3/4 - Incoming 6th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/9 - Incoming 7th/8th Grade Information Night (see info below)
3/10 - Blake PTO Meeting (7 p.m.)
3/11 - School Committee Meeting
3/24 - MCAP Meeting
3/26 - Teacher Professional Day
No School for Students
4/2 - No School
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation
Question of the Week
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about the ways that we impact one another, our question of the week is: Share an important or impactful ‘life lesson’ you have learned (or re-learned) this school year. Why is/was it important or impactful? 'Life' Lessons (Week of 2/28/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Pooled Testing Info from Our Nurses
We began Pooled Testing last week at Blake MIddle School and Medfield High School and will continue once a week testing for Cohort A (Mondays) and Cohort B (Thursdays). Please fill out this Consent Form to have your child/student included. We encourage you to sign up to be a part of this data collection tool to keep our students and staff safe and to help us move towards further in person learning. No individual health information is shared.
This is a painless, self-administered front of the nose swab (not the deep naso-pharyngeal swab). It takes a minute or two to complete and we do not anticipate any class time will be missed. If a pool (classroom) of students/staff are negative, we presume all are negative. If there is a positive person in the pool, members of that pool will not miss school. We will use our rapid tests to individually test all students/staff in the positive pool and isolate the positive case.
For additional information, please use this LINK.
If you have any questions, please email us or call in the school nurse's office at (508)242-8554.
School Start Times and Drop-Off Procedures
To help keep the line moving and facilitate a smooth process for traffic flow and on-time arrival, please be sure to let your students out of the car once you arrive at the drop-off spot. We have seen an increased number of students waiting in cars in our drop-off line and this slows down the traffic flow, impacting on-time arrival for other students. As a reminder, the start times for Blake this year are as follows...
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 7:50 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:40 a.m.
Wednesday - 8:00 a.m.
** Students may enter Blake at 7:50 a.m.
Incoming Information Nights - Mark Your Calendars!
3/4 - 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. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2020-2021 academic year’s mobile learning Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
The login information for the Zoom webinar is...
Thursday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Link
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/86816069368?pwd=clpWK01pc2ppaFY2Z3p5c05rdGhxQT09
Password: 757493
The webinar will be recorded and we will share the link for those who are unable to attend and for future reference.
3/9 - 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.
The login information for the Zoom webinar is...
Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Link
https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/83925501317?pwd=Y25MQ05TZmVLQTZscmZKRWx1bElYQT09
Password: 641471
The webinar will be recorded and we will share the link for those who are unable to attend and for future reference.
ATTN: 8th Grade Students & Parents!
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]
- February 22 - March 3 - Teachers make recommendations in Aspen
- Thursday, March 4th @2:00pm - Aspen will be “Live” for 8th grade students
- March 5 - March 12 - Students make their Course Selections
- March 15 - 25 - HS Guidance Counselors meet with students and go through their student course selections
Form for All Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
All incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
Form for All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection
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!
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.
Update from the Blake LMC!
This week is Read Across America Week. This week was originally associated with Dr. Seuss's birthday, but that is no longer the case. In 2016, NEA moved away from that association. Here is a great article to share why from Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance). We will have a "Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers" display in the library showcasing some fun picture books to celebrate RAA if you are looking for a fun read aloud. Starting next week, we will also have a "March is Women's HIstory Month" display as well. Let us know if you want to check any books out for you-- or students!
Are you looking to check out a book!? If so, check out the LMC website! Email [email protected] if you would like to borrow a particular title-- or if you are looking for a great suggestion! Happy reading!!
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. Stay tuned for our April newsletter!
March is Women’s History Month
March 1 marks 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.
Blood Drive Committee Follow Up
The Blood Drive Committee would like to thank the entire community for their support. This year we collected 48 units of blood. This many units could save up to 144 people. As always, thank you Medfield for your support.
Floral Heart Project Comes to Medfield on First National Day of Mourning for Covid-19
What: On March 1st, the first National Day of Mourning for COVID-19, volunteers will lay heart garlands for The Floral Heart Project in over 75 locations across America, to pay respect to those who have lost their lives or are suffering from the effects of COVID-19. Kristina Libby, a NYC artist and activist, started to reveal these dedication sites last April and has partnered up with 1-800-flowers and BloomStudios to expand this endeavor nationwide.
Where: Front lawn of Medfield Town Hall
When: On March 1st at 6pm, a small private gathering took place to unveil the memorial, made up of flowers and a dedication board, where people are invited to leave notes. Medfield strong, a community service group, will live stream the event on Facebook. The memorial will be exhibited through March 8th for citizens to visit, reflect and embellish upon.
How to get involved: Families are invited to visit the memorial at the lawn in front of Medfield Town Hall from March 2nd - March 8th.
Why: This project is aimed to help our community have a safe space to grieve and remember what we have lost at the hands of this pandemic. To learn more about this initiative, visit…
Floral Heart Project
** At Blake we are participating by making paper flowers as well!
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. This week we will be playing GIMKIT, come join in on the fun. We are also looking to support Medfield's Harmony day. Keep an eye out for those very GREEN updates.
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]
March Madness Returns to Blake!
