May 1 - When I Grow Up...Day
May 2 - Funky/Mis-matched Prints Day
Peabody Essex Museum Field Trip (Sea Turtles)
May 3 - Formal/Professional/Business Dress Day
May 4 - Medfield Sports Day
High School Musical (7 p.m.)
Term 3 Interim Reports go home
May 5 - High School Musical (7 p.m.)
May 7 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:15 p.m. in Blake LMC)
May 9 - Student Recognition/Achievement Parent Discussion (9 a.m. at Blake)
8th Grade Math MCAS
May 10 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
May 11 - 1/2 Day for Students
May 14 - 8th Grade Science/Technology MCAS
6th Grade Math MCAS
May 15 - 8th Grade Science/Technology MCAS
6th Grade Math MCAS
May 16 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
May 17 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
May 18 - 7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
May 22-25 - 8th Grade trip to Washington, D.C.
May 28 - Memorial Day; No School
Sports Events
May 3 - Baseball/Softball vs Wellesley (3:30 p.m.)
Track vs Mendon/Upton (3:00 p.m.)
May 8 - Baseball/Softball vs Millis (3:30 p.m.)
May 10 - Baseball/Softball @ Wayland (3:30 p.m.)
Track vs King Philip (3:00 p.m.)
May 14 - Track @ Hopkinton (3:00 p.m.)
May 15 - Baseball/Softball @ Dedham (3:30 p.m.)
May 17 - Baseball/Softball vs Ashland (3:30 p.m.)
May 21 - Baseball/Softball @ Hopkinton (3:30 p.m.)
May 30 - Baseball/Softball @ Hopkinton (3:45 p.m.)
May 31 - Baseball/Softball vs Wayland (3:30 p.m.)
Track @ Westwood (3:00 p.m.)
June 1 - Track vs Franklin (3:00 p.m.)
Student Recognition/Achievement Discussions
As I have shared throughout the year, we have been taking time as a staff this year to examine and discuss the methods and practices that have in place to recognize and honor student achievement here at Blake. As our mission statement states, it is our goal to challenge and support all of our students, encouraging them to explore new opportunities for learning and growth: The mission of the Thomas A. Blake Middle School is to create a challenging and supportive atmosphere where each student, during the transitional years, is encouraged to explore and develop unique academic skills, artistic talents and physical and personal strengths. As such, we have been examining and discussing the practices we have in place, as well as exploring other options to recognize our students in a healthy, appropriate, and productive manner. I would like to extend an invitation to parents in the Blake community to a parent discussion/forum focused on this topic. The purpose of the discussion is not to establish policy or procedures, but rather to have an open discussion about the topic of student recognition and achievement. The Blake Site Council meeting on Monday, May 7 (3:15 p.m. at Blake) will be dedicated to this discussion, and we will also have a discussion on Wednesday, May 9 at 9 a.m. in the Blake Consumer Science room. All parents are invited.
Term 3 Interim Reports
This Friday students will be bringing home their interim reports for the third term. They will be spending time in their advisories reflecting upon the work they have accomplished thus far, and setting healthy/measured goals for the end of the year. Our hope is that this communication tool will give you an update on the progress your child is making in school. If you have any questions 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.
Student Council Spirit Week - April 30-May 4
Students are invited to join the Blake Student Council in a show of school spirit in 5 themed days throughout the week:
4/30 - Tacky Tourist/Crocs and Socks Day
5/1 - When I Grow Up...
5/2 - Funky/Mis-matched Prints Day
5/3 - Formal/Professional/Business Dress Day
5/4 - Medfield Sports Day
School Attire Guidelines
Over the past week Kelly Campbell and I met with all of the girls (6th-8th grade) regarding dress/attire guidelines for school. This is a summary of the e-mail sent out by Kelly last Friday to all parents: The focus of our conversation was on the need for all students and staff to be comfortable and able to focus on their most important task at hand-- learning. The girls were attentive and respectful. I presented a powerpoint with photos from many of their favorite clothing stores and we discussed the appropriateness of different styles for school vs. beach. They asked good clarifying questions and I tried to convey that ultimately they should use good judgment and engage parents in the decision-making process, when in doubt. I also encouraged them to check in with me, Ms. Allen or Ms. Sullivan ( 8th and 6th grade guidance counselors) if they had questions. As a parent, I do understand how these conversations can be a bit stressful in the morning. I thought it might be helpful to share the content of the slide that I discussed with students that highlights the main details. As I told the students, these are guidelines and good judgment is always the goal. I hope that this information is helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns.
Attire Guidelines:
- Clothing needs to cover your body so that you and others can participate in and focus on learning and so that others around you are not uncomfortable.
- Skirts and shorts must be as long as your longest finger when extended at your side, with shoulders relaxed. This applies to the front and back.
- Undergarments should not be showing. Cleavage should be covered. Think about all angles.
- Midriff (bellies) should be covered.
- Tank tops must cover your bra straps and should be two fingers wide.
- Off the shoulder shirts are not appropriate.
- If you are constantly adjusting, you are probably not dressed 'school-appropriately'.
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.
Make Way for Ducklings (Part 2)
For the second year in a row, T. A. Blake Middle School is lucky enough to host ducklings. Last year, a mallard duck made a nest in the courtyard near the Foods Room and hatched several eggs. On March 30th, the same female came back to the same courtyard, made a nest close and laid 8 eggs. On Saturday April 28th, they all hatched. In fact, Jeff Murray, our school custodian, witnessed the hatching of all 12 eggs. He described the moment as "Awesome." Jeff Murray and Mr. Gow will hatch a plan regarding the release date of the ducks. Until then, stop by the 8th grade hall to see our new arrivals following their mother as she helps them find food.
