1/18 - SEPAC Meeting
1/19 - Blake Student Council Meeting
1/20 - Blake GSA Meeting
SEL Task Force Meeting
1/24 - Blake Battles Bias Meeting
1/25 - Half-Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
1/26 - Blake Student Council Meeting
MCAP Meeting
1/27 - Blake GSA Meeting
School Committee Budget Meeting
1/24-1/28 - Term 2 Family Outreach Period
1/31 - DEI Task Force Meeting
2/2 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Info Night (see info below)
2/14 - Half-Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about making connections and helping others, our question for this week is: What is one thing you can do each day to help others in our community? Fostering Connections (Week of 1/16/22) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Vaccine Clinic at MHS - 1/19/22
Medfield parent, Andrew Stein, who is a pharmacist/owner of Bird Hill Pharmacy in Needham and has done Flu Clinics at Park Street Books, has graciously offered to work with the school nurses at a COVID Vaccine Clinic at the Medfield High School on Wednesday, January 19th from 3:30-6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Students ages 12 and up are welcome.
If you are interested in an appointment please click HERE. Be sure to hit the submit and sign up on the bottom of the page. You will receive a confirmation email. Please complete: COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form for Individuals 5-17 Years of Age and if you have insurance, please bring a copy of your insurance card. There is no cost for the vaccine.
For information about the clinics, please contact our nurse leader Kathy Thompson at [email protected] or 508-242-8573 or Brittany Hardiman at [email protected] 508-242-8568.
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
The Winter Intramural Session has begun. Please go to the website for a list of offerings and registration info. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 1/24-1/28
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.
Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias will meet on Monday, January 24th in Ms. Thress' room.
Project 351 Blake Representative
We are thrilled to share that Deven Careau, 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. We are proud and honored that Deven will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
From the Blake LMC
From the LMC- Celebrate your school library program by designing a (digital OR hand-drawn) bookmark showing activities, lessons, and experiences your school library provides to bring people together. For example:
- What makes your library an important part of your school's community?
- How do you recharge your emotional batteries in the library?
- What makes you feel good about being back in the library?
- What makes you feel like the school library is welcoming and there for everyone in the school?
- What has been one of your favorite experiences in the library?
MPS Student Services’ Newsletter, January 2022
In an effort to continue to build on communication and collaboration, the Department of Student Services will send out a newsletter every other month highlighting an update from each area: EL, guidance, nursing, math intervention, reading intervention and special education…
MPS Student Services' Newsletter, January 2022
Information for Incoming 9th Grade Families
SAVE THE DATE: Medfield High School would like to welcome all students and parents/guardians of the Class of 2026 to an informational program on Wednesday, February 2, 2026. Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about the culture, classes, and extracurricular offerings at MHS. More information will be shared after the new year.
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices. Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell ([email protected]) and Beth Sancher ([email protected]). Happy Reading!
Notification for Absences/Dismissals
If a student will be absent from school, please call Blake's absence line at (508) 242-8501. If a student needs to be dismissed from school before 2:07 p.m.,an email must be sent by the parent/guardian to [email protected]. Please include the following information:
- Date
- Time of dismissal
- Student name
- Reason for dismissal
- Person picking up
Chasing Childhood Screening/Discussion
Message from Dr. Worthley…
I hope the New Year finds you healthy, happy, and well. The Medfield Public Schools are happy to partner with Medway Public Schools to bring you a virtual screening of Chasing Childhood.
“Chasing Childhood is a feature-length documentary that explores a phenomenon affecting kids from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Free play and independence have all but disappeared, supplanted by relentless perfectionism and record-high anxiety and depression. What’s lost goes well beyond our idyllic conceptions of childhood past. When kids don’t play unsupervised by adults, they don’t gain critical life skills: grit, independence, and resourcefulness. Though they may appear more accomplished on paper, by the time they get to college they are often falling apart, lacking the emotional tools to navigate young adulthood. The film explores how we got here and how we might empower our kids. Potential solutions are offered by the leaders of this movement, including former Stanford Dean and author of How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims, biological psychologist Peter Gray and others.”
Here is how this will work: From Friday, January 14th until Wednesday, January 19th, families will be invited to screen the documentary at home. If you feel it is developmentally appropriate, you may want to watch it with your kids, as it is sure to initiate some rich conversation. At 12:00 PM on Wednesday, January 19th, Ryan Sherman, Ph.D.(Director of Wellness for the Medway Public Schools) and Dave Worthley, Ed.D.(Director of Social and Emotional Learning for the Medfield Public Schools) will host Dr. Peter Gray for approximately 60 minutes to discuss the following:
Play Deficit Disorder: A National Crisis and How to Solve It Locally.
