May 8 - Royal Pizza Night for Blake (see info below)
May 9 - Student Recognition/Achievement Parent Discussion (9 a.m. at Blake)
8th Grade Math MCAS
May 10 - 8th Grade Math MCAS
May 11 - 1/2 Day for Students
May 14 - 8th Grade Science/Technology MCAS
6th Grade Math MCAS
May 15 - 8th Grade Science/Technology MCAS
6th Grade Math MCAS
May 16 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
May 17 - 7th Grade Math MCAS
May 18 - 7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
May 22-25 - 8th Grade trip to Washington, D.C.
May 23 - CSA Meeting (7 p.m.)
May 24 - 4th-6th Grade Orchestra Concert (7 p.m.)
May 28 - Memorial Day; No School
May 29 - Blake Art Show
May 30 - Jazz Night (see details below)
June 1 - Music Department trip to Six Flags
June 4 - Site Council Mtg (3:15 p.m. in Blake LMC)
6th-8th Grade Band and 7th/8th Grade Orchestra Concert (7 p.m.)
June 7 - Blake Spring Chorus Concert (7 p.m.)
June 8 - Grade 7 Field Trip to Boston
Grade 6 Rock-n-Bowl Field Trip
June 12 - Medfield High School Fall Sports Night (see info below)
June 18 - Transition Day
June 19 - Last Day of School - 1/2 Day (Dismissal at 11:10 a.m.)
Sports Events
May 8 - Baseball/Softball vs Millis (3:30 p.m.)
May 10 - Baseball/Softball @ Wayland (3:30 p.m.)
May 14 - Track @ Hopkinton (3:00 p.m.)
May 15 - Baseball/Softball @ Dedham (3:30 p.m.)
May 16 - Track vs King Philip (3:00 p.m.)
May 17 - Baseball/Softball vs Ashland (3:30 p.m.)
May 21 - Baseball/Softball @ Hopkinton (3:30 p.m.)
May 30 - Baseball/Softball @ Hopkinton (3:45 p.m.)
May 31 - Baseball/Softball vs Wayland (3:30 p.m.)
Track @ Westwood (3:00 p.m.)
June 1 - Track vs Franklin (3:00 p.m.)
Student Recognition/Achievement Discussions
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. As our mission statement states, it is our goal to challenge and support all of our students, encouraging them to explore new opportunities for learning and growth: The mission of the Thomas A. Blake Middle School is to create a challenging and supportive atmosphere where each student, during the transitional years, is encouraged to explore and develop unique academic skills, artistic talents and physical and personal strengths. As such, we have been examining and discussing the practices we have in place, as well as exploring other options to recognize our students in a healthy, appropriate, and productive manner. I would like to extend an invitation to parents in the Blake community to a parent discussion/forum focused on this topic. 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. The Blake Site Council meeting on Monday, May 7 (3:15 p.m. at Blake) was dedicated to this discussion, and we will also have a discussion on Wednesday, May 9 at 9 a.m. in the Blake Consumer Science room. All parents are invited.
MCAS Information
MCAS testing will begin on Wednesday, May 9. 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. Parents should also take time to review the rules regarding electronics (kindles, phones, cameras should be kept in lockers during all test administration sessions). 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.
National School Nurse Day National School Nurse Day was established in 1972 to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. National School Nurse Day (May 9, 2012) falls on the Wednesday during National Nurses Week, May 6 – 12, ending on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing. Please join us in honoring and thanking Tricia Williams for all of her efforts in maintaining a safe environment for all of the students and adults in our community.
Term 3 Interim Reports
This past Friday students and staff took time to review the Term 3 interim reports and work was done to establish productive goals for the rest of the year. 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. All 'sign-off' sheets were due back by today, so be sure that outstanding forms are returned.
8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
The Rules and Regulations signature sheets were due Monday, May 7. Please be sure to have your students turn them in to their advisors immediately. A copy of the Rules and Regulations can be found on the Forms and Documents tab of this blog. All medications (prescriptions and over-the-counter) are past the due date. If you have not been able to get your child's medication in, please make arrangements to get the medication to our school nurse as soon as possible. Any questions or concerns, please call or e-mail Tricia Williams, RN at (508) 242-8554 or [email protected].
