3/22 - Dodgeball Tournament (see details below)
3/23 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Open House (6:30 p.m.)
3/24 - Term 2 Report Cards go home
3/25 - #DLDMedfield
No School for Students
3/29 - Screening of Most Likely to Succeed at MHS (see details below)
3/30 - Grupo Fantasia
3/31-4/6 - Greek Week (Grade 7)
3/31 - A Midsummer Night's Dream Assembly - Grade 6
iPad Highlights and Mobile Learning Info Session (6:30 p.m.) - see details below
4/1 - Special Olympics (see details below)
4/1-4/2 - MICCA Festival
4/4 - iPad Highlights and Mobile Learning Info Session (9:20 a.m.) - see details below
Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
4/8 - 1/2 Day for Students
Career Day at Blake
Professional afternoon for Staff
4/8-4/9 - Beauty and the Beast Performances
4/12 - Project Moves (see details below)
4/18-4/22 - April Vacation
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about staying present, this week's topic/question for the dinner table is: what can you do to increase your ability to keep your attention on the present? Please see link to Google Form to share your responses: Staying Present (3/20/16) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 2 Report Cards
This Thursday 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.
Digital Learning Day for Blake and Medfield Staff - 3/25/16
This Friday is our rescheduled professional Digital Learning Day for the staff of the Medfield Public Schools. I encourage you to check out our blog, DLD Medfield 2016, and to follow the hashtag #DLDMedfield throughout the week and on Friday, 3/25/16 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.
ADL Update
On Friday, March 18th our ADL peer leaders joined over 1,200 other kids at the Youth Congress in Boston. The speakers, who encouraged leadership and standing up against injustice, included Tito Jackson of the Boston City Council and Willie O'Rhee, the first African American player in the National Hockey League. All of the youth then participated in workshops led by high school students which focused on racism's history and current issues that racism has raised within our schools.
Our students were great participants and energized by the day's activities. This week, they are taking that energy into their second session in the sixth grade advisories. This time, they will focus on how we all interpret instructions and actions differently, the ways kids identify themselves according to their roles in many different groups in and outside of school, and actively listening to peers. Once again, the advisories will end with the peer leaders sharing the lunch time with the sixth graders in an effort to continue building relationships between students from different grades.
Planning for 2016-2017
The due date for parental input for the 2016-2017 was Friday, March 11. 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.
Special Olympics Information
For the fourth 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 Ashland High School on Friday, April 1. We are thrilled that some of our Blake students will be participating, along with students from Medfield High School and Dale. 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 12:00 p.m., with the athletes staying for lunch. Please join us in wishing our student-athletes the very best!
iPad Highlights and Mobile Learning Information/Showcase Sessions
3/31/16 at 6:30 p.m. and 4/4/16 at 9:20 a.m.
In an effort to continue our dialogue and share information with the Blake community about our iPad Initiative, we are
holding two iPad Highlights and Mobile Learning Information Session for parents/guardians on Thursday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, April 4 at 9:15 a.m.
Our hope for these sessions is for the entire Blake community of parents and guardians to hear and see highlights from teachers and students, answer questions, and to gain an understanding of the work that
is taking place.
These events are for parents and guardians only. Please RSVP via our Google Form link (
iPad Highlights and Mobile Learning Info/Showcase Sessions 3-31-16 and 4-4-16)
to let us know if you are planning on attending so that we can make sure we are prepared. Please fill out the form for each parent/guardian attending the presentation.
MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey Information Follow Up
On Wednesday, March 9 Susan Cowell and Christi Barney both presented information to the community as part of the review of data from the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey. Below are two links for you to peruse and reference...
MWAHS Community Presentation March, 2016
Christi Barney March 9, 2016 Community Presentation
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chats
I encourage everyone to check out the 'storify' archives of our district-wide #MedfieldPS chats below. 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. Hopefully you will be able to follow along, lurk, or join in one of our future chats!
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps
(Focus on Learning Skills - the skills we want to foster and nurture in our students)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-february-2016-twitter-chat
(Spirit of #DLDMedfield)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-twitter-chat-resolutions-and-reflection
(Resolutions and Reflection)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-december-2015-twitter-chat-relevance
(Relevance)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-november-2015-twitter-chat
(DLD Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-october-2015-twitter-chat
(Homework Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-august-2015-twitter-chat
(Back to School)
Blake Theater Updates
Be Our Guest at the April 8th & 9th performances of Beauty and the Beast. Tickets are currently on sale for cast and crew. They will be available to the public on March 28th and can be purchased at beautyandthebeastbms.brownpapertickets.com Code: ROSE. The shows are at 7pm.
