5/5 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
5/6 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
Grade 6 Geology Field Trip
5/7 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
MEFA Early College Planning Seminar (6:30 p.m.) - see details below
Go Fresh Night for Blake
5/8 - 1/2 Day for Students
Student Recognition Parent Coffee/Discussion (see details below)
Term 3 Interim Reports go home
Professional Afternoon for Staff
5/11 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
5/12 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
Royal Pizza Night for Blake
5/13 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
5/14 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
5/15 - 7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
5/19 - Royal Pizza Night for Blake
5/19-5/22 - 8th Grade Memorials, Monuments, and Museums Trip
5/21 - Grade 6 Orchestra Concert
5/26 - Memorial Day
5/26-5/29 - Blake Art Show
5/27 - Blake Art Show Reception
MCPE Annual Meeting
5/29 - Blake Six Flags Music Trip
6/1 - Grade 6-8 Band, 7-8 Orchestra Concert
6/2 - Blake Chorus Concert
6/3 - CSA Meeting (7 p.m.)
6/4 - Go Fresh Night for Blake
6/10 - PEM Field Trip for Koalas
6/11 - PEM Field Trip for Otters
6/12 - PEM Field Trip for Sea Turtles
Grade 8 Mandarin Field Trip
6/17 - Grade 7 Creature Feature Field Trip
6/19 - Grade 7 Field Trip to Boston
6/22 - Transition Day
Grade 8 Closing Ceremony/Graduation
6/23 - Last Day of School
Happy Summer!
Topic/Question(s) for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations about the roles creativity, questions, and an openness to possibilities play in both teaching and learning, our topic/question of the week is: If you say "show me what you learned, in a creative way; don't ask me if your way is ok, just surprise me", what will you do after that?
Teacher Appreciation from Student Council
Student Council would like to thank the teachers at Blake this coming week for all they do - IT'S TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK- each day next week will feature different educational subjects, complete with a "ode of the Day" in the announcements and email, and goodies for teachers in the teachers cafe!!
Student Recognition at Blake - How Relevant are our Practices? A Parent Coffee/Discussion
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.
Our goal is to challenge and support all of our students, encouraging them to explore new opportunities for learning and growth. We strive to make sure that all of our endeavors are in line with our mission:
Blake Middle School believes in a living mission statement, based on the concept that our community seeks and respects knowledge, integrity, character, wisdom, and the willingness to adapt to a continually evolving world.
As such, to assure we are recognizing our students in a healthy, appropriate, and productive manner we are examining/discussing practices we have in place (i.e. the honor roll, cluster recognition, individual recognition), as well as exploring other potential options/practices/protocols.
I would like to extend an invitation to parents in the Blake community to a parent discussion/forum focused on this topic - Friday, May 8 at 9:20 a.m
. Blake staff members and current Medfield High School students (Blake alumni) will be joining the discussions to offer their perspectives and insight as well.
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. Please RSVP via this Google Form...
Student Recognition Parent Coffee/Discussion - 5/8/15
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
Our 8th grade closing ceremony and goodbye evening will be on Monday, 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.
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.
Washington, D.C. - 8th Grade
The D.C. itinerary was sent home this past Friday.
Seventh Grade Heads to Boston!
This week seventh grade students will be receiving field trip forms for the June 19th trip to the Freedom Trail in Boston. Students should return their permission slips and checks to their English teachers by the end of the week. There will also be an attached sheet for any parent interested in being a chaperone on the trip.
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.
MCAS Information
Round 2 of MCAS testing began on Monday, May 4. 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.
Spring Reminders
Last week Kelly Campbell and Nat Vaughn met with each grade of students at Blake in an assembly forum to share some reminders as we head into "end of year" mode. We renewed 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 dress
- 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
ADL Peer Training Program
It is hard to believe that, with the continued support of the Medfield Coalition for Public Education, Blake is already preparing to select and train its second cohort of 7th and 8th grade Peer Leaders in the Fall of 2015. While many of the current 7th grade Peer Leaders 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 Leadership 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 email on May 4th, 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 Leader 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.
Nature's Classroom Information
All Nature's Classroom final invoices were sent on Tuesday, May 5. Friday, May 15 is the final due date to turn in all Nature's Classroom payments and paperwork to advisory teachers. After May 15 all materials should be turned in directly to Mrs. Avery in the Guidance Office.
