4/4 - Medfield Talks - Dr. Rob Evans at MHS (7 p.m.)
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 imperfection, our topic/question of the week is: How can embracing imperfection help us learn and grow? Embracing Imperfection (Week of 4/1/18) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Term 2 Report Cards
Last week students brought home their report cards for the second term. Time has been and 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. All outstanding report card signature sheets should be turned into advisors.
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
Digital Learning Day for Blake and Medfield Staff - 4/10/18
Next Tuesday, April 10 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.
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.
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 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.
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].
8th Grade Trip Forms
All outstanding forms should be turned in ASAP. 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 April 3rd 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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
MCAS Information
As we are now in '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.
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.
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
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 began April 3. 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.
Blake PTO Annual Appeal
Please see the message below from the Blake PTO with an update regarding the annual appeal. Thank you for your support! EXTENDED UNTIL APRIL 30th!!!!
2018 Blake Annual Appeal
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 have reached 22% of our $30,000 goal.
WE NEED YOUR HELP so we can continuing funding enrichment programs & future initiatives for the 2018-19 school year.
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 and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the DONATE button 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 Blake PTO
2018 Blake Annual Appeal-We have reached 22% 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
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.