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 our interests and the (potential) ways that they can influence our learning, our question(s) for the week is: What activities, interests, and/or hobbies do you find most enjoyable? Why do you enjoy them? Sharing Our Interests (Week of 1/28/24) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 2 Family Outreach Period - 1/22-1/26
Below please find links to letters from each grade level team with mid-term messages along with the information about Term 2's Family Outreach Period. If you have any questions about your student's progress, please contact their teachers or school counselor directly.
Grade 6 - Term 2 Family Outreach Updates - Blake MS (January, 2024)
Grade 7 - Term 2 Family Outreach Updates - Blake MS (January, 2024)
Grade 8 - Term 2 Family Outreach Updates - Blake MS (January, 2024)
Term 2 Family Outreach Period (1/22-1/26)
The week of 1/22-1/26 is the Term 1 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. Please know that you may always reach out to teachers or your child's school counselor if you have questions or concerns about their progress.
Update from the Blake Library
Heads up- we will be making a push to get overdue library books back before February break. All help and reminders to students to check backpacks, lockers, and classroom shelves is greatly appreciated! February reading challenge is to read a book set in Massachusetts. If you are looking to venture into the world of graphic novels or if you haven’t yet read the award winning graphic memoir, Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, it would be a great way to hit two birds with one stone as it is set in our great state.
Webinar for Families - 1/31/24
Message from Dr. Worthley, Director of SEL
I hope the new year finds you well. I want to let you know and encourage you to attend a webinar that we are partnering with Medway Public Schools and are excited to host next Wednesday night, January 31st, 2024, at 7:00PM. Growing Up in Public: Navigating Reputation and Social Media in the Digital Age. This webinar shows how to help parents of teens and tweens navigate boundaries, identity, privacy and reputation in their digital world. This webinar will be presented by Devorah Heitner, Ph.D. Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. Her book on navigating privacy and reputation with kids and teens, Growing Up in Public came out in September 2023 with Penguin Random House. Dr. Heitner’s work has appeared in the New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN Opinion. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager. You can follow her on Instagram @devorahheitnerphd.
Even if your kids are still young, this will be a very valuable resource as you navigate parenting in a digital age. We hope to see you on the Webinar!
There is no cost: Register Here for Growing Up in Public: Navigating Reputation and Social Media in the Digital Age.
Dave Worthley, Ed.D.
Director of Social and Emotional Learning
Medfield Public Schools
Blake Theater Updates
Blake Theater's winter production - Pure Imagination - is taking place Saturday, February 10th (1pm and 7pm) and Sunday, February 11th (1pm). Tickets are onsale now at https://bmstheater.booktix.net/. I will send a cast and crew list in a separate email. We will have an open dress rehearsal. Date and time TBD. Stay tuned.
2024 Hilleman Student Essay Contest
WHAT SCIENTIFIC ISSUE WOULD YOU TAKE ON IF GIVEN THE CHANCE, AND WHY?
What if your life’s work led to saving 8 million lives every year? Virologist Maurice R. Hilleman dreamed of a world free from the ravages of infectious diseases. Through his contributions to over half of the routine vaccines that young children receive today, Dr. Hilleman put us closer to that goal than we had ever been before.
The annual Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest celebrates Dr. Hilleman's remarkable legacy by inviting students in grades 6 to 12* from the U.S. and Canada to learn about Dr. Hilleman and reflect on a scientific issue they would work to address and why.
More details about the 2024 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest are available at HillemanFilm.com
GRiT - STEM Club
Gender Representation in Tech club GRiT is a student-led club at Concord Academy that organizes and hosts an annual tech conference designed to promote gender equity in the STEM world. While all individuals are welcome at this conference, our goal is to create an open space for female and genderqueer students to explore their interests in tech. We welcome all students grades 6 through 12 (ages 12-19), regardless of previous experience.
The 2024 GRiT conference will take place on April 20, 2024, from 1-3:30 pm at Concord Academy (166 Main St, Concord, MA 01742). The conference will consist of two workshop blocks with workshops hosted by CA alums and other non-males in the tech industry. Students will be able to choose the workshop they wish to attend through a form sent to them prior to the conference.
As examples of workshops, our 2023 conference hosted workshops regarding navigating the tech world as a WOC, an introduction to creating more accessible technology, how to use technology and psychology to discover your own work style, and more!
