4/12-4/16 - Blake Spirit Week (see details below)
4/15 - School Committee Meeting
4/19-4/23 - April Vacation
4/28 - MCAP Meeting
5/1 - Miss Amazing (see info below)
5/3 - School Committee Meeting
5/14 - 1/2 Day for Students
Question of the Week
To help encourage dialogue and reflection about which experiences influence our own learning, our question of the week is: During this school year, what experiences have helped you to become a better learner? Explain why. Teachable/'Mirror' Moments (Week of 4/11/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Survey for all Blake Families
Over the past year, the district has partnered with the state in an endeavor to improve the IEP process for students and families. As part of this project, we are gathering data about our current practices in order to identify areas of strength and improvement. One aspect of this data collection is surveying all families in the Blake community. The information we gather will help to guide our work and next steps.
Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake and it should only take a few minutes of your time. The survey is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. 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: Early Adopters - Blake Family Survey (April 2021)
Important Travel Information
Please see the travel information for all Blake families…
Important Travel Reminder
Blake Spirit Week
Student Council cordially invites all staff and students to participate in a pre-spring vacation spirit week. Students will be competing for first dismissal at the end of the day for a period of time! Cohort D can also join in on the fun and help their grade level.
Monday 4/12: Comfy Cozy Day
Tuesday 4/13: Crazy Socks Day
Wednesday 4/14: Class Color Day (6th- purple, 7th- blue, 8th- black)
Thursday 4/15: Sports Team Day
Friday 4/16: Decade Day
Memory Booklets at Blake
The literary club, Blake is Social, would like to offer you a 2020-2021 Memory Booklet opportunity! This is to make up for the fact that due to Covid we were unable to create a yearbook. This booklet will contain every grade's advisories, and a little something to highlight 8th grade. If you are interested please fill out the attached Google Doc (organized by grade). The cost of this booklet will be $8.00. Just have your child bring in the payment to his/her advisory teacher. Checks can be made out to "Town of Medfield". If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the head of Blake is Social, Cynthia McClelland at [email protected].
6th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
7th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
8th Grade End of Year Memory Booklet
Drop Off/Pick Up Reminders for Blake Families
- All students can be dropped off starting at 7:30 a.m. Once families arrive 'in line', please let your students out of the car (outside of the HS auditorium) so that the traffic line keeps moving. Cars should not be parked and waiting to let their students out until a later time, as the traffic flow gets delayed and backed up. Students can wait outside in the morning and enter the building at 7:40 a.m.
- With the staggered times of dismissal for both Blake and the high school, families should not arrive too much prior to 2 p.m. to allow time for the high school 'clearing out' and arrival of middle school buses.
- When picking up students after school, all Blake cars should be exiting out the Pound Street side of the school property.
- For those families with students who are biking to and from school, please remind your students to wear helmets and to be mindful of both walkers and the traffic flow.
The Zullo Gallery is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon until 5 PM. Over the course of the exhibit, the Zullo Gallery is typically visited by hundreds of viewers, enjoying the display of our wonderful student artwork.
Congratulations to our Blake artists:
Hannah Crocker
Keira Oliveto
Molly Cragan
Sara Sahr
Ben Vasquez
Sophia Small
Lily Lewis
Alithea Varughese
Amelia DeHoff
Lucas Gatti
Anna LaRowe
Owen McEntee
Yara Chahine
Pooled Testing Information
If you haven't signed up your middle school child(ren) for the weekly pooled testing yet, please consider doing so now. Currently, 72% of middle school students are participating in the pooled testing. As we have transitioned back into full in-person learning, we would like to increase participation to 90% with your support.
Pooled testing is an important data collection and mitigation tool to help ensure the health and safety of our schools. If you haven’t signed up your child(ren) for the pooled testing yet and would like to do so, click here for the online consent form. If your child has been participating in the pooled testing already, then please do NOT complete the consent form again.
A few reminders:
- Students will not miss class time for the testing.
- Testing will be done once a week.
- Results come back within 24-48 hrs after testing.
