2/26 - The Well-Balanced Student (see details below) - 7 p.m.
2/27 - Stars to Worcester Art Museum
Dangers and Risks of Vaping Info Session - 6:00 p.m.
Incoming 6th Parent Info Night - 6:30 p.m.
2/28 - Stripes to Worcester Art Museum
MHS Program of Studies Night (see details below)
3/6 - Blake STEAMERS Showcase (see details below)
3/7 - Incoming 7th/8th Parent Night - 6:30 p.m.
3/11 - Blake Site Council Meeting - 3:30 p.m. (Blake LMC)
3/12 - Harlem Wizards at MHS
3/13 - 1/2 day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
3/19 - SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m. (Blake LMC)
Topic/Question for the Summer Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways we reflect on our strengths and weaknesses can help us grow and learn, our topic/question of the week is: How can sharing and acknowledging your own weaknesses help you grow as a person and a learner? Trust and Understanding (Week of 2/24/19) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Dangers and Risks of Vaping Info Session - 2/27
We will be holding an informational session for all Blake parents/guardians about the 'Dangers and Risks of Vaping' on Wednesday, 2/27 from 6:00-6:30 p.m. here at Blake. (This presentation and information session will take place before the Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night - 2/27 at 6:30 p.m. at Blake). We are fortunate that Dr. Bob Clarke, CEO of Pulmatrix Inc. with industry expertise in engineered approaches to improve pulmonary drug delivery, has offered to hold an informational session for all parents on the 'Dangers and Risks of Vaping'. Bob will share information about e-cigarettes, juuls, and vapes - outlining the health risks and addressing some of the common 'safety myths' held by students and adults alike. Bob shared this information at the Medfield High School Athletics Night in the fall of 2018. Please RSVP via this Google Form if you are planning on attending this informational session. Within the form there is a place to share any questions you have about this topic...
Dangers and Risks of Vaping Info Session (2/27/19)
For Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
This Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m., we will present an informational program that will introduce you to many of the programs at Blake. We will also take some time to discuss our technology initiatives and iPad program for students. It is our hope that all parents/guardians attend. During the evening we will highlight aspects of our Program of Studies (Blake Program of Studies 2019-2020), and share information about our world language and music programs. Sixth grade students at Blake will select French, Spanish, or Mandarin and will continue studying their selected choice in seventh and eighth grade. Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete by Friday, March 1…
2019-2020 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2019-2020 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
Parent Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
2/27 - Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming sixth grade (current fifth grade) students. We will be presenting information about the 6th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year along with an overview of the middle school. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2019-2020 academic year's iPad Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
3/7 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh grade (current sixth grade) students. We will be sharing information about the 7th and 8th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year. We will also be presenting information about the 7th grade's field trip to Nature's Classroom.
8th Grade Families - Save the Date!
February 28, 2019 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.
Student Council Dodgeball Tournament
Student Council Invites all students to play in the...
- 6th Annual Dodgeball Tournament
- Thursday, March 14, 2019
- 2:15-4:00 p.m. in Blake gym
- 6 players per team - from the same grade, mixed genders (one 7th optional player will be allowed, but only 6 people on the court at a time)
- $5 per person - CASH or checks made out to "Medfield Public Schools - Blake Middle School"
- $3 for kids to come spectate
- Plans are for all proceeds go towards the charity, Silver Strong Cancer Fund
- TEAM CAPTAIN ONLY Sign up on this google form: Team Sign up form
All grades are welcome!
Have fun!
Blake Reads Across America
Read Across America was created in 1997 by the National Education Association in order to get kids more excited about reading. It's annually held on or about Dr. Seuss's birthday, March 2. Here's what we're doing: On Tuesday, February 26, the LMC is hosting an Open House featuring several dozen new books as well as our newly revamped Quick Pick and Graphic Novel shelves. All students will visit during their Sustained Silent Reading periods and have the opportunity to take a book for Read Across America. During SSR on Friday, March 1, all Blake students will join millions of other students from across the country in Reading Across America.
Volleyball Unit Wrap-Up
The volleyball unit has come to an end for Physical Education classes, capped off with the annual student v. teacher volleyball championship that took place the Friday before vacation. This is always a highlight of the year and this year did not disappoint. Students had an opportunity to compete for their grade championship through playoffs within their classes and then between classes. The winning team then played the teachers in front of their whole grade- both sides genuinely entertained and impressed their audiences. All of our students showed significant improvement in their volleyball skills and demonstrated great sportsmanship through what can be an intense unit. The PE staff is so proud of the effort and energy, as well as the skill that all of our students demonstrated through this unit.