Acceptance Month - Week 1: Harmony Day & ADL presentations
Monday, March 21st was the first day of Student Council's Acceptance Month. Each year, Student Council makes an effort to focus on the various forms of diversity in our world and how we can embrace Acceptance of those differences! Each week students will engage in topics about Acceptance and awareness of differences. This first week, we will participate in Harmony Day and the 6th grade will be receiving lessons in advisory from the ADL Peer Leaders.
In addition to wearing green on Monday 3/21, 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 LGBT community. It is our hope that this simple demonstration is a symbol of support in our community, reminding everyone of the importance of Acceptance.
Intramurals Update
The Winter Intramural session wraps up this week and the Spring Intramural session is scheduled to begin the week of March 28th. Please expect to see the Spring Intramural offerings at some point next week. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
Health Advisory Committee Meeting
The MPS Health Advisory Committee will be meeting on Monday March 28th at the Wheelock School Library from 3:15-4:15. Dawn LaVallee, the Director of Food Services, will be presenting: Food Choices Offered in the School Cafeterias. All are welcome to attend.
8th Grade Trip Forms
Medical forms for the Washington, DC trip were sent home last week with students. All forms are due by Friday, April 1. This also includes doctor's signatures for any medications going on the trip.
Heather Abbott Update
Over the past several months, dozens of Blake students have been raising money for Heather Abbott’s, foundation (http://heatherabbott.org) whichprovides prostheses to those who have suffered limb loss. As you may remember, Heather was our all-school summer reading book speaker last fall. Dozens of students, mostly of their own volition, have run fundraising snack sales, lemonade stands, and even sold customized cell phone cases. So far, their efforts have raised $727.22. Our original goal was to present all of the money to Heather for general use in her foundation. However, she recently contacted us with an idea: Why don’t we focus on one recipient and aim to raise the total amount needed for a new prosthetic? We thought it was a wonderful idea and Heather has found a wonderfully deserving young girl:
Introducing Swapna Oslund: Swapna Oslund is a 9-year old girl from Beverly, MA who is currently in the 3rd grade. She was born in India with limb differences on both hands and her left leg. She has had a total of 18 surgeries including the amputation of her left partial foot in the fall of 2014. Swapna has never let her differences hold her back. She has a passion for sports, especially basketball. She has tried wakeboarding, football, and recently, snowboarding. The biggest challenge she faces when playing sports is keeping up her endurance due to the weight of her prosthetic leg. She struggles to keep up with the speed of her teammates on the basketball court. She makes up for this with her awesome shooting skills! Swapna is a feisty, resilient, and strong girl who wants to take the world by storm! To see images and to read about her life, check out her blog: https://lsofootblog.wordpress.com/
What's Next: Normally, the total cost of a new running prosthetic for Swapna would be $17,500 but thanks to the generosity of doctors and fabricators who work with Heather, the cost is $4,000 - an amount we are confident we can reach! The Blake Student Council is running a Dodgeball Play for Prosthetics event after school on March 22. All of the proceeds from the competition will go towards fundraising Swapna’s new running leg. All money raised from our upcoming June Blake Mini-Marathon will go to Swapna’s new running leg as well. A fundraising Blake variety show is also in the works. If you have any ideas or would like to help out in any way, please contact Marissa Gumas ([email protected]) or Jon Haycock ([email protected]).
Blake Site Council 16-17 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: Blake Middle School Parent Survey March, 2016
Project Moves returns to Medfield with a new show - Tuesday, April 12 @ 7 p.m.
With the generosity of MCPE, Project Moves, a dance company comprised of young people bringing a powerful message of inclusion, returns to Medfield with an exciting new show! If you missed the sold out show 4 years ago, here is a chance to be part of this impactful experience. "Peace requires everyone to be in the circle, wholeness and inclusion." A show for our times, "Symphony" shows us by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all, even the weak become strong when we are united as one. A cast of more than sixty pre-professional dancers along with a team of extraordinary choreographers and directors will send your heart sailing with optimism. You'll leave the theater holding your head a little higher, inspired to make the world a better place. For more information about Project Moves and their mission, please visit their website - projectmoves.org
Tickets are free and will be available online beginning March 1st. One hundred fifty additional tickets will be reserved for distribution at the door on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve online, please go to projectmovesmedfield.brownpapertickets.com.
