing to help improve yourself and the lives of others? Improving Oneself and Others (Week of 1/15/23) (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.
Blake Intramurals Update
There are still some spots available for our Winter Intramural Activities. 4 activities start this week and 3 the following. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Update from SEPAC - Meeting on 1/17
Join us for our first meeting of 2023!
Tuesday, January 17th at 7 pm Our panel of parents is looking forward to helping you by offering their experience and knowledge.
This meeting will be held virtually via zoom. Please be sure to RSVP to [email protected] to receive a link to submit questions.
To Join the meeting, please use the following link:
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/85617004648?pwd=WlZpYlJkbnpkK2I4NTZrT0ZWV2hnUT09
Meeting ID: 856 1700 4648
Passcode: 02052
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,85617004648#,,,,*02052# US
+13126266799,,85617004648#,,,,*02052# US (Chicago)
On January 9th, 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, Ms. Emily Alland and I would like to thank the PTO for funding this experience.
Information for Incoming 9th Grade Families
8th Grade Families....SAVE THE DATE: 2-1-23! Medfield High School would like to welcome all students and parents/guardians of the Class of 2027 to an informational program on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 6:30pm. Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about the culture, classes, and extracurricular offerings at MHS
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 1/30-2/3
The week of 1/24-1/28 is the Term 2 Family Outreach week for Blake Middle School. During this week, teachers will send an e-mail to families to notify them if their student is consistently not meeting the standard in an area OR if they do not have sufficient data to assess their student at that point in the term due to absence or missing work. If students are meeting the standards, families will not receive an e-mail from teachers. No news is good news. Please know that you may reach out to teachers or your child's guidance counselor if you have questions or concerns about their progress.
Requests from Blake PTO
The Blake PTO works with PTO donations and volunteers to support many behind-the-scenes initiatives for teachers and student learning through the year. They’ve asked me to send the following two links:
1) Teacher Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, January 24 (half-day for students)
Sign Up
2) General volunteer opportunities across Blake community for the rest of the year
Sign Up
Thank you for considering. The teachers are grateful for the support of Blake parents.
With gratitude,
Blake PTO Co-Chairs,
Karen Peters and Brenna Ferrick
STEM Writing Contest
The NYT invites students ages 13-18 to enter into their 4th Annual STEM Writing Contest. Students are invited to choose an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health - then write an engaging 500-word explanation that helps a general audience understand the topic and its importance. Contest dates are Jan 18-Feb 15, 2023. Contest info can be found here.
Blake Theater
Blake Theater participants are invited to join Fun Theater Fridays on January 27th. A sign up form for the 13th went out in the latest Theater Update email. Hound of the Baskervilles will start with a readthrough on January 30th.
On January 9th, 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, Ms. Emily Alland and I would like to thank the PTO for funding this experience.
A Cappella Night - 1/20/23
A Cappella Night is this Friday, January 20th at Medfield High School (7-9pm)! Buy Tickets Online Today! Featuring Medfield High School's Soundwaves and Blake Middle School’s jazz choir, the Crescendos!
The Medfield Music Association is also excited to announce the premiere A Cappella group from Northeastern University, the Nor'easters, will be performing. There will also be performances from local high school a cappella groups from Medfield, Dover-Sherborn, Westwood, Weston, and more! Tickets are $12 each for adults and $10 each for students. Please purchase online https://bit.ly/acappellanight2023 and you will be able to pick your seats. Tickets will also be available at the door.
MCPE Trivia Night is back! Join friends new and old on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 PM at AvaLena’s Bar in Millis. Teams of 4-6 adults will join other competitors and a professional trivia host for a fast-paced, humor-filled evening. The cost is $40/person, which includes a dinner buffet. Trivia Night sells out quickly, so text your buddies, come up with a memorable team name, and sign up now! All proceeds from this event will support Medfield Public Schools.
All proceeds benefit Medfield Coalition for Public Education, an independent, non-profit organization funded to provide system-wide support and academic enrichment for the Medfield Public Schools through grants for the development of innovative programs, curriculum, and enrichment. Be sure to join MCPE’s email list for event announcements and follow us on social.
We are thrilled to share that Paige Henebry, 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, 1/14 - a day-long endeavor that kicks off their work and service. We are proud and honored that Paige will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield!
Empty Bowls - 3/9/23
MHS Clay Club presents Empty Bowls, a collaborative community dinner of soup and bread to raise money for Medfield Food Cupboard. Come make or buy a bowl and join us for a soup dinner Thursday 3/9/23. All proceeds benefit Medfield Food Cupboard!
