3/17-3/20 - Blake Book Fair
3/17 - 1/2 Day for Students
8th Grade Career Day
Professional Afternoon for Teachers
Subway Night for Blake
3/18 - Blake CSA Meeting (7 p.m.)
3/19 - Strings Night
3/20 - Harmony Day (see details below)
Term 2 Report Cards go home
3/23 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
3/24 - Grade 7 Long Composition MCAS
3/26 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
3/27 - Grade 6 ELA MCAS
3/27-3/29 - MICCA Festival
3/30- Grade 8 ELA MCAS
3/31 - Grade 8 ELA MCAS
4/1 - Grade 7 ELA MCAS
4/2 - Grade 7 Long Composition MCAS Make-Up
4/3 - No school
4/10 - Special Olympics at Holliston High School (see details below)
4/10-4/11 - Peter Pan Performances
Topic/Question(s) for the Dinner Table
With Phase 2 of our Digital Citizenry curriculum with students finishing this past week, we again have two 'topics/questions' for the week...
1) To align with our work with students this month about 'digital footprints' and 'digital citizenry', our first topic/question of the week is: If parents had digital footprints in middle school, what might they have looked like? And, what does your digital footprint look like?
2) To help encourage conversations about the importance of looking at the process of learning, our second topic/question of the week is: What would happen if on occasion we assessed the process rather than the results?
Blake Site Council 14-15 Survey
The Blake Site Council has been working on the development of our annual survey to students and parents. A similar survey has been administered the last three years and we are committed to having parents and students take it each year as part of our continual efforts to examine our programming. Focus areas include the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. The results will help us to gather information and examine our current practices to better meet the needs of our students and assess progress towards our mission. Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake, and base your responses on your student's experiences this year. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. We sincerely appreciate your honest responses and are hoping for 100% participation from the Blake community. If you have any questions or have difficulty accessing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]). Link to the survey: 2014-2015 Blake Middle School Parent Survey
Special Olympics Information
For the third consecutive year, the Medfield Public Schools has partnered with Special Olympics of Massachusetts to develop a 5 town chapter and this year's event will be held at Holliston High School on Friday, April 10. We are thrilled that some of our Blake students will be participating, along with students from Medfield High School, Dale, and Wheelock. For those students and/or parents interested in attending the event to support the athletes, independent transportation arrangements must be made in advance and communicated to the front office at Blake. The event is scheduled to begin with the parade of athletes between 9:30 and 10:00 and is expected to conclude around 12:30 p.m., with the athletes staying for lunch. Please join us in wishing our student-athletes the very best!
Announcing the NSTAR Energy Inventor’s Contest
Energy Efficiency can have a direct, positive impact
on the world we live in.. even if only ONE person does ONE small thing
. And, technology and innovation can
help us develop even newer, simpler, and
more efficient ways for people to be more energy efficient in our daily lives
! We are looking for students (individually or as a team) to dream of new ideas, design those
ideas, and then deliver it in a “pitch” video. (Check it out this Cloud Plow idea from a K-3 student and others!) Dream it. Design it. Deliver It.
To Learn more about the CONTEST: Go to http://tinyurl.com/blakeenergy
Can't wait to see your inventions- Any questions, Ask Ms.Horvath or Mr. Heim!
MCAS Information
As we prepare for MCAS season, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that we review our expectations with students prior to testing. I have posted the Student Responsibilities during Testing sheet that will be reviewed with students during the week in their classes. I would like to call your attention to the updated guidelines with regard to electronics (iPods, iPhones, iPads, phones, all types of Kindles, Nooks, and e-readers). The DESE states: "Results will be invalidated for students who use cell phones or other electronic devices at any time during a session, including after a student turns in his or her test materials, during a break, or during the transition to a test completion area." Please review this aspect of digital responsibility with your child.
While we do not want to foster undue anxiety or pressure for students, a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast will ensure that they come to school prepared to do their best. Please be sure that students arrive at school on time. If your student is sick on the day of a scheduled test date, it is best for your child to get some rest and take it on a make-up day. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) or your child's guidance counselor.
