9/27 - Eagles Canoe Trip
9/28-9/29 - Stripes Canoe Trips
10/2 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
10/3-10/4 - Stars Canoe Trips
10/5 - Eagles Canoe Trip
10/6 - Half Day for Students
Professional Afternoon for Staff
10/9 Columbus Day (No School)
10/10-10/13 - Nature's Classroom Trip
10/13 - MCAP Meeting
10/17 - Medfield Talks - Challenge Success (7-8:30 p.m.)
10/19 - Blake Picture Retake Day
10/20 - 7th/8th Grade Dance (7-9 p.m.)
10/24 - #GlobalMakerDay
10/27 - 8th Grade to Tri-County
10/31 - Happy Halloween!
11/6 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
11/10 - No School (Veterans Day)
11/10-11/12 - Blake No Homework Weekend
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about questions, reflection, and honest struggles, our topic/question for the week is: What question(s) can you ask to help solve the problem(s) you want to solve? Process of Questioning (Week of 9/24/17) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
8th Grade American Mathematics Contest
The 8th Grade American Mathematics Contest (AMC 8) is a multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. It is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. The contest is held yearly in November. Students from all over the country participate in this contest both individually and on a school-wide basis. In the past, students in 8th grade Algebra I accelerated have participated. We will continue this tradition, but would like to extend the opportunity to participate in the AMC8 Contest to all 8th grade math students this year.
The exam will be given during E period on Tuesday November 14th. Students who do not have math during this time slot will be excused from their class. Although the test is challenging, it certainly allows for a variety of learners to meet success and experience a high level of mathematical thinking. Below are several links that will allow you to explore this contest. All students in Algebra I Accelerated math classes have been registered. If your child is in Math 8-1 or Math 8-2 and you are interested in having your child participate in this test, please complete this Google form to sign up. Please note: If your child is in Algebra I Accelerated, they have already been registered.
For information about the AMC 8 Contest, click here.
For sample test questions, click here.
It is important to register by Wednesday October 11, 2017. As always, please do not hesitate to contact your child's math teacher or Susan Bycoff at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Blake Student Council
Thank you to all Blake students who ran for Student Council and congratualtions to this year's elected representatives. A list of representatives can be found on the Student Council website and our first meeting is Thursday 9/28 at 2:10pm in room 303!
9/11 1-Day Donations
A delayed but heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to either the DonorsChoose.org Hurricane Relief or the Medfield Food Cupboard (or both)! As always the Blake community was extremely generous. We had a very large collection of needed items for the Food Cupboard and raised $630 for Hurricane Harvey and Irene relief. The money will go to projects like replacing carpet and books in flooded libraries throughout areas recently ravaged by Harvey and Irene. Thank you again for your support of our own community members and our neighbors in the South.
Seventh Grade Trip to Nature's Classroom Reminders
Please note: Our trip follows a long weekend this year. It is important to email Mrs. Silva, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Campbell (all three please) if your child receives an injury over the Columbus Day Weekend that limits your child’s mobility. If your child becomes ill over the weekend, and requires a new medication during the trip, please bring the med administration form to the doctor with you and drop off the medication with Mrs. Williams the morning of the trip.
It’s going to be an early start! Get ready for the 6:10 am drop off on Tuesday, October,10! Seventh graders should report to their bus to get their luggage tags. If your child is unable to go at the last second, please call the Blake office and your child’s roommate. We will find another room for the roommate to stay in at Nature’s Classroom.Packing: A packing list and final details can be found here Nature's Classroom Final Details. On Monday,10/9, a sheet will be sent home with your child's bus and room number. The sheet also lists the type of beds in the room. If you are sending your child with sheets, please check for the form. Some rooms have full and queen sized beds. Roommates can arrange which beds they will be sleeping in. Folding beds will be brought in if needed to provide a bed for each student.
Nature's Classroom Final Details 2017
Medication: Please be sure your child takes their morning medications at home before the trip.
Bus Ride: Please be sure your child is dressed for the day when they board the bus. Long pants please and closed toe shoes. Rain jackets if it is rainy. They should have a nut-free snack, a filled water bottle and a book or non-electronic game to keep them busy. We expect to be home at 2:30pm on Friday. We will be in touch with Mr. Vaughn to update our progress. Watch for his Tweets!
Electronics: Please do not allow your child to bring electronics or cell phones in any form. They are not allowed on the trip.
Follow us at NC! Follow #blakeatnc and @kmcsoup for photos and updates throughout the week. Daily email updates will be sent each day as well.
We are looking forward to the trip! Contact Judy Silva [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
Blake Podcasts - Stay Tuned!
Stay tuned in the next two of weeks for our next episode of "Game Changing News". We will discuss the latest from Apple and the innovative and life changing possibilities this company is providing. In addition, we will discuss current events such as the recent hurricanes and earthquakes that have affected the lives of so many all over the world. We will be reaching out to staff and students for their personal stories about anyone who has been or is connected to our current record setting hurricane season and the earthquakes in Mexico.
Check out EveryDay Blakers Podcast!
Medfield Talks - Challenge Success - 10/17/17
The first 'Medfield Talks' presentation for 2017-2018 is scheduled for October 17. Challenge Success (challengesuccess.org) will be presenting 'The Balanced Student' from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Medfield High School auditorium. Stay tuned for more information.
