Summer Messages from Blake Staff
With summer now in full swing and a formal ‘break’ from the routines of school and academics, our department chairs have provided end-of-year and summer updates from their respective departments...
Art
Summer is the time to relax, unplug, and pursue your own interests. Here are a few ways to feed your creative side:
In Medfield, Check out the summer classes at the Zullo Gallery.
Fill your sketchbook (we will give you another). HERE are some ideas.
Art Classes can be in-person or virtual. Check out Massart and Danforth Museum offerings.
To all students---- Take a hike, go for a bike ride, get yourself to a beach, lie in a hammock, and above all, connect with friends and family! Best of luck to the 8th graders!
English
The English Department would like you to follow Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice for Summer and “Live in the Sunshine, swim in the sea. Drink the wild air's salubrity” (Merlin’s Song). First and foremost, we want you to relax, enjoy yourself, and read a book or two. Don’t forget about the Summer Reading assignment. You can check out Park Street Books or the Town library.
Have tons of fun and see you this fall!
Guidance
The Blake Counselors wish you all a wonderful summer! To our 8th graders, we wish you well in your high school endeavors. High School will fly by, so enjoy it, stretch yourself and try new things, and be willing to change and grow. To our 6th and 7th graders, we already can't wait to see you in the fall!
Mental Health Resources
In the event that your child needs additional support this summer, please refer to our website for a thorough list of mental health resources available to you.
https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/blake-guidance-department/mental-health-resources?authuser=0
Please keep in mind that Medfield subscribes to a mental health referral helpline called INTERFACE. Everyone in the Medfield community has access to INTERFACE with the intent for children, adults and families to become connected with mental health and wellness resources. Please know that all information shared with INTERFACE is confidential, and client privacy is paramount.
https://interface.williamjames.edu/
HELPLINE 888-244-6843
In addition, Medfield Outreach is available to students and families for social, emotional, and financial needs. Medfield Outreach provides:
Library
We are excited to share all of the summer reading information for Blake students! Visit our website for all information! Happy reading!!
Mathematics
We hope you all have a wonderful summer and appreciate the small things. Enjoy a walk around the block, bike riding with friends, or learning a new hobby. Summer can be a great time to put your 'learning skills' to work. Learning skills include working collaboratively, attending to precision, thinking creatively, attending independently, and clearly explaining. Summertime happenings are a great way to build these up so students will be ready to transfer them to the math classroom in the fall.
If you would like to brush up on your math skills, the Blake Middle School math department has found it beneficial for students to work on strengthening their basic skills. We recognize this may look different for each student and will take on many different forms from visiting math websites (www.ixl.com) to completing summer skills workbooks (www.summerskills.com). We also encourage you to find math in your everyday activities -- paying with cash, playing a board game with your family, completing a DIY project, etc.
The Blake Middle School math department wishes you all a fun and relaxing summer vacation!
Music
For the past two years the Performing Arts faced some unfortunate restrictions, so it was wonderful to have a next to normal year! Kudos to our student musicians for persevering, taking new risks, building confidence, and believing in yourself as you took the stage. Summer is a great time to practice your skills, whether it be going to a summer music camp, signing up for private lessons, doing some composing, attending concerts, or getting together with some music friends to organize a talent show or jam session together. Thanks for a terrific year! Your music teachers look forward to making more music with you!
Reading
From Mrs. Duffy, Ms. Miller and Mrs. Callahan - the reading department wishes you a wonderful summer break! We hope you disconnect, recharge, and find time to relax with a good book or two! Don’t forget to check out the Blake Middle School Summer Reading Website for some great recommendations!
Science
The Blake science department ( Grade 6 - Marjorie Heim, Kelly Ruminski and Meghan Thress; Grade 7 - Kristin Buley, Juli Dalzell and Judy Silva; Grade 8 - Mike Gibbs, Jason Heim and Jillian Shaw; Kaitlyn O’ Connor - sub in Grade 6 and 7 science this year; Orla Berry - Dept Chair)) wishes our science students a wonderful summer full of questions about the world in which we live. Take pictures and tell your teachers all about your summer of science!
Here are some virtual field trips that you can take over the summer - they are amazing!
For those who would like to practice some science here are some links to a free program to keep those skills in good shape.
Social Studies
Sixth Grade Social Studies teachers just wrapped up another great year exploring ancient civilizations!. Through various projects, assignments, debates, and discussions, students explored ancient history starting with the evolution of humankind and ending with the powerful dynasties that controlled China in the late BCE and early CE time periods. Teachers are looking forward to September when they will embark on a new unit exploring Central and South America. This reorganization of the sixth grade curriculum will introduce students to the skills of research, inquiry, presentation and analysis right at the beginning of the school year. The new unit will help students understand the expectations and power standards that will be focused on throughout the school year. Enjoy the summer!