Grupo Fantasia Performance
On Tuesday, March 10, Angel Wagner of Grupo Fantasia, wowed the eighth grade with an amazing multi-cultural introduction to the percussion sounds of the Caribbean and Latin America. At each stop along the journey, students from the audience were invited to play indigenous and more modern versions of those instruments. Nearly 100 students were on the stage at various times but the highlight was the last time up when students treated the audience to an energetic exhibition of the merengue. As the concert ended everyone was clapping and dancing in the aisles.
8th Grade - Medfield Food Cupboard Drive
The 8th grade is collecting items to support the Medfield Food Cupboard during the month of March. Current needs include: Juice boxes, beef stew, macaroni and cheese, kid-friendly cereal, canned pears and fruit cocktail, kitchen trash bags, four packs of toilet paper and single rolls of paper towels. Donations can be dropped off in 8th grade advisories.
Spring Cleaning - Request for Legos Donations
In our ongoing efforts to foster experiences for students to be 'hands-on' and creative with materials, we are looking to provide outlets for students to create 'maker spaces' and also use these materials for stop-motion films and projects (i.e. ECM Lego Clip). As you begin your spring cleaning efforts (optimistic, I know!), we are looking for any donations from Medfield families of legos, blocks, figurines, play-doh, playmobil, or toys such as K'nex. Any donations can be dropped off at the Blake main office and would be greatly appreciated.
Acceptance Month at Blake
The next month leading up to April vacation is Student Council’s Acceptance Month. Each week has been planned to bring awareness, activities and demonstrations surrounding the theme of Acceptance to the Blake Community. The theme of week 1 is Harmony week - what makes you unique?
Events to look forward to in week 1 of Acceptance month:
- Quotes encouraging acceptance in the announcements and facts of the day each day
- A Kahoot about accepting what is unique about everyone in advisory - Wednesday
- A silent demonstration by Student Council on Friday
- Harmony Day on Friday (also at the high school ) - wear green to show your support of people being themselves, particularly in the LGBT community) and celebrating their individuality
- Find someone who… will be a daily challenge next week where the qualities of a mystery person will be unveiled in the announcements (and by email) - kids will submit guesses as to who the person might be! This will encourage our whole community to ask around and get to know each other beyond the usual day-to-day conversations.
All Nature's Classroom forms can be found at http://www.medfield.net/blake-information/nature-classroom.html If you need a paper copy of the forms, please contact Judy Silva at [email protected] The Nature's Classroom presentation for students will be on Monday.
Harmony Day - 3/20/15
This Friday, March 20 the Harmony Club at Medfield High School is sponsoring its annual Harmony Day, where the club encourages any MHS community member who has a friend, family member, etc. in their life who is LGBT 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 LGBT person in their lives, it might reduce the name-calling/anti-gay remarks heard in the hallways. Some of our students and staff may be wearing green in support of this day, and I wanted parents/guardians to be aware of this initiative as well, as the 'invite/gesture' is intended for both students and adults, on a voluntary basis.
Parent Information Nights for 2015-2016
For your reference and information, here are links to the presentations and handouts from the parent information nights...
Blake Incoming 6th PIN 2015 Presentation
Blake Incoming 7th PIN 2015 Presentation
Nature's Classroom Trip Slideshow
Nature's Classroom Trip Documents and Forms
Blake Incoming 8th PIN 2015 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2015
Blake Program of Studies 2015-2016
Mathematics Placement Process
Math teachers at Blake will soon start the process of course placement for the 2015/2016 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 Content Specialist at [email protected]. Thank you!
The Scholastic Book Fair comes to Blake Tuesday, 3/17-Friday, 3/20
The Fair is a reading event that brings to school the books kids want to read. The Fair also helps raise money for new books for the Library and classrooms. By reading 20 minutes a day, by the end of sixth grade, Student A will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days. Student B, who reads just 5 minutes per day, will have read the equivalent of only 12 school days. Of course, this learning continues throughout middle school, high school and adulthood. How can you help?
