1/8 - Grade 6 Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Mtg (12:30 p.m.)
1/12 - Grade 6 Chorus Concert
1/13 - #MedfieldPS Twitter Chat (8 p.m.)
1/15 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Teachers
1/18 - MLK, Jr. Day - No School
Day of Service at Blake
Blood Drive at Blake
1/21 - Jessica Cox Community Presentation (see details below)
1/22 - Jessica Cox School Presentations (see details below)
2/5 - Teacher Professional Day (#DLDMedfield)
2/5 and 2/6 - Blake Play
2/8 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
How to Raise an Adult Book Group (4:30 p.m.)
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about resolutions and staying centered on one's resolutions and intentions, this week's topic/question for the dinner table is:
Finish this statement: For the new year, I resolve to...
Did you resolve to stop doing something, or to start/continue doing something? Please see link to Google Form to share your responses: Resolve (1/3/16) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 1 Report Cards
All outstanding Term 1 report card signature sheets should be turned into advisors.
Jessica Cox - Assembly for Students and Community
Some exciting news just arrived! Blake students and the Medfield community have been offered a wonderful opportunity to meet Jessica Cox and hear all about her incredible story of courage and perseverance. Jessica is an energetic, positive motivational speaker who was born without arms but did not let that stop her from becoming the World's 1st Armless Pilot and the 1st Armless Black-belt in the U.S. She will present to Blake Middle School student on Friday, January 22nd, during assembly period. In addition (as a preview to the assemblies), Jessica will share her trials and triumphs with the Medfield community on Thursday, January 21st, at 7 p.m. in Blake Middle School Auditorium. Please see this Jessica Cox Community Event for more information, and check out the link to a trailer to a film about her story - Jessica Cox Film Trailer. We strongly encourage you seize the chance to meet Jessica and learn about her amazing accomplishments despite her physical constraints. Spread the word and order your free tickets now before they are gone! E-mail (your name, address, # of tickets) to: [email protected]
7th Grade Trip to A Christmas Carol Recap
On December 23 the 7th grade traveled to the North Shore Music Theatre and witnessed Charles Dicken's A Chirstmas Carol come to life on the stage. Students had a great time, and many showed their knowledge of this classical story by pointing out the differences between the stage version and Dickens' original text. The performance was a wonderful way for students to end their first of several encounters with Dickens' work through their academic careers in Medfield.
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Sophia Gustafson, 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 Sophia will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man whose goal was to make our country a better place for everyone. While his life was cut short due to assassination, MLK's goal to make our country a better place is still very much alive. On November 2, 1983 President Reagan made January 15th ( MLK Jr'.s birthday) a federal holiday, a day off for all. But a day off to support a man who gave his life to the betterment of our country did not really seem like a fitting honor so on August 23, 1994 President Bill Clinton signed a bill that moved the date of the holiday from MLK, Jr's birthday to the Monday after that day. The bill also stated that it was meant to be a day of service. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a not a day off, but a day on. To honor this day of service Blake Middle School will open its doors from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to give students an opportunity to serve their community. Some of the activity students will be doing during this day of service will be: beautifying the school, making Valentine's day cards, book marks and paper flowers, for soldiers and those living in the nursing home. Students will also be making bracelets, which we will give to Children's Hospital for ill children. We are always open to new ideas for how we can serve the community and support making Monday, January 18th a day on! If you have any questions or suggestions, please e-mail Cynthia McClelland at cmcclelland@email.medfield.net.
Blake Middle School Sponsoring Blood Drive for American Red Cross
This year, during the MLK day of service Blake Middle School will extend its service to the community by holding its first American Red Cross blood drive. Students will form a committee where they will learn the importance of giving blood, and how they can help recruit those old enough to give blood. The MLK, Jr. Day of Service will take place on January 18th. Check out the Prezi below that is being shared with students in advisory...
Blood Drive Prezi
AMC 8 Contest Results
The 8th Grade American Mathematics Contest (AMC 8) is a multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills and sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. The contest is held yearly in November. Students from all over the country participate in this contest both individually and on a school-wide basis. This year, 70 Blake 8th grade and one 7th grade student participated in the exam. We are proud of all students who participated. The following students have earned special recognition for their top performance within Blake Middle School:
- Genevieve Brooslin, First Place School Winner
- Luca Leger, First Place School Winner
- Anna Wietrecki, Second Place School Winner
- Michael Borkan, Second Place School Winner
- Isaac Popper, Third Place School Winner
- Jack McCordic, Third Place School Winner
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.net and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Reminder about Bus Notes
All students who would like to ride a different bus may do so for childcare purposes only and need permission from Central Offices. Students should bring a note from home that gives permission to ride another bus, along with the bus number. That note will be sent to Central Offices and approval is granted based on available space on the bus. It is best to have the notes dropped off before the school day starts so that we can get back to students promptly in case they need to make other arrangements. A back up plan is always good to have in case permission is not granted. If you have any questions, please contact Phyllis Montillo at Central Offices ([email protected]).
8th Grade Families - Save the Date!
February 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
High School Auditorium
Please join members of the high school faculty as they present an overview of the Medfield High School academic curriculum. Additional information will be sent home as the date becomes closer. If you have any questions prior to the event, please contact Heather Mandosa, Assistant Principal at [email protected] or Stephanie Worthley, Guidance Content Specialist at [email protected] or call the high school at (508) 359-4367.
