6/6 - Bike Trip for Eagles Cluster
PEM Field Trip for Koalas
New Student Registration
7th/8th Grade Chorus Concert
6/7 - PEM Field Trip for Otters
#MedfieldPS Chat - 8 p.m. (see details below)
6/8 - Bike Trip for Stripes Cluster
PEM Field Trip for Sea Turtles
6/12 - Bike Trip for Stars Cluster
6/13 - 7th Grade Creature Field Trip
6/14 - 8th Grade Closing Ceremony (6:30 p.m.)
6/15 - Transition Day
6/18 - Last Day of School
6/19 - Happy Summer!
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about seeking, fostering, and embracing change, our topic/question for the dinner table is: How have you changed as a learner this past year? Be specific. Seeking and Embracing Change (Week of 6/3/18) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake Site Council Survey - Please Complete
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 six years and we are committed to having parents and students take it each year as part of our continual efforts to examine our programming. Please complete the Blake Site Council survey for each child you have at Blake, and base your responses on your student's experiences this year. The survey should take about 10 minutes of your time. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. 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.
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 May 2018
2018-2019 iPad Planning Inventory
As you know we are continuing with our mobile learning program at Blake for the entire 6th-8th grade for the 2018-2019 academic year. To help us effectively plan for next year, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2018-2019 academic year) to let us know your plans for your student (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for next year, by completing this brief survey by Friday, June 1: iPad Planning Inventory at Blake Middle School for 2018-2019. Please fill out this inventory for each child that will be attending Blake next year. This decision is not binding and we recognize that your plans may change - confirmation and final decisions will be made by mid-late June, 2018. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief inventory and am hoping for 100% participation.
We have outlined the Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options (Lease-to-Own, Bring an iPad from home, Borrow) for Blake students for this program. We are committed to providing an equitable learning experience for our students and appreciate the shared commitment and investment in the education of our students. As such we have a system in place for families with demonstrated financial need.
The device selected by the students/families will suffice for the students' needs in school as long as Apple continues to update the OS (operating system) on that device. If your family intends to purchase a new device this year, these are all models that Apple has identified for continual OS updates: iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad 5th Gen, iPad Pro, iPad Pro 2, and iPad 6th Gen. We are committed to making the experience meaningful and viable for all of our students, troubleshooting challenges that arise in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Our work over the last five years has provided a foundation as our teachers and staff continue to thoughtfully implement and review the effectiveness of this initiative. It is important to keep in mind that teachers and students will be following the same curriculum frameworks and the common core Blake curriculum.
For your reference I am sharing links below to documents about our initiative/program...Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 18-19
Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options
iPad Program Estimated Lease-to-Own Pricing Structure 18-19
In the fall we will be planning an iPad/Mobile Learning/Innovation Highlights and Information Session for all Blake families. Our hope is for the entire Blake community of parents and guardians to hear and see highlights from teachers and students, answer questions, and gain an understanding of the work that is taking place. Stay tuned for more information! We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead as we work to provide your students with the opportunity to learn with meaningful technology and are hopeful that we can foster and promote a positive and relevant learning experience. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
Blake Middle School Art Show
A big thank you to our Blake students and art staff for a wonderful show last week. Thank you to Christina Delaney, Nancy Deveno, Joe Knaus, and Kate Jones for all of their work in coordinating the event!
Technovation Challenge Update
Technovation is a global entrepreneurial competition for middle school and high schools girls to collaboratively work in teams of 2-5 to help solve a community issue or problem through app development. In Blake's 4th year with participating teams, we were proud to have the following 3 teams compete tackling a range of issues from obesity to providing access to art and promoting community-based inclusive fitness opportunities. A special congrats goes out to Team Egg-Cellent for being selected to the semi-finalist round. We are wishing them luck and hope they get to move forward to the final World pitch round in San Francisco, which will be announced in a few weeks.
Team Donuts to Apples (Mia Remington and Emma Mascari)
App: Cakes to Grapes
Our vision for our app, is to have it be the go to app for kids struggling with childhood obesity, or kids that just want to be healthy in general. In the future we would like to add things like veggies, proteins, grains, and dairy, to the Eat Instead. This way kids can get a whole meal every time they click instead of just a fruit. Technovation was a great opportunity to learn how to code and how you can work together and turn your idea into an app!
