May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7 - 6th Grade Math MCAS
SIPS Trash Bash
May 8 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
Peabody Essex Museum Field Trip (Koalas)
School Nurse Day
May 9 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
Junior District Jazz Festival
May 10 - 1/2 Day for Students (Professional Afternoon)
May 13 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
May 14 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
Royal Pizza Night for Blake
May 15 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
May 16 - 8th Grade Sci/Tech MCAS
May 17 - CSA Meeting (9:30 a.m.)
7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
May 21-24 - 8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
May 21 - SEPAC Mtg
May 23 - Grades 4-6 Orchestra Concert
May 27 - Memorial Day (No School)
May 28 - Blake Art Show and Reception
Subway Night for Blake
May 31 - Six Flags Music Field Trip
June 3 - 6th-8th Band Concert/7th-8th Orchestra Concert
June 5 - Blake Mini-Marathon (see details below)
June 6 - 6th-8th Chorus Concert
June 7 - Grupo Fantasia Concert for 8th Grade
June 11 - Royal Pizza Night for Blake
June 19 - 7th Grade Creature Feature Field Trip
June 21 - 7th Grade Field Trip to Boston
June 25 - Subway Night for Blake
June 26 - Transition Day
8th Grade Closing Assembly (7 p.m.)
June 27 - Last Day of School for Students/Staff
'Topic/Question for the Dinner Table'
To help bring the theme of Teacher Appreciation Week into our conversations this week, our Topic/Question for the Dinner Table this week is: Do you appreciate learning more when you appreciate teaching more?
MCAS Information
Round 2 of MCAS testing will began on Monday, May 6. 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.
Curriculum Highlights - English and Music
In our continued efforts to keep families informed and updated about the curriculum at Blake, each week we will be 'highlighting' curriculum updates from two different departments. This week's updates come from the English (Gail Duffy, Content Specialist) and Music (Doug Olsen, Content Specialist) departments...
English
Grade 6
In sixth grade, the love of literature inspired us to
finish the year by sharing our favorite classic, Tom Sawyer, with you.
His adventures, romance and the murder/mystery so hard to ignore
will be exciting for all of us to read about and explore.
We will encourage students to persuade us through the writing they do
whether Tom or dear Huck is the character to eschew.
It makes sense this blurb is in rhyme because you see…
our poetry unit just finished - and finished brilliantly.
The students final Poetry Showpiece certainly did display
all that they learned - creativity was the order of the day.
We are pleased with the progress our students have made
and wish all of them the best in future endeavors in seventh grade!
Grade 7
In Grade 7, students are reading Johnny Tremain, looking to see
What it means to come of age in Revolutionary Boston and remain free
And students can use this novel to showcase all they can be!
Working with the math department, all English teachers are helping students write
About the geometrical creatures they are building in math with all their might
And when all is said and done, Grade 7 students will share what they've done
With students in Medfield's elementary schools just for fun
Grade 8
In case you haven't heard, Grade 8 students are reading To Kill a Mockingbird
And as they read are using history to make them feel more anchored
To showcase what they learn about all, students will use their book buddy letters to recall
What they know so they can scrawl in letters sure to enthrall.
As the final days of school come near, and students can see the end of the year
They know they are ready to pioneer
Medfield High School's halls without any fear.
Music
General Music and Guitar:
In 6th Grade General Music classes, we are working on our form projects. This project is designed to help students understand the inner workings and organization of a piece of music of their choice and create a visually stimulating poster and presentation about this music.
7th Grade General Music classes are studying Elvis Presley and his contribution to Rock and Roll in the 1950's and 1960's. The Beatles come next week!
8th Grade General Music is studying Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera;" this musical's themes, characters, and voice parts. Later, we will be doing a research project on a musician of their choice and creating a power point in the library.
Members of Guitar Class continue to build technical facility on the instrument and we have recently learned about some of the great guitar players such as B.B. King.
Chorus Notes:
Our Spring Chorus Concert will be taking place on Thursday, June 6th at 7pm in the High School Auditorium. This night promises to hold many wonderful musical moments with the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Choruses performing that night. Please come out and support these talented students!
The 7th and 8th Grade Choruses will traveling with the Band and Orchestra to Six Flags for a performance and afternoon of fun on Friday, May 31st.
Orchestra Notes:
The 7th and 8th grade orchestra recently performed at the MICCA Festival and was awarded a silver medal for their performance! They are now working hard on pieces for the upcoming festival at Six Flags and the end of the year concert (June 3rd). The 6th grade orchestra is preparing for their upcoming concert on Thursday, May 23rd, which will feature the orchestra students in grades 4 - 6.
Band Notes:
Seventh and Eighth grade band students performed on the MICCA Gold Medal showcase at Mechanic's Hall in Worcester on April 14. The group earned a Gold Medal rating at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor's Association Concert Festival.
The BMS Jazz Ensembles I & II had very successful performances on Medfield Jazz Night. Jazz Ensemble I performed two pieces with guest artist and renowned jazz alto saxophonist, Jim Snidero. The group will perform at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education Junior Festival this Thursday at Stoughton High School.
Change a Light, Change the World Fundraiser
A quick reminder that the NStart fundraiser concludes on Thursday, May 9. Please bring in your forms. Remember all the proceeds from these sales go directly to the Blake CSA as NStart is donating all the products. Extra order forms are in the Blake Office and more details can be found in Thursday packets.
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.
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.
Peabody Essex Museum - Grade 6
Last week and this week sixth grade students are embarking on their journey to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. The Otters traveled to PEM on Thursday, May 2. The Sea Turtles traveled on Friday, May 3 and the Koalas will travel to PEM on Wednesday, May 8th. The goal of our visit to PEM is to understand the connected relationship America has with Asia. Our focus is on trade. The field trip is a piece of our Trade Unit. During this unit, students explore ways in which globalization and interdependence connect our world. We are happy that PEM is a part of this experience.