- You will only be notified if the pool your student was in comes back positive.
- If a pool is positive, we will run a rapid testing clinic at school for those students in the positive pool to determine if there is a positive case.
- Your student will not need to miss school in person if their pool comes back positive unless they are found to be positive when re-tested.
- Students are spaced 6ft apart with masks below their nose (mouth covered) for about 15 seconds while they test. Students self-administer their test and sanitize their hands before and after testing.
If your child is feeling ill, then please keep them home from school and notify the school nurse as well as the main office of their absence. COVID symptoms can present as a cold or other symptoms, so please click here to help you determine when you should keep your child home from school. We would be happy to review your child’s symptoms with you.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We appreciate your ongoing support.
Info for Current 6th Grade Families
In order to keep your child’s school health record updated per Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, please send in a copy of your child’s 6th grade physical including a current immunization record if you have not already done so this year. For students who had a physical over the past eight months (dated from July 1, 2020 on), please send in a copy of your child’s physical by next Friday, April 16, 2021. For students who are scheduled for their 6th grade physical this spring, please send in a copy of the physical following their appointment.
You are welcome to email the physical to us or send in a copy with your 6th grader. If you are sending in a copy of the physical with your child, then please let us know as physicals often end up at the bottom of backpacks without ever being turned in. If you prefer to email their physical, then please email us directly to our school email addresses listed below. Please do not reply to or attach your child’s physical to this email as it is a group email.
Thank you very much for your assistance. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns as your child(ren) transitions back to school on a full-time basis.
Exciting Miss Amazing news!
The seventh annual Miss Amazing will take place in person on Sunday, May 2nd, with a rain date of Saturday, May 1st! Miss Amazing’s mission statement declares, “Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment.” Many thanks to Medfield Parks and Recreation for allowing the event to take place at Hinkley Pond free of charge. Their generosity and kindness is incredibly appreciated! Even though the event will look different this year with no public audience, there are still ways to support the cause and get involved. We encourage everyone to participate in our Italian Groceria fundraiser on Wednesday, April 14th, from 5 to 8 pm. A percentage of their profit will be donated directly to Miss Amazing. We hope to see you there!
Blake Student Council Update
Attention Blakers! Blake’s Student Council now meets after school on Wednesdays from 2:20-2:50 p.m. Everyone is welcome! E-mail Mrs. Ruminski or Mrs. Shaw with any questions.
Blake Battles Bias
Blake Battles Bias (BBB) will meet in-person every Monday after school from 2:15-3. Currently, BBB students are working on their Peer Leader presentations for 6th grade. Have a student who is interested in conversations around social justice? Reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Blake GSA Update
Reminder that the GSA will meet in person in room 212 at 2:15 p.m. on Thursdays. If you have any questions about the Blake GSA, please reach out to Matt Marenghi ([email protected]),Cynthia McClelland ([email protected]), or Jen Dondero ([email protected]).
Form for All Incoming 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School Music Ensemble Selection
Form for All Incoming 6th Grade Parents/Guardians - Please complete!
All incoming 6th grade parents/guardians must complete this course selection form…
2021-2022 Blake Middle School World Language Selection
Info for all Medfield Families
Last year was the introduction of the Rolling Rally which was a wonderful and successful celebration that many said should be done every year, so we are bringing it back. The Medfield Community was phenomenal with their outpouring of support and we’re asking for the same enthusiasm again this year.
On June 5th, the Seniors will ride through town and end at Blake Middle School baseball park for a ‘Party in the Park’. This will be a safe, supervised and substance-free celebration. Please contact us HERE if you’d like to volunteer at this event. You don’t need to be creative, just have fun working with friends decorating either the Town or the Party in the Park.
This event is dependent on kind donations from our generous community, any level of contribution will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made HERE
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 http://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/page/employment-opportunites--7 and find applications under the tab "employment opportunities". Please contact Kelly Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.