Blake Fall Intramurals
The 2017 Fall Intramural offerings are now available at: http://blakemsintramurals.weebly.com/ Please check them out at the following link and let Matt Marenghi (Intramural Director) know if you have any questions or concerns: [email protected].
iOS Update Information
Apple recently released the next big iOS update with several bugs and glitches. We are asking you to please wait until our Technology Director, Mr. O'Corcora feels it is safe for you to install it on your school device and that the school-based apps are also updated to work with iOSX. It may be another week or two. Students should watch for an update from Mrs. Horvath for more information.
School Absence Reminder
This is a reminder for parents that a student's absence or tardiness must be reported by a written note or a parental telephone call to the school absence line (508-242-8501) by 8 a.m.
Blake Parent Nights for Fall 2017
For your reference and information, here are the links from our parent information nights...
Grade 6 Fall 2017 PIN Presentation
Nature's Classroom Fall 2017 Presentation
Grade 7 Fall 2017 Presentation
Memorials, Monuments, and Museums Presentation Fall 2017
Grade 8 Fall 2017 PIN Presentation
8th Grade Trip Information
8th Grade Trip packets went home with Grade 8 students on Monday, Sept. 11. The trip deposit and signed permission slip are due to your child's Advisory teacher by October 2. On-line registration with our tour company, Worldstrides, is to be completed by October 31. Please see trip packet for details and instructions. For your reference and for more information, here is a link to the 8th grade trip presentation...
Memorials, Monuments, and Museums Presentation Fall 2017
Parent/Guardian Sign-Offs
All families should have received an e-mail from '[email protected]' with 'Emergency Contact Information' in the subject line. We are asking all families to complete this digital sign-off for most of the beginning-of-year forms...
- Student Responsible Use Guidelines/Acceptable Use Policy
- School Handbook (and Addendum, where appropriate)
- Free and Reduced Lunch
- Your child's emergency contact information (all students) and additional contact/authorizations (Grades 1 through 5 only).
- Photo release form
Theme of Diversity for 2017-2018
Our theme for this academic year at Blake is one of Diversity. We believe that this theme will extend the work we have done over the last five years with our themes of Community, Perseverance, Creativity, Acceptance, Collaboration, and Empathy. As a staff we have begun brainstorming ideas and I encourage all families to join us in the brainstorming process as well. As ideas and thoughts come to mind, do not hesitate to e-mail me ([email protected]) or Kelly C. ([email protected]).
Social Emotional Learning Resource for All Families
I want to remind you about our website that comes from the Office of Social/Emotional Learning (www.medfieldsel.com). Included in the website is information regarding our current list of mental health resources, information about our RISE Transition Program, and a lot of information about Social/Emotional Learning. In addition, in our “In The News” tab, you will find articles that we feel may be of interest, including current trends that may affect our kids. Check back often, as there are new things to read all the time. The “Communication” tab will bring you to letters that this office has sent out during the course of the school year, so if you want to refer back, it is easy to find. Medfield Public Schools is taking the commitment to Social/Emotional Learning very seriously, so check out the site, browse around, and use it as a way to ignite conversation with your kids. - Dr. Dave Worthley (@DrWorthley)
Recess Donations
This year we are continuing with recess as part of our Advisory structure. A great deal of research evidence shows that students are more productive and intellectually engaged when a physical and or mental 'break' is provided in the middle of the day. We are looking for donations from families to provide options for students during this time: frisbees, wiffle balls/bats, kickballs, tennis balls, single and double jump ropes, volleyballs, foam footballs, soccer balls, and hula hoops. If you have done some 'fall cleaning' and have extra items that could be donated, have students drop them off in the main office. Thank you in advance for your help.
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". Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Substitute Nurses
As with our teaching positions, from time to time our nurse, Tricia Williams, will be out of the building and we need a substitute nurse for these days. We are fortunate that we have several substitute nurses in the district who are able to work on those days. If you are a registered nurse and have an interest in potentially serving as a substitute throughout the year, please let us know. You can contact me ([email protected]) or Tricia Williams ([email protected]). By the same token, if you have friends in the area who would have an interest in serving as a substitute, please let them know that they can contact us as well. The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority, and we would appreciate your interest in one of these roles.
Medfield Angel Run
Angel Run news. "Oh say can you sing?" The MFi Angel Run is holding a contest to sing the National Anthem at the start of this year's race on Sunday, December 3rd. Audition videos must be submitted by November 1st for consideration. See full details on the MFi website medfieldfoundation.org and while you are there sign up for the race also by November 1st for early bird for t-shirt and discount.
Blake PTO News
BLAKE PTO MEETING IS SEPTEMBER 26 AT 7:00 PM HELP!!! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 2017/18 SCHOOL YEAR! There are opportunities to help with special parties and projects, box tops, school supply kits and more! Sign-up using the Blake Volunteer Sign-Up Form.
ONGOING BLAKE APPEAL - We need your help so we can continuing funding enrichment programs and future initiatives for the 2017 - 2018 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.
KEEP 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
Update from MCPE
Thank you, Medfield, for visiting our booth on Medfield Day. Just another reminder of what an incredible community we have. We have also received great feedback from parents about the movie we debuted on PIN nights. So happy to show off so many of the incredible ways we have helped put your dollars to work in our five schools!
SAVE THE DATE! Our fun and fierce Community Trivia Night will, once again, be held on Friday, November 3 at the Medfield Legion. Sign-ups begin on 9/25. Get your teams of 4 together now, this is typically a sold-out event! Interested in learning more about MCPE? Please visit our website at www.medfieldcoalition.org. We also encourage you to "like" our page on facebook and follow us on twitter for all grant and event information @MCPE_Medfield.