5/2-5/6 - Teacher Appreciation Week
5/3-5/4 - Grade 6 ELA PARCC
5/5-5/6 - Grade 7 ELA PARCC
5/6 - Grade 6 Science Field Trip
Term 3 Interim Reports go home
5/9 - Grade 7 ELA PARCC
Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m. in Blake LMC)
5/10 - Grade 8 ELA PARCC
Grade 6 Science Field Trip Rain Date
5/11 - Grade 8 ELA PARCC
5/12 - Grade 8 ELA PARCC
5/13 - 1/2 Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
5/16 - Grade 7 Math PARCC
Grade 8 Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
Final Payment due for Nature's Classroom 2016
5/17 - Grade 7 Math PARCC
Grade 8 Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS
5/18- Grade 6 Math PARCC
Grade 7 Math PARCC
5/19-5/20 - Grade 6 Math PARCC
5/24-5/27 - 8th Grade Trip
5/28-5/30 - No Homework Weekend
5/30 - Memorial Day (No School)
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about how we appreciate teachers, this week's topic/question for the dinner table is: During teacher appreciation week, what qualities would you want to thank teachers for modeling? Please see link to Google Form to share your responses: Teacher Appreciation Week (5/2/16) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Course Selection Forms
Reminder to all 6th and 7th grade parents that course selection forms for the 2016-2017 academic year need to be turned in asap.
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 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 child. If questions still exist, you should contact the teacher directly to gain more insight.
Gettysburg Address Reader
Mrs. Hurley would like to thank all of those students who auditioned for the Memorial Day reading of the Gettysburg Address. Every Memorial Day, a Medfield 7th grader is chosen to read the Gettysburg Address at the annual Memorial Day parade. There were many talented students, and it was a difficult decision. Please extend congratulations to Taylor Guindon who was chosen to do the honors.
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
Our 8th grade closing ceremony and goodbye evening will be on Wednesday, June 22 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.
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
Technovation Update
Please wish our Technovation teams the best as they attend Pitch Night at the Microsoft NERD Center in Cambridge this Wednesday, May 4. We are proud of all of their efforts!
MCAS/PARCC Information
PARCC testing began last week. Please find the May PARCC/MCAS schedules 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.
ADL Peer Training Program
We are preparing to select and train its second cohort of 7th and 8th grade Peer Trainers in the Fall of 2015. While many of the current 7th grade Peer Trainers will be returning as 8th graders, we encourage interested 7th graders to apply with the understanding that there will be only a few openings in that grade level. 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 for new members 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 this week to share more information with students in the current 6th grade. Students in the 6th and 7th grades will receive electronic application materials via e-mail, 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 school days of training which would require students to check in with teachers to get any missed work. Heather Gonzalez and Matt Marenghi will be continuing in their roles of the Peer Trainer program advisors at Blake. I am grateful for their dedication to the program and the students. 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.
Drumming Workshop Recap
On Monday April 25th we welcomed Jeremy Cohen of This World Music to the middle school. Mr. Cohen is the founder and director of This World Music, an organization that offers innovative, hands-on cultural learning experiences with a mission of creating cultural bridges between people and communities worldwide through a shared loved of music and the arts. In his role as artist-in-residence, Mr. Cohen offered several hands-on drumming workshops for our grade six students where he taught them some fundamental drumming techniques on his ensemble of authentic Ghanaian instruments. In the afternoon Mr. Cohen gave a multimedia presentation to all grade six students where he spoke about his experiences in Africa and Ghana in particular and the role of music in Ghanaian culture. We are very grateful to MMA and K-8 PTO for sponsoring this event and making it possible to bring such a rich experience to our students. The experience was received very positively by our students as seen in the following sample of some student responses to some reflection questions:
What was one thing that you learned?
- I learned how to do all different types of drumming patterns
- That drumming is another form of language
- In West Africa drumming is more than a hobby to them. It is something that brings them together.
- I learned how to keep a steady rhythm while other instruments are playing
- It was fun but I still learned good drumming skillsIt really helped me see music in a different point of view, and a view that was really fun!
- He really taught me the language and art of drumming
- I progressed as a drummer, not only in technique, but in interest.
- It helped me see a different perspective of music
- It was fun.
- Mr.Cohen was a really good teacher and helped me see music in a different perspective
- That Mr. Cohen taught and showed me the real art of drumming.
- It was a cool learning experience
- Mr.Cohen was a really good teacher
- It was very fun and I'm glad we did it.
- I think it was good and I like it and it was cool
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.
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.
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 March, 2016
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 electronic toys, 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.
Grade 6 Standards Based Reporting Pilot and Focus Group
Thank you to all sixth grade parents/guardians who were able to come to one of our Standards Based Reporting information sessions. As promised, here is the link to the presentation...
