5/1-5/5 - Teacher Appreciation Week!
5/2 - 7th Grade Roman Army Presentation
Medfield Talks Presentation - Dr. Ruth Potee (7 p.m. at MHS)
5/4-5/5 - Grade 8 Math MCAS
5/5 - Jazz Night at Medfield High School
5/23 4-6 Orchestra Concert
5/10-5/11 - Grade 8 Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
5/11 - One Day Fresh Produce Drive (see details below)
Transition Planning Workshop (see details below)
5/12 - Term 3 Interim Reports go home
5/16-5/17 - Grade 7 Math MCAS
5/18-5/19 - Grade 6 Math MCAS
5/19 - 7th/8th Grade Dance
5/23-5/26 - 8th Grade Trip
5/22 - MFA Field Trip - Red Cluster
5/23 - MFA Field Trip - Blue Cluster
6th-8th Band, 7th-8th Orchestra Concert
5/24 - MFA Field Trip - White Cluster
5/29 - Memorial Day (No School)
5/31 - Blake Art Show Reception
6/1 - LGBTQ Book Club (2:30 p.m.)
6/2 - Great East Festival Music Trip
6/5 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
6/7 - PEM Field Trip - Otters
Blake New Student Orientation (2:30 p.m.)
6/8 - PEM Field Trip - Koalas
Blake Chorus Concert
6/9 - PEM Field Trip - Sea Turtles
6/19 - Transition Day
8th Grade Picnic
8th Grade Closing Ceremony (7 p.m.)
6/20 - 1/2 Day for Students
Last Day of School
Happy Summer!
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about Teacher Appreciation Week, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What do you appreciate most about the teachers in your life? Appreciating Our Teachers (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Trout Release - 7th Grade
The annual Trout Release will take place Wednesday, May 3rd during science classes.
Medfield Talks Speaker Series - 5/2 at MHS
The Medfield High School Parent Teacher Organization would like to remind you to SAVE THE DATE for the next speaker in the MEDFIELD TALKS Speaker Series on TUESDAY, May 2
from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the MHS auditorium...
Medfield Talks Speaker Series: Ruth A. Potee, MD
The Physiology of Addiction and the Developing Brain
Overview:
Dr. Ruth Potee is a practicing family physician and addiction specialist who will talk about the critical period of adolescent brain development. Her specific focus is exposure to addictive substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, and the disruption to the pathways leading to a healthy and resilient brain.
7th/8th Grade Dance Information
The third and final 7th/8th grade dance will take place Friday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Blake gymnasium. We ask that families drop students off no later than 7:15 p.m. and pick them up promptly at 9:00 p.m. (Families should contact Ms. Hurley or Mrs. Malone directly before Friday if the drop-off/pick-up times present any issues.) Students are reminded of the rules of conduct in the contract they have signed and families are encouraged to review appropriate behavior and attire with students before the dance. Students should check with Student Council if any questions remain as to whether a contract has been turned in.
Spring Reminders
This week Kelly Campbell and Nat Vaughn will meet with each grade of students at Blake in an assembly forum to share some reminders as we head into "end of year" mode. We will renew our expectations for all students with regard to good decision-making and responsible behavior across the board but especially as it pertains to the following topics:
- field trips and safety when off campus
- end of year activities
- technology and devices
- school attire
- substitute teachers
- locking up your belongings, especially after school
- being in a supervised area before and after school
- on-time arrival to school in the morning
Transition Planning Workshop
SEPAC has coordinated with the Federation for Children with Special Needs to sponsor a free workshop open to all that will provide an overview of the Transition Planning Process for students on IEPs. This workshop will be held Thursday May 11th at 7pm in the Blake Library Media Center. Please RSVP to [email protected] so that plenty of materials are available. The goal of transition planning within the IEP process is to help students receiving special education services to successfully move from school into the adult world--to live, work and participate in the community as fully and independently as possible. In Massachusetts, transition planning begins when the student turns 14 (or earlier if the IEP team agrees), and the student is invited to be part of the IEP team and participate in developing a vision and goals for their future. Transition planning encompasses the broader planning for a child with disabilities that includes academic and non-academic course and learning experience, employment and related training opportunities, community living, and leisure activities. IDEA defines transition services as a coordinated set of activities for a student designed within a results-oriented process, focused on improving academic and functional achievement and those that facilitate movement from school to post-school activities. Please join us to learn more!
Music Ensemble Selection
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete the selection form for music...
2017-18 Blake Middle School Music Selection
For Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
Below please find links to the Course Selection Google Forms that all incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete...
2017-18 Blake Middle School Music Selection
2017-18 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
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. 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." 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.
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat on Diversity - Follow Up
I encourage everyone to check out the 'storify' archive of our district-wide #MedfieldPS chat last week on diversity. 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. Hopefully you will be able to follow along, lurk, or join in one of our future chats!
