4/24-4/25 - 7th Grade ELA MCAS
4/24 - Blake GSA Meeting
#MedfieldPS Chat - 8 p.m. (see details below)
4/26-4/27 - 6th Grade ELA MCAS
4/27 - Day of Silence
4/30 - MCAS Make-Ups
5/1-5/2 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
5/1 - Blake GSA Meeting
SEL Task Force (3:30 p.m.)
5/3-5/4 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
5/7-5/8 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
5/14-5/15 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about centering one's learning, articulating hopes, and growing as learners, our topic/question(s) of the week are: What are your hopes for the end of this school year? How do you want to grow as a learner? Getting Centered (Week of 4/22/18) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat on 4/24/18
Our next district-wide Twitter chat will be Tuesday, 4/24 at 8 p.m. with a focus on Professional Growth and Self-Care. 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!
All outstanding report card signature sheets should be turned into advisors.
Collaboration with MIT
Blake Middle School has been fortunate to have had a partnership with MIT in the areas of education and technology integration. On Friday, April 13, 2018, approximately 20 students will participate in a mathematics app field test. This app has been created by an MIT student in hopes of using technology to make math accessible to all students. We welcome these opportunities of collaboration and look forward to sharing more in the future!
Digital Learning Day for Blake and Medfield Staff
Here is a quick shout out to recognize those students who spent their day off supporting teachers in their learning at Medfield's Digital Learning Day (#DLDMedfield). Big props to: Kelly Blake, Jake Grzeskowiak, Caroline Harrington, Isabella Iannone, Spencer Joline, Brandon Lindgren, Katie Merck, Caroline Seitz, Preet Shah, Maeve Kennedy, and Finch Sullivan. We also had some of our Blakers showing their awesomeness in the Student Innovation Showcase. Those students included Caeli Sheehan, Maeve Kennedy, Thalia Tayara, Julia Wall, Rachel Parry, Isabella Iannone, Bitsy Crowley, Jim Kemp, Alex Munz, Katie Merck, Emily Soucy, and Caroline McBreen. You all made Blake very proud!
April is Autism Awareness Month
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community. On Friday, April 6th, Blake Middle school staff and students are invited to wear the color BLUE. We will be "Lighting it up Blue," which is a National movement in support of understanding and acceptance for people with autism. In addition, each day, the morning announcements will include information to share and educate people about Autism.
Spring Intramurals at Blake
The 2018 Spring Intramrual Session is scheduled to start the week of April 9. The offerings will be available asap.
Blake GSA Information
The Blake Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) meets every Tuesday from 2:15 - 3:00 in room 101. The GSA provides a space for open dialogue about topics such as how to be better ally and how to make our school a safe place for LGBTQ students and families. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please feel free to contact Russ Becker ([email protected]) or Amy Reynolds ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns you may have.
Day of Silence
Friday, April 27 is the Day of Silence, ( www.dayofsilence.org), a national day of protest regarding anti-gay language and bullying. Students and staff can participate in 2 ways: (1) taking a vow of silence, or (2) being a supporter/ally. On Monday, 4/23 Blake GSA and Student Council members took some time in advisory to show the following slideshow in advisory to explain the day: 2018 Day of Silence Presentation
Students take a vow of silence for the duration of the school day to raise awareness of the voices we do not hear during the day: those students who "remain silent" about their identity for fear of bullying or harassment. Some students and staff at both Medfield High School and Blake will be participating and recognizing this day. Students/staff taking the vow of silence will sign-up ahead of time by signing the following pledge: SILENT Pledge: I pledge to be SILENT on April 27 to show my support for the LGBTQ+ community and all of those who have been silenced over the years. I will do my best to remain silent throughout the entire school day, including in the hallways, during recess, and at lunch. I will be respectful and take this pledge seriously because I believe that all people should be treated kindly and with respect. Students and staff may also be wearing Supporter badges and signing an ally pledge: ALLY Pledge: I pledge to support the LGBTQ+ community on April 27 and every other day of the year. I can show my support by being a loyal friend, speaking up when I see/hear unkind behavior, avoiding using hurtful language, and encouraging others to be kind to everyone in our community. I will show respect for all people, as all people are created equally. Helpful and Useful Resources... 'What Do You Say to 'That's So Gay'? GLSEN's website: www.glsen.org.
Theater Thanks
Blake Theater members would like to thank all the friends, teachers, administrators, families and community members who came to see Pom Pom Zombies. Sorry if any of the songs became earworms for the weekend! See you next year with more great performances!
Bird Seed Request
With spring on its way, Mr. Gow's Exploration class is in need of more black oiled sunflower seeds, suet, and hummingbird feeder juice. If interested in donating, please contact [email protected].
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.
School Attire Guidelines
As we transition into spring at last, it is a good time to review guidelines for school dress. These guidelines can be found in the Blake student handbook. Students have an electronic copy and one is available on the Blake website for your reference. Open dialogue, balance, and discretion are important when dealing with issues related to dress. The responsibility for student dress and attire rests with both the student and the parent/guardian. We are confident that good judgment on the part of students and parents will result in the wearing of clothing that creates an environment that is conducive to learning for all. Each student will abide by the guidelines of decency, cleanliness and safety at all times. In accordance with our expectations for school dress, students are required to wear clothing that does not show the 4 B's: boxers, breasts, buttocks, and belly buttons. We do ask students not to wear hats, short shorts, midriff shirts, off the shoulder shirts, or clothing that displays obscene language, violence, lewd or vulgar pictures, alcohol or drug references, sexual innuendoes, racial/ethnic/religiously offensive materials, or any graphic that may interfere with the educational process. If clothing is deemed inappropriate for school, the parents/guardians will be contacted. We encourage students to consult their parents if they are concerned about an item of clothing that they may be considering wearing to school.
May Dance for 7th/8th Grade
The final dance of the year is on Friday, May 18th. A reminder that all students who wish to attend the dance should have submitted a dance contract. The time of the dance is from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Blake gym. A reminder that there are not cell phones or water bottles allowed in the gym. Students will have access to the water fountain, and there is a designated cell phone area. Additionally, students may leave early only if a pre-arranged parent or guardian picks the student up in person.
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
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 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
Do you LOVE the Angel Run? Then we think you’re going to LOVE New Life Furniture Bank’s "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 this family event not to be missed! Registration is open! There are only 40 free t-shirts left! To register or for additional information, go to newlifefb.org. ON-LINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 3RD.
Update from Blake PTO
2018 Blake Annual Appeal LAST CHANCE TO DONATE!! We don’t want to sell wrapping paper and other knick-knacks that no one needs or wants anymore! All you have to do is write one fundraising check for the whole year and you are DONE! 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.
Update from MCPE
The MCPE is currently accepting nominations for the Robert C. Maguire "Global Perspectives in Education" Award. This award is given annually to a staff member who inspires students to look beyond the town of Medfield and expand their horizons. Learning about the global community could include efforts in world history, politics, science, technology, literature, mathematics, economics, sociology, anthropology and more. If your child has been enriched by such a teacher, please visit our website www.medfieldcoalition.org to complete the nomination form. Deadline for submissions is April 27. Our annual teacher recognition "Blue Ribbon" giving campaign is ongoing. If you would like to make a donation in recognition of some of the fantastic educators in your child's life, please visit our website and seek 'blue ribbon'. Submission deadline is 5/31