Sign up here: https://t.co/kQ8OtFIru6
A group of 6th graders are collecting items for the Medfield Animal Shelter as a part of our monthly community service project. We put a bin by the library to collect items and flyers around the school list the items that the shelter needs the most. Please consider donating!
Medfield Class of 2025 - Fundraiser
The Medfield Class of 2025 is selling dog leashes to support their class. All dog leashes cost $25. When the dog leashes come in (we anticipate they will be in by mid-January), they can be picked up outside Medfield High School and they can be paid for at that time. The $25 can be paid in cash or a check made out to the Town of Medfield. Place your order HERE.
Cold and flu season is here and we need your assistance in keeping our school community healthy. Please monitor your child(ren) daily for signs/symptoms of illness and keep them home from school to rest and hydrate if they are not feeling well or if they have a fever. It’s helpful to keep a thermometer in your home to check their temperature.
Symptoms which may initially appear to be just a common cold or allergies could actually be COVID or the flu, so please be vigilant and follow these reminders.
- If your child has cold/allergy symptoms (see COVID Guidelines), please test them for COVID before sending them to school. If the test results are negative, repeat the COVID test 48 hours later. If positive, please keep your child home to isolate x 5 days and notify us and your child’s primary care provider (PCP).
- If your child has a fever, please call their PCP and keep your child home from school until they have been fever free for 24 hours without any fever/pain reducing medications (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) and their symptoms have improved to the point where they are feeling well and ready to return to a full day of school.
- Frequent handwashing/hand sanitizing and mask wearing when you or your child(ren) have cold/flu or COVID symptoms in combination with keeping vaccinations up-to-date as recommended by the Department of Public Health are the most effective ways to decrease the spread of viral illnesses.
- Please call the Blake Middle School absence line (508-242-8501) by 7:40 a.m. each day your child will be absent or late for school. The absence line is available 24 hours a day. You may also send an email to [email protected]
- Please notify us in the school nurse’s office if your child has been diagnosed with COVID, influenza, strep throat or any other contagious illness as well as if your child is being treated for a concussion or recovering from an injury.
- You may email this information to [email protected] when you notify the school of your child’s absence or contact us directly.
Thank You to MCPE and PTO
Thank you to the Blake PTO and MCPE (Medfield Coalition for Public Education) for their generous support of our endeavors/grants. We greatly appreciate the contributions as we look to provide unique and innovative experiences for our students!
Message from Medfield’s Destination Imagination Team…
Medfield's Destination Imagination organization is looking for volunteers to be appraisers at either of the regional tournaments (March 4th in Medfield or March 12th in Beverly). It is the perfect opportunity for someone 18 years or older (and out of high school) who would like to spend the day praising the accomplishments of each dedicated and hugely creative Destination Imagination team and awarding as many points as possible. It is truly a fun day spent enjoying the creativity of students in grades 3-12 and is a great community volunteer opportunity for anyone- college students, retired folks, those who have previously participated in Destination Imagination, etc.). Contact [email protected] for more information and learn about Destination Imagination at destinationimagination.org.
National Science Bee
Registration is now open for the National Science Bee. Registration is free and easy! Click on this link National Science Bee for information and click on this link to navigate to the qualifying event (20 min Online Regional Qualifying exam.
Students compete in separate grade divisions to keep things fair and fun. Study guides and free practice questions from past years' competitions can be found on this website.
MakerSpace Materials
Thanks to all who have been bringing in cardboard for the Makerspace. We are all stocked up for the moment! But, there is always a need for different kinds of tape, hot glue sticks,small binder clips, brad fasteners, small magnets, popsicle sticks, etc.- basic office supplies/crafty stuff.
Late Bus For MS/HS Students
Late bus service runs Monday through Thursday departing from outside the auditorium entrance at Medfield High School at 3:45 PM. We are unable to provide door-to-door service, but our bus company established a route with seven stops strategically placed throughout the town. These stops will remain consistent throughout the year.
Stop 1 - Corner of Lantern and Flintlocke
Stop 2 - Corner of Blacksmith and Marilyn
Stop 3 - Corner of Bridge and Marsh
Stop 4 - Corner of Algonquin and Orchard
Stop 5 - Corner of Indian Hill and Hopi
Stop 6 - Corner of South and Wilson
Stop 7 - Corner of Hummingbird and Granite
We will run this pilot throughout the 2022-2023 school year and then evaluate the interest for next year. Please contact the business office at 508-359-2302 if you have any questions.