Research has revealed a dramatic decline in children’s free play—especially their free outdoor play—over the past several decades. This decline in play has been accompanied by dramatic increases in childhood depression, anxiety, suicide, and declines in internal locus of control and creativity. College mental health facilities in recent years have been overwhelmed because of the emotional fragility of incoming students.
In this talk, Dr. Gray will present the logic and evidence behind his theory that the decline in free play is a, if not the major cause of these deleterious effects on children's and emerging adults’ emotional, social, and intellectual wellbeing. Dr. Gray will also suggest ways by which families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities can restore children’s opportunities for play. He will also provide a brief summary of the film Chasing Childhood and will leave plenty of time for parent Q&A.
To register for access to the film and the discussion session and to see the documentary trailer, please use this link: Chasing Childhood Registration. You will register for the film in the “About” tab, and for the following Webinar discussion in the “Q+A” tab. I will also post this email on my website if you would like to go back to it here: www.medfieldsel.com
We have been informed that the discussion session will be recorded and will be able to be viewed at a later date. We were able to register, and the “ticket” appeared in our Update tab from “Show and Tell.”
I have been informed that there is a group of parents in Medfield that is a part of the “Let Grow Play Club” community, which follows the program created by Peter Gray, Ph.D. At this time they are not associated with the schools, so they do playgroups in neighborhoods and playgrounds. If you are interested in learning more about that group, please contact Megan Devendorf at [email protected].
We hope that you will be able to join us as we reflect on our own parenting habits and philosophies, explore differing points of view and work to provide our kids with the healthiest, most balanced, and happiest childhood possible.
Be Well,
Dave Worthley, Ed.D.
#whatschoolcouldbe Twitter Chat - 1/18 at 9 p.m.
The Blake MERJ team has been meeting on a regular basis throughout this year for discussions and work to provide meaningful experiences for our students. Over the next couple of weeks in advisory, students will be exploring some different resources reflecting our theme of ‘Justice January’. Advisories will also be choosing their door spotlight over the next few weeks for Black History Month in February.
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.
VOLUNTEER TODAY and give back to your community.
Each group is only ONE HOUR long and all responses will be anonymized. Gift cards are also available for participation!
To sign-up:
1. Gather a group of interested Medfield adults
(around 10 participants is ideal)
2. Choose 3 dates and times that will work for your group
to meet (either in-person or via Zoom)
3. Gather all participant email addresses and have one
person sign-up your group by visiting:
https://forms.gle/AJyCCVv5FBkTheTZ6
Questions? Contact Medfield Outreach's Substance Use Prevention Coordinator, Meri Haas, at [email protected] or by calling (508) 359-7121.
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 Nat Vaughn at [email protected] with any questions.
Blake Yearbook Update
We are excited to announce there will be a yearbook this year! ALL yearbooks will be ordered through an online system with the Herff Jones Company. You should have already received an email about the ordering process. If you have any questions, please reach out to either yearbook advisor; Kristin Buley ([email protected]) or Kristin Manning ([email protected]).
Progress Update on Reporting Adaptations
As shared in the e-mail to Blake families in December, our staff has been working to address the recommendations from our Director of Instruction and Innovation's 'Analysis of Standards-Based Reporting Assessment Practices' (Spring, 2021), and an update was shared at the most recent School Committee meeting (Link to recording now available: Medfield School Committee (12-09-2021). We will be sharing these updates via information and educational sessions for families in the new year via a recorded webinar format.
Adaptations to our reporting will take place in Term 3 of 2021-2022, including…
- traditional letter grades on all priority standards for grades 7 and 8
- expansion of a metric scale from the current 1-3 scale by adding a fourth metric of feedback (1-4 scale)
The purpose of reporting on academic progress is to provide feedback on a student’s progress and to help direct future efforts. Effective feedback to students during the learning process is essential to a healthy and productive learning experience. Our overarching goal remains to continue steadfast efforts to provide meaningful, actionable, learner-centered feedback for all of our learners via...
- more descriptive and actionable feedback to students and families
- more meaningful and personalized assessment and grading practices
- greater calibration of expectations and assessment practices between/amongst teachers
Blake Affinity Groups
The purpose of an affinity group is to provide a forum of support for students who may feel a disconnection relative to identity to their larger school community. Such disconnections to identity may include, but not be limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, and sexual orientation. An affinity group’s goal is to play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
An affinity group is open to students across every grade level. It is arranged for students in an affinity group to meet at least once a month during a mutually agreed upon time and the meetings are supervised by at least one staff member at Blake.
