3/20 - Harmony Day (see details below)
SEPAC Meeting (7 p.m. in Blake LMC)
3/22 - #MedfieldPS Chat - 8 p.m. (see details below)
3/23 - Special Olympics
3/24 - Miss Amazing Pageant
3/27 - Term 2 Report Cards go home
3/29 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
3/30 - No School
4/3 - SEL Task Force
4/6- - Blake Spring Musical
4/10 - #DLDMedfield
No school for students
4/12 - Zullo Art Reception
4/16-4/20 - April Vacation
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about listening, connections, and relationships, our topic/question(s) of the week are: What can you do to be a better listener? What will that look like? Real Listening (Week of 3/18/18) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Harmony Day - 3/20/18
On Tuesday, March 20 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, 3/20 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.
BMS Science Fair - Thank You!
Thank you to all the students who participated in the annual science fair on Friday afternoon. The judges, teachers and AP Biology high school students were very impressed by the caliber of your entries and the hard work and dedication it took to follow through and produce this work. Everyone should be very pleased and proud of their effort. We hope that you will all participate next year. And, a special thank you to Orla Berry for her leadership!
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.
Mindful Mornings at Blake
Looking for a way to ease into the school day? Come to Mindful Mornings on Mondays and Thursdays at 7am in the auditorium. If you come in late, please just quietly settle in. Staff and students are welcome.
MCAS Dates for Spring 2018
This spring our Blake students will be participating in the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). Below are the administration dates for these assessments...
Grade 6
ELA (4/26, 4/27)
Math (5/3, 5/4)
Grade 7
ELA (4/24, 4/25)
Math (5/14, 5/15)
Grade 8
ELA (4/11, 4/12)
Math (5/1, 5/2)
Sci/Tech/Eng (5/7, 5/8)
MCAS Information
As we are now close to 'MCAS season', the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education asks that we review our expectations with students prior to testing. English teachers will be reviewing student responsibilities in English classes in the weeks ahead. 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, Apple Watches, 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." Blake students will be instructed to turn off all devices and place them in their locked hallway locker. This is a good time to check in with your child to be sure that they still have a combination lock on their locker and that they are using it to secure their belongings. 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. Arrival by 7:30 allows plenty of time to get settled. 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. Make up tests will be given throughout the testing window. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) or your child's guidance counselor.
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat on 3/22/18
Our next district-wide Twitter chat will be Thursday, 3/22 at 8 p.m. with a focus on The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros as we look ahead to #DLDMedfield. The goal of these chats is to bring the five schools together (staff and administration) to discuss pertinent topics in education, initiatives, and ideas to collaborate around and share. I encourage you to follow the hashtag #MedfieldPS during the chat and to participate!
For the sixth 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 Medway Middle School on Friday, March 23, 2018. We are thrilled that some of our Blake students will be participating, along with students from Wheelock, Dale Street, and Medfield High School. 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!
Jon Mattleman at D-S 3/27/18
Next Tuesday, 3/27 as part of Dover-Sherborn's Challenge Success initiative, Jon Mattlemean is speaking from 6:30-8:30 p.m. They have extended the invitation to the Medfield community as well...
"The Secret Life of Teens - A Talk with Jon Mattleman"
Tuesday, March 27th
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Don't miss this high-energy presentation that actively focuses on what teens are really thinking, what they fear, why they do not share more, and how adults can effectively support the teens in their lives. Jon will cover areas such as 'acting out' behaviors, drug and alcohol use, depression, suicide, and more. This event is sponsored by DS Challenge Success and SPAN-DS.
WHERE: Mudge Auditorium, Dover-Sherborn High School
WHO: Parents and Guardians of Children Ages 11-21, as well as Members of the Community and Interested Stakeholders
Please register in advance HERE. Questions? Contact Jennifer Lawrence at [email protected].
Planning for 2018-2019
The due date for parental input for the 2018-2019 was Friday, March 16. This was one of the first steps in the process of placement and scheduling for next year. There is no need to be concerned if you did not put thoughts in writing, as equal consideration is given to the needs of every student, whether or not we have received input from parents. The input is only necessary if you have information to share that you do not believe the school already knows. As stated in the letter sent in early March, parents are asked not to make specific requests for teachers, as they will not be considered part of the placement process. The information that has been gathered will inform our work, and we do not guarantee placement with specific peers. We are confident our teachers and clusters are well balanced and that they each will provide a productive and positive educational experience for our students. Please trust our professional judgment as we strive to ensure a high quality and positive education for each of our students.
For Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians
For your reference, I have copied the link to the presentations, parent resources handout, and program of studies...
Blake Incoming 6th PIN 2018 Presentation
Blake Incoming 7th PIN 2018 Presentation
Blake Incoming 8th PIN 2018 Presentation
Blake Nature's Classroom Spring 2018 Slideshow
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2018-2019
Blake Program of Studies 2018-2019
Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete...2018-2019 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2018-2019 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...