Free registration link
For more info - see our website
Blake Intramurals - Winter Session
Registration for Blake's Winter Intramural Session in now in session. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
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 29 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]).
- 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]
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 with super cute cards! 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 Note that the order form will ask for a representative name; if you don't have one, please put Medfield SEPAC in that field. For any questions, please contact [email protected]. Thanks in advance for your support!
Our Parent Connection Groups are forming! Our vision for these groups is to create a warm and supportive community where parents caring for children with a specific diagnosis can come together to share experiences, knowledge, and encouragement. We envision a space where families feel empowered, understood, and equipped with the tools to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with a specific diagnosis. Through open dialogue, mutual support, and collaborative learning, we aspire to foster a sense of camaraderie that promotes the well-being and success of both parents and their incredible children. These groups are coordinated by SEPAC parent volunteers who are not licensed therapists or professional facilitators. These are not formal support groups, but they are a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers who have experience with a specific diagnosis. 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. Currently, scheduled group meetings are 2/5 for ADHD and 2/15 for Down Syndrome. ASD and Dylsexia + LBLD are scheduling soon! 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!
This electronic transmission is for the intended recipient only and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or otherwise protected from disclosure. Any review, dissemination, or use of this transmission or any of its contents by persons other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately upon receipt and delete or destroy the communication and its attachments. Thank you for your cooperation.
Volunteer with MCPE and make a difference for our kids and schools!
Are you looking for a way to give back to Medfield Public Schools? Join the Medfield Coalition for Public Education!
MCPE is 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. MCPE is led by a volunteer board that works throughout the school year to organize community-wide fundraising events and make grants to teachers and staff at all five Medfield Public Schools.
We’re recruiting new board members to start in the 2024-25 school year! If you are interested in becoming an MCPE board member, we would love to hear from you. We're looking for candidates who can commit to a 3-year term, attend board meetings once a month (Sept-June), and have an active interest in enriching kids' education in Medfield schools. All skill sets are welcome, and we strive to have a board with diverse backgrounds.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/volunteer
SAVE THE DATE:
* Early March – March Madness bracket pool benefitting MCPE!
* Monday, March 18 – Spelling Bee for Wheelock and Dale students!
* Mid-May – MCPE's Blue Ribbon Recognition Program gives you the chance to honor a Medfield teacher or staff member who has made a positive impact in a student's life and show your appreciation
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
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
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.
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.
Law, Psychology, And Healing: Exploring Racial, Ethnic, And LGBTQ+ Representation In Education
Thursday, 2/22 7-8:30 p.m.
This event is free to the public, please use the promotional code PERADAJER24 to register at no cost.
This event is $25 for practitioners seeking CEs for this lecture. As per the credentialing bodies, we can only grant CEs for synchronous attendance of events (online or in-person). Please pay and register for the lecture so that we may keep track of your attendance. Your CE registration status may not be changed after the event.
Description:
The history of institutional attempts to reform curricula to foster greater inclusivity and representation of the student body has a historical trajectory dating back to the 1960s when it was initially termed "multiculturalism." Even as United States demographics have diversified to the point that no ethnic or racial group forms a majority among its schoolchildren, the battle to resist comprehensive education, including and representing all ethnic, racial, and LGBTQ+ identities, has become increasingly fraught and widespread. Political and partisan voices favoring exclusive curriculum and "Don't Say Gay" rules argue that including all identities does harm to White youth who are made to feel "guilty" and to straight, cisgender youth who need protection from "sexual materials" that could harm them. From a legal perspective, removing ideas and materials from the curriculum for political reasons is unconstitutional. However, psychological research suggests that the actual harm does not originate from these arguments but rather from the inherent act of exclusion. In this lecture, Mary Kelly Persyn, Dr. Hector Adames, and Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi will offer insights and suggestions for legal action and clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
- Explain the impact of oppressive laws on the mental health of Youth of Color and LGBTQ+ Youth.
- Analyze and identify healing and legal frameworks fostering the well-being of Youth of Color and LGBTQ+ Youth.
Timeline And Requirements:
The course will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2024. This lecture is presenter-led and is a fully online experience. This will be conducted synchronously online via Zoom from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm (EST).
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