Theater news
An update was emailed to all students and parents on January 2. If you did not receive the email please let Ms. Allen know. The first rehearsal of the year will be Wednesday, January 6.
Trumpet of the Swan - Blake Theater will perform Trumpet of the Swan on February 5 and 6 at 7pm. Tickets from Trumpet of the Swan's February 5 and 6 performances will go on sale to the public on Jan 29.
Community Service Club Coat Drive
Our Community Service Club of Blake is running its annual coat drive until the second week of January. Please locate the boxes outside the library and donate new or gently used winter coats. Child coats of all sizes are most welcomed but coats of all sizes are needed. Thank you and happy holidays.
Blake Middle School Sponsoring Blood Drive for American Red Cross
This year, during the MLK day of service Blake Middle School will extend its service to the community by holding its first American Red Cross blood drive. Students will form a committee where they will learn the importance of giving blood, and how they can help recruit those old enough to give blood. The MLK, Jr. Day of Service will take place on January 18th. Check out the Prezi below that is being shared with students in advisory...
Blood Drive Prezi
Lost and Found Items
The number of items in our Lost and Found has increased. Please remind students to come take a look, as there are a number of items that are unlabeled that have been collected. We will be clearing out the Lost and Found during the winter vacation.
Cradles to Crayons - 7th Grade
In January/February of 2016 our 7th grade will be running a clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons. Please set aside any clothing donations in advance. Thank you!
Grade 6 Standards Based Reporting Pilot and Focus Group
Thank you to all sixth grade parents/guardians who were able to come to one of our Standards Based Reporting information sessions. As promised, here is the link to the presentation...
Standards Based Reporting Presentation Fall 2015
We are also looking for parents/guardians to be part of our parent focus group. This group will be comprised of the 6th grade science teachers, administration, and parents and will meet throughout the year (Fridays at 12:30 p.m.) to discuss the work that is taking place and provide feedback. The dates that have been set for these meetings are: 11/13, 1/8, 2/26, 4/1, and 6/3. If you are interested, please complete the form below...
Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Sign-Up
How to Raise an Adult - Book Discussion Group for Parents
Please join the Blake Site Council will be reading and discussing HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. For more information, here is a book review from The New York Times...
HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. We will be reading it throughout the year, taking time to discuss the ideas presented and have a common, shared experience. The discussions will take place at the end of each Site Council meeting (our third book group meeting will be 4:30 p.m. on Monday, 2/8). All parents are invited to join us. If you are interested in joining the book discussions, please fill out this Google Form: How to Raise an Adult Blake Book Group
The breakdown for the readings is as follows...
- For 2/8 Meeting - Read Chapters 12-17 (143-227)
- For 3/7 Meeting - Finish book (228-305)
Blake Science Fair
This is the first middle school science fair ever for Medfield. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in an extracurricular activity while having fun with friends. This project by high school junior Emma Twer was created to promote communication and speech skills for students. Being part of a science fair develops important attributes needed for the high school. Come show your creativity through science! Work sessions are available as a lead up to the fair on February 26.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6WieI40e5TlVnAxNDY4N1NpNVU/view?usp=sharing
Work Sessions: 2:30-3:30 on January 6, January 13, January 20, February 3
Fair: February 26 from 3:30- 5:30
K-8 PTO Update
GRANTS FUNDED
A performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the 6th grade class in the amount of $1,160.
A classroom set of 25 trapezoidal desks in the amount of $2,315
BAY STATE TEXTILES
Recycle clothing, shoes, household linens and stuffed animals at one of the Bay State Textile boxes at your school or the Transfer Station. Recycle and help the schools!!
BOX TOPS
Please cut out your Box Tops and have your child bring them to the Blake office or their advisory. Visit http://www.boxtops4education.com/coupons for coupons on participating Box Tops
MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR
Customize EVERYTHING from text to colors and designs from sports to drama to music. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, bags, hats, blankets & more. Spend $85 or more and get a free customized t-shirt. 12% of proceeds from each order will go to your school’s PTO. This is all you have to do:
Go to shop.mylocker.net
Enter your school locker number - BLAKE BD979
Use promo code b2g6dTK1 to receive $10 off every order you place
NOTE: Due to different branding sizes, make sure to check all size charts when ordering to ensure you get a great fit for each product. Use MyLocker to create apparel for your teams, clubs, service groups, and more. The possibilities are endless! Please contact Laura Zaher [email protected] with any questions.
ZEBRA’S FLATBREAD FRIDAYS FUNDRAISER
No need to cook on a Friday night after a crazy week! Enjoy a delicious flatbread from Zebra’s and support the Medfield Public Schools at the same time. 10% of the proceeds from flatbreads sold via take-out or in the restaurant on Friday evenings will be donated to the Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) and Medfield K-8 PTO. Please contact Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO , follow us on Twitter MedfieldK8PTO and check out our website http://medfieldpto.weebly.com
MCPE Update
Mark your calendars for two upcoming events: MCPE's 11th Annual Spelling Bee will take place on Tuesday, April 5th for grades 2-5, and Friday, April 29th is the date for an exciting new community event called LRC (Left, Right, Center). Stay tuned for more information!
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.