Worcester Art Museum Visit - 8th Grade
As part of the 8th grade Social Studies curriculum the 8th graders will be visiting the Worcester Art Museum in February. The Eagles visited the Worcester Art Museum on February 14th, the Stars will visit on February 27th, and the Stripes will visit on February 28th. As part of the visit the students will enjoy a guided tour of the Museum's Medieval galleries, students will also create their own "illuminated letter" as part of a workshop activity and, in addition, students will enjoy a demonstration of Medieval Armor conducted by Medieval Historian Neal Bourbeau. Students and teachers are excited about the experiential learning opportunities provided by this field trip and look forward to a great visit!
SBIRT Protocol Program for 7th Grade
In response to the increase in drug and opioid use in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker signed into law, “An Act relative to substance use, treatment, education and prevention” (H. No. 4056). Among its many components, this law mandates that school districts annually conduct verbal substance use screenings for one grade at the high school and one at the middle school. The goal of the program is to provide early identification and prevention of harm from substance use. School nurses will screen all 7th grade students using the SBIRT protocol (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) developed by the MA Dept of Public Health. The interview style screening will be conducted confidentially, in private one-on-one sessions using the CRAFFT II screening tool, the most commonly used substance use screening tool for adolescents in Massachusetts.
Students who report not using substances will have their healthy choices reinforced. The screener will provide brief feedback to any student who reports using substances. If appropriate, we will offer students a referral to counseling staff. This program focuses on prevention, and students’ responses will not lead to any disciplinary action. The results of the screening will not be included in students’ academic or health records. In keeping with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 97, information disclosed by students during verbal substance use screening is confidential, and unless a student is in immediate medical danger, parents will not be notified about the results of this screening.
If you have any questions about this program or prefer your child not participate in the screening, please contact Tricia Williams, Blake School Nurse, at 508-242-8554 or [email protected] by February 15, 2019. This program is voluntary and students may choose to not answer any or all of the questions. Screenings will be conducted starting the week of February 25, 2019 for seventh grade students during their health classes.
As a child’s brain is not fully developed during adolescence, substance use during this time can substantially alter brain functioning for a lifetime, often leading to addiction and long term health risks. We encourage all families to talk about substance use. Research shows that parental disapproval is the #1 reason young people decide not to use drugs or alcohol. For ideas on how to begin these important conversations, please see this parent guide and the MHS health resource list. Together we can make a difference in the health of our youth!
Author Visit - Matt de la Peña
Thanks to generous funding from MCPE and the Memorial, Wheelock, Dale Street, and Blake PTOs, we are excited to announce that Newberry Award winning author, Matt de la Peña, will be visiting the K-12 Medfield Public Schools on March 7th and 8th. Mr. de la Peña directs his talks at all learners by sharing his personal experience as a reluctant reader. Matt will focus on his personal journey-- while also incorporating his books. He talks about his inspiration for each story and character and his fascination with the real world. He will talk about how each of us owns an important story. This is the order form for students/ staff interested in purchasing any of Matt de la Peña's books to be signed by the author on his visit! DUE back by 2/15/19 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cp8KIZQb9sB6QLDnQksYoUzWIdpa2AZ-B__sw8YO1v4/edit?usp=sharing
In celebration of his new book, Love, a make a bookmark contest is underway in each school. You are invited to create a bookmark that answers the question, ""What does love mean to you?"" The detailed instructions and bookmark template are available in the art rooms and the LMC. You may also print out the Love Bookmark Contest pdf below. Be sure to finish your creations and turn them into the LMC by Wednesday, February 27th! So turn on your love lights and get drawing! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Term 2 Interim Reports and Reflection
Last week in advisory students received their interim reports for Term 2. After receiving their interim reports all students took some time to reflect on their work thus far via a Google Form. Over the next two weeks advisors will be taking time in advisory to conference with advisees. 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...
- When looking at your interim report, what are you proud of?
- Looking at your interim report, what was not a surprise to you? Why was it not a surprise?
- Finish this sentence: I want to keep working on...
- What surprised you on this interim report? Was this a positive or negative surprise? Explain.
- In addition to your advisor, would you like to check in with one of your teachers?
- If you answered yes to the previous question, which teacher would you like to speak with and about what?
- If you had time to learn about anything you want this year, what would it be?
Recess Donations
At the midpoint of the year we are looking to build up our 'supplies' for indoor recess. We are looking for donations from families to provide options for students during this time: table tennis, table football, board games, etc. Any donations are welcome and can be dropped off in the main office - thank you in advance for your help!
Black History Month
February 1st marked the beginning of Black History Month. Listen to and read the morning announcements for information about contributions made by African American people throughout history and today. Check out the displays and activities in the library, signs and bulletin boards outside the gym and in the main lobby. For more info about how Black History Month came to be and why it is celebrated, check out this link: https://bestlifeonline.com/this-is-why-black-history-month-is-celebrated-in-february.