World Civilizations and Cultures II- As we close out 7th grade social studies this month we will have covered the Renaissance and the Reformation. These units required students to exercise cause and effect skills, historical predictions and connections to other previously learned units; including the application of important vocabulary words such as secular. This final month, we have asked students to do more than learn new content, we have also asked them to revisit previous units and create final products that continue to sharpen their research, writing and presentation skills through activities such as: song writing, skit creating, and slides that require primary sources. We know that this final month will allow students to independently use skills learned throughout the year so that they may successfully carry those skills on to 8th grade civics.
Students had a successful year in 8th grade Civics. For our final activity, all students contacted a representative of the Massachusetts State Legislature as part of their Civics Action Project. It was great to see students engaged in a topic of their choosing and becoming active participants in American democracy. Students wrapped up the year by studying Massachusetts State and Local government. We have been talking about issues happening in our national politics in our classrooms, and as teachers we encourage families to continue having these important conversations around current events with students. We hope all Medfield families will have a happy and healthy summer, and best of luck to our 8th graders as they move on to high school!
Wellness
We all wish you a restful and healthy summer, doing things that bring you joy. Please take some time to explore all of the many resources on our Blake Wellness Website. We can't wait to see our students in the fall, and wish our 8th graders the best of everything at the high school!
Your Blake Wellness Team,
Mrs. Fitzgerald
Mrs. McCullough
Mr. Nickerson
Mr. Woods
World Language
Our department wishes all of the World Language students a wonderful summer. As we write this we are finishing up our second year of AAPPL testing for the entire eighth grade. We are looking forward to sharing the results so you can see a measure of how much of your language studies you have been able to use on this assessment of performance toward proficiency. We are proud of all of our students and hope that they are excited to continue their path to gaining more and more communications skills in their chosen languages.
With summer now in full swing and a formal ‘break’ from the routines of school and academics, our department chairs have provided end-of-year and summer updates from their respective departments...
Art
Summer is the time to relax, unplug, and pursue your own interests. Here are a few ways to feed your creative side:
In Medfield, Check out the summer classes at the Zullo Gallery.
Fill your sketchbook (we will give you another). HERE are some ideas.
Art Classes can be in-person or virtual. Check out Massart and Danforth Museum offerings.
To all students---- Take a hike, go for a bike ride, get yourself to a beach, lie in a hammock, and above all, connect with friends and family! Best of luck to the 8th graders!
English
The English Department would like you to follow Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice for Summer and “Live in the Sunshine, swim in the sea. Drink the wild air's salubrity” (Merlin’s Song). First and foremost, we want you to relax, enjoy yourself, and read a book or two. Don’t forget about the Summer Reading assignment. You can check out Park Street Books or the Town library.
Have tons of fun and see you this fall!
Guidance
The Blake Counselors wish you all a wonderful summer! To our 8th graders, we wish you well in your high school endeavors. High School will fly by, so enjoy it, stretch yourself and try new things, and be willing to change and grow. To our 6th and 7th graders, we already can't wait to see you in the fall!
Mental Health Resources
In the event that your child needs additional support this summer, please refer to our website for a thorough list of mental health resources available to you.
https://sites.google.com/email.medfield.net/blake-guidance-department/mental-health-resources?authuser=0
Please keep in mind that Medfield subscribes to a mental health referral helpline called INTERFACE. Everyone in the Medfield community has access to INTERFACE with the intent for children, adults and families to become connected with mental health and wellness resources. Please know that all information shared with INTERFACE is confidential, and client privacy is paramount.
https://interface.williamjames.edu/
HELPLINE 888-244-6843
In addition, Medfield Outreach is available to students and families for social, emotional, and financial needs. Medfield Outreach provides:
- Free and confidential counseling services
- Referrals to needs-based assistance and services
- Administration of substance misuse and suicide prevention community coalitions
Library
We are excited to share all of the summer reading information for Blake students! Visit our website for all information! Happy reading!!
Mathematics
We hope you all have a wonderful summer and appreciate the small things. Enjoy a walk around the block, bike riding with friends, or learning a new hobby. Summer can be a great time to put your 'learning skills' to work. Learning skills include working collaboratively, attending to precision, thinking creatively, attending independently, and clearly explaining. Summertime happenings are a great way to build these up so students will be ready to transfer them to the math classroom in the fall.
If you would like to brush up on your math skills, the Blake Middle School math department has found it beneficial for students to work on strengthening their basic skills. We recognize this may look different for each student and will take on many different forms from visiting math websites (www.ixl.com) to completing summer skills workbooks (www.summerskills.com). We also encourage you to find math in your everyday activities -- paying with cash, playing a board game with your family, completing a DIY project, etc.
The Blake Middle School math department wishes you all a fun and relaxing summer vacation!
Music
For the past two years the Performing Arts faced some unfortunate restrictions, so it was wonderful to have a next to normal year! Kudos to our student musicians for persevering, taking new risks, building confidence, and believing in yourself as you took the stage. Summer is a great time to practice your skills, whether it be going to a summer music camp, signing up for private lessons, doing some composing, attending concerts, or getting together with some music friends to organize a talent show or jam session together. Thanks for a terrific year! Your music teachers look forward to making more music with you!