Registration for Spring Sports at Blake
Registration for Blake Middle School spring athletics is now open on FamilyID.com. There is a direct link off the Athletics page (under Activities) on Blake Middle School site. To complete registration, Mr. Scott needs a check for $225 (Made out to “Town of Medfield”). If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Athletics, Eric Scott ([email protected]).
*Blake Middle School Sports offered for the spring season are:
Track & Field (Boy’s and Girl’s – Grades 6-8)
Coach Krah (Head Boy’s Coach) – [email protected]
Coach Graham (Head Girl’s Coach) – [email protected]
Softball (8th grade Girls). *
* 7th Graders MAY be open to sign up and play if not enough 8th graders to field team).
Coach McClelland - [email protected]
Baseball (8th grade Boys)
Coach Becker – [email protected]
Blake MERJ Update
Check out the April Newsletter…
April MERJ Newsletter
Medfield Outreach
Medfield Outreach is offering WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH DROP IN HOURS. Are you a Medfield parent or student who is feeling extra stressed, down or anxious? Want to talk to someone but you're not sure who or if what you're going through warrants ongoing therapy? We are availble to listen and help! Medfield Outreach is now offering Weekly Drop-In Mental Health Open Hours for STUDENTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm and ADULTS on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Email [email protected] to sign up for a free confidential specific time slot via telehealth.
Webinars of Interest
A Seat at the Table With Education Week: What Did We Learn About Schooling Models This Year?
Wednesday, 4/14 at 2 p.m.
After a year of living with the pandemic, what schooling models might we turn to as we look ahead to improve the student learning experience? Could year-round schooling be one of them? What about online or hybrid learning? What lessons can we glean from the collective experience over these last 12 months that could be applied as we look ahead? Getting a better understanding of the impact these models could have on educators, students, and families—for better or worse—is a key part of knowing what might work as we head to the fall.
Pull up your chair to join Education Week contributor and blogger Peter DeWitt for A Seat at the Table as he talks with former principal now district leader Brad Currie and superintendent David Hornak to discuss the future of schooling and what it could mean for you, your school, your district, and your community.
Education Now: Understanding Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
Wednesday, 4/14 at 3:00 p.m.
Amid pandemic losses and continuing shocks of racist violence, one legacy of this year’s trauma is a greater willingness on the part of many to take stock of their own role in perpetuating or responding to racism. Schools and communities have a key part to play in this necessary accounting, and for many educators and parents, the work is central and non-negotiable. Join us for a conversation in which we explore our commitment to anti-racism — and how the events of this past year have deepened our understanding of those commitments. We’ll share insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas for how schools, parents, and school leaders can work — from their individual roles, and collectively — to confront racism in our society and our schools. How can our own commitments help to empower communities — and the young people we are raising and educating?
Moderator: Tracie Jones, Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, HGSE
Speakers:
- Malcolm Cawthorne, Teacher and civic leader, Brookline (MA) High School
- Jennifer Perry Cheatham, Senior Lecturer on Education and Co-Chair of the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP), HGSE
- Heidi Shin, Journalist and a public radio and podcast producer
Most Likely To Succeed: The Film That Launched Ten Thousand Screenings
Wednesday, 4/14 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Join us for a most memorable evening as we re-connect with the filmmakers, students & teachers from Most Likely To Succeed
A decade ago, Ted Dintersmith and filmmaker Greg Whiteley had an initial conversation about working together on a film about education. Well, one thing led to another. After premiering at Sundance, Most Likely To Succeed went on to be screened by some 10,000 school communities around the globe. This special evening will feature the film’s now-much-older student stars Brian and Samantha, two of their HTH teachers, and others with distinctive perspectives on MLTS and its impact. This will be a most memorable evening!
How Educators Can Support and Empower BIPOC Students
Thursday, 4/15 at 4:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for educators (for educators of Preschool - High School students)
Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith on how educators and school leaders can support BIPOC children amidst racism, racialized violence and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how to create a school environment that promotes pride and affirms the identity of BIPOC students. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will also offer resources for engaging in conversation, addressing trauma and connecting with families of color. Please note this session is for educators. SPARK Kindness is very excited to also be hosting a 2nd session at 7pm ET on how parents can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma that is also FREE and available to all.