Community Service Club Website
Check out the Community Service Club's new website - Blake Community Service Club. Kudos to 8th grader Bekah Morrison for leading this endeavor!
Course Selection Forms
Reminder to all 6th and 7th grade parents that course selection forms for the 2015-2016 academic year need to be turned in asap.
Parent Information Nights for 2015-2016
For your reference and information, here are links to the presentations and handouts from the parent information nights...
Blake Incoming 6th PIN 2015 Presentation
Blake Incoming 7th PIN 2015 Presentation
Nature's Classroom Trip Slideshow
Nature's Classroom Trip Documents and Forms
Blake Incoming 8th PIN 2015 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2015
Blake Program of Studies 2015-2016
iPad Program Update and Planning for 2015-2016
The Blake iPad Program Update for 15-16 was sent to all current 5th-7th grade families on February 5, 2015. This link outlines information for all Blake families outlining information about the iPad program for all Blake students for 2015-2016. To help us effectively prepare and plan our efforts, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2015-2016 academic year) to answer the questions on this Google Form survey: Incoming 15-16 iPad Program Planning Survey. Please fill out the survey for each child that will be attending Blake next year. Your responses are not binding and we recognize that your plans may change, but the initial feedback will assist us with our planning. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief survey and am hoping for 100% participation. For your reference I have posted links below to documents about our initiative/program…
Mobile Learning in Medfield (our blog, highlights, etc.)
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning Participation Options 15-16
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 15-16As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
Ted Talk Club
The remaining dates for Blake's Ted Talk Club are below. We may try to squeeze a make up date in there too but we will let you know if advance.
Meeting 14 - June 5
Please let Mr. Hellerstein or Ms. Allen know if you have any questions.
Blake Track Update
Tuesday, 5/5 - practice
Wednesday, 5/6 - practice
Thursday, 5/7 - meet vs.Westwood at the Westwood High School track
Friday, 5/8 - off (half day)
Early College Planning Information Night
Blake Middle School will be hosting MEFA's Early College Planning Seminar for Parents on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. 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.
What is ANGP?
ANGP stands for All Night Graduation Party, a 23-year tradition for graduating Medfield High students. In this week’s mail you will receive a blue fundraising flyer seeking support for the ANGP. Please consider a contribution of any amount to help off set the cost of throwing this wonderful party and right of passage for the Class of 2015. In a few short years it will be your student’s turn to celebrate. Be part of the send off for the Class of 2015. Mail your tax-deductible donation to Medfield High School ANGP, P.O. Box 38, Medfield, MA 02052. Thank you.
CSA News
New CSA Fundraiser:
Please send your student in with $10 (cash or check made payable to Blake CSA). Immediately after school there will be a table set up at the entrance. They can quickly select their potted flower and gift bag to place the flower in. This giftbag will eliminate any soil spillover as well as create a nice presentation. Honor all of the special Mothers in your lives; moms, grandmoms, aunts, special neighbors....... and help your child's school at the
same time. Thank you in advance!
Thursday May 7 is The Blake Middleschool Fundraiser at GO Fresh from 4-9:00 PM . Go Fresh will donate 15% to Blake Middle School for purchases made during that time. Please see flyer for addtional information. Thank-You Go Fresh!
Box Tops competition wrapping up soon. Keep sending those Box tops in
The last CSA meeting fo rthe Year is June 3 @ 7:00 PM
MCPE News
Blue Ribbon Program for Showing Appreciation. Are you looking for a way to let a member of our school community know just how much you and your child appreciated them? Consider MCPE's Blue Ribbon Program: www.medfieldcoalition.org/events-programs/blue-ribbon-program. Requests need to be submitted by June 19th.
The AmazonSmile Program is perfect for Mother’s and Father’s Day shopping and is an easy way to support Medfield Public Schools, at no additional cost to you. Every time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will automatically donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to MCPE, and, good news: your Amazon Prime account will continue to work the same way. As always, please support our local businesses, but for those items you can't purchase locally, think of AmazonSmile and MCPE!
MCPE Annual Meeting Scheduled
The MCPE Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 27th at 7:00 PM 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.