May 13 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
Royal Pizza Night for Blake
May 14 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
Early College Planning Information Night (see details below)
May 15 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
May 16 - MCAS Make-Up
7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
May 19 - Grades 5/6 Band Concert
May 20-23 - 8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
May 20 - Subway Night for Blake
May 21-22 - PARCC Field Test for Grade 6
May 28 - Grades 4-6 Orchestra Concert
CSA Meeting (7 p.m.)
May 30 - Six Flags Music Trip
June 2 - Site Council Mtg (3:15 p.m. in Blake LMC)
Grades 7/8 Orchestra/Band Concert
June 3 - Grades 6-8 Chorus Concert
June 10 - Royal Pizza Night for Blake
June 16 - 7th Grade Creature Feature Field Trip
June 17 - 8th Grade Math Final
Subway Night for Blake
June 18 - 8th Grade Math Final
June 19 - 6th Grade Rock-n-Bowl Field Trip
June 20 - 7th Grade Boston Field Trip
June 23 - 7th Grade Boston Field Trip Rain Date
June 24 - Transition Day
8th Grade Picnic
Topic/Question(s) for the Dinner Table
To encourage conversations about listening, our Topic/Question for the Dinner Table this week is: What better way to gain the trust of others than by being a good listener; so the question is how do we know we are being good listeners?
Teacher Appreciation - Thank You!
On behalf of the Blake staff, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Blake CSA and parents for the lovely thoughts, notes, and signs of appreciation throughout last week. We are fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community.
Term 3 Interim Reports
Last Friday students brought home their interim reports for the third term. They spent 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.
7th/8th Grade Dance Information
The third and final 7th & 8th grade dance of the year will take place this Friday, May 16th at 7:00pm in the Blake cafeteria. We ask that families drop students off no later than 7:15pm and pick up promptly at 9:00pm. (Families should contact Ms. Dengos or Ms. Hurley directly beforehand if the drop-off/ pick-up times present any issues.) Students are reminded of the rules of conduct in the contract they've signed and families are encouraged to review appropriate behavior and dress with students before attending the dance. Students should check with student council if any questions remain as to whether they've turned in a contract.
6th Grade Geology Field Trip
The sixth grade took to the streets of Medfield last Wednesday to investigate geological "crimes" committed by the Agents of Erosion. Students traveled to Rocky woods, the Vinelake Cemetery, and other locations around town to collect evidence of crimes against rocks. They returned to the classroom laboratory to gather and make sense of the evidence, hopefully building a case to convict one of the Agents of Erosion (running water, wind, waves, gravity, & glaciers).
Divide & Conquer!
Thank you to all who attended the Divide & Conquer presentation, Solving Algebraic Equations: A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Surviving! We have included the link for those of you interested in viewing the presentation. Please look for our next Divide & Conquer presentation, Fractions: Understanding all the Parts coming Fall of 2014.]Click here to view Divide & Conquer presentation, Solving Algebraic Equations
MCAS Information
Round 2 of MCAS testing continues this week. Please find the May MCAS schedule listed above. 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. 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. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) or your child's guidance counselor.
Gettysburg Address Winner
Caillian Sheehy has been chosen to represent the 7th grade at the Medfield Memorial Day Celebration on May 26. He will read the Gettysburg Address at the town wide ceremony honoring the soldiers from Medfield that have given their lives in the service of their country.
Washington, D.C. - 8th Grade
The D.C. itinerary was sent home May 2 and all outstanding forms need to be signed and returned.
ADL Peer Training Program
We are pleased to announce that, with the very generous support of the Medfield Coalition for Public Education, Blake will train its first cohort of 7th and 8th grade Peer Trainers in the Fall of 2014. For some students, the Peer Training Program, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, is an opportunity to inspire others to challenge all forms of prejudice, including bullying and cyberbullying. For other students, it is an opportunity to actively promote respect for cultural and other human differences. And for others, it is an opportunity to build greater unity in community. For everyone who participates, the Peer Training Program is an opportunity to transform their schools and communities.
The Program begins with a series of dynamic training sessions led by adult facilitators from A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute. Participating students engage in fun activities and meaningful discussions on cultural, racial, socio-economic and other human differences, and on how these differences sometimes divide rather than unite people. In addition, the students explore what they can do, individually and collectively, to help foster a world in which human differences are valued and respected.
