12/12 - ½ Day for Students
8th Grade Turkey Bowl (see info below)
Professional Afternoon
Blake Winter Band Concert
12/13 - Blake Winter Chorus Concert
12/14 - School Committee Mtg
12/19 - Blake Winter Orchestra Concert
12/22 - ½ Day for Students/Staff
12/25-1/1 - Winter Vacation
1/1 - Happy New Year!
1/2 - School Resumes
Blake Site Council (3:30 p.m.)
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about keeping having and keeping a focus, our question for the week is: What is one goal you have for Term 2? What steps will you take towards that goal? Keeping a Focus (Week of 12/10/23) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 1 Report Cards
During advisory on Monday, 12/11 students received their report cards for Term 1, along with a Term 1 Report Card Sign-Off Sheet to be completed and returned to advisors. Below please find a link to a memo regarding information about the Term 1 report cards...
Memo to Blake Families - Term 1 Report Card (December, 2023) If you have any questions about your child's work or the reports, please start by having a conversation with your own child. If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight. In addition, your student’s counselor is an important resource.
Reflection For Students
After receiving their report cards, time was spent in advisory for all students to reflect on their work thus far via a Google Form. Our hope is that this reflection will help students identify areas of success as well as areas for growth, and to foster more connections with staff and trusted adults. I have outlined the questions below and encourage you to have conversations this week to help bridge the connections between home and school...
- The first half of Term 1 has been positive for me. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Explain why you chose the answer you did to the question above.
- During the second half of Term 1, I Iearned something interesting or did something in school that excited me. (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
- Explain why you chose the answer you did to the question above.
- At Blake there are opportunities for me to do what I do best every day.
- What are some ways teachers could or do provide opportunities for you to be successful in school?
- I have fun at Blake.
- Explain why you chose the answer you did to the question above.
- Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1, what are you most proud of?
- Reflecting on your learning and experiences during Term 1 and the Term 1 reports from your teachers, what surprised you? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Why?
- Would you like to check in with your advisor or one of your teachers?
- If you answered yes to the previous question, which teacher would you like to speak with and about what? Put "none" if you do not wish to check in with one of your teachers.
- What is an area of strength, from the Learning Skills listed below, that you have demonstrated? Please provide an example of how you demonstrated this in your classes. (S1 - Collaborates with Others; S2 - Engages in Learning; S3 - Meets Expectations for Work Completion; S4 - Makes Connections to Extend Learning)
- From the Learning Skills listed below, which ones are areas of growth/improvement? (S1 - Collaborates with Others; S2 - Engages in Learning; S3 - Meets Expectations for Work Completion; S4 - Makes Connections to Extend Learning)
- Describe a goal for yourself as a learner as we begin Term 2. What is one step you could take to help accomplish this goal?
- How can we help you as a learner? Please share ideas.
- What idea(s) do you have for activities in advisory? Other 'community building' ideas? Any suggestions for how we can recognize upcoming months/events (i.e. Dr. MLK, Jr. Day, National Reading Month, Black History Month)?
- If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?
- Do you have anything else you would like to share with us? What questions do you have? (Optional)
Samaritans Presentation Follow Up
The 7th graders participated in the Samaritans, Inc. Suicide Prevention Training last week. The goals of the program are:
- To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness, and help them assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression.
- To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur as a result of untreated depression.
- To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend.
- To impress upon our students that they can help themselves or a friend by taking a simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.
The parent webinar provided parents with information regarding:
- Suicide risk factors and warning signs
- Coping skills and resiliency building
- Facts, figures, and myth-busting
- Best practices for talking to and helping someone who may be suicidal
- School and community resources
Additional resources can be found here and on theCounseling Department website.
Blake Intramurals
The Winter Intramural session is loosely set to run from mid January until the beginning of April. Be on the lookout for the offerings shortly after we return from winter break. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([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.
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!
Student-Staff Basketball Game
On Friday, 12/22, we are excited to participate in the student-staff basketball game! Our 8th graders will take on the teachers in their annual game while the 6th and 7th grade will each spectate during one of the halves! We're looking forward to our annual tradition!
Script Writers
As an extension of the theater Program, the "Script Writers'' have begun to work on their new original piece. They meet after school on Wednesday to collaborate and create. With the help of an MCPE grant, they plan to copyright their finished work.
Computer Science Week at Blake!
December Reading Challenge
Hello Blake Community! The library has a lot of new titles just in time for the December Reading Challenge: a book published in 2023. We have a new display in the library and are eager to help students find their next favorite book!! All information about the Reading Challenge in on the Blake library website.
Save the Dates - 7th/8th Grade Dances
Save the Date(s) for the 2023-2024 school dances! There will be a total of 3 dances this year! There will be a dance for 7th graders, a dance for 8th graders, and a combined 7th/8th grade dance. Dance contracts and other details will be shared as we get closer to the events. Hope to see you there! Here are the dates:
➡️ 7th Grade Dance- Friday 3/1/24 from 7-9 pm
➡️ 7th/8th Grade Dance- Friday 3/22/24 from 7-9 pm
➡️ 8th Grade Dance- Friday 5/17/24 from 7-9 pm
Tilden Village Service Dinner
Thank you to all of our student volunteers for helping provide a wonderful holiday dinner for the residents at Tilden Village. Thanks to the generosity of our community, $570 was donated to the Medfield Home Committee.
Lost and Found
We have a lot of items in our lost and found bins; if you are missing clothing, water bottles or other items please encourage your child to check out the lost and found stations. You are welcome to stop by Blake after school daily from 2:15-3:00. We will be donating unclaimed items on December 22.
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.
Multicultural Awareness Club - 12/14/23
Thank you to all the students who attended the first couple of meetings of the Multicultural Awareness Club (MAC). ALL ARE WELCOME!
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
This is a reminder that as a school we will not be orchestrating 'Secret Santa' type activities for students in which gifts are being purchased and/or given. For a number of reasons, school is not the proper forum for the exchange of gifts, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
Recess Reminder for All Parents/Guardians
This is a gentle reminder to families that students are going outside for recess and should bring weather-appropriate clothing like winter jackets and gloves so that they will be warm outdoors.
Pride Alliance
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]).
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 Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) with any questions.
Message from SEPAC
Medfield SEPAC is offering Parent Connection Groups this year in response to feedback in meetings and after-meeting surveys. A SEPAC parent volunteer will coordinate each, focusing on a different diagnosis. These informal groups will connect parents and caregivers of children of all ages with the specific diagnosis to share experiences and resources.
Our Parent Connection Group, focusing on Down Syndrome, is holding its second meeting on December 21st from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at the Medfield Public Library. If you want to join this group, please get in touch with Michelle, this group's parent volunteer, at [email protected].
We are looking to form groups for the following diagnoses: ADHD, Dyslexia + Language-based Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum. If you want to join one of these groups, please email [email protected] to connect with our parent volunteers for more information.
If you haven't taken our website survey yet, there is no time like the present. Access the survey directly here: https://forms.gle/tySXyGgTXGrRNE5J6
Check out our website, Facebook, and Instagram social media pages. We share area events and more!
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]
Workshops/Webinars of Interest
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.