3/13 - 1/2 day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
Blake PTO Meeting - 7 p.m.
3/14 - Stripes to Worcester Art Museum
One-Day Food Drive for Medfield Food Pantry
3/15 - Term 2 Ends
3/18 - Blake Site Council Meeting - 3:30 p.m. (Blake LMC)
3/19 - Harmony Day (see details below)
Band-o-Rama
SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m. (Blake LMC)
3/20 - String Fling
3/21 - Superintendent’s Advisory Council - 7 p.m.
3/22 - 5-Town Special Olympics
Term 2 Report Cards go Home
3/26 - Medfield Talks - The Big Disconnect (see details below)
3/29-3/31 - Blake Musical
3/30 - Miss Amazing Pageant
4/1 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
4/2 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
4/4 - #DLDMedfield (No School for Students)
4/8 - 7th Grade Trout Release
4/9 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
SEPAC Meeting - 7 p.m. (Blake LMC)
4/10 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
4/11 - Superintendent’s Advisory Council - 9:30 a.m.
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about active listening and its impact, our topic/question of the week is: What can you do to be a better listener? Be specific. Time for Listening (Week of 3/10/19) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Music Ensemble Selection - All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians
All parents/guardians must complete the music ensemble selection Google Form for 2019-2020.
2019-2020 Blake Middle School Music Selection
For Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
For your reference, I have copied the link to the presentation and handout along with the Program of Studies 2/27/19…
Blake Incoming 6th PIN 2019 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2019-2020
Blake Program of Studies 2019-2020
Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete…
2019-2020 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2019-2020 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
It was wonderful to see many of you at last night's parent information night for incoming 7th and 8th grade parents/guardians. I am writing with a few 'follow up' items and regarding planning for 2019-2020. For your reference, I have copied the link to the presentation along with the Program of Studies from last night...
Incoming 7th/8th PIN March 2019 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2019-2020
Blake Program of Studies 2019-2020
Nature's Classroom PIN Slideshow March 2019
Challenge Success Student Survey Information
Throughout this past year Medfield has partnered with Challenge Success, a program out of Stanford with this mission statement: Challenge Success partners with schools, families, and communities to embrace a broad definition of success and to implement research-based strategies that promote student well-being and engagement with learning. This program is designed to support and provide resources to our student and parent community. The Challenge Success team in Medfield has been working to identify and develop strategies to meet the social/emotional needs of our students. As part of this work, all of our students will be taking the Challenge Success student survey next week...
- 6th Grade: Tuesday, 3/19 during E Period
- 7th Grade: Tuesday, 3/19 during B Period
- 8th Grade: Monday, 3/18 during D Period
Challenge Success Parent/Guardian Information Sheet Survey 2018-2019
These links provide more information about our work...
Medfield Challenge Success Introductory Video
Medfield Challenge Success
Please do not hesitate to reach out to if you have any questions or concerns about the survey or this initiative.
Harmony Day - 3/19/19
On Tuesday, March 19 Blake is invited to join the Harmony Club at Medfield High School, sponsoring its annual Harmony Day. Harmony is a day where the club encourages any MHS community member who has a friend, family member, etc. in their life who is LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer) to wear a green shirt. The idea was started by Clinton Oxford, a 2008 graduate of Medfield High School, who thought if everyone could see just how many have a LGBTQ person in their lives, it might reduce the name-calling/anti-gay remarks heard in the hallways. Our students and staff at Blake are invited to wear green in support of this day. In addition to wearing green on Tuesday, 3/19 there will also be a poster in the main foyer of the building. Students, staff, and even visitors are encouraged to hang a simple, anonymous, green sticker onto the "Harmony" poster that day in support of someone they know, care about, or just someone they've heard of who is a member of the LGBTQ community. It is our hope that this simple demonstration is a symbol of support in our community, reminding everyone of the importance of Acceptance.
Kindness Month at Blake
Please join the Blake community for ‘A Month of Kindness’. Be sure to follow the hashtags #blakeiskind, #bmsed, #happyblakers, and #medfieldprojecthappiness. We encourage everyone to participate!
Due to the half-day, we will not have a dedicated time for Project Happiness in school. 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
Kindness Padlet
Take some time and add your thoughts, ideas, and quotes to our kindness padlet!
https://padlet.com/mgumas1/p32ltjcih3hh
BMS - STEAMers Showcase - 2019
On Wednesday March 6th students at Blake Middle School participated in our STEAMers Showcase. Students were excited and eager to share their passion with the attendees who were equally interested in learning what interests and excites our middle school students! Many thanks to everyone who participated and helped out - our AP Biology student volunteers, Blake administration for their support of this endeavor and the many parents and teachers who facilitated this effort. Most of all we would like to thank our student scientists/engineers/problem solvers for their enthusiasm, determination and outstanding participation! We hope to see you all at next year's showcase!
We held our district-wide Twitter chat Wednesday, 3/13 at 8 p.m. with a focus on Reflection and Feedback...
https://wakelet.com/wake/136a432c-6c32-498a-9059-0aeeada87dc0
(Reflection and Feedback)
MEDFIELD TALKS Presents Catherine Steiner-Adair Sign-Up Form
For your reference, I have copied the link to the presentation and handout along with the Program of Studies 2/27/19…
Blake Incoming 6th PIN 2019 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2019-2020
Blake Program of Studies 2019-2020
Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete…
2019-2020 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2019-2020 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
Music Ensemble Selection - All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2019-2020 Blake Middle School Music Selection
Term 2 Report Cards
Next week students will be bringing home their report cards for the second term. Time will be spent in advisory with students reflecting upon the work they accomplished, as well as setting healthy goals for the third term. If you have a question 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.