Students also develop their leadership potential, and their communication and presentation skills, so that they, too, can lead activities and discussions on these topics. When the trained students are fully prepared, they will facilitate workshops for their peers during the school year.
Any student with an interest in fostering a more accepting school community, facilitating workshops for their peers related to identifying and responding to bias of all types in our world, and learning more about how to build a more respectful environment for all people is welcome to apply to be a part of the Peer Training Program. A representative from ADL will be visiting Blake in the coming months to share more information with students in the current 6th and 7th grades. Students will receive application materials at that time, and parents will also receive an email with more information, including time commitments involved for training and participation. Commitment to this exciting program does entail a weekly commitment to the program as well as several days of training which would require students to check in with teachers to get any missed work. Heather Gonzalez and Matt Marenghi will be sharing the role of the Peer Trainer program advisor at Blake, and Heather and Kelly Campbell are both looking forward to a three day training by the Anti-Defamation League' s A World of Difference Institute in Vermont this summer.
More information will be coming soon but please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
Blake Mini-Marathon
Blake will be running our 2nd annual Blake Mini Marathon - The Race will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2014 starting around 9:15am and ending around 10:49 a.m. The event is designed to bring the Blake Community (students, staff, & families) together around a common purpose. About a 2 mile course will weave students (& staff who choose to run) around the Blake & High School campus. It is our hope that ALL staff and students participate in some role (registration, water stations, cheering support, walking/running).
Parents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer as well. We are looking for water bottle donations this year. If you plan on donating water or volunteering to help with the race in any way please contact Jeff Cincotta at [email protected] or Kelly Dengos at [email protected]. Water should be dropped off at the main office the week of the race (Monday-Wednesday).
Registration and goal setting will take place in Advisory classes, with the hope of 100% participation (within various roles). This year, there will be a suggested registration "fee" (donation) of $5.00 to a charity to be determined. Last year we raised over $3,600 to the One Fund. More details coming soon!
Early College Planning Information Night
Mark your calendars! Blake Middle School will be hosting MEFA's Early College Planning Seminar for Parents on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:00pm in the auditorium. Seminar topics include:
- How can I best support my student to make good choices in middle school and high school.
- What is important to understand about admissions and financial aid now?
- How much should we save for college and when is a good time to start saving?
- Will savings affect financial aid?
- If we can't save enough, should we bother saving at all?
Please feel free to contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]) with any questions.
iPad Planning Inventory Information for Incoming 6th-8th Grade
As you know we are expanding upon the current 8th grade iPad Initiative and implementing a 1:1 iPad program for the entire 6th-8th grade for the 2014-2015 academic year, with students purchasing their own iPads or taking part in a 'Lease to Own' program through the school. The details of the 'Lease to Own' are tentative and still being finalized, as we are looking to find the most cost-effective program for families. As part of our program, we will have a system in place for families with demonstrated financial need. To help us plan our efforts, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2014-2015 academic year) to let us know your plans for your student ('Providing iPad' or 'Participating in Lease to Own Program') for next year, by completing this brief survey by Thursday, April 17: iPad Planning Inventory at Blake for 2014-2015. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief survey and am hoping for 100% participation. This decision is not binding and we recognize that your plans may change, but the initial feedback will help us with our planning. We currently anticipate asking for 'final decisions' mid- to late May, 2014.
Please read the link below to a letter regarding our planning for the iPad Initiative...
iPad Planning Inventory Letter to Blake Families 4-2-14
For your reference I have posted links below to documents about our initiative/program...
Mobile Learning Update from Blake 3-26-14
iPad FAQs 3-31-14
iPad Initiative Estimated Lease-to-Own Program 3-31-14
I continue to encourage you to peruse our mobile learning blog (Mobile Learning in Medfield) to gain a greater understanding of the work that has taken place. We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead as we work to provide your students with the opportunity to learn with the new technology and are hopeful that we can foster and promote a positive learning experience.
I continue to encourage you to peruse our mobile learning blog ]Mobile Learning in Medfield) to gain a greater understanding of the work that has taken place. We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead as we work to provide your students with the opportunity to learn with the new technology and are hopeful that we can foster and promote a positive learning experience.
iPad and Mobile Learning Resources
For those who were unable to attend our iPad Information Sessions last week, here is the link to our Google presentation: iPad Info Sessions April 2014. As we have shared one of our ongoing goals with the iPad Initiative is to share resources for parents/guardians as well as students. With this in mind I have listed links below that I hope will help you to better support and monitor your students at home...