A Midsummer's Night's Dream
On Wednesday, April 25th, the sixth graders were treated to a live stage performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Shakespeare Now Theatre Company. All sixth grade reading classes had previously read and discussed versions of the story that simplified the language of William Shakespeare. Class members then “took the stage” themselves as they performed a shortened version of the play within our classrooms. It was wonderful to watch the students’ enthusiastic reaction to the Shakespeare Now Company rendition. This performance would not have taken place without the generous support of our CSA! Thank you to all who helped our students enjoy a live performance.
8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
All medications (prescriptions and over-the-counter) are due in our school nurse's office today. If you are unable to get your child's medication in today, please make arrangements to get the medication to our school nurse by the end of this week - Friday, May 4. Any questions or concerns, please call or e-mail Tricia Williams, RN at (508) 242-8554 or [email protected].
Wind Ensemble wins MICCA Gold Medal
The Blake Middle School Wind Ensemble was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2012 Massachusetts and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Concert Festival. More than 150 bands and orchestras from Massachusetts elementary, middle and high schools participated in the three-day event. The BMS Wind Ensemble was one of just five middle school bands from across the state to earn a Gold rating. Congratulations to our students and Ryan Dexter!
Museum Education Resources Award
Last week, three Blake Middle School Social Studies teachers, Seth Hellerstein, Cynthia McClelland, and John Sullivan learned that a discovery guide that they had helped develop in partnership with the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, MA was awarded first prize in a museum education resources competition by the American Association of Museums. The guide is designed to help students visiting the museum to make connections between their experience in the classroom and their trip to the museum. For the past two years, 8th grade students have visited the Museum of Russian Icons as part of a Social Studies unit of study on the Byzantine and Russian empires. Congratulations to all involved!
Online Bridge Competition Success
We received news this week that our 8th grade students did quite well in the Ralph Salvucci Online Bridge Competition this year, earning 8 of the top 10 spots in the competition. Congratulations to the following students: Kevin McCordic, Patrick Coogan, Matthew Johnson, Paul Bryant, Matt Treiber, Eric Wang, Daniel Blessing, John Beaudoin, Noah Anszperger, Cole Foster, Nigel Reiff, Eric Jubber, Patrick Cooney, John Williams, and Cooper Brown. A well-deserved congratulations to Mike Gibbs, Jason Heim, and Diane Zaia as well!
High School Musical Information
Tickets went on sale to the general public on Monday after school in guidance. We will sell tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday if they are available. Tech week rehearsals go until 6pm. The shows are Friday and Saturday at 7pm. Crew should report by 6:15 p.m. Actors will be given a time between 5:30 and 6 p.m. to arrive.
Girls' Track Results
Medfield Girls' Track had a very strong showing against Ashland last Thursday in their first meet. In the field events Eden Ravech placed first in the high jump with Kate Peterson tying for second. Tying for first in the Long jump was Lauren Constant and finishing in third Diana Fedak. In the running events Medfield girls swept the 100 meter hurdles with Annie Phipps grabbing first, Lauren Stikeleather with second and Olivia Feldman taking third. Krissy Rimmel dominated in the mile taking the first place prize. With another sweeping performance in the 100 meters Annie Phipps placed first, Shannon Delaney with second and Julia Maclean taking third. Bianca Bisciotti placed third in the 800. Medfield again dominated with a sweep in the 400 meters with Shannon Delaney taking first, Lauren Constant taking second and Sophia Ouimette and Annie Tucker tying for third. In the 200 meter Rebecca Shames took second place and Julie Letai placed third. Medfield finished with a strong performance in the 4x100 relay by Ella Strickler, Lauren Stikeleather, Kathleen Lanzilla and Olivia Feldman Medfield overall won with a score of 54 to Ashland’s 32.
Boys' Track Results
The boys' track team opened their season last Thursday with a strong victory over Ashland. In the field events, Matt Keady placed 2nd in the high jump and J.P. Harrison and Wes Fedak took 1st and 2nd in the long jump. Blake pulled a double Lundy in the shot put with Jeff Lundstrom and Mike Lundstrom taking 1st and 2nd place. Andrew Maritan took 3rd. Medfield swept the hurdles with Binit Shah taking first, Joey Plumb second, and Jack Wagenseller and Bashir Armany tying for 3rd. Binit Shah got his second first place of the day in the mile, with John Beaudoin taking 3rd. Pat Coogan took 3rd in the 100 meter dash and Emilio Luna and Liam McNulty took 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 800. Medfield was solid in the 400 with Matt Keady taking 1st and Andrew Maritan taking 2nd. Pat Coolgan finished the day's scoring with a blistering 27:59 1st place finish in the 200 meter dash. The final score: Blake 52, Ashland 33.
Attention Gymnasts
The High School Gymnastics team is seeking experienced gymnasts for next years varsity team. The Gymnastics season runs from after Thanksgiving break, until February vacation, and meets Monday thru Friday 4pm-6pm at Quiggs Gym in Bellingham. (Transportation is not provided by the school, but carpooling would work out to one trip per parent per week as the team needs about 5 girls.) The team, which is a cooperative with Dover-Sherborn and Ashland, has enjoyed great success over the years, but unfortunately is at risk of being cut this year due to low enrollment from Medfield. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Jon Kirby, the High School Athletic Director at [email protected] or 508-359-4809. If you would just like to chat with another parent, you can contact Colleen Chadwick via e-mail at [email protected] or via phone at 508-596-0893.