March Madness is coming to Blake! The March Madness Book Tournament is a school-wide event, where students vote on favorite books and advisories compete with book brackets. Which title will be crowned this year's champion? Let the games begin!
Message from Dr. Worthley - Office of Social/Emotional Learning
If you were not able to attend, here is the link to the presentation prior to vacation. The presentation was titled, “Navigating School During Uncertain Times.” While this webinar was co-hosted by Medway Public Schools and Medfield Public Schools, Jon Kleiman, the presenter, is associated with Challenge Success. Medfield is a Challenge Success school district. For those of you new to the district, or unaware of work we do with Challenge Success, I thought I’d give you a brief summary.
Challenge Success is an organization associated with Stanford University, whose main goal is to help families, schools and communities help students find balance in their personal, social and academic lives. Medfield Public Schools sent a team to Stanford a few years ago to be trained in best practices, as we look fo focus not only on the academic development of students, but also the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our kids. While our group meets primarily with a high school focus, the work is geared to trickle down into the younger grades, so that parents and students will develop with the understanding that academic achievement is but one part of the overall developmental cycle. At the high school level, we are seeing concerning numbers of students who are consumed with stress around academic achievement, and while we understand that the academic piece is very important, there must be a healthy balance for kids.
Our Challenge Success team consists of administration, teachers, students and parents. Our student members consult with other member districts, and have recently hosted a webinar with a speaker discussing how to manage time, family, health and academics as a collegiate and then professional athlete. Our district team meets to brainstorm ideas on how to educate students and families of students of all ages on healthy balance. It is pretty easy to fall into the trap of preparing our kids to see the goal as, “getting into a good college.” In reality, the “good” college is the one that is a great fit personality-wise at the time that the student is ready to attend. You may be surprised at some of the key findings in the research and in the White Papers.
You can follow @Medfield_CS on Twitter or reach out with questions you may have.
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]
Upcoming Fundraiser Event for Blake PTO
Below please find a link with information regarding an upcoming fundraiser for the Blake PTO on March 6, 2021.
Save the Date - Blake PTO Virtual Cooking Class Fundraiser
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.
Talking About Race and Racism in the Classroom Using The New York Times
Thursday, 3/4 at 4:00 p.m.
Our students are living through history, from the protests following the killing of George Floyd while in police custody to the insurrection at the Capitol, all while dealing with a deadly pandemic that has disproportionately affected Black and brown communities. Though stories of police brutality and racial inequality are not new, the events of the last year have amplified the call to educators to create safe spaces for students to have critical conversations about race and racism. Navigating these conversations can be challenging. If you are struggling with where to start, or where to go next, you are not alone.
During this webinar, educators will share their experiences and advice on talking about race and racism in the classroom and discuss why these conversations matter. We will provide guidance on how to use authentic sources, from The Times and elsewhere, to make meaningful connections by grounding conversations in historical and current events, as well as students’ experiences. We hope you will walk away with practical strategies to prepare yourself and your students to engage critically with issues that are important to them and to the future of our society.
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.
Stretch and Movement Break for Students and Families
The Blake Wellness Staff is providing 2 minute "Movement Break" videos for all students and staff to utilize throughout their school day. Whether you are in person learning or remote, you have access to these videos at your grade-level Blake Hybrid Learning Website. You can also visit our Blake Wellness Website for more resources!
Blake PTO Update
Ribpublic BBQ is partnering with Medfield K-8 PTO for a FUNDRAISER! Place your orders now for Sunday, March 7th with a portion of all proceeds going to the Medfield K-8 PTO in an effort to help support all of the great programs and initiatives of the PTO. https://ribpublicbbq.com/product-category/online-food-orders/medfield-k-8-pto-fundraiser-sunday-march-7th/
Pickup is at Dale Street School parking lot on Sunday, March 7th from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Choose from Ribs, Pulled Pork, Corn Bread, Coleslaw or a Family Meal deal. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PRE-ORDERED AND PLACED BY FRIDAY, MARCH 5th AT MIDNIGHT. 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])
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])
Virtual Class @ Home Cooking New York
Saturday, March 6, 2021 5 PM to 6:30 PM.
The Blake PTO is hosting a pizza party! We will learn how to make homemade dough, sauce, and the sky's the limit on topping choices. All proceeds will go towards the students and staff of Blake Middle School. The cost is $50 per household and we have a max of 60 households that can attend. Details and signups will be coming soon. You'll make: Quick Pizza Dough, Classic Tomato Sauce, Sheet Pan Pizzas.
HOW THESE VIRTUAL CLASS WILL WORK:
1) After registering, you will be sent a link to log into the class at the appointed date/time along with the list of ingredients that you will need to have on hand.
2) One day before the class you will be sent a copy of the recipes we'll be making, so you can cook from them again after the class!
MCPE Update
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BE PART OF OUR TEAM! MCPE is looking for new board members-men and women from the Medfield community with various skill sets and interests who want to have a voice in the improvements that reach our classrooms! Board members do not need to have kids currently in the school system—just a desire to support and enrich the Medfield Schools. Board members will serve a 3-year term and attend meetings one evening a month during the school year. The time commitment required to join the Board can be organized to fit the schedules of both stay-at-home and working parents. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Apply here by March 8th: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/volunteer-application-form #OneMedfield