How to Share a Google Doc or Folder
This resource will allow you to access your student's work in their Google drive account.
Understanding Restrictions (Parental Controls) for iOS
This resource provides directions from Apple for enabling parent restrictions. Options include, but are not limited to, turning off installing and deleting apps and restricting access to the iTunes Store.
If you have any questions regarding the iPads or the initiative, do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) or our help e-mail address ([email protected]).
Blake Site Council Survey
The Blake Site Council this year has been working on the development of a survey to be distributed to the Blake community. The survey was administered the last two years and we are committed to having parents and students take it annually as part of our continual efforts to examine our programming. Focus areas include the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. The results will help us to gather information and examine our current practices to better meet the needs of our students. Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake, and base your responses on your student's experiences this year. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. We sincerely appreciate your honest responses and are hoping for 100% participation from the Blake community. If you have any questions or have difficulty accessing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ][email protected]).
Link to the survey: 2013-2014 Blake Middle School Survey
Curriculum Highlights - Social Studies
This week's curriculum updates come from the Social Studies (Kathleen Emerson, Content Specialist) and World Language and Cultures (Ellen Toubman, Content Specialist) department...
Social Studies
7th grade Ancient Civilizations students are working hard to write a research paper. Each student has been assigned an ancient Roman or Macedonian battle. They must highlight why the battle happened, how the battle occurred, and what the results were. The students learned how to take notes and were given guiding questions to help them find appropriate information. In addition, they were taught how to identify quality, reliable sources as well as how to cite sources properly. The end product was a comprehensive battle report and the acquisition of essential skills. The final unit of the year is Rome. Beginning shortly, Rome will rise, a republic will form, the Empire will dominate the Mediterranean Sea, Christianity will be born and spread rapidly, and the Empire will split and eventually fall apart. It will be a busy spring!
World History I students just completed a unit on the Renaissance where they were able to incorporate several small research projects. Some students tried to mimic the creation of Michelangelo’s masterful ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by painting (watercolors) a canvas (piece of drawing paper) taped underneath a chair. They had to lie on the ground and paint “up.” They came away with an enormous appreciation for his genius! 8th graders are now looking at the Protestant Reformation which helped change and mold Europe in long lasting ways. Students will be introduced to such topics as humanism, theocracy and religious dissent.
World Language
The 6th grade Spanish students just finished a unit on family. Most recently, they combined their language and artistic skills t o create a photo album describing their own family. They included picture of several different family members or pets and some information to describe each person.
In sixth grade French we are finishing a unit on school, including classroom supplies vocabulary and school subjects. We discussed some similarities and differences between a school schedule in France and Blake Middle School. Students are recreating their own schedules in French and are able to talk about what they need for their classes.
The 7th grade Spanish students have officially hit an exciting time of the year! They are now quite knowledgeable in all types of Spanish verbs and their teachers report how proud they are of the students as they quickly increase the amount of Spanish they can both understand and communicate! The students are having real fun with the language as they mix previously studied vocab with new concepts! Their teachers wonder: How many Medfield grandparents really want to swim with the pink dolphins after breakfast!
In eighth grade Spanish, we are creating autobiographies and biographies, in order to practice telling stories in the past tense.
Girls' Softball
The girls played a great game against Ashland. While they did not win, Maddy Holm was a solid force behind the plate, and Molly Glasheen pitched a solid game. Lindsey Bogar had a great hit during this game, brining in a run. The girls went on to play Wellesley. The team won this game, the hitting was awesome, every girl hit the ball this game. Alanna Cooney was especially fast making key catches in areas of the field that are difficult to get to, very impressive! On Thursday we played Dedham for the second time. The first game Dedham demolished us, but Thursday we were ready for them. Both Mary Cronin and Katherine Corzilius were key players during this game. Mary pitched incredibly making it hard for Dedham to get on base. Kat protected the plate, and even threw a girl out who was attempting to steal second.