High School Musical
Thanks to everyone who came out to see High School Musical last weekend. It was a huge success! Please take a moment to look at the program on the Forms and Documents tab to see all the participants that made up this wonderful show. This Friday during our half day, the cast and crew will be performing again for Blake. The cast and crew should attend a rehearsal on Thursday, May, 10th from 3-5:15. There will be a study hall in the cafeteria from 2:15-3pm. Students participating in the show should plan on arriving Friday morning at 6:45am to prepare for the show. They should meet Ms. Allen in the auditorium at that time.
Gettysburg Address Contest Winner
Every year the town of Medfield celebrates Memorial Day with a parade and a ceremony to honor those that have given their lives while serving in the military in the center of town. Each year a 7th grader from Blake plays a major role by reading the Gettysburg Address at the event. Competition for the event is stiff as students try to earn a spot to represent the grade at the ceremony. Interested competitors are asked to memorize the first half of the Address and deliver it to the three social studies teachers. They are judged on the delivery of the message, the clarity of ther voice, the volume of their presentation, and the connection they make with the judges. This year, Liam Dewey, has won the honor of representing the 7th grade and delivering Lincoln's famous speech at the Memorial Day Ceremony. The parade will begin at 9:45 with the ceremony at Veterans Park to follow.
Spirit Week Wrap-Up
Student Council's Spirit Week was a HUGE success! It was wonderful to see students and staff show their Blake spirit throughout the themed days this past week. There was a feeling of pride and belonging surging through the hallways as everyone dressed tacky, futuristic, funky, formal, and sporty! Among the notables for each themed day:
Tacky tourist/crocs & socks: Tom Dugan, Jenevieve Erickson, Ali Smith, Emily Bozadjian, Julie Letai, Cole Foster, Alie Reiling & Jacqueline Shortsleeve
When I grow up: Zoe Smith, Sydney Joline, Kathleen O'Connor, Bianca Bisciotti, Meredith Cox, Kayla Scott, Emma Nedell Brendan Manning, AJ Smith, & Macey Musto
Funky Print: Jenevieve Erickson, Alexa Desjourdy, Abby Matthews & Caroline Arcari
Formal Day: Andreas Michaelidis, Brigid Hern, Izzy Duprey, Grant Schilling, Colin Wirsig, and Mrs. McClelland
Medfield Sports Day: Kathleen O'Connor, Tim Collins, Mrs. Kearney's entire homeroom
Summer Skills Math Book
The order form for the Summer Skills Sharpener can be found on the Forms and Documents tab of this blog. These books are recommended by the math department for students to work on strengthening their math skills over the summer months. If you would like to purchase a book for your son or daughter, please fill out the information on the form and return the slip and a check for $17 made out to Blake Middle School to your child's current math teacher by Friday, May 18. If you are ordering multiple books, please use a separate form for each order - this will help us in the distribution process.
Medfield Jazz Night
Medfield Jazz Night is May 30! Tickets are available to the general public at Lords. With Grammy-nominated trombonist Conrad Herwig on board, plus MHS Jazz 1's participation in both Mingus and Essentially Ellington this year, May 30 is guaranteed to be a HOT night of music! Do not miss this night, which will also showcase the talents of MHS Jazz 2, Jazz Choir and the Blake Jazz Band. Surprises are in store!
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.
Track Schedule Update
The home meet with King Philip originally scheduled for Thursday, May 10 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 16.
Girls' Track
After an extremely hard fought battle with Mendon/Upton, the Blake Girls Track Team remains undefeated. In the High Jump Karris Carpenter took first place with Kate Peterson placing second. In the Shot Put event, Kathleen Lanzilla finished in second place with Shannon Davis taking third. In the running events Blake Girls again swept in the 100M Hurdles with Annie Phipps taking first place and Lauren Stikeleather and Olivia Feldman tying for second. Krissy Rimmel continues to amaze winning first place in the Mile with a blistering time of 6 minutes! Also placing in the Mile was Madelyn Long with a third place finish. In the 800 Meter Race, Medfield scored well with Bianca Bisciotti taking second place and Ali Clower finishing in third. In the 400 Meters Shannon Delaney placed second with Sophia Ouimette taking third. Medfield had a strong showing in the 200 Meter race with Karris Carpenter placing first and Rebecca Shames taking the second place prize. Medfield finishes a very tight race with a score of Medfield 43, Mendon/Upton 43!
