June 7 - Brackettball Tournament (See info below)
Blake Chorus Concert
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 13 - Student/Staff Softball Game (see info below)
June 14 - Blake Beautification Event and Ice Cream Party (see info below)
June 15 - Grade 7 Creature Field Trip to Elementary Schools
June 18 - Transition Day
Grade 8 Picnic
Grade 8 Closing Ceremony (7 p.m. in Blake Gymnasium)
June 19 - Last Day of School - 1/2 Day (Dismissal at 11:10 a.m.)
Memorial Day and Vietnam Memorial Project
This past week in Advisory students and staff took time to honor Memorial Day. As part of our efforts to raise money towards the construction of the Vietnam War Memorial at Blake, the red, white, and blue bracelets will be on sale for $2.00 through the end of the school year. I have copied below the press release regarding the project. Donations for this project can be made out to 'Medfield Foundation' with 'Veterans Plaque Fund' noted on the check or enclosure. These donations can be dropped off at the Blake Main Office or at Lord's. Thank you in advance for your support.
Local Committee Plans Vietnam Veterans Plaque
In the fall of 2010 a Committee of local townspeople began planning a series of Veteran Memorial Plaques at local Medfield Schools. The program was developed to both honor hometown veterans and to foster a sense of linkage between students then and students now. The first task was completed last Memorial Day 2011 when Medfield held a moving celebration honoring our hometown WWII veterans who attended Hannah Adams Pfaff High School (HAPHS), now the Dale Street School. Subsequently on Veterans Day 2011 a second plaque was dedicated to honor Korean War Veterans who attended this school. Our efforts and the two plaques erected so far were beautifully exhibited on the cover of this year’s Annual Town Report. Photo courtesy of Colleen Sullivan. The Committee which includes School Superintendent Bob Maguire, Nancy Kelly-Lavin from Lord’s Department Store, Town Historian Richard DeSorgher, Blake Middle School Principal Nat Vaughn, veterans and members of the American Legion Beckwith Post 110 Lee Tredway and Tony Centore, and Veteran Services Officer Ron Griffin is hard at work on their next and more daunting task of erecting a plaque honoring Vietnam War Veterans who were former students of Amos Clark Kingsbury High School (now the Middle School). The Committee is now planning a plaque to honor these Vietnam War veterans. This is particularly poignant as this year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Recently the Committee was approached by Medfield Boy Scout Sam Marble, who came up with the idea of having the Vietnam Memorial located outside in the grassed circle between the baseball field and the Middle School. Sam’s plan, currently under construction, includes a paved walkway and a viewing area centered around the existing flagpole. Sam’s effort is part of his application for an Eagle Scout Award. The Committee is currently investigating a stone monument with a bronze plaque inset within this paved area. Town Historian Richard DeSorgher and Veteran Service Officer Ron Griffin are currently cross referencing student and veteran names to come up with a final list for a dedication on Veterans Day 2012. Persons or relatives who served during the Vietnam Era (Feb 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975) and attended the Amos Clark Kingsbury High School are encouraged to contact Ron Griffin at [email protected] or call him at (508) 906-3025) to be sure they are included on the Memorial. Donations for this continuing and worthy project can still be made out to “Medfield Foundation” at 459 Main Street, Medfield MA. Please note on the check or enclosure “Veterans Plaque Fund.” Donations can also be dropped off at Lords. In addition the Committee hopes that all Medfield military veterans will participate in this important town project.
The R-Word is Out
I am pleased to share that a group of 8th grade students has been working to bring the 'Spread the Word to End the Word' (http://www.r-word.org/) campaign to the Blake community. Below is a description of the work that will be taking place in advisory over the next few days. I commend and appreciate our students' efforts in helping to establish an inclusive, supportive, and understanding community:
The word retard, or retarded, used to be used as a term to describe a person with an intellectual disability. When a person uses the r-word, it is hurtful to a person with an intellectual disability and all of their family and friends. A lot of kids will use the r-word in their everyday speech, not necessarily intending to use it in a derogatory way; however, a person who is overhearing someone use the word can be offended. Using the r-word also is an insult and can be considered a form of bullying. At Blake we want everyone to feel that they live in a safe community. To take action and make sure that no one has to hear the r-word, we have created a powerpoint that every student will see in advisory. The 7th graders will see the powerpoint on Wednesday, June 7, and the 6th and 8th graders will watch it on Thursday, June 8. All grades will sign a banner at lunch, pledging to remove the r-word from everyday speech.
Ribbon Drive
In an effort to show support for the Manning family, two of our eighth grade students, Nigel Reiff and Pat Coogan, have worked to organize a 'ribbon drive' for the Blake Community. The ribbon drive is an avenue of support, and all proceeds will go to support a foundation in Taylor's name. For your donation (any monetary amount is encouraged), you will receive a homemade red ribbon to wear to show Senora Manning and the entire Manning family that you care and that they are in your thoughts. Donations will be collected this Wednesday and Thursday, June 6 and 7, during lunch.
Calling All Gardeners!
Blake is in search of a group of volunteers to build several large raised garden beds in our library courtyard as we prepare to embark on a Blake community gardening endeavor. Students will be planting, tending and harvesting the gardens but we are in need of some volunteers who can lead the building effort over the next few weeks. Please contact Kelly Campbell ([email protected]) if you are interested in helping.
Music in the Parks
The BMS music ensembles had a very successful trip to the Music in the Parks Festival this past Friday. The 7th Grade Chorus earned an "Excellent" rating and won first place in the "A" Mixed Choir II division. The 8th Grade Chorus earned and "Excellent" rating and won second place in the "A" Mixed Choir I division. The 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra earned an "Excellent" rating and won first place in the String Orchestra "A" division. They also earned "Best Overall" Middle School/Junior High Orchestra. The 7th & 8th Grade Band earned a "Superior" rating and first place in the "A" Concert Band division and won "Best Overall" Middle School/Junior High Band. The Jazz Ensemble earned a "Superior" rating and first place in the "A" Jazz Ensemble division and won "Best Overall" Middle School/Junior High Jazz Ensemble. Sixth grade saxophonist, Ryan Maclean, took home the middle school outstanding soloist award. Music students were rewarded with a terrific day at Six Flags New England. Bravo to our students on their outstanding performances!
Library Books
The Blake library is in the process of collecting all library books that have been borrowed or checked out throughout the year. Please help our efforts by looking around your homes and reminding students to check their lockers, their bedrooms, and backpacks for all books. All books are due back to the library by Wednesday, June 6.
Bracketball Tournament
We will be holding our 2nd Annual Brackettball Tournament on Thursday, June 7 from 2:15-3:30pm. Teams must consist of 3 boys and 3 girls. The cost is $20/team. Each team member must have a signed form to participate. Monies raised will go to the Ken Brackett Memorial Scholarship for deserving Medfield High School senior basketball players. Forms and fees should be turned into the guidance office no later than the morning of Wednesday, June 6.
Student/Staff Softball Game
The Student vs. Teacher/Faculty softball game will take place on Wednesday, June 13 at Shonda Schilling Field at 3:00 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $2 to watch the game. There will also be a freeze-pop stand, as well as a water balloon station where students will have the opportunity to show their "thanks" to some of their teachers. Proceeds from the game will go to the Ken Brackett Scholarship Fund. The event will be a truly memorable time for everyone involved and promises to be a great way to close out the school year. Families are welcome and encouraged to join in the festivities.
Blake Beautification Event and Ice Cream Party
SIPS members and their friends are welcome to help beautify the school on Thursday, Just 14th from 2:15- 3:15pm. Ice cream will follow.
7th Grade Field Trips
All outstanding permission slips should be returned to advisors asap.
8th Grade Parents
All 8th grade parents need to stop by the nurse's office by Friday, June 15 to pick up medication from the Washington, D.C. trip. Medications not picked up by that date will be discarded.
Grade 8 Closing Ceremony
Our Grade 8 Closing Ceremony will take place on Monday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Blake gymnasium. This event is intended to provide students, staff, and families to honor and recognize our students for their accomplishments and to reflect upon their middle school years. After the ceremony we will have a reception, courtesy of CSA, in our cafeteria for students and their families. We are hoping for a 'cool weather' evening!
Exciting Blake Summer Reading Incentives
Tori Fitzpatrick, a sophomore at Medfield High School, is the force behind the New Summer Reading Incentive Program. As a former Blake student and avid reader, she realized there was no incentive for students who were not avid readers to pick up a book during the summer and read. The library staff took her idea and ran with it. Let's all congratulate and thank Tori for spearheading the change. All students are required to read the all-school book, one grade-level required book, and one optional book. Beyond those, here is the breakdown of the incentive program:
Best Buy $50 Gift Card Drawing: For every book read over the required three, up to a maximum of 17 books, students will get their names on a ticket for grade-level drawings for a $50 Best Buy Gift Card (separate card for each grade). The more you read, the better your odds!
Pizza Party/Park Street Books Trip: Read 20 books (the all school, 1 required grade level, and 18 from the grade-level optional list) and you get to take part in a pizza party followed by a trip to Park Street Books, where you may pick out a free book! Your name will also appear on 17 tickets for the Best Buy drawing!
Please refer to the Forms and Documents tab for copies of the 6th-8th grade reading lists for this summer. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Haycock at [email protected].
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.
MCPE News
Two good things rolled into one! Through MCPE's Blue Ribbon Program,you can acknowledge the excellence and outstanding service of particular teachers and staff by making a donation in their honor. A letter of your recognition will be provided to the recipient/s. In addition, your tax-deductible donation will help support future educational grants awarded to the Medfield Public Schools. What a great opportunity! To participate forms are due by Wednesday, June 13th. For more information, visit: http://www.medfieldcoalition.org/events-programs/blue-ribbon-program.html.