Blake Track
The Medfield Girls' Track Team faced Medway and Miscoe (Mendon/Upton) on May 5th in their second meet of the season. Medfield came out strong and swept in the 100 Meter Hurdles. Megan Hawley placed first, Kayla Scott second, Sophie Lussier third, Madison Colleran fourth and Kaitlyn Anderson fifth. Breanna Morgan took first place in the mile with a blistering time of 5:53. In the 100 Meter, Jamie Hirschfeld placed first, Riley Drometer second, Sophia Gustafson fourth and Kayla Scott fifth. Julie Letai took first place in the 800 Meter with Anna Terry placing fourth and Jamie Hollander fifth. Carina Christo came in fifth in the 400 Meter. With a strong showing in the 200 Meter, Sophia Gustafson placed first, Jamie Hirschfeld second and Jenna McNally fifth. The team of Julie Letai, Sophie Tom, Carina Christo and Breanna Morgan placed first in the 4 x 400 Relay. In the field events Macey Musto come in second in the Shot Put and Shannon Davis placed fifth. Sophia Gustafson placed second in the Long Jump and Julie Letai took fourth. Final Tally: Medfield Girls: 128, Miscoe: 81, Medway: 32
The boys' track team also had another strong showing yesterday against Medway and Mendon/Upton. In the field events, Noah Garfield and Griffin Murphy tied for first place in the high jump with John Churchill and Gideon Lung taking 3rd and 4th respectively. Jack Morrill again won the long jump with a very long jump of 14’6”. Joe Johnson won the shot with a lob of 32’6”. Justin Newman took second and Eric Plumb and Mike Mangiafico took 4th and 5th. Medfield opened the running events with a 1 – 4 place near hurdle sweep in the order of Jack Morrill, Ryan Eng, Noah Garfield and Owen Drometer, Owen also won the mile for the second meet in a row with Matt Morgan taking 3rd and Issaac Popper taking 5th. Justin Newman won the 100 meter with Scott Tatro taking 3rd place. John Churchill won the first race of his track career, taking 1st in the 800. Mike Mangiafico took second in the event and Matt Morgan took 5th. Dylan Hogan again won the 400 with Kyle Heaney taking 2nd and Eric Plumb taking 4th. Teddy Oliver also won the first race of his career, taking the 200 meter with a time of 27.90. Justin Newman took 2nd, Jack Morrill 3rd, Joe Johnson 4th and Jack Tomlin 5th, which looks like a Medfield sweep! The 4 x100 relay team of Mike Mangiafico, Teddy Oliver, Bradden Johnson, and Scott Tatro won their relay race as did the 4 x 400 relay team of Kyle Heaney, Michael Hawley, John Churchill, and Dylan Hogan. The final score: Medfield 196, Mendon/Upton 29 ½, Medway 27 ½.
The track teams both lost close meets to Westwood last Thursday (Boys: 43-39, Girls: 46.5-35.5). Details to follow next week. There is a meet this Thursday, May 15 at Hopkinton. There are no meets the week of May 19 due to the 8th grade Washington trip. The 6th and 7th graders will practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Our final two meets of the season take place at home vs. Needham on May 28 and at North Attleboro on May 30.
MTA Fundraiser
Bring your friends and join the Medfield Teachers' Association for a night of fun and painting. Artwork designs are original works from Medfield students, teachers and friends. Your instructors for the evening will also be Medfield students, teachers and friends. Supplies, including your canvas, as well as food and beverages, are included in the $30 ticket price. These paintings will make great graduation gifts, Father's Day gifts, or can be just a lovely way to brighten a room. Tickets are on sale through Wednesday, May 28th, at]http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/683425. All proceeds go to the Medfield Teachers' Association and MTA scholarships. If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Allen at [email protected].
CSA News
Royal Pizza Night Is this Tuesday ,May 13 from 4:00-9:00 PM! Skip cooking and help Blake at the same time. Thank-You Royal Pizza!
Please continue to send in box tops!
Have you checked out the updated features on Swopboard?! They now allow you to follow sellers that sell items you are interested in for the further. The first check has already been cut by Swopboard to the CSA. Make sure to sign up today and tell your friends! Any questions contact Erica Reilly ([email protected]) or Kathleen Cahill ([email protected]).
MCPE News
MCPE Annual Meeting Scheduled
The MCPE Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Zullo Gallery. The public is welcome to attend. At this meeting the annual report will be shared, the new MCPE Board Members and Officers will be announced, the recipients of the Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award, the Elizabeth G. Busconi Memorial Education Fund Grant, and the Thomas A. Reis Award will also be recognized.