Standards Based Reporting Presentation Fall 2015
We are also looking for parents/guardians to be part of our parent focus group. This group will be comprised of the 6th grade science teachers, administration, and parents and will meet throughout the year (Fridays at 12:30 p.m.) to discuss the work that is taking place and provide feedback. The remaining date that has been set for is: 6/3. If you are interested, please complete the form below...
Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Sign-Up
STEM/Engineering for Middle School Girls
There are many STEM/Engineering opportunities for Middle School Girls especially during the summer - check them out!
http://www.bostongirlsstem.org/programs.html
MHS Swim/Dive Team Information
MHS' Swim/Dive team invites you to join them at the Italian Groceria from 5-8PM on Tuesday, May 3rd. Thirty percent of all sales that evening will go toward the team's goal of buying towels for the 2016-2017 season. 8th Graders: Come meet our captains and learn more about our team. We'd love for you to make a splash with us next year!
All Night Grad Party Request
This week all households in Medfield received the blue ANGP flyer in their mailboxes. ANGP, better known as the All Night Graduation Party, now in its 24th year, is the safe and substance free celebration for graduating Medfield High School students. Please help make the night a success with a donation to the ANGP. Use the blue All Night Graduation Party flyer received in the mail, or send a donation to Medfield High School ANGP, P.O. Box 38, Medfield, MA 02052. Every gift helps. Before you know it your student will be celebrating this milestone. Thank you.
K-8 PTO Update
COMBINED BLAKE & MHS TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON - MAY 13TH
The theme is Farmers Market emphasizing fresh and healthy foods in a relaxed setting. We will be having a raffle as a special THANK YOU to our fabulous teachers and staff. Gift card donations are available on the Sign-Up Genius along with food donations, so please consider contributing to the luncheon in that way as a HUGE thank you.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054bacab2faa8-teacher/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please visit the Medfield K-8 PTO website or click https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fC6eFODC22eWf1TKc4YTIbSkhTtdcJfkt7oJIxhrvtg/viewform and sign-up to volunteer for the 7th grade Ice Cream Party, 8th grade Cookout and the 8th grade Closing Ceremony Reception (7th grade parents are needed for this event). We appreciate all your help and support. We couldn’t do it without you!
MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR
Attention Spring Sports Teams, Club Organizers and Administrators! Blake PTO & MyLocker are ready to get you geared up for the season and your big event. Customize EVERYTHING from text to colors and designs from sports to drama to music. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, bags, hats, blankets & more. Spend $85 or more and get a free customized t-shirt. 12% of proceeds from each order will go to your school’s PTO. NOTE: Due to different branding sizes, make sure to check all size charts when ordering to ensure you get a great fit for each product. Please contact Laura Zaher [email protected] with any questions. This is all you have to do:
- Go to shop.mylocker.net, enter your school locker number - BLAKE BD979 and use promo code b2g6dTK1
RECYCLE INKJET AND TONER CARTRIDGES
Get rid of your trash and help Blake earn cash & supplies by recycling your inkjet and toner cartridges. We accept HP, Brother, Canon and Lexmark cartridges. Collection boxes are located outside of the Library. Thanks for your help! Please contact Donna Knott at [email protected] with any questions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO , follow us on Twitter MedfieldK8PTO and check out our website http://medfieldpto.weebly.com
MCPE Update
MCPE's Fall Ball is SOLD OUT! Many thanks to those who bought a Fall Ball ticket. To add your name to the waitlist, please visit www.medfieldcoalition.org. You can also join in the fun and help us raise important funds for Medfield's five public schools by participating in the pre-event online auction which will begin on Saturday, September 17th. More information to come.
FALL BALL - ART CONTEST Deadline May 5th: Have your Medfield public school students design a poster for the MCPE Fall Ball, and the winners will have their artwork on display at the big event for all to see. Instructions and art paper were handed out to students in grades PreK-5. Students in grades 6-8 received packets in advisory, and those in grades 9-12 can pick up instructions and art paper at the front office. Please submit entries to your school's front office byThursday, May 5th. Prizes will be awarded to the two winners from each grade (PreK-12). More information can be found here: medfieldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/MCPE-Fall-Ball-art-contest-flyer.pdf
FALL BALL - COMMUNITY HELP: One of the ways we hope to raise funds at the Fall Ball is through both an online and a live auction of desirable items and exciting experiences. We're thinking outside the box and hoping you can help us take our auctions to the next level. Please click on the Sign Up Genius link (signupgenius.com/go/70a054bacab2faa8-mcpe/) to see if you're able to contribute to this very worthy cause. Thank you, in advance, for making the success of our schools a community effort. If you have something you'd like to donate that is not listed, or have any questions regarding the Fall Ball, please contact Wendi Ayer [email protected] or Kim Price [email protected].
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.