Blake Classic Committee
The Blake Classic is a biennial fundraiser and social event for the Blake community featuring dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions. This event is organized jointly by the Parent Association and the Advancement Office. All proceeds benefit the school.
Booster Club
The Booster Club is an organization of parent volunteers whose purpose is to support The Blake School in all extracurricular activities, through physical and financial support. All parents are members and are invited to attend the monthly meetings. Its objectives are to help develop pride in the school through the sale of spirit wear, to provide a format for the coordination of support for all-school events, to provide funds to allow perpetuation of the Blake Bear Boosters and, through commitment to the above, increase attendance, and alumni, parent and student participation in all events.
Office of Equity and Community Engagement Liaisons
The Office of Equity and Community Engagement Liaison works in conjunction with the school's OECE Director. The committee strives to foster an environment that respects all people and is one in which all Blake community members feel safe. It sponsors innovative programming such as Celebration of Community to ensure that students, parents and faculty members continually appreciate and support the diverse cultures and ideas represented at Blake. With liaisons representing all three campuses, the committee strives to be a positive force in the Blake community.
Graduation Flower Coordinator
Responsible for coordinating floral arrangements and faculty and staff boutonnieres/corsages for all 4 graduation ceremonies. Coordinate with key administrative staff to determine boutonnieres required and the type of flowers requested. Work with florist to meet floral needs within budget allocation. Oversee delivery and placement of arrangements.
Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee assists The Blake School in welcoming new families, providing social opportunities for all Blake parents and promoting a welcoming environment. Each campus has a liaison to this all-school committee.
International and Off Campus Program Liaison
The International and Off Campus Program Liaison supports the visiting international students at Blake by helping to arrange the host families with whom they stay. It also provides or helps to coordinate several social events for the international students, including a get-together for students and host families in the late Fall/Winter and Spring. In addition, the liaison supports the program director, with the Off-Campus Information Night in October.
Parent News Committee
The Parent News is published five times a year, September through May, for all Blake parents. It contains school news, accolades, and in depth articles. It is published in partnership between the Parent Association and the School.
Parent Support Group on Learning Differences
Many of us are parents who are just beginning the bewildering process of learning about learning disabilities (LD) or are veteran parents who have been coping with our children’s Dyslexia, Dysgraphia Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), reading difficulties, speech and related disorders and social challenges for years. This group is a community of parents who are grappling with how to help our children succeed in school despite their differences or challenges as well as a place where you can receive emotional support and practical advice. We meet 4-5 times a year and rotate those meetings on the different divisional campuses.
Community of Concern Co-Chairs
Assist Erin Adams, Upper School Counselor, with the two Community of Concern Fall gatherings, required for all freshman families and new Blake upper school families. Be prepared to speak briefly at these meetings to introduce the Coffee Gatherings for parents to connect on all issues and meet one another. Two coffees are held in the Fall, before Homecoming and two in the Spring, before Prom.
Container Gardener
Choose plants and plant the four containers at Upper School (Fall and Spring). Support Dan Trockman and students in Environmental Science with the rain garden. This can be done by purchasing annual plants that can be transferred to the Rain Garden.
Faculty Appreciation
This committee's mission is to show the parents' appreciation for the faculty. It organizes treats for the faculty in the faculty lounge and organizes and oversees the volunteer set-up for an end-of-the-year faculty appreciation event. Typically faculty birthdays are also celebrated. There is a budget provided by the Parent Association to support these activities.
Fund Raising Coordinator
Coordinate the weekly sale of Jamba Juice at the Upper School, traditionally on Wednesday afternoon. Also, coordinate and facilitate the sale of magazines to upper school families. Attend PA meetings and inform parents of fundraising opportunities. Check in with the PA 2nd Vice-President (Fund –raising coordinator) to determine any new fundraising initiatives or protocol for fundraising by upper school clubs and sports teams. Also invite the 2nd VP to initial planning meetings.
Grade Representatives
Each grade in the Upper School is represented by two parent volunteers. The Grade Representatives serve as liaisons between the grade levels, the administration, the faculty and volunteers throughout the school year.
Graduation Party
This committee is responsible for planning and executing the Senior “All Night Graduation Party” in June following Graduation.