SIPS Update
SIPS will host the annual Trash Bash on Tuesday May 14th. Students will join together to pick up trash found across the high school and middle school campuses. At the end, students will share in pizza and discuss the larger impact trash has upon our world. Any students who are interested in SIPS should contact Mr. Gow (Room 116 or [email protected]). SIPS would like to publicly thank high school senior Bobby Tella. Bobby graciously donated $200 towards future SIPS projects. Thank you, Bobby.
Blake Mini-Marathon
Blake is in the process of planning our first annual Blake Mini Marathon - This year's race is titled "Run for One." It will take place on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 (Rain Date - Wednesday, June 12, 2013). The event is designed to bring the Blake Community (students, staff, & families) together around a common purpose. About a 1.3 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 to volunteer as well. Registration and goal setting will take place in PE classes, with the hope of 100% participation (within various roles). This year, there will be a suggested registration "fee" (donation) of $5.00 to The One Fund. More details coming soon!
iPad Program Information for Incoming 8th Graders
As you know we are expanding upon the current 8th grade iPad pilot and implementing a 1:1 iPad program for the entire 8th grade for the 2013-2014 academic year, with students purchasing their own iPads or taking part in a 'Lease to Own' program through the school. For your reference, I have posted copies of the documents that have been distributed/posted about our initiative/program (General Information, FAQ's, and 'Lease to Own' Information). 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. We currently anticipate asking for 'final decisions' mid- to late May, 2013. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief survey and am hoping for 100% participation. I have also copied the link to the iPad site (iPad Blog) and I encourage you to visit it to gain a greater understanding of the work that has taken place. We are excited about this initiative and look forward to our work together to enhance our students' education.
Blake Drama Update
Many thanks to all the parents, teachers, and most of all to the kids who made A Night of Seuss happen. The shows were outstanding and I could not be more proud of each and every one of the students. Thanks also to the friends, family, and staff that showed up to support us on Friday and Saturday night. In the next couple of weeks, we will be doing some post-show business like making sure all costumes are returned to the school or to home, etc. Please look for an update in the next blog.
Spring Track at Blake
We completed another successful track meet yesterday in Natick against two of their middle schools. The boys' track team ran last Thursday against two tough Natick teams. Andrew Garfield and Tim Graham opened the field events with 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the high jump. Justin Newman placed first in the shot put for the second time in a row, with Will Shames taking 2nd. Chris Donnelly continued his scoring streak in the long jump, this time taking 3rd. Justin Newman opened the running events with his second first place finish, this time in the 100 meter dash. Liam McNulty battled to a close 2nd place finish in the mile, edging out his nearest competitor with a gallant stretch run. Matt Keady remains undefeated in the 400, blasting to another strong first place finish. Keady’s half-lap twin, Andrew Garfield, also remains undefeated on the season in his race, the 200 meter dash. The team of Will Shames, Ryan Scales, Matt Keady and Andrew Garfield sealed the victory with an exciting come-from-behind win in the 400 meter relay. The scores: Medfield 36, Natick Wilson 30, Natick Kennedy 11. The team’s record now stands at 3 – 1 on the year.
On Thursday May 2, the Girls' MS Track Team competed against two Natick Middle Schools; Wilson and Kennedy. In the running events, Mackenzie Greene took first place in the 100 Meters. In the 800 Meters Sophie Stebbins scored an impressive second place. In the 400 Meter, Julie Letai placed second and Kathleen Lanzilla placed third. In the field events, Karris Carpenter continues to dominate in the High Jump scoring first place for Medfield. Amanda Sullivan took second place in the Long Jump. Final Results: Wilson 39, Medfield 20, and Kennedy 18. To date, Medfield Girls Track record stands at 2-2. We will have two home meets this week on Wed. and Friday.
There are some changes to our schedule for the remainder of the year...
UPDATED REMAINING BLAKE TRACK SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 8 Home vs. King Philip and Ashland
Friday, May 10 Home vs. Westwood (half-day, report to track at 2:30 P.M.)
Tuesday, May 14 @ Medway High School
Friday, May 17 Home vs. Dedham (boys and girls) and Ursuline (girls only)
Thursday, May 23 @ North Attleboro High School
Blake Baseball
The Blake baseball Warriors continue to improve with each day. We had a great game against Bellingham with excellent pitching in the second through seventh inning by Stuart Whitla and Troy Barone. We are excited to apply our honed skills following a couple of strong field practices to games this week.
Blake Softball
With a 2 win – 5 loss current record, this does not reflect the hard work and talent within our Middle Softball team. For this update I would like to highlight my outfielders. Playing in the outfield we have Ally Reine, Casey Maloney and Alina Wadness and my two pitchers Mary Cronin and Ally Carlin (they take turns in the outfield when the other is pitching). Most balls hit out to this strong outfield generally only earn a single for the other team which is a testament to just how fast they get the ball in, not to mention the odds are more in favor of these outfielders catching a pop up in the field rather than it being dropped.
Washington, D.C. Medical Forms
All medical forms for the Washington, D.C. trip need to be returned asap.
MCPE News
MCPE has invested over $71,000 in Medfield's five schools so far this year through 18 grants that cover initiatives not covered by school budgets. We thank all who have contributed so far to the special 25th Anniversary Appeal, which has raised over $81,000 to date (including proceeds from our recent online auction) -- we are getting closer to our goal of raising $100,000 for future school enrichment initiatives! Please see our website for more information about the grants and upcoming activities (www.medfieldcoalition.org) and join us for our annual meeting on May 22nd, 7:00pm, at the Zullo Gallery.