Team: iT&Bit
Team Members: Rachel Parry, Isabella Iannone, Bitsy Crowley
App: Bounze
We participated in the 2018 Technovation Challenge and created an app called Bounze. The goal of our app was to get kids outside and active, while also giving them an opportunity to be social. To do this, our app let teens create and join local pickup games. Technovation taught us how to code, as well as organization and time management. We really enjoyed participating in Technovation.
Team: Team Egg-cellent
Team Members: Maeve Kennedy (CTO, CEO), Thalia Tayara (CMO, COO) Julia Wall (CRO), Caeli Sheehan (CHRO)
App: Outlet Art
We created an app designed to combat the detrimental lack of art education in America’s modern public school system. Our app, Outlet Art, provides classes, which are posted by art teachers, to students without access to art education, and allows students’ pieces to be critiqued by peers and teachers. By doing this, we will best emulate art classes. In our app, students can have access to art education, even without an art room. Teachers can help their community by sharing their knowledge, and schools undergoing budget cuts can provide our service to their students at a much lower cost than hiring an art teacher. Our team was selected out of 40 as one of the top 3 Middle School teams at our Regional Pitch, and are now semi-finalists in the Technovation Challenge. We are hopeful to one day release our app to the Google Play store and improve the lives of students everywhere.
For Incoming 6th Grade Families
Rising 6th grade families - If your student would benefit from a tour of Blake before school starts, please sign up for an August tour time slot. Ms. Allen will be in the office the week of August 20th. Feel free to bring your student on his/her own or with a small group of friends. If you'd like the tour between June 20 and August 20, please contact the main office. Mr. Vaughn or Mrs. Campbell will be happy to take you around in July or early August. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094bada922a4ff2-6thgrade …
Creature Feature Field Trip - 7th Grade
7th graders are preparing their creatures for the trip to the elementary schools. 7th graders will be visiting younger siblings or previous teachers with their creatures and stories. The creatures even come alive with the inclusion of Little Bits circuits to make them light up, move or make noise.
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat on 6/7/18
Our next district-wide Twitter chat is Thursday, 6/7 at 8 p.m. - 'Reflections on Student Learning 17-18'. The goal of these chats is to bring the five schools together (staff and administration) to discuss pertinent topics in education, initiatives, and ideas to collaborate around and share. We hope you can join in and participate!
The 8th grade cookout will take place Friday, June 15. Students will be outside and should be prepared with sunscreen and hats.
8th Grade Bike Trip
The 8th grade students will explore interesting historical sites in Medfield this week by taking guided bicycle tours to notable locations around town. The students will learn about people who have contributed to and enhanced our lives, and will learn about historic events that have happened in Medfield; as far back as 350 years ago.
Learn How to Sew!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew? Well, here’s your chance!
Learn to sew using the Makerspace’s new sewing machine mixed with embroidery -fancy sewing by hand stitches. Choose to make basic projects like bags, bandanas, banners, patches/badges with positive messages for yourself, a friend, your pet or to hang outdoors in Blake's entranceway or upcoming outdoor spaces (courtyard and outdoor classroom)! Sound good?.. then, join Mrs. Krah and Ms. Horvath next week after school !
When: Wednesday, Thursday, and Monday! (June 6,7, and 11th) from 2:10-3:10.
Location: Blaker Makerspace/LMC
Cost: $15 for materials
Sign up for Spring Intramural called SEW THIS & THAT by contacting Mr. Marenghi [email protected]
New Student Registration at Blake
Blake would like to welcome any families with middle school students moving to Medfield to attend one of the Blake Registration Days. They will be held on Wednesday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, August 20 at 10 a.m. Please call the guidance office at 508-359-2445 and speak with Debbie Avery to make an appointment to register. (After June 18, please call the main office at 508-359-2396 and speak to Mrs. Skerry). Paperwork needed to complete registration is listed on the guidance page - http://blakeguidancepage.weebly.com/new-student-information.html.
Lost and Found Items
The number of items in our Lost and Found has certainly increased! We will be clearing out the Lost and Found after school gets out - I encourage all students and parents/guardians to come take a look.