Information from Incoming Parent Information Nights
For your reference and information, here are links to the presentations and handouts for grades 6-8...
Incoming 6th PIN 2016 Presentation
Blake Incoming 7th PIN 2016 Presentation
Nature's Classroom Slides March, 2016
Nature's Classroom Trip Documents and Forms
Incoming 8th PIN 2016 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2016-2017
Blake Program of Studies 2016-2017
Spring Cleaning - Request for MakerSpace 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 in our 'maker space'. As you begin your spring cleaning efforts (optimistic, I know!), we are looking for any donations from Medfield families of: old toys and electronics, PVC pipe, felt/fabric, crafty supplies (yarn, string, makers, wipe off markers, wipe off contact paper, marbles, duct tape, wasabi tape, different types of glue), cookie cutters (variety of shapes), old tools, play dough, recyclables (anything used for storage containers/bins), cell batteries, AA batteries, conductive materials (copper wire, aluminum foil, telephone wire, washers, brackets). Any donations can be dropped off at the Blake main office and would be greatly appreciated.
iPad Program Update and Planning for 2016-2017
The Blake iPad Program Update for 16-17 was sent to all current 5th-7th grade families on February 5, 2016. This link outlines information for all Blake families outlining information about the iPad program for all Blake students for 2016-2017. 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 16-17 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…
Blake Mobile Learning Blog
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 16-17
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
PARCC Dates for Blake Students
As you know all of our Blake students will be participating in the paper and pencil version of PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). All of our students will be taking three unit assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics. If you would like more information regarding the PARCC test or to view samples of the PARCC tests, please visit www.parcconline.org. Please note that Grade 8 students will also be taking the MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering test. Below are the administration dates for these assessments...
Grade 6
ELA PARCC (5/2, 5/3, 5/4)
Math PARCC (5/18, 5/19, 5/20)
Grade 7
ELA PARCC (5/5, 5/6, 5/9)
Math PARCC (5/10, 5/16, 5/17)
Grade 8
ELA PARCC (5/10, 5/11, 5/12)
Math PARCC (4/27, 4/28, 4/29)
Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS (5/16, 5/17)
Make-up testing will take place when students return from their absence(s), provided that their return takes place within the testing window determined by the Commonwealth. We appreciate your assistance in looking at these dates and being mindful to try and avoid medical/dental appointments or conflicts with these assessments. As always, do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
8th Grade Families - Save the Date!
Medfield High School Open House
March 23, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Medfield High School is opening its doors to current 8th graders and their parents/guardians to offer an inside look at academics, athletics, and co-/extra-curricular offerings. This will be a casual evening where current clubs and activities will be on display, and high school students will provide tours of the building. Additional information and sign-up process will be posted soon.
Grade 6 Standards Based Reporting Pilot and Focus Group
Thank you to all sixth grade parents/guardians who were able to come to one of our Standards Based Reporting information sessions. As promised, here is the link to the presentation...
Standards Based Reporting Presentation Fall 2015
We are also looking for parents/guardians to be part of our parent focus group. This group will be comprised of the 6th grade science teachers, administration, and parents and will meet throughout the year (Fridays at 12:30 p.m.) to discuss the work that is taking place and provide feedback. The remaining dates that have been set for these meetings are: 4/1 and 6/3. If you are interested, please complete the form below...
Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Sign-Up
Blake Track 2016
There's still time to sign your son or daughter up for the track team. The season begins on Monday, April 4. How to enroll:
Go to: www.medfield.net
• Under "Our Schools", click on either Medfield High School or Blake Middle School.
• Under the "Activities" tab choose "Athletics".
• Click on the "Register Now" (Family ID) button.
• Follow prompts to create username/password and register online
After completing registration, please write a check to the “Town of Medfield” for $225.00 (aid is available), with student’s “name” and “Middle School Track” written on the subject line. Have your son or daughter bring the completed check and a copy of a current (within last 13 months) physical to Mr. Haycock in the Blake Library/Media Center. Contact Jon Haycock with any questions ([email protected]).
