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
2/26 - Pride Alliance
2/28 - Blake Site Council Mtg
2/29 - MAC Meeting
3/1 - 7th Grade Dance
3/4 - Pride Alliance
3/5 - Blake PTO Meeting
3/6 - Blake Student Council
Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night (see details below)
3/7 - MAC Meeting
3/8 - Term 2 Ends
3/11 - Pride Alliance
Band-o-Rama
3/12 - Teacher Professional Day - No School
3/13 - Blake Student Council
String Fling
3/14 - MAC Meeting
Incoming 6th Grade Info Night (see details below)
3/18 - Term 3 Begins
Pride Alliance
3/20 - Blake Student Council
3/21 - MAC Meeting
3/22 - 8th Grade Dance
Blake’s Question of the Week
To encourage dialogue and reflection about connections with others and ourselves, our question for the week is: What is something that you wish more people knew about you? Seeing and Being Seen (Week of 2/4/24) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
National School Counseling Week (2/5-2/9)
This week (2/5-2/9) is National School Counseling Week - please join me in thanking all of our counselors for their care, support, and guidance they provide for all of us (students, families, staff, and community), and sharing thanks by sending an e-mail, writing a note, and/or stopping by to convey gratitude and appreciation. If you are on social media, the hashtag #NSCW24 (image below can be attached) is being used on Twitter and Instagram and the website is National School Counseling Week - American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in our February Spirit Week next week (2/12-2/16)!
Blake Stu Co
Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/6 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh and eighth grade (current sixth and seventh 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.
3/14 - Incoming 6th Grade Information 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.
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
The Blake Break!
We have exciting news about the upcoming premiere of The Blake Break!
The Art department was awarded a grant from the Blake PTO to create a video program to communicate Blake happenings. In each episode of The Blake Break, students from the Design Studio classes (C2 and C4) will be delivering the news, events, and highlights from Blake Middle School.
If you have any video or information to share, upcoming reminders, and/or curriculum, club, activity highlights, pass them along to Kate Jones at [email protected] We will do our best to include any content in upcoming episodes. Stay tuned!
Volleyball Tourney at Blake
The Wellness Department is happy to announce that the annual Volleyball Championship Tournament will be the day before February Break (Friday, 2/16). After many weeks of skill building, competitive gameplay and in-class tournaments, the day will consist of three tournaments where class champions will face off to determine a grade level champion. Later in the day that same grade level champion will play against a team of staff 'all stars' before their teachers and classmates in the gymnasium. PE students have been working hard on their skills and are looking forward to playoffs for a chance to play against their teachers.
Black History Month Update
Black History Month is a month dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the countless contributions Black Americans have made to society. In classes and advisory we are honoring the month through shared learning experiences.
MHS Football Interest Meeting - 2/14
Any interested 8th grader hoping to learn more about football at Medfield High School please stop by the cafe right afterschool on Wednesday, February 14th. Thank you.
MYP Parenting Solutions Information
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge, in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The trainings are presented by experts with advanced degrees and the trainings focus on child and adolescent development, including difficulties in school, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identity formation, racism, and grief. These trainings present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.
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.
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 on sale now at https://bmstheater.booktix.net/.
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]).
Class of 2024 Fundraiser
Hello all, the Class of 2024 is hosting their last ever fundraiser of Medfield 9x12" pennants for $12. This fundraiser is to help support class initiatives for the rest of the year. The google form below will be opened until 2/16 and checks can be dropped off through the first set of double doors on the bookshelf. The link below includes a photo of what the pennants look like!
Pennant Fundraiser
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!
We are halfway through our Cards for a Cause fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who's ordered a box of cards. We need 37 more orders to hit our goal by February 14th. 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! The money raised will fund our scholarships, awarded to graduating seniors, and help us offer more workshops and events—order here: https://www.kidsbookfort.com/orgs/sepac Put “Medfield SEPAC” in the rep name field. For any questions, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your ongoing support!
SEPAC Fundraising Video
2/13 Technology Safety with School Resource Officers Hart and Manganello, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after.
3/12 NEW IEP Process with Director of Student Services Mary Bruhl, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after.
4/23 Executive Function with Ali Spidalieri, M.Ed BCBA, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after.
Details are always available on our website! Our workshops and board meetings offer childcare, and a remote link can be made available if you'd like. Our workshops and board meetings are open to EVERYONE. You do not need a child on an IEP or 504 to attend. RSVP to [email protected] We hope to see you there!
Our Parent Connection groups are off to a great start. Here are some upcoming dates:
ADHD, 2/5, 3/4, 4/1, 7 pm Medfield Public Safety Building
Down Syndrome, 2/15, 3/21, 4/18 11:30 am Medfield Public Library
Dyslexia + Language-Based Learning Disabilities - first meeting Feb 7th, 7 pm Medfield Public Safety Building
ASD - please respond to the doodle poll to determine the first meeting date.
Mental Health - get in touch to join.
Our parent connection groups are limited to parents and caregivers of children with the corresponding diagnosis. Please email [email protected] with questions or to join a group.
Message from MCPE
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 - Thank you!
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.
State of the Field 2024: Accelerating the 30-Year Movement for Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning
Thursday, 2/15 at 12 p.m.
In the three decades since CASEL established the field of social and emotional learning (SEL), research has flourished, implementation has accelerated, and demand has hit all-time highs. But in 2024, we face new urgency and new challenges surrounding young people’s learning and well-being. In the decades to come, SEL will also play an increasingly important role in preparing all children for their futures. These demands will call on our field to bolster the evidence, strengthen implementation quality, and align policy conditions to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of every young person.
Join Dr. Timothy Shriver and Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel as they reflect on how three decades of the SEL movement has shaped the current educational landscape — and set the vision for the coming years.
Recommended for: education organization leaders, community partners, policy influencers, and district and school leaders.
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