Reading
From Mrs. Duffy, Ms. Miller and Mrs. Callahan - the reading department wishes you a wonderful summer break! We hope you disconnect, recharge, and find time to relax with a good book or two! Don’t forget to check out the Blake Middle School Summer Reading Website for some great recommendations!
Science
The Blake science department ( Grade 6 - Marjorie Heim, Kelly Ruminski and Meghan Thress; Grade 7 - Kristin Buley, Juli Dalzell and Judy Silva; Grade 8 - Mike Gibbs, Jason Heim and Jillian Shaw; Kaitlyn O’ Connor - sub in Grade 6 and 7 science this year; Orla Berry - Dept Chair)) wishes our science students a wonderful summer full of questions about the world in which we live. Take pictures and tell your teachers all about your summer of science!
Here are some virtual field trips that you can take over the summer - they are amazing!
- Explorer Classroom
- Science and Nature Virtual Field Trips for Grades 3–8
- Virtual Field Trips | Interactive Field Trips
- 7 of the Best Virtual Science Field Trips
- Virtual Field Trips: Interactive Science Lesson Ideas
- Amazing & Informative Virtual Field Trips for Middle School
- 360° Virtual Field Trips
For those who would like to practice some science here are some links to a free program to keep those skills in good shape.
Social Studies
Sixth Grade Social Studies teachers just wrapped up another great year exploring ancient civilizations!. Through various projects, assignments, debates, and discussions, students explored ancient history starting with the evolution of humankind and ending with the powerful dynasties that controlled China in the late BCE and early CE time periods. Teachers are looking forward to September when they will embark on a new unit exploring Central and South America. This reorganization of the sixth grade curriculum will introduce students to the skills of research, inquiry, presentation and analysis right at the beginning of the school year. The new unit will help students understand the expectations and power standards that will be focused on throughout the school year. Enjoy the summer!
World Civilizations and Cultures II- As we close out 7th grade social studies this month we will have covered the Renaissance and the Reformation. These units required students to exercise cause and effect skills, historical predictions and connections to other previously learned units; including the application of important vocabulary words such as secular. This final month, we have asked students to do more than learn new content, we have also asked them to revisit previous units and create final products that continue to sharpen their research, writing and presentation skills through activities such as: song writing, skit creating, and slides that require primary sources. We know that this final month will allow students to independently use skills learned throughout the year so that they may successfully carry those skills on to 8th grade civics.
Students had a successful year in 8th grade Civics. For our final activity, all students contacted a representative of the Massachusetts State Legislature as part of their Civics Action Project. It was great to see students engaged in a topic of their choosing and becoming active participants in American democracy. Students wrapped up the year by studying Massachusetts State and Local government. We have been talking about issues happening in our national politics in our classrooms, and as teachers we encourage families to continue having these important conversations around current events with students. We hope all Medfield families will have a happy and healthy summer, and best of luck to our 8th graders as they move on to high school!
Wellness
We all wish you a restful and healthy summer, doing things that bring you joy. Please take some time to explore all of the many resources on our Blake Wellness Website. We can't wait to see our students in the fall, and wish our 8th graders the best of everything at the high school!
Your Blake Wellness Team,
Mrs. Fitzgerald
Mrs. McCullough
Mr. Nickerson
Mr. Woods
World Language
Our department wishes all of the World Language students a wonderful summer. As we write this we are finishing up our second year of AAPPL testing for the entire eighth grade. We are looking forward to sharing the results so you can see a measure of how much of your language studies you have been able to use on this assessment of performance toward proficiency. We are proud of all of our students and hope that they are excited to continue their path to gaining more and more communications skills in their chosen languages.
https://www.grahnforlang.com/proficiency.html
One of the very best ways to have fun with a second language on your own is to listen to shows, podcasts and watch movies. Another excellent way to improve your language skills is reading. You can choose anything that appeals to you: magazines, children's books, memes or subtitles of a show. It’s all good practice! We hope you will find something that excites you about language learning this summer. Here are some recommendations from your Blake teachers:
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!
One of the very best ways to have fun with a second language on your own is to listen to shows, podcasts and watch movies. Another excellent way to improve your language skills is reading. You can choose anything that appeals to you: magazines, children's books, memes or subtitles of a show. It’s all good practice! We hope you will find something that excites you about language learning this summer. Here are some recommendations from your Blake teachers:
- Find a good, age appropriate, show/movie to watch in Spanish/French/Mandarin on your streaming services (Hulu, Amazon, Netflix, Disney)
- Find children’s book “ Read Alouds” in your language
- Use Duolingo, 3x a week, 10 minutes
- Watch Soy Luna or Violetta in Spanish on Disney Plus if you have it!
- Go to your Library and see if they have any age appropriate movies/DVDs available to watch!
- French students, you can find episodes of L’Âne Trotro (and Peppa Pig!) on You Tube, as well as many other cartoons and songs in French to listen to and watch.
- Practice with Duolingo to keep those “language muscles” in great shape over the summer!
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!