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-diversity-4-26-17
(Diversity)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-literacy#publicize
(Literacy)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-58a34a86a51b8de45f9bfd78
(Differentiation)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat
(Resolutions, Reflection, and Growth)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-chat-december-20-2016-a-potluck-chat
(A Potluck Chat)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medf
(#DLDMedfield)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-safe-learning-environments
(Safe Learning Environments)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-57e2929f8c7e6bca7fc31872
(Empathy)
Blake Site Council 16-17 Survey
The Blake Site Council has been working on the development of our annual survey to students and parents. A similar survey has been administered the last three years and we are committed to having parents and students take it each year 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 and assess progress towards our mission. 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: Blake Middle School Parent Survey February 2017
The Blake Site Council has taken time to review the data collected from last year's survey. The Blake Middle School Executive Summary 15-16 of the compiled data is here for your reference, and I hope you are able to find some time to read the highlights.
What are Your Words of Acceptance?
"Acceptance is not love. You love a person because he or she has lovable traits, but you accept everybody just because they are alive and human." - Albert Ellis
A new bulletin board, set up outside the entrance to the Library, greets all those who enter Blake. Students and staff were invited to share their "words of acceptance." They could type their words, write them, draw them - whatever, and however, they wanted to express their ideas. The message is simple: "Within these Walls, All are Welcome!" Stop by and see Blake's warm-hearted thoughts.
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
Our 8th grade closing ceremony and goodbye evening will be on Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m. This evening will be our opportunity to thank and recognize our 8th graders for their years at Blake and wish them well as they head off to high school. Families are welcome, and there will be a reception with refreshments, including allergen-free treats, in the cafeteria following the ceremony. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening.
One Day Fresh Produce Drive to Benefit the Medfield Food Cupboard
On Thursday May, 11 we will be hosting a one day fresh produce drive to benefit the families who go to the Medfield food cupboard don't get the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce. Much needed items include, bags of apples, oranges , pears , carrots and we would love a donation of your favorite produce! Please deliver your items to the guidance room on May 11. The produce will be distributed that evening at the food cupboard. This effort will touch a lot of people!
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.
Spring Cleaning - Request for MakerSpace 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 in our 'maker space'. As you begin your spring cleaning efforts (optimistic, I know!), we are looking for any donations from Medfield families of: old toys and electronics, PVC pipe, felt/fabric, crafty supplies (yarn, string, makers, wipe off markers, wipe off contact paper, marbles, duct tape, wasabi tape, different types of glue), cookie cutters (variety of shapes), old tools, play dough, recyclables (anything used for storage containers/bins), cell batteries, AA batteries, conductive materials (copper wire, aluminum foil, telephone wire, washers, brackets). Any donations can be dropped off at the Blake main office and would be greatly appreciated.
Blake Track Update
Our track teams had a successful first meet against Wilson Middle School last Thursday, April 27. The schedule for this week is as follows...
Tuesday, 5/2 – home tri-meet with Medway and King Philip (3:00)
Wednesday, 5/3 – practice
Thursday, 5/4 – away meet @ Hopkinton (high school track, 3:15)
Friday, 5/5 - off
Message from Blake PTO
2nd ANNUAL BLAKE APPEAL
We have reached 50% of our $30,000 goal with a 34% participation rate. We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the 2017 - 2018 school year.
We are requesting a contribution of $50/child this year. This is a suggested amount but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute.
Making a donation is easy. Simply click on the link http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake.html and scroll down to the end of the page 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 Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE OUR TEACHERS?
Teacher Appreciation week is coming up and it is a great time to let our teachers know how much we appreciate them. We would love to flood our teachers with kind letters from parents and students during the week of May 1st - 5th. Please copy the school Principal as well so they know how much our teachers mean to all of us!
COMING SOON - PRE-ASSEMBLED SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS
School Supply Kits for the 2017-2018 school year will be available again through online ordering May 30th - June 13th. These kits are tailored to teacher’s class lists by grade. School Kidz ships the completed school supply kits directly to your selected school so your child’s kit will be at their desk the first day of school. More info coming soon!
OPEN PTO BOARD POSITION for 2017-2019 SCHOOL YEAR The town wide PTO is looking for a publicist to cover Memorial, Wheelock, Dale St. and Blake Middle School for the 2017-2019 school years. There will be training for this position. We would love to have you join our team! Please contact Kim Price for more information [email protected].
8th GRADE YEAR END COOKOUT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - We are looking for seven volunteers to help us with the 8th grade year end Cookout. Please contact Maura Gerardi if you are interested. [email protected]
STAY IN TOUCH Our email address has changed to www.medfieldk8pto.com. Make sure you don't miss out on important posts sent throughout the week. Please LIKE us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO and follow us on Twitter @MedfieldK8PTO.