Internship Facilitator
Assist Director of Blake Connections in the administration of the Blake Connections intern program. This position works to connect both alumni and the broader community with current Blake students. The main goal is job exposure and the opportunity for students to get a “hand-on” experience in the field that interests them.
New Family Welcome Co-Chairs
Coordinate gatherings for new upper school parents after the initial burst of events in September. This is to insure that the new Blake families feel welcome throughour the year. These gathering are completely informal, “no-agenda” gatherings that offer a forum for people to meet and ask questions.
Parent Liaison to US departments
Meet with the faculty PK-12 department head during the school year to assess potential department parent volunteer needs. Assist in finding parent volunteers when requested. Keep Link editor informed of all relevant events in specific areas. Contact Parent News Editor with any good stories about department milestone/human interest stories.
Parent Link Editor
Write and edit the upper school newsletter which is published eight times a year. Develop editorial content, request information from faculty and parents volunteers, review upper school calendar for changes: research, verify, write, edit, layout, and proofread pages of newsletter each month.
Grade Representatives
Each grade in the Middle School is represented in the Middle School Parent Association by two parents appointed by the Middle School Parent Association School Committee Chair. The six Grade Representatives serve as liaisons between grade level families, the administration, the faculty and volunteers throughout the school year. They welcome new students and their families in their grade by contacting them before the school year starts and keeping them abreast of happenings in their grade during the school year. The 6th Grade Representatives attend the 6th Grade Breakfast and the 7th and 8th Grade Representatives attend the 7th and 8th Grade New Student Luncheon. All grade representatives are encouraged to attend the New Student Event hosted by the Admissions Office in June and act as greeters during Curriculum Night. The grade representatives also coordinate their grade level Parent Party held at Blake under the guidance of the All-School Hospitality Chair.
Eighth Grade Closing Party
This party, traditionally held off-site, is sponsored by the Parent Association for the 8th grade students in the evening following the Eighth Grade Closing Program. A chair and committee members plan the party for all 8th grade students. The committee is responsible for finding a suitable location, planning entertainment and food, and promoting the party to the class according to a predetermined budget.
Faculty and Staff Birthdays
This committee is one of three designed to show the parents' appreciation for the faculty and all they do for our children. It distributes individual gift cards purchased by the Parent Association for faculty and staff in the month of their birthday.
Faculty and Staff Weekly Treats
This committee is one of three designed to show the parents' appreciation for the faculty and all they do for our children. It organizes treats for the faculty in the faculty lounge on a weekly basis.
Faculty and Staff Luncheon
This committee is one of three designed to show the parents' appreciation for the faculty and all they do for our children. It plans, organizes, and hosts a faculty and staff luncheon near the end of the school year. Committee members obtain food donations from Middle School families in addition to a main course provided by the Parent Association.
Haunted House
This committee assists the Middle School faculty member(s) in the organization of parent volunteers for the Haunted House. Parent volunteers are needed for set up/clean up, hosts, and treat donations.
Magazine Drive
This fundraiser, whose proceeds are used to support supplemental programs and projects in the Middle School, takes place in the fall and consists of students selling magazine subscriptions and renewals. Students, faculty and parents participate in selecting the projects to be funded after the fundraiser is complete. A chair and committee members gather volunteers, establish an event schedule and coordinate the event with the school administration.
Sixth Grade Dance Lessons
Dance lessons are offered as an optional activity to 6th grade students as a series of two dance lessons and one 6th grade only dance. It is an opportunity for 6th graders to experience a dance before participating in the Spring Dance. An outside instructor teaches classic and contemporary dance steps to the students. There is a minimal charge. A chair is responsible for organizing the series of dance classes, including hiring the instructor, arranging chaperones and providing refreshments.
Social Events
The Parent Association sponsors several social events for Middle School students. These include three Middle School dances, a 7th and 8th grade social and a 6th grade skating party. There is a minimal charge for the dances which covers the cost of the DJ and the refreshments. The 6th grade chair work independent from the other grades while the 7th and 8th grade chairs work as a group for the 7th and 8th grade events.
Ski and Snowboard Day
Annually in February the Parent Association sponsors an