Blake’s Pride Alliance
We are pleased to announce that the club formerly known as Blake GSA is now called Pride Alliance! This more inclusive name better represents the values of our club, where 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. Meetings are every Thursday until 2:45 in room 502. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of identity.
Blake Student Council
Blake’s Student Council meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2:15-2:45 in Mrs. Shaw’s room (525). All are welcome to join - the more members we have, the more we can accomplish! Spread the word!
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 Medfield Public Schools - Employment Opportunities and look under ‘Substitute Teaching’. Please contact Marcia Berkowtiz ([email protected]) with any questions.
Webinars/Workshops of interest
Foster a Sense of Belonging: Behavior as Communication
Thursday, 1/19 at 3:00 p.m.
LearnLaunch is excited to partner with Lindsey Minder to offer a workshop on Sense of Belonging: Behavior as Communication. Viewing behavior as a form of communication allows adults to embrace opportunities to respond to students as whole humans. When educators recognize the reason behind behaviors, they can implement preventative strategies, respond with care, and maintain strong relationships with their students. This highly-interactive virtual workshop will support educators and leaders to understand how student behavior conveys a variety of needs, implement supportive strategies, and seek to understand students through compassionate curiosity. There will be opportunities for participants to connect with peers from across the commonwealth.
Lindsey Minder, MS, CCLS, works with educators, school leaders, and partner organizations to create holistic educational experiences at the classroom, school, and system level. After over a decade in the classroom, she has deep experience and expertise in supporting students’ holistic growth, as well as, a strong commitment to the social-emotional development and well-being of educators. She currently collaborates with school leaders across the country seeking trauma-informed, equitable and inclusive ways to integrate social-emotional learning into all elements of their school models. Lindsey is dual certified in Elementary and Special Education, holds a BA in Psychology from Marist College, a Masters Degree in Child and Family Studies from Wheelock College and is trained as a yoga and mindfulness teacher. Most recently Lindsey was a Lead Partner at Transforming Education. Prior to that she was a founding teacher and later became the Director of Social Emotional Learning at Codman Academy. She also taught at Dorchester Collegiate Academy and The Fayerweather Street School and was a Certified Child Life Specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital and Albany Medical Center. Lindsey currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
What Should My School/Classroom Look Like Based on Young Adolescent Development?
Thursday, 1/19 at 3:30 p.m.
Students from the ages of 10 – 15 are not adolescents, and they’re not children anymore—they’re young adolescents. These students need adults to respond to their unique needs; but some school and classroom practices mirror high schools’ or elementary structures rather than address your students’ needs. Join us and ask about how you and your fellow colleagues can make simple changes to address your students’ social and emotional needs, physical needs, identity challenges, and their intense cognitive growth.
Teach Happier: Small Shifts, Big Gifts
Tuesday, 1/24 at 3 p.m.
In this interactive session, presented by author Suzanne Dailey, you will learn realistic and proactive strategies based in positive psychology that will help you achieve work/life satisfaction as you navigate this unique time of teaching and leading. We'll unpack some fundamental understandings and then dig deeper to explore small shifts in thoughts, language, and actions. These small and manageable shifts, practiced over time, will help you teach happier, parent happier, partner happier, work happier, and increase your overall happiness and well-being.
About the presenter:
Suzanne Dailey is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District in Pennsylvania, where she has the honor and joy of working with more than 600 elementary teachers and 9,000 students. She teaches model lessons, facilitates professional development sessions, and mentors teachers to be the best for the students in front of them.
Suzanne is the author of the ASCD book Teach Happier This School Year: 40 Weeks of Inspiration and Reflection and hosts the popular weekly podcast Teach Happier.
What's Next in Learning?: 2023 from Getting Smart
Wednesday, 1/25 at 12 p.m.
It's that time of year again... the annual "What's Next in Learning?" kick-off town hall! To kickoff the new year, we're hosting a one-hour session, where we'll cover what we're thinking about, what we're seeing and which innovations are driving the most equitable and scalable changes in education. You won't want to miss this!
State of the Field 2023: SEL at a Crossroads
Friday, 1/27 at 1 p.m.
This past year, social and emotional learning garnered media and political attention like never before. For better and worse, SEL was a top priority for district leaders, an election-year talking point, and a household name across the country. What does this mean for SEL and where the field goes next? And most importantly, how will the next chapter of SEL continue to bring together families and educators to better serve every child?