1. Let your kids see you read
2. Have a collection of books at home, and update the collection routinely.
3. Allow your kids to choose their own books to read - and support the Scholastic Book Fair!
Blake Orchestra to appear with The Moxie Strings!
The Moxie Strings will be bringing its feel-good melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms to the Medfield HS Lowell Mason auditorium at 7 p.m. on March 19, and our Blake & MHS Orchestra students will be part of the show. This is not your usual strings performance! Tickets are on sale now at Park Street Books, and adult-only tickets can also be purchased online via www.medfieldmusicassociation.com. Cost is $10 for adults; $5 for seniors/students; and free for all Orchestra students grades 4-12 (please direct ticket questions to [email protected]). The Moxie Strings was made possible by a grant from the Medfield Cultural Council, and is also supported by the Medfield Music Association.
iPad Program Update and Planning for 2015-2016
The Blake iPad Program Update for 15-16 was sent to all current 5th-7th grade families on February 5, 2015. This link outlines information for all Blake families outlining information about the iPad program for all Blake students for 2015-2016. To help us effectively prepare and plan our efforts, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2015-2016 academic year) to answer the questions on this Google Form survey: Incoming 15-16 iPad Program Planning Survey. Please fill out the survey for each child that will be attending Blake next year. Your responses are not binding and we recognize that your plans may change, but the initial feedback will assist us with our planning. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief survey and am hoping for 100% participation. For your reference I have posted links below to documents about our initiative/program…
Mobile Learning in Medfield (our blog, highlights, etc.)
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning Participation Options 15-16
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 15-16As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
Ted Talk Club
The remaining dates for Blake's Ted Talk Club are below. We may try to squeeze a make up date in there too but we will let you know if advance.
Meeting 11 - March 30
Meeting 12 - April 13
Meeting 13 - April 27
Meeting 14 - June 5
Please let Mr. Hellerstein or Ms. Allen know if you have any questions.
CSA News
Subway night is Tuesday!! Go to the Medfield Subway from 2-9 pm on Tuesday and our generous business partner gives Blake 20% of their total proceeds! This fundraiser has helped to fund multiple programs. Thank you Subway!
We also have several ongoing fundraisers in the works -
1. Check out our new Spiritwear vendor - www.mylocker.net. They have a huge range of customizable products that ship right to your door! Input Medfield K-8 store to benefit our CSA.
2. SCRIP - easier than ever through the shopwithscrip.com website. Or, stop by Park Street Books to purchase gift cards directly from their supply box.
3. Don't forget the textile recycling - not limited to wearable clothes. They will accept any fabrics in any conditions, shoes, bags, belts etc. Collection bins are at all schools.
4. BoxTops - one of the easiest way to support the CSA. Contact Laura Zaher at[email protected] if you have any questions.
5. Have you tried Swopboard -an online community marketplace that lets you buy and sell with the people you trust, and a minimum of 10% of each sale will go directly back to our school! Get started today at www.swopboard.com.
Mark your calendars for our next meeting, which takes place this Wednesday March 18th at 7pm in the Blake library.
MCPE News
Nominations Wanted: The Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award
Bob Maguire dedicated 22 years of his educational career to the Medfield Public Schools. He served as principal of Medfield High School for eight years and then as Superintendent for fourteen years. In recognition of Bob's commitment to our students, MCPE has created this award to honor an educator in the Medfield school community who embodies Bob's legacy of exposing our students to the world beyond Medfield. Award application, award criteria and deadline information can be found on the MCPE website under "Awards." Visit medfieldcoalition.org.
Mark your calendars! MCPE's well-loved online auction, entitled "Treasured Experiences," will run fromMarch 26 - April 2. The most popular items from previous auctions and raffles will be available again, plus great new items! Stay tuned for more information and exciting details about items that will be available.
Entertaining for Education (E4E) is a Terrific Way to Support the Medfield Public Schools. The snow is melting, and we're finally coming out of hibernation! Are you thinking about celebrating with a party? Please make your party an E4E party! For more information, visit our web site (above). For questions, contact Megan Infantino (508)359-9928, Kim Price (508)246-8335, or email [email protected].