As the need for an affinity group may stem from a lack of or weaker connection to the larger Medfield community, efforts will be made to strengthen connections to the community. To this end, members of the community are welcome and at times will be invited to attend affinity group meetings.
For more information about starting or joining an affinity group at Blake, please contact Matt Marenghi, Guidance Counselor: [email protected] or 508-359-2445.
Medfield Outreach is available for consultation appointments. E-mail [email protected] to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.
MCPE is thrilled to revive several beloved events throughout 2022. The Grade 2-5 Spelling Bee will be held on March 24th at the high school auditorium. Students from Wheelock and students from Dale St will form teams of four to compete against their classmates as they work to spell increasingly complex words. Hosted by beloved teachers, teams dress in themed costumes to add to the fun. This event is marvelous. M-A-R-V-E-L-O-U-S. Marvelous. Stay tuned for registration information! Finally, brush up on your obscure knowledge and dust off your party attire! We are eagerly looking forward to the return of both our in-person Trivia Night and the highly-anticipated Fall Ball! Details on both events will be released soon!
Webinars of Interest
Addressing Family Stress and Depression Workshop
Wednesday, 1/19 at 7:00 p.m.
Does your family have the tools they need to address life’s stressors? By being knowledgeable about self-care and mental health, you can help your family get on the path to wellness.
This virtual workshop is co-hosted in partnership with Natick 180 and First Church Natick. The program will be facilitated by Families for Depression Awareness and delivered by a licensed mental health professional. During the training, participants will learn how to identify symptoms of stress in themselves and family members, manage stress as a family, respond when symptoms become “more than stress,” and get help for themselves or a family member.
What's Next in Learning in 2022
Thursday, 1/20 at 1:00 p.m.
This is the second annual What’s Next in Learning town hall from Getting Smart. These special town halls kick off each new year by giving you an idea of what’s on our mind, giving us an idea of what’s on your mind and better enable us to provide content and resources that speak to your needs throughout the year.
The State of Social and Emotional Learning in 2022: A Conversation with Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel, CASEL’s New President & CEO
Friday, 1/28 at 12:00 p.m.
CASEL invites you to a conversation with our new president and CEO, Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel, moderated by Timothy Shriver, CASEL co-founder and board chair.
Our schools and students need social and emotional learning now more than ever before. As a seasoned educator and a boundary-spanning policy expert, Dr. Samuel is a visionary leader for social and emotional learning.
Hear Dr. Samuel's vision for the future and join the discussion on the state of social and emotional learning, including a live Q&A to answer some of the field’s most pressing questions.
Find Your Giant Community - Big Interview: John Amaechi with Adam Grant
Tuesday, 2/1 at 2 p.m.
Book your place at The Big Interview with Adam Grant
The 1st of February 2022 will see John Amaechi interview New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant. This hour-long interview will see John explore Adam’s career todate and the ideas that drive him. We’ll also be putting your questions to Adam, so have a think what you would like to learn.
Don’t miss out for this fantastic event. Book your place to attend.
Adam has been recognized as one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and one of Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and has received scientific achievement awards from the American Psychological Association and the National Science Foundation. Adam received his BA from Harvard University and his PhD from the University of Michigan, and he is a former magician and junior Olympic springboard diver.
He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of five books that have sold millions of copies, most recently Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know. His TED talks have more than 30 million views, his podcast WorkLife has topped the charts, and his viral op-ed on languishing was the most-saved article of 2021.
We want to get as many members as possible attending this exciting event so book your place now.
LGBTQ+ Basics and Beyond
Thursday, 2/3 at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Spark Kindness with OUT MetroWest
Curious about some part of the LGBTQ+ acronym? Want to support transgender people but not sure where to start? This presentation will equip participants with up-to-date vocabulary, answers to frequently asked (and frequently awkward!) questions, and basic tools for effective allyship.
ASL interpretation will be provided at this event.
Spirit Store Info - Blake PTO
Medfield K-8 PTO Announces A Year-Round MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR STORE! Thanks to local business Day St Sports, we have answered the question – where can I find Medfield Spirit Wear? Over 100 options currently listed, all proceeds will be donated to the individual school K-8 PTOs. Shipping takes about 3 weeks. Medfield Spirit Wear
Link (Hyperlink to https://ts020252.prospherefanshop.com/)