3/3 - Twitter Workshop for Parents (8:30 a.m.)
3/5 - Incoming 8th Grade PIN (6:30 p.m.)
Go Fresh Night for Blake
3/11 - Incoming 7th Grade PIN (6:30 p.m.) *Originally scheduled for 3/12
3/12 - Band-o-Rama
3/13 - Term 2 Ends for Blake
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.)
3/20 - Harmony Day
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
4/10-4/11 - Peter Pan Performances
Topic/Question(s) for the Dinner Table
For the next few weeks, we will 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 'telling one's story', our second topic/question of the week is: Whoever you are, believe in your story; aim to tell it well.
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.
Digital Citizenship Update
Our second school-wide Digital Citizenship series of activities began last week. Marjorie Heim (6), Sarah Donovan (7), and Seth Hellerstein presented lessons to the Sea Turtle, White, and Stars clusters respectively on digital footprints – the record a person leaves online through comments, pictures, and other activities. Students were asked if they ever performed an internet search on themselves and, if so, what they found and whether or not they were happy with what they found. Students also brainstormed on ways in which they could improve their digital footprints and how they can be thoughtful about what they put online – “Would you want your grandmother to see this?” Students were reminded that anything they post online could possibly be available for viewing throughout their lives and how that could affect future college and job prospects. Diane Horvath and Jon Haycock also hosted a student panel discussion on the subject. The Otters, Blue, and Eagles clusters will participate this week and the Koalas, Red, and Stripes clusters the week of March 9.
Parent Information Nights for 2015-2016
3/5 - Incoming 8th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m.
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming eighth grade (current seventh grade) students. We will be presenting information about the 8th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2015-2016 academic year's iPad Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
3/11 - Incoming 7th Grade Parent Night at 6:30 p.m. ** This night was originally scheduled for 3/12
This night is for all parents/guardians of incoming seventh grade (current sixth grade) students. We will be sharing information about the 7th grade program of studies and curriculum, previewing the students' experience that they will have next year. We will also be presenting information about the 7th grade's field trip to Nature's Classroom. A more detailed presentation about the logistics of the 2015-2016 academic year's iPad Initiative will take place during this evening as well.
For your reference and information, here are links to the presentations and handouts for grade 6...
Incoming 6th PIN 2015 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2015
Blake Program of Studies 2015-2016
Parental Input for 2015-2016
As shared at our parent presentations, parental input is an important part of our planning purposes for the 2014-2015 academic year. Please refer to the Parent/Guardian Input Letter Spring 2015 regarding our process and the guidelines for input. If you are interested in sharing information, please submit your thoughtsin writing no later than Monday, March 17. As stated in the letter, written requests for specific teachers will not be 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).
iPad Highlights and Mobile Learning Information Sessions Follow Up
We are pleased that our highlights and information sessions on 2/24 and 2/25 were successful in sharing our progress, answering questions, outlining our plans, and helping the Blake community gain an understanding of the work that is taking place. I am sharing a link to the presentation (Blake iPad Highlights and Info Sessions February, 2015) and encourage you to continue checking out our Mobile Learning Blog for updates, information, and spotlights on the work that is taking place. A special thanks to Diane Horvath (@techmonstah), our Technology Integration Specialist, for her work on the blog.
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!
Pennies for Patients Drive
Blake Middle School will be taking part in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Pennies for Patients drive through Friday, March 13th. During the program, students may collect money to support LLS’s mission: to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. With the help of programs like Pennies for Patients, LLS has invested more than $1 billion in research to advance therapies that save lives. Last year alone, schools across Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire collected more than $789,000 in spare change and online donations. There will be a collection box for collecting spare change in each homeroom at Blake. In addition to collecting change, our school has its own online fundraising page to share with friends and family. Visit http://ma.sy.llsevent.org to access your school’s website today! Money can turn up anywhere! Check under the couch cushions, on your dresser or in your family car. Your child can make a difference in the lives of so many people simply by collecting change. Thank you in advance for helping LLS create a world without blood cancers.
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.
Read Across America Day
As shared last week March 2 was Read Across America Day, a day sponsored by the National Education Association. The day is celebrated every year on or around March 2, in honor and recognition of Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2). I have encouraged teachers to use this opportunity during SSR this week to discuss passions for reading, share favorite children's books, and simply enjoy reading with their students. I encourage you to take some time this week to do the same.
Book Drive for New Bedford Follow Up
Student Council would like to thank the entire Blake community for your participation in the Book Drive for New Bedford. With your help, we were able to collect and send a grand total of...(drum roll) 1,362 books to the kids at the Roosevelt Middle School in New Bedford. What an amazing display of community and kindness!! Thank you all for your help!
Blake Ski Club
Our last ski club trip is this Thursday, March 5th. Please check the ski club website for any lost and found items.
Save the Date - Nature's Classroom 2015
The seventh grade trip to Nature's Classroom 2015 will be Monday, October 5 to Thursday, October 8.
Blake Site Council Survey
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 2013-2014 Executive Summary of the compiled data for your reference, and I hope you are able to find some time to read the highlights. Our intent is to distribute the 2014-2015 survey right after February vacation. Stay tuned!
CSA News
Blake CSA would like to remind you to check out our volunteer opportunities - all positions can be viewed in the online volunteer form on our website http://medfieldcsa.org/blake/blake.shtml.
Our CSA board is also looking for volunteers for next year - we have openings for Co-President and Treasurer. Further information will be provided in the upcoming couple of weeks but if you would like to contact us regarding what the positions entail please reach out to[email protected]
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 Wednesday March 18th at 7pm in the Blake library.
Go Fresh will donate 15% of all proceeds to Blake on Thursday from 4-9. Support our kids and local business. Thank you Go Fresh!!
MCPE News
MCPE has funded more than $40,000 in grant requests this school year across all five schools, but we need the community’s support to maintain this level of giving. There are two easy ways to provide financial support: (1) Host or attend an E4E (Entertaining for Education) party. There is no Spring Fling this year, so the E4E parties are our biggest fundraisers of the year. (2) Make a donation to MCPE as part of our annual appeal. In total, these initiatives have raised $23,300, which is almost $17,000 SHORT of grants funded to date. Please help us continue our mission of funding grants that support academic enrichment programs not covered by the school budget. For more information on these two initiatives, please visit www.medfieldcoalition.org. Thank you for making the success of our schools a community effort.
Mark your calendars! Back by popular demand, MCPE is offering its most popular items from auctions and raffles past. Kids and parents alike love these one-of-a-kind items, and teachers and administrators love to give back! Bid high in our online auction and allow MCPE to continue funding future grants to benefit Medfield schools! So mark your calendars! The items will be available online from March 26 - April 2. This year the theme is "MCPE Treasured Experiences". Stay tuned for more information and exciting details about items that will be available!