Parent Ed Workshop Follow Up
Metaphors, Multiplication, and Microscopes - Exploring Student Learning
This past month Nat Vaughn, Orla Berry (Science Department Chair, 6-12), Susan Bycoff (Mathematics Department Chair, 6-12), and Gail Duffy (English Department Chair, 6-12) held parent education workshops about English, Mathematics, and Science, healthy student learning, meaningful feedback, and classroom and state assessments. If you were unable to make the presentation, please check out the slides…
Metaphors, Multiplication & Microscopes - Winter 2019
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Blake Middle School Site Council Survey
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey and an Executive Summary will be distributed to families in the coming weeks. Focus areas on the survey centered on the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. Our intent is to distribute the 2018-2019 survey in early February in the hopes of gathering the data right after February vacation. Stay tuned!
Save the Date - Miss Amazing!
Save the date! Massachusetts Miss Amazing is coming to Medfield High School for its sixth annual event! Miss Amazing’s mission statement declares that “Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment.” Join us in supporting this goal and give these girls and young women an opportunity to shine. The event is March 30th, 2019 and will be held in the Medfield High School Auditorium at 6 PM. Ticket sales are open to the public beginning on March 16th at ma.missamazing.org. If you want to donate, visit https://missamazing.org/donate/. If you want to volunteer with the event, you can sign up to be a buddy, half day volunteer (helping hand), or a right hand man online at https://missamazing.org/volunteer/. If you know a girl or young woman who might want to participate in this event, refer them to the Miss Amazing website so they can learn more! Sign up a participant at https://missamazing.org/participate/. See you there!
Blake STEAMers Showcase - 3/6/19
Our fourth annual celebration of our students and STEM - The Blake STEAMers Showcase - will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday March 6, 2019. All BMS students are invited to participate as individuals or in groups (single or multi grade) and show their passion for or interest in answering some question or learning more about a particular topic - including but not limited to - recent genius hour projects, maker space projects or personal interest projects or investigations. Please see this link for information regarding our Blake STEAMers showcase on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. All Blake students are encouraged to attend and to participate in this event!!
Should you have any questions please contact your child’s science teacher or email me at - [email protected]
#MedfieldProjectHappiness Update
Students will be diving into growth mindsets in Project Happiness this week! Students will learn some facts about struggles that successful people have overcome. Students will be watching a short video that defines growth and fixed mindsets. Finally, students will compare fixed and growth mindset statements and work together to develop their "inner ally" instead of their "inner critic". Be sure to ask your child about it! A few notes for your reference...
- The daily inspiration from Project Happiness is included in the morning announcements to staff and students.
- To subscribe: https://www.projecthappiness.org
- To follow on Twitter: @happyblakers #MedfieldProjectHappiness
iPad Case Reminder
This is a gentle reminder that all students should have cases on their iPads at all times. Three websites that we have found to be useful, as they detail the various covers, rates them, and describes why covers are needed, are:
Recommended by Apple: STM Dux Case
Griffin Survivor Case
Top 5 Rugged iPad Cases
Reminder about Locks
All Blake students are required to be using a combination lock to lock their hallway lockers. As this is the time of year when students can begin to be lax about using their locks and keeping them locked during the day, we appreciate your reminders at home as well. A photo of locks that fit on Blake lockers can be found on the school supply list page (School Supply Lists).
Standards Based Reporting Information Sessions
Thank you to all Blake parents/guardians who were able to come to our Standards Based Reporting information sessions this past fall. If you were unable to make the presentation, please check out the slides...
SBR Information Sessions October, 2018
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Blake Site Council Book Discussion Group
Blake’s Site Council book is What School Could Be by Ted Dintersmith. We hope you can join in by reading this book - stay tuned for discussion times!
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". Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
SEPAC Update
Please join us Tuesday, March 19th at 7pm in the Blake Library to hear Mary Bruhl, Director of Student Services, discuss her entry plan and MA DESE Coordinate Program Review updates. In addition, please note that the Assistive Technology evening scheduled for March 4th has been canceled and will be rescheduled for next fall. To learn about SEPAC, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/mail.medfield.k12.ma.us/sepac/
Blake PTO Update
Want to get involved? We're looking for a Treasurer and Secretary for our Board next year! Contact Keven Gallagher ([email protected]) for more information!
Our Annual Appeal is here! We are again requesting a contribution of $50/child this year; an amount that has remained the same over the past 4 years. This is a suggested amount, but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Please make checks out to Blake Middle School PTO and send it in with your child. We are hoping for 100% participation of Blake families by April 1, 2019. This will allow our students and teachers to benefit over the next year, as the students and teachers did before them. We thank you in advance for your financial support of the Blake PTO.
Mark your calendars- Parent Information Night is 2/27 for incoming 6th graders and 3/7 for incoming 7th and 8th graders. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Medfield K-8 PTO) and follow us on Twitter (@MedfieldK8PTO). And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com