Parent/Guardian Input Information for 2019-2020
Parental/guardian input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2019-2020 academic year. Please refer to the Blake Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2019 regarding our process and the guidelines for input. If you are interested in sharing information, please submit your thoughts in writing not later than Friday, March 16. As stated in the letter, written requests for specific teachers and will not be entertained or accepted. Your letter should be addressed to your child's guidance counselor and Assistant Principal, Kelly Campbell. Guidance counselors for next year will be Matt Marenghi (Grade 6), Tracy Allen (Grade 7), and Jen Dondero (Grade 8).
Digital Learning Day for Blake and Medfield Staff - 4/4/19
April 4, 2019 is Digital Learning Day for the staff of the Medfield Public Schools. I encourage you to begin checking out the hashtag #DLDMedfield and to look for more information to stay current with the Blake and Medfield tweeters. Some of our Blake students will be helping out throughout the day as well. We are excited about this opportunity to learn from one another and expand our understandings of technology integration as we continue to work towards our mission for our students and school.
Mathematics Placement Process
Math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2019-2020 school year. The goal of the process is to see that every student is placed in a class that allows for them to learn math well while feeling good about their efforts. For current 6th and 7th grade students, decisions on student placement are made by considering current class grades, placement test grades, MCAS scores and teacher recommendations. For current 8th grade students, placement is determined by success in their current class level and teacher recommendation. We are very mindful during this time to consider the whole child while making these decisions. Additionally, it is important to us that parents feel they have a voice in this process. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher. If your questions involve long-term planning for math, do not hesitate to email Susan Bycoff, Math Department Chair at [email protected]. Thank you!
Dangers and Risks of Vaping Follow Up
It was great to see some of you at the 'Dangers and Risks of Vaping' presentation we held at Blake. I would like to thank Bob Clarke for sharing his expertise, care, and time with all of us. In Bob's presentation, he shared 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. As a follow up to the presentation, I am sharing the link to the slide deck from the evening...
Vaping Presentation 2/27/19
We are working with our staff to share this information with students and will continue our open lines of communication with families as well. We strongly encourage you to talk with your children about the dangers of vaping and the problems that can occur from it. Honest and straightforward discussions about issues such as these between parents and children can have a significant impact on their choices.
Blake Site Council Book Discussion Group
Blake’s Site Council book is What School Could Be by Ted Dintersmith. At our next Site Council meeting (3/18/19), we will be discussing the book - join us!
Blake Middle School Site Council Survey
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey and the Executive Summary can be found here: Blake Middle School Executive Summary 17-18. 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 the near future. Stay tuned!
Nature’s Classroom Information
Save the date! The 2019 trip to Nature’s Classroom will be Tuesday, October 22 to Friday, October 25. The cost of the trip will be $490.00 and a deposit of $245.00 is due on Friday, April 12, 2019. The balance will be due on Friday, May 17, 2019. Cost is never a reason for a child not to attend the trip. Please reach out to Nat Vaughn [email protected] if this is a concern for you.
In preparation for the trip an updated physical must be on file. Please submit your child’s 6th grade physical to Mrs. Williams as soon as possible. You may send it in with your child, or email directly to Mrs. Williams at [email protected].
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Judy Silva
[email protected]
Seventh Grade Science
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 visited on February 27th, and the Stripes will visit on March 14th. 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!
Student Council Dodgeball Tournament - 3/14/19
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
- Our charity is to be determined at this point. In light of recent events - The boy for whom the Silver Strong Cancer Fund was organized has passed away, so we are going to be donating this year’s dodgeball proceeds, but are unsure as to whether it will go to a memorial fund or a well-known cancer research foundation
- TEAM CAPTAIN ONLY Sign up on this google form: Team Sign up form
Join in on the fun!
All grades are welcome!
Have fun!
Putting for Patients Event - 3/16/19
On Saturday, March 16th, MHS Student Council is hosting the Putting for Patients Jimmy Fund fundraiser from 12-3. StuCo has run this event several times in the past and successfully raised over $18,000 for the Jimmy Fund. In addition to an 18-hole mini golf course in the gym, there is also a caricaturist, photo booth, face paint, hole-in-one contest, and more! For more information and registration details, go to tinyurl.com/MedfieldP4P. This is a fun event for all ages and all proceeds go towards a great cause. Hope to see you there!... Can't make it but still want to donate? The link doubles as a donation site! Thanks for your support!
Soccer Meeting - 8th Grade Girls
All eighth grade girls interested in playing soccer at the high school next fall, please come to room 104 from 2:20-2:45 on Wednesday march sixth for a brief informational meeting put on by next year's seniors and captains. Thank you and we hope to see you there!
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!
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.
MHS Youth Lacrosse Clinic for Boys
Registration is now open for the April 4th Youth Lacrosse Clinic for boys in Grades 6-8, hosted by the MHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse team. For more information, please see the registration form posted in the Thursday packet.
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 Coordinated Program Review updates. And come support our student athletes at the 5 town Special Olympics event hosted by Holliston High School on March 22nd! 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 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.
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