3/27 - Jon Mattleman Event at D-S (see below)
3/28 - 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- Light it Up Blue Day at Blake
4/6-4/8 - Blake Spring Musical (see info below)
4/10 - #DLDMedfield
No school for students
4/11-4/12 - 8th Grade ELA MCAS
4/12 - Zullo Art Reception
4/16-4/20 - April Vacation
4/24-4/25 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
4/26-4/27 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about trust and courage, our topic/question(s) of the week are: What does courage look like? How can you be courageous this week? Trust and Courage (Week of 3/25/18) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 2 Report Cards
Today (Tuesday, 3/27) 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.
Math Placement Information - For Incoming 7th Grade Families
You will soon receive 2 e-mails from Blake regarding your child's math placement for the 2018-2019 school year.
Email #1: A customized email with the first name and math placement scores for your 6th grader.
Email #2: An email with a link to a Google Form to allow you to confirm receipt of your child's math placement information. Please be sure to complete the Google Form by Monday April 2, 2018 to allow us to schedule your child for the upcoming school year.
Math Placement Information - For Incoming Grade 8th Grade Families
You will soon receive 2 emails from Blake regarding your child's math placement for the 2018-2019 school year.
Email # 1: A customized email with the first name and math placement scores for your 7th grader.
Email #2: A letter with a link to a Google Form allowing you to confirm receipt of your child's 8th grade math placement. Please be sure to complete the Google Form by Monday April 2, 2018 to allow us to schedule your child for the upcoming school year.
Guidance Coffee at Blake - 4/4/18
The Blake Guidance staff would like to invite you to join a conversation about social media, executive function, and transitions. We will be meeting on Wednesday, April 4th from 9:30-10:30am. Light refreshments will be served. Please fill out this form to RSVP - https://goo.gl/forms/kkeIMwHm9vhTV0js2
Blake Middle School Theater Presents…Pom Pom Zombies
April 6-8th Tickets: General - $15. MPS
Employees/Students - $12.
Show Times: Friday, April 6th @ 7:00 pm, Saturday, April 7th @ 7:00 pm and Sunday, April 8th @ 2:00 pm.
You can purchase tickets here https://bmszombies.brownpapertickets.com on Friday, March 30th. School's out for the summer, and the teenagers of Ocean View High are ready to surf, sun and have some fun. But, ooops! The head cheerleader gets nuclear slime on her hot dog instead of relish, and soon the beach is overrun with pom-pom zombies! A sci-fi spoof of those beach blanket flicks of the ‘60s. Please contact Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
Spring Intramurals at Blake
The 2018 Spring Intramrual Session is scheduled to start the week of April 9. The offerings should be available the first week of April.
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
Below are the administration dates for the MCAS at Blake...
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
I encourage everyone to check out the 'storify' archive of our district-wide #MedfieldPS chat from last week - the focus was on The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros (@gcouros) as we get ready for #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. Hopefully you will be able to follow along, lurk, or join in one of our future chats!
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-the-innovator-s-mindset-3-22-18
Zullo Student-Faculty Art Exhibit
For the twenty-third year, the Zullo Gallery, in collaboration with the K-12 Visual Arts faculty of the Medfield Public Schools, is hosting its Annual Student-Faculty Art Exhibit. The Zullo Gallery offers a fantastic opportunity for a deserving student artwork to receive special notice by our community in a professional gallery setting. Approximately 60 artworks are chosen throughout the district and they will be on display alongside faculty work. This year’s exhibit will be held from March 31st through April 22rd.
The Zullo Gallery is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon until 5 PM as well. Over the course of the exhibit, the Zullo Gallery is typically visited by hundreds of viewers, enjoying the display of our wonderful student artwork.
Parking
This is a general reminder to all parents to be sure to follow the parking regulations in the parking lots and around the 'flagpole circle'. When dropping off or picking up students, vehicles should not be parked ('stationary' or 'live') in the fire zone. We need to make sure that we are providing a safe environment at all times for our students and community. Thank you for your cooperation.
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.
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 9:00 am on Saturday, May 5th at the scenic Medfield State Hospital grounds. 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, and Early Bird pricing ends soon! The first 200 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. To register or for additional information, go to newlifefb.org.
Update from Blake PTO
2018 Blake Annual Appeal-We have reached 17% of our $30,000 goal. WE NEED YOUR HELP so we can continuing funding enrichment programs & future initiatives. We are requesting a contribution of $50/child this year. This is a suggested amount but we will gratefully accept any amount. Making a donation is easy. Simply click on the link http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake.html or 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!