2018-2019 Blake Middle School Music Selection
8th Grade Trip Forms
A packet of medical forms was sent home with your 8th grader last week for the Washington, D.C. trip Please take time to review and complete the forms which are due back to your child’s advisory teacher by March 29, 2018. Forms should be completed in pen, dated and signed. If your child will need to take any medication on the trip (prescription and/or non-prescription), then his/her physician needs to review and sign the medication form. Please plan ahead and submit the medication form to your child’s physician within the next two weeks in order to get the signed form back to school by the March 29th deadline. Please contact our school nurse, Tricia Williams, at 508-242-8554 or [email protected]if you have any questions after reviewing the packet. Your assistance is appreciated in returning the forms on time as we finalize preparations for the trip.
Parent/Guardian Input Information for 2018-2019
Parental/guardian input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2018-2019 academic year. Please refer to the Blake Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2018 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 Tracy Allen (Grade 6), Jen Dondero (Grade 7), and Matt Marenghi (Grade 8).
Digital Learning Day for Blake and Medfield Staff - 4/10/18
This Wednesday 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 2018-2019 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!
Career Day for 8th Grade
Planning for the 8th grade Career Day is underway. Career Day will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018, which is also a half day for students. On this day we will have a morning of presentations given by a variety of professionals from many different occupations. Year after year people return to share their careers with our students but we need additional volunteers to help make this event successful. We invite you to volunteer to participate in this exciting program to enlighten our students about your occupation and career opportunities.
Please consider sharing your experiences regarding your present occupation, stories of interest and personal insights with eighth graders in three informal sessions of approximately 35 minutes each. The sessions run between 8:45 am and 10:35 am. If you are interested in participating, please contact Debbie Avery in the Blake Middle School Guidance Office at 508-359-2445 or email [email protected]. Thank you in advance for helping make our Career Day a continued success. We count on the community to make our program a rewarding and enriching experience for our students.
Class of 2019 - 4/7/18
On April 7th, 2018 at 7pm the Class of 2019 Student Government will be hosting the hypnotist show right here in the Medfield High School Auditorium! Tickets are $10 per person. Come for some laughs, concessions, and fun!
Blake Site Council Survey Executive Summary
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey. Focus areas on the survey centered on the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. I am sharing the Blake Middle School Executive Summary 16-17 of the compiled data for your reference, and I hope you are able to find some time to read the highlights. This year's survey will be sent out in the near future - stay tuned!
Blake is Social - Submit Work!
BLAKE IS SOCIAL is our take on the literary magazines of the past! Using Instagram and the blakeissocial.weebly.com website, our hope is to digitally publish all of the creative endeavors that make our community of learners so special. Please encourage students to submit art; photography; poetry, fiction or nonfiction writing; sports photos and/or articles; videos; projects across content areas; musical compositions or performance videos etc. We would love to PUBLISH YOUR WORK.
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", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Blake Track 2018
The Blake Track season begins on April 3. A student informational meeting is taking place next Tuesday right after school in the cafeteria. The program is open to all grades. Please contact Coach Jon Haycock with questions ([email protected]). Click the below link for team overview and registration instructions.
Blake Track 2018 Information
Blake is on Facebook!
Blake is adding Facebook to our social media repertoire! You can now follow our page for the latest announcements, sharing of our school life, glimpses into special events and learning with FB Live and more...
Click this Link: www.facebook.com/BlakeMiddleSchool/ or search for @BlakeMiddleSchool
Registration is Open for New Life's 5K Fundraising Run/Walk
New Life Furniture Bank is excited to announce its 1st Annual New Life 5K Trail Run. This fundraising event will be held at 9 AM on Saturday, May 5th at the scenic Medfield State Hospital grounds in Medfield, MA. The New Life 5K Trail Run is open to the public, and all ages are encouraged to run, jog or walk in what promises to be an annual family event not to be missed! Registration is open now! The first 200 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. To register or for additional information, go to newlifefb.org/5ktrailrun.
Update from SEPAC
SEPAC meeting is Tuesday, March 20th at 7pm in Blake Library.
Update from Blake PTO
BLAKE APPEAL - We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the next school year. We are requesting a contribution of $50/child this year. This is a suggested amount but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Making a donation is easy. You can bring a check to PIN night, or click on the link http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake.html and scroll down to the end of the page. Or you can send a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO to Blake at 24 Pound St. Medfield, MA 02052. Thank you in advance for your support of the Blake PTO. Please feel free to contact Claudia Rosen [email protected] or Keven Gallagher [email protected] with any questions.
GET YOUR MEDFIELD WARRIOR SIGNS, COASTERS, TRAYS, ETC! Rustic Marlin Designs has designed a line of wood-based Medfield Warrior products (signs, coasters, flags, trays, blocks, etc.) that will be carried exclusively at Be Charmed, a new store in town! Be Charmed is located at 70 North Street. 75% of the profits from the sale of the Warrior line will go to both the PTO and MCPE! It’s a great way to get Warrior merchandise while supporting a new local shop and raising money for our schools! GET YOURS TODAY!
STAY IN TOUCH Please 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
Update from MCPE
Ever thought about joining the MCPE Board? Now's the time. If you are interested in becoming a board member we would love to hear from you. We're looking for candidates who can commit to a 3 year term, attend monthly board meetings during the school year and are committed to enriching our kids' education in the Medfield Public Schools. We are especially looking for parents of Blake and MHS students who may have expertist in publicity (print & social media), web maintenance/design, graphics, fundraising events and corporate sponsorship. Please visit our website www.medfieldcoalition.org for more information and to fill out an indication of interest form online. Thank you!