Boys' Track
The boys' track team remains undefeated on the season with a pounding victory over Mendon/Upton last Thursday. The field events started with the second shot put double Lundy/Maritan sweep of the year with Jeff Lundstrom taking 1st, Mike Lundstrom 2nd, and Andrew Maritan 3rd. Pat Coogan and Andrew Maritan took 2nd and 3rd respectively in the long jump and Matt Keady won the high jump. Binit Shah and Joey Plumb opened the running events with a 2nd and 3rd place finish in the hurdles. Blake then swept the mile in the order of Binit Shah, John Beaudoin, and Jack Nedell. Speaking of sweeps, we did it again in the 100 meter with a 1, 2, 3 Pat Coogan, Paul Bryant, and J.P. Harrison finish. Jack Doherty and Liam McNulty ran strong 800's finishing 2nd and 3rd. What's that, do I hear a broom? Why yes, it's the sound of another sweep, this time with a J.P. Harrison, Matt Keady, and Andrew Maritan finish in the 400 meter. Lastly, Pat Coogan again won the 200, with Alex Papadinoff taking 3rd. Final score: Blake 59, Mendon/Upton 26.
Attention Gymnasts
The High School Gymnastics team is seeking experienced gymnasts for next years varsity team. The Gymnastics season runs from after Thanksgiving break, until February vacation, and meets Monday thru Friday 4pm-6pm at Quiggs Gym in Bellingham. (Transportation is not provided by the school, but carpooling would work out to one trip per parent per week as the team needs about 5 girls.) The team, which is a cooperative with Dover-Sherborn and Ashland, has enjoyed great success over the years, but unfortunately is at risk of being cut this year due to low enrollment from Medfield. If you are interested in joining the team, Please contact Jon Kirby, the High School Athletic Director at [email protected]. Or 508-359-4809. If you would just like to chat with another parent, you can contact Colleen Chadwick via e-mail at [email protected] or via phone at 508-596-0893.
Medfield High School Fall Sports Night
All parents and athletes are requested to attend the Fall Sports Night for information on the 2012 season on June 12, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. All incoming 9th grade parents will meet the Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer in the Middle School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. for an introduction to Medfield athletics. At 7:15 p.m. all fall athletes and parents will meet in the High School auditorium for general expectations and then proceed to classrooms to meet with fall coaching staff. Please bring all required forms and fee checks. The informational flyer can be found on the 'Forms and Documents' tab of this blog.
Arts and Athletics Golf Tournament
The first Arts and Athletic Golf Tournament is being held on Friday, June 15. This golf tournament is being presented in partnership with the Zullo Gallery Center for the Arts. The informational flyer and registration form can be found on the 'Forms and Documents' tab of this blog.
CSA News
The Blake Summer Reading Book Sale is going on now until June 1. Park St. Books of Medfield is giving 40% of all profits to Blake CSA. Book descriptions and order forms should have gone home with your student and are available on the Blake website as well as at Park St. Books. If you go to the store directly make sure you fill out the order form so that Blake CSA gets the 40% back. Join us on May 15 from 6:00-9:00 PM for an Open House at Park St. Books.
Royal Pizza Night Fundraiser – Tuesday, May 8th is our Royal Pizza Fundraiser. With Spring sports up and running, make your life a little easier with Royal Pizza for supper. This is an easy way to support Blake CSA and a local business. Thank you for your support.
We just received a check for $295 from Box Tops for Education! We have received just under $1000 this year from this program. Great job! Keep on clipping and don't forget to send your box tops in with your students. The collection box is on the counter in the main office. Box tops will be collected through the end of the school year. We are now building on the first check to arrive next December. Thank you for your support of this program. Our children all benefit from this "free money."