How BIPOC Families Can Support Themselves and Their Children
Thursday, 4/15 at 7:00 p.m.
SPARK Kindness presents: A FREE online event for caregivers and parents of BIPOC children of all ages with Dr. Briscoe-Smith
Dr. Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents and caregivers can support themselves and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism and trauma. Psychologist, author and acclaimed speaker Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith will present on how parents can support themselves and nurture and empower their BIPOC children amidst racism, racial violence and trauma. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will offer tools, strategies and frameworks to assist parents/caregivers in listening to their children and promoting their emotional health, resilience, empowerment and self care. Finally, in the midst of the pandemic, Dr. Briscoe-Smith will speak about how BIPOC families can offer themselves and their children grace amidst these times that are challenging on many levels.
Education Now: Making Schools More Human
Wednesday, 4/21 at 3:00 p.m.
Education Now is an HGSE webinar series that responds to the dramatic changes in the field of education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each episode is designed to prompt observations and insights that are thought-provoking and actionable.
Education Now: Innovations in Global Education
Friday, 4/23 at 10:30 a.m.
Every nation describes education as a top domestic policy priority. But few avenues exist to connect those policy conversations across national boundaries. What should a global conversation about education look like? What are the pressing international challenges that educators and societies face — and where are the opportunities for innovation, collaboration, discovery, and meaningful engagement on real-world problems?
Join us for this special one-hour broadcast as we explore the powerful ideas that will shape the world’s education landscape for the next decade and beyond. We’re proud to host members of the Council of Luminaries, an international and cross-disciplinary group of leading thinkers convened by the Yidan Prize Foundation in 2020 to fuel education progress globally.
Education Now: Cultivating the Power of Resilience
Wednesday, 5/5 at 3:00 p.m.
Education Now is an HGSE webinar series that responds to the dramatic changes in the field of education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each episode is designed to prompt observations and insights that are thought-provoking and actionable.
How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed the World
Tuesday, 5/25 at 7:00 p.m.
For elementary and middle school students and their caregivers
Celebrated disability rights activist and author Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins will share her award winning book, “All the Way to the Top,” which addresses the struggle for inclusion and the fight for equality in our country. Ms. Keelan-Chaffins will also encourage young people to use their voices to make a positive difference.
Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins is a passionate advocate and activist for disability rights. She joined the disability rights movement at age six and at age eight she participated in the famous "Capitol Crawl" protest to support the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. In 1990, she received the Americans With Disabilities Act Award from The Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities. Jennifer received her GED in 2002 and an Associate of Arts Degree in 2008 both from Arapahoe Community College before earning a B.S. in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University in 2017.
Today she’s an educator and a motivational speaker; and together with her new illustrated biography “All the Way to the Top, How one girl’s fight for Americans with disabilities changed everything”, she does educational speaking presentations to teach children the importance of the ADA, the Capitol Crawl, and the disability rights movement in American history with a emphasis on education, advocacy, and empowerment. Jennifer is the subject of an art sculpture commemorating the 30th anniversary of the ADA, “All the Way to Freedom” by local artist Gina Klawitter that is currently on display at the Colorado History Center. Jennifer is the brand ambassador for Mobility of Denver and Vantage Mobility International. She is also owner of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins LLC.
Blake PTO Update
Want to get involved? We're looking for a Treasurer,Secretary, Co-President and VP for our Board next year! Contact Mary Kelly ([email protected] for more information!
Our Annual Appeal is here! We are again requesting a contribution of $50/child this year; an amount that has remained the same over the past 5 years. This is a suggested amount, but we will gratefully accept any amount you can contribute. Please make checks out to Blake Middle School PTO and send it in with your child. We are hoping for 100% participation of Blake families by April 30th, 2021. This will allow our students and teachers to benefit over the next year, as the students and teachers did before them. We thank you in advance for your financial support of the Blake PTO.
Don’t forget to 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