K-8 PTO Update
BLAKE APPEAL PILOT
YOU ASKED……WE LISTENED! 10 DAYS LEFT! We know you are tired of buying and selling unwanted items and volunteering to help make those fundraisers a success. The Blake Appeal Pilot will make things super easy for you and continue to help Blake fund enrichment programs, new technology and an “extreme makeover” for the Blake library. We have 30% participation to date. We hope to have 100% participation by April 1st! We do not want to bring back those old fundraisers!!! This is all you have to do:
- Click on the link Blake Appeal Pilot Donation to make a credit card donation. OR
- Write a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO and mail directly to the school at 24 Pound Street or ask your student to drop it off at the main office.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please visit the Medfield K-8 PTO website or click https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fC6eFODC22eWf1TKc4YTIbSkhTtdcJfkt7oJIxhrvtg/viewform and sign-up to volunteer for the 7th grade Ice Cream Party, 8th grade Cookout, 8th grade Career Day and the 8th grade Closing Ceremony Reception (7th grade parents are needed for this event). We appreciate all your help and support. We couldn’t do it without you!
GRANTS FUNDED
A grant in the amount of $8,000 was funded to help ensure that all 7th grade students will be able to attend Nature's Classroom and all 8th grade students have the ability to attend the class trip to Washington, D.C.
ISLIDE FUNDRAISER
Custom ISlides will be on sale March 7th-31st. ISlide and Dale Street PTO are offering ALL Medfield students and residents customized ISlides with the Medfield Warrior logo, student’s first or last name and team number for $40.99 a pair. Please complete the order form http://www.medfield.net/images/docctr/dale_pto_islide_order_form.pdf and return to Dale Street School by March 31st. Please contact Colleen Deignan [email protected] with questions.
MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR
Attention Spring Sports Teams, Club Organizers and Administrators! Blake PTO & MyLocker are ready to get you geared up for the season and your big event. Customize EVERYTHING from text to colors and designs from sports to drama to music. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, bags, hats, blankets & more. Spend $85 or more and get a free customized t-shirt. 12% of proceeds from each order will go to your school’s PTO. This is all you have to do:
- Go to shop.mylocker.net
- Enter your school locker number - BLAKE BD979
- Use promo code b2g6dTK1
NOTE: Due to different branding sizes, make sure to check all size charts when ordering to ensure you get a great fit for each product. Use MyLocker to create apparel for your teams, clubs, service groups, and more. The possibilities are endless! Please contact Laura Zaher [email protected] with any questions.
BAY STATE TEXTILES
Recycle clothing, shoes, household linens and stuffed animals at one of the Bay State Textile boxes at your school or the Transfer Station. Recycle and help the schools!!
RECYCLE INKJET AND TONER CARTRIDGES
Get rid of your trash and help Blake earn cash & supplies by recycling your inkjet and toner cartridges. We accept HP, Brother, Canon and Lexmark cartridges. Collection boxes are located outside of the Library. Thanks for your help! Please contact Donna Knott at [email protected] with any questions.
ZEBRA’S FLATBREAD FRIDAYS FUNDRAISER
No need to cook on a Friday night after a crazy week! Enjoy a delicious flatbread from Zebra’s and support the Medfield Public Schools at the same time. 10% of the proceeds from flatbreads sold via take-out or in the restaurant on Fridayevenings will be donated to the Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) and Medfield K-8 PTO. Please contact Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO , follow us on Twitter MedfieldK8PTO and check out our website http://medfieldpto.weebly.com
MCPE Update
"Most Likely to Succeed" Film Screening and Discussion: A Medfield Community Event
"The 21st century is going to be all about building, creating, and innovating. This remarkable film shows a path of how we can empower all our children to do that.” - Sal Khan, Khan Academy. The film will be shown on March 29th from 6:30-8pm, at the Medfield High School Auditorium, with small group discussions with Medfield Public School Administrators from 8-9pm. You are invited to see the film and join the conversation! Please visit our website to see the trailer and register: MedfieldCoalition.org
MCPE’s First Annual LCR Tournament - REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
Due to the popularity of our trivia night in the fall, you asked us for more events at the Legion! Join us on April 29 for our first annual Left, Center, Right (LCR) Tournament. LCR is a fast-paced dice game using specially imprinted dice and chips. There will be a fun DJ, a scratch ticket raffle, snacks and a cash bar. Sign up to play from either 7:00-9:00 PM or 9:00-11:00 PM. Click here for game rules and registration: http://www.medfieldcoalition.org/events-programs/left-center-right/
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.