Join Dr. Aaliyah Samuel and Dr. Timothy Shriver in a fireside chat as they reflect on a year of politics, policy, and promising practices — and begin building the agenda for the new year.
Recommended for: education organization leaders, community partners, policy influencers, and district and school leaders.
Differently Wired: SOS for Parents in the Trenches with Debbie Reber
Tuesday, 2/7 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
Behind every child who is differently wired is likely one or more frustrated, isolated, perhaps even burnt out adult. In this practical and actionable talk, author and parenting activist Debbie Reber, MA, shares ten powerful “tilts,” a.k.a. practical ideas to help parents shift their thinking and actions in a way that will help them feel more confident and peaceful about their everyday reality, create a stronger family dynamic, and give their extraordinary children what they need to thrive.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of TiLT Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast, consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. The Tilt Parenting Podcast has more than 5 million downloads and a slate of guests that includes high-profile thought leaders across the parenting and education space. A regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, Debbie’s most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope. In 2018 she spoke at TEDxAmsterdam, delivering a talk entitled Why the Future Will Be Differently Wired.
Prior to launching Tilt, Debbie spent fifteen years writing inspiring books for women and teens, including Doable, Chill, In Their Shoes, The Real Deal series from Chicken Soup for the Soul, Run for Your Life, and more than a dozen Blue’s Clues books.
Before becoming a solopreneur, Debbie worked in TV and video production, producing documentaries for UNICEF, working on Blue’s Clues for Nickelodeon, and developing series for Cartoon Network. She has an MA in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research and a BA in Communications from Penn State. In 2019, her husband, and differently wired teen relocated to Brooklyn, NY after living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for five years.
Vist her website at tiltparenting.com
Social Justice Parenting with Dr. Traci Baxley
Tuesday, 3/7 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers and community members (all ages) All are welcome!
Social Justice Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Anti-Racist, and Socially Conscious Children
This program will address how to raise children who work to promote justice, compassion, and belonging for themselves and others. Dr. Traci Baxley will discuss the principles of Social Justice Parenting and offer strategies for implementing these values into your daily life.
Simultaneous ASL and Portuguese Language Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
DR. TRACI BAXLEY is an author, professor, DEIB consultant, parenting coach, speaker, mother to five children, and the creator of Social Justice Parenting. An educator for over 30 years with degrees in child development, elementary education, and curriculum and instruction, she specializes in diversity and inclusion, racial identity, anti-bias curriculum, and social justice education.
Learn more at socialjusticeparenting.com
Stopping the Cycle of Anger: How to Navigate Anxiety and Big Feelings with Calm and Compassion
Thursday, 3/23 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Renee Jain, MA, will offer practical, supportive techniques to address anger and other intense emotions in ourselves, our children and our teens with more understanding and less screaming. She will discuss how to uncover what's underneath these big feelings and how to empower individuals, parents, and children to shift to more positive response patterns.
Please note this program is 75 minutes.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
About Our Presenter
Renee Jain is the founder and Chief Storyteller of GoZen! She has been recognized as a pioneer in marrying technology and child psychology in a unique approach that nurtures the hearts and minds of kids. Through her writing, product invention and development, masterclasses for parents, and children’s advocacy, she works to build the emotional intelligence of kids. Originally a tech entrepreneur who suffered with her own anxiety, Renee founded GoZen! to help a new generation of kids, parents and therapists. Renee earned her Master’s degree in Positive Psychology — the scientific study of optimal human functioning — from the University of Pennsylvania and is the NYT bestselling co-author of Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience.
Visit the GoZen! website at gozen.com
Growing Up in Public: Navigating Reputation and Social Media in the Digital Age with Dr. Devorah Heitner
Thursday, 4/13 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness
For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members of all ages
In this talk, author Devorah Heitner, PhD, will share pragmatic, research-based advice on how we can mentor our kids on cultivating a healthy online presence. She will address why character and learning how to navigate relationships are most important and how parents can stop stressing and focus instead on helping young people become responsible digital citizens.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event.
Free Book Giveaway
Please include your shipping address when prompted (during your registration) if you would like a chance to win a free copy of Devorah Heitner's next book! Everyone who shares their address will be entered into a raffle for one of 100 free books from SPARK as part of this event.
About Our Presenter
Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and her book on navigating Privacy and Reputation with kids and teens, Growing Up in Public will be out in 2023 with Penguin Random House.Dr. Heitner’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager and she lives with her family in Chicagoland. You can follow her on Twitter @Devorahheitner and on Instagram @devorahheitnerphd.
Visit her website at www.devorahheitner.com