Library Reminder
This is a reminder for all families that all library books are now due back in the Blake Library. Students with checked out items were notified last week. Please encourage your child to return any library books promptly so that we can get the Library back in order before the end of the year. If the Library books are not returned, we will unfortunately have to ask for payment. Thanks for your help.
Washington, D.C. Trip - Coolers and Medications
Thank you for all of the cooler donations. They can be picked up this week at the Blake office. Mrs. Williams has also asked that medication from the trip be picked up this week. Please contact her with any questions that you have ([email protected]).
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit medfield.net and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
8th Grade Parents - Request for Tents and Coolers
We are hoping to borrow EZ up tents for end of year activities - they can be dropped in main office with names on them. Also, donations of water coolers are welcome by June 13 - if you are able to donate, please e-mail Sharon Skerry ([email protected]). Loans of lawn games such as Kan Jam, Ladder golf, Volleyball nets, wiffle ball and bat, and Corn Hole, etc. would be appreciated for just the day of the 8th grade cookout-- June 15th. All games will be returned to owners at the end of the day .
ADL Info for 7th/8th Grade FamiliesAs we begin to plan for our fifth year of the ADL peer leader program at Blake, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, we have taken time to reflect on our process of selecting students to be ADL Peer Leaders. Historically, we have asked students to respond to some questions in writing and then participate in an interview to expand on their thoughts, with the goal of selecting about 20 students. We have found each year that there are many Blake students, usually close to 80, interested in working toward a more inclusive community at Blake and the outside world. In an effort to provide access to more of these students who are interested in being changemakers, we have decided to eliminate the selection process.
We will instead welcome any student who:
- Submits a written statement of interest via Google Form which demonstrates an understanding of the mission and commitment of the ADL Peer Leader group,
- Commits to attend the three full days of training in the fall
- Commits to attend weekly after school meetings and lunch meetings twice monthly
- Expresses a comfort level with presenting to younger students in large groups.
This year ADL meetings took place on the same day as Student Council Meetings. This has been very positive as it has allowed the two student leadership groups to occasionally merge and share planning for some school-wide initiatives. The more leadership voices and role models in our school, the better! We expect to do the same again next year so students who are interested in a Student Council experience should know that ADL will meet on the same day. It will not be feasible to be part of both groups. Students will want to think about whether their focus is more on the specific topics of racial and cultural bias and discrimination at Blake and the world beyond or on planning social events and spirit activities for Blake.
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, discrimination, bias, and hate, including bullying and cyberbullying. For other students, it is an opportunity to actively promote respect for cultural differences and other human differences. And for others, it is an opportunity to build greater unity in our 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 ADL Peer Training Program. Current ADL Peer Leaders shared more information with students in the current 6th grade during assemblies at Blake on Friday, May 18th. Students in the 6th and 7th grades will receive a Google form directly today in which they should write a statement of interest and respond to a few prompts, and parents of students of students who choose to join will also receive an email in June with more information, including time commitments involved for training and participation. Commitment to this exciting program does entail a weekly after school 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. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
Take care,
Kelly Campbell
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
Our 8th grade closing ceremony and goodbye evening will be on Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 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.
Help Request from Community Service Club
Sixth grade teacher and Community Service Advisor Mr. Gow, is looking for a parent or scout group who is/are willing to assist in the construction of an outdoor classroom space at the back of the school. he is in need of trail clearing assistance and the clearing of the outdoor classroom space. Additionally, he is looking for either a wooden shed or plastic shed to store the outdoor classroom furniture and supplies. Please contact Michael Gow at [email protected] for further information.
Blake GSA Information
The Blake Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) meets every Tuesday from 2:15 - 3:00 in room 101. The GSA provides a space for open dialogue about topics such as how to be better ally and how to make our school a safe place for LGBTQ students and families. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please feel free to contact Russ Becker ([email protected]) or Amy Reynolds ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns you may have.
Mindful Mornings at Blake
Looking for a way to ease into the school day? Come to Mindful Mornings on Mondays and Thursdays at 7am in the auditorium. If you come in late, please just quietly settle in. Staff and students are welcome.
MFI Youth Leader Applications
Interested in philanthropy and giving back to your community? The MFi is currently accepting applications for their Youth Leader Program. Current 8th and 9th graders are encouraged to apply. To learn more about MFi and the youth leader program and to apply please go to http://medfieldfoundation.org/youth-leadership/ . The deadline for applications is June 8th. For more information contact Minta Hissong at [email protected] or Sue Toohey at [email protected].
Blake is Social - Submit Work!
BLAKE IS SOCIAL is our take on the literary magazines of the past! Using Instagram and the blakeissocial.weebly.com website, our hope is to digitally publish all of the creative endeavors that make our community of learners so special. Please encourage students to submit art; photography; poetry, fiction or nonfiction writing; sports photos and/or articles; videos; projects across content areas; musical compositions or performance videos etc. We would love to PUBLISH YOUR WORK.
Girls Who Care Service Drive
Please support the 10th grade Service Group, Girls Who Care, by donating NEW Personal Care Items to help parents and kids who live in the Medway House, a local shelter for homeless families.
Items needed include: Shampoo/Conditioner, Feminine Hygiene Products, Deodorant, Mouthwash, Body Wash, Toothpaste, Lotion, Hair Brushes/Hair Care Products, Kids’ shampoo/body wash/bubble bath, Kids’ toothpaste & toothbrushes, Baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby oil, baby bath/wash, baby soap, baby wipes, diaper rash ointment, Diapers (especially sizes 5 & 6)
A donation box is located in the front office.
Donations will be accepted through June 13th.
Thank you for your support!
Substitute Applications
Blake is always looking for substitute teacher applicants. Applicants need not have teaching licensure but should be energetic, flexible and enjoy working with children. For more information or to apply, please visit medfield.net and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities", the. Professional Staff Openings. Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Blake is on Facebook!
Blake is adding Facebook to our social media repertoire! You can now follow our page for the latest announcements, sharing of our school life, glimpses into special events and learning with FB Live and more...
Click this Link: www.facebook.com/BlakeMiddleSchool/ or search for @BlakeMiddleSchool
PMC Kids Ride Medfield
Hello! Zoe Lewis, Olivia Price and Kim Price are organizing the PMC kids ride in Medfield! The ride will be held on June 9, 2018 looping through the Medfield High School and Blake Middle School. This year our ride will be held for kids in grades K-8 and they will have a chance to ride their bikes for a good cause. The Kids PMC strives to get young cyclists interested into raising money for cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In addition to promoting fitness and physical activity, the program engages youth in charity work and teaches them values of working to benefit others. We, along with many others, have a loved one that has been diagnosed with cancer. We want to support the PMC’s mission of making a change and to start this adventure by bringing the PMC Kids Ride back to Medfield, with the support of our friends, family, and young riders and volunteers like you. Please join us on June 9th for the Medfield Kids PMC Ride. Check-in starts at 10:00 am and the ride will begin at 11:00 am. The riders have one hour to complete as many loops around the course as they can or want to. Stick around for activities and family fun after the ride! For more information about the ride, registration and volunteering, please visit the Medfield PMC Kids Ride website: kids.pmc.org/Medfield
Update from Blake PTO
BLAKE APPEAL - There's still time to contribute! We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the next school year. We are requesting a contribution of $50/child this year. This is a suggested amount but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Making a donation is easy. Simply click on the link http://www.medfieldk8pto.com/blake.html and scroll down to the end of the page or send a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO to Blake at 24 Pound St. Medfield, MA 02052. Thank you in advance for your support of the Blake PTO. Please feel free to contact Claudia Rosen [email protected] or Keven Gallagher [email protected] with any questions.
GET YOUR MEDFIELD WARRIOR SIGNS, COASTERS, TRAYS, ETC! Rustic Marlin Designs has designed a line of wood-based Medfield Warrior products (signs, coasters, flags, trays, blocks, etc.) that will be carried exclusively at Be Charmed, a new store in town! Be Charmed is located at 70 North Street. 75% of the profits from the sale of the Warrior line will go to both the PTO and MCPE! It’s a great way to get Warrior merchandise while supporting a new local shop and raising money for our schools! GET YOURS TODAY!
STAY IN TOUCH Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO and follow us on Twitter @MedfieldK8PTO. And for more information and calendar of events, please check out our website medfieldk8pto.com