3/16 - SEPAC Meeting
3/24 - MCAP Meeting
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day
No School for Students
4/2 - No School
4/5 - Return to In-Person Model at Blake
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation
Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations, reflection, and dialogue about our learning over the past year, our question of the week is: Please complete this sentence - Over the last year one thing I have learned is... Over the Last Year... (Week of 3/14/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
March Madness Returns to Blake!
Blake's March Madness Book Tournament Bracket is here. Students will begin voting next week on "book games," and advisories will compete for best book bracket. 2021 March Madness Book Bracket
Blake Logo Contest - Calling All Artists!
Calling all artists! Our Student Council is looking to create some Blake gear for students and staff, and we would love to use a logo created by a Blaker! If you are interested, you can start working on your logo. Insert a pic of the logo to this form when you are done.
Follow Up from Incoming 6th-8th Grade Info Sessions
For your reference, I have copied links to the presentations and handouts from our incoming information sessions for the 2021-2022 school year…
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation - Recording
Passcode: 39KdD!Z!
Blake Incoming 6th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Grade Info Night March 2021 Presentation- Recording
Passcode: 6C1v!h%6
Blake Incoming 7th/8th Info Night March 2021 Presentation for Families
Blake Parent/Guardian Resources 2021-2022
Blake Program of Studies 2021-2022
Within the presentation, you can find links to the 'subject specific' videos. Here are direct links to the Special Education Overview and Music Ensemble Videos...
Blake Special Education Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(8:10)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 6th Grade
(4:34)
Music Ensembles at Blake Overview - Incoming 7th/8th Grade
(3:55)
Here are direct links to the videos/'talks' shared within the slides...
Sir Ken Robinson on role of a teacher
(2:23)
Nobody is Normal
(1:20)
Cornelius Minor at ILA 2018 - Changing Systems
(2:13)
Author of We Got This, Cornelius Minor Talks About What It Means to be Pro-Kids
(2:09)
Jesse Jackson - I am Somebody
(1:25)
Form for All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection
Form for All Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
Parent/Guardian Input Information for 2020-2021
Parental/guardian input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2019-2020 academic year. Please refer to this letter regarding our process and guidelines for parents/guardians for the 2020-2021 academic year…
Blake Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2021
If you are interested in sharing information, please submit your thoughts in writing no later than Monday, March 22. As stated in the letter, written requests for specific teachers 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 Tracy Allen (Grade 6), Jen Dondero (Grade 7), and Matt Marenghi (Grade 8).
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
If you haven't signed up your middle or high school children for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so. Pooled testing is a great data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the safety of our schools. Our goal is at least an 80% participation rate. Here is the online Consent Form to fill out.
Some reminders about the pooled testing:
- Students will not miss any class time for the testing.
- Testing will be done every week.
- Results come back within 48 hrs after testing.
- You will only be notified if the pool your student was in comes back positive.
- If a pool is positive, we will run a rapid testing clinic at Blake for those students in the positive pool to determine the positive individual.
- Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be the positive individual.
- Students are spaced 6ft apart with masks below their nose (mouth covered) for about 15 seconds while they test. Students self-administer their test and sanitize their hands before and after testing.
- If you don't hear from us, your student's pool was negative.
Harmony Day - 3/23/21 and 3/25/21
On Tuesday, March 23 (Cohort A) and Thursday, March 25 (Cohorts B and D) the Blake GSA invites all students/staff to participate in this year's Harmony Day recognition. Harmony Day was started at the high school several years ago as a way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community - it is a day when any community member at Blake and MHS 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 these days. In addition to wearing green, 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.
Medfield SEPAC Presents ‘Post Secondary Transitions’
(see flyer link below)
Tuesday, March 16th at 7 p.m.
Please join the Medfield SEPAC on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7pm via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/89484751424?pwd=Ny9KNFhMZk9tZE5tUlRKYldlVGNMUT09 Meeting ID: 894 8475 1424
Passcode: sepac
We look forward to sharing the many ways that all students are being supported and encouraged to develop independence that will result in their success beyond high school.
Presenters:
Meredith Becker (Transition Program Coordinator/Out of District Coordinator), Karey Curley (Educational Team Leader at the High School)
Stephanie Worthley (Guidance Department Chair)
Post Secondary Transitions - SEPAC Workshop - 3/16/21
Please visit this website for information from the high school. https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/welcome-class-of-2025/home
Here is the link to the high school program of studies. If you have questions about the placement process, the names and e-mail addresses of the respective department chairs are below…
- Science
- Orla Berry - [email protected]
- English
- Gail Duffy - [email protected]
- Mathematics
- Jess Safer - [email protected]
- Social Studies
- Kathleen Emerson - [email protected]
- Mathematics
- Jess Safer - [email protected]
- World Language
- Ellen Toubman - [email protected]
- March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections
Building Aides Needed at Blake!
Are you or is someone that you know interested in working at Blake Middle School? We are looking for building aides for the 2020-2021 school year. Please contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) if you are interested or would like more information.
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 http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Mathematics Placement Process for Incoming 8th Grade
Our seventh grade math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2021-2022 school year. The goal of the process is to see that every student is placed in a class that allows them to learn math well while feeling good about their efforts. For current 7th grade students, decisions on student placement are made by considering current class performance, placement test 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/guardians 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 Jess Safer, Math Department Chair at [email protected]. Thank you!
Registration for Spring Sports at Blake
Registration for Blake Middle School spring athletics is now open on FamilyID.com. There is a direct link off the Athletics page (under Activities) on Blake Middle School site. To complete registration, Mr. Scott need a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”). If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Athletics, Eric Scott ([email protected]).
*Blake Middle School Sports offered for the spring season are:
Track & Field (Boy’s and Girl’s – Grades 6-8)
Coach Krah (Head Boy’s Coach) – [email protected]
Coach Graham (Head Girl’s Coach) – [email protected]
Softball (8th grade Girls). *
* 7th Graders MAY be open to sign up and play if not enough 8th graders to field team).
Coach McClelland - [email protected]
Baseball (8th grade Boys)
Coach Becker – [email protected]
Project 351
I am thrilled to announce that Greta Krauss, 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 Greta will be representing Blake and the community of Medfield.
Blake MERJ Update
As we wrap up our celebration of Black History Month, advisories will be finishing their work decorating their classroom doors by spotlighting a Black individual who made a significant contribution to society. Upon completion of the doors, advisories will participate in a scavenger hunt to learn about the individuals spotlighted by different advisories. Check out our March newsletter...
Blake MERJ March Newsletter
Stay tuned for our April newsletter!
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marked the beginning of Women’s History Month. Please share any ideas you have as to how we can recognize this month within the Blake community. Here are a couple of reads of interest…
What Schools Teach About Women’s History Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights
Educational resources are available from federal sources and the National Women's History Museum, among others.
Blake is Social
Blake is Social will wrap up our Black History Month Posts by featuring all the lovely doors around the school. And as always we are looking for art work, photographs, videos of any and everything Blake students are up to. Feel free to send them to [email protected]
Blake GSA Update
GSA runs every Thursday from 2:30- 3:00. We are also looking to support Medfield's Harmony day. Keep an eye out for those very GREEN updates. If you have any questions about the Blake GSA, please reach out to Matt Marenghi ([email protected]),Cynthia McClelland ([email protected]), or Jen Dondero ([email protected]).
Blake Battles Bias Update
Is your student interested in matters of social justice and bias? Blake Battles Bias has a new meeting time -- every other Monday from 2:45-3:15. New members to BBB are always welcome. Any interested 7th or 8th grader should reach out to Mrs. Gelormini [email protected]
WPI's Sonia Kovalevsky Day 2021: Registration Now Open!
The WPI Department of Mathematical Sciences and WPI Student Chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) are excited to announce our third-annual Sonia Kovalevsky Day (SK Day) outreach event for local 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls, to be held virtually on Saturday, April 10, 2021.
SK Days at WPI aim to bolster our participants’ passion and enthusiasm for mathematics in a supportive environment, while meeting girls in the New England area who share similar interests and, of course, having fun! SK Day 2021 will provide an interactive online experience for participants (and their parents/guardians!) to engage in math activities led remotely by WPI students and will feature keynote talks by women leaders in STEM.
Please see the attached flyer for more information about the event. In particular, interested participants should register by visiting:
https://www.wpi.edu/news/calendar/events/sonia-kovalevsky-day
^^ The link to the registration form is found at this site. Space is limited, so we ask that participants please register early (no later than March 27, 2021).
Jr Tech STEM Opportunity
Jr.Tech is committed to inspiring students to think about STEM topics and explore STEM career paths. We are hosting Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 in April 2021. This year's Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 will take place on two half-day Saturdays: Saturday, April 3rd, and Saturday, April 10th, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, both days. It will be hosted as a live, online, program via Zoom.
The summit is for girls in grades 8-12 who are interested in careers in the STEM fields. As this is a critical time in their education, and college decisions are beginning, we hope to empower these young women to see the many opportunities available to them within STEM.
Please share the attached PDF flyer with your teachers, curriculum heads, guidance staff, and principal to make them aware of Girls STEM Summit Live 2021 and ask them to share with your community. We invite your high school to purchase a group for your school or have parents register them individually.
Who: Girls in grades 8 - 12 interested in exploring STEM fields and career choices
What: #GirlsSTEMSummitLIVE2021
When: Hosted online two Saturday mornings via Zoom
Dates: Saturday, April 3, 2021, 8:30am - noon and
Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8:30 am - noon
Fee: $65
Register: https://juniortech.org/girls-stem-summit-live-2021/
Email: [email protected]
Summer Reading Input?
It's summer at Blake! The summer reading team will meet in early February to begin looking at titles for this summer's reading choices. Have a book you would like to recommend? Please share with Kerry Cowell ([email protected]) and Kara Gelormini ([email protected]). Happy Reading!
Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS. Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious? Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy? We are availble to listen and help! Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Email [email protected] to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.
Digital Equity in a COVID World - Beyond the Basic Requirements of Devices and Internet
Thursday, 3/18 at 8:00 p.m.
The global pandemic has revealed that the Digital Divide and Homework Gap may be bigger than anticipated. Last spring, Common Sense Media and Boston Consulting Group reported that 15-16 million students lack sufficient access to the Internet to support remote learning, and 9 million of those students also lack access to a laptop, tablet, or computer. When looking more closely at that data, a majority of those students identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) as well as live in rural and/or underserved communities.
Beyond access, a Digital Use Divide also impacts learners based on socioeconomics. Students from Title I schools have fewer opportunities to use technology in creative, meaningful ways. Instead, available tools are used primarily for drill-and-practice, test-prep, remediation, and content delivery - what Dr. S. Craig Watkins refers to as a “technology rich, curriculum poor environment.” In addition, new advances in artificial intelligence and big data add additional complexity to conversations about Digital Equity. So now what? As educators, what actions might you take? What questions might you ask? How might you help to ensure that ALL of your learners have access to an education that meets ALL of their needs?
Wednesday, 3/24 at 2:00 p.m.
The demands being placed on teachers, especially during the pandemic, have led to an increase in professional and personal stress. This episode of A Seat at the Table will focus on what school and district leaders can do to help teachers develop their own social-emotional competencies to alleviate some of the strain that they feel on the job.
Join Education Week contributor and blogger Peter DeWitt as he sits down with David Adams, chief executive officer of The Urban Assembly, and classroom teacher Sera Deo for a lively discussion about the importance of supporting teacher mental health and well-being during this challenging season as many educators prepare to head back to the school building for in-person and hybrid teaching.
How Educators Can Support and Empower BIPOC Students
Thursday, 4/15 at 4:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for educators (for educators of Preschool - High School students)
Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith on how educators and school leaders can support BIPOC children amidst racism, racialized violence and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how to create a school environment that promotes pride and affirms the identity of BIPOC students. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will also offer resources for engaging in conversation, addressing trauma and connecting with families of color. Please note this session is for educators. SPARK Kindness is very excited to also be hosting a 2nd session at 7pm ET on how parents can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma that is also FREE and available to all.
How BIPOC Families Can Support Themselves and Their Children
Thursday, 4/15 at 7:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for caregivers and parents of BIPOC children of all ages with Dr. Briscoe-Smith
Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents and caregivers can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents can support themselves and nurture and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism, racial violence and trauma. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will offer tools, strategies and frameworks to assist parents/caregivers in listening to their children and promoting their emotional health, resilience, empowerment and self care. Finally, in the midst of the pandemic, Dr. Briscoe-Smith will speak about how BIPOC families can offer themselves and their children grace amidst these times that are challenging on many levels.
Blake PTO Update
The Medfield K-8 PTO is looking for a publicist to join the board! The role involves promoting PTO’s events and fundraising efforts through the weekly school newsflashes, blogs and on social media. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Nicole Drummond ([email protected])
MCPE Update
MCPE Date Night In Presents Murder, Mystery, Intrigue and Scandal: The Dark Side of Medfield Join us for a virtual history talk given by Medfield Town Historian, Richard DeSorgher, coupled with delicious pre-ordered pickup meals from Basil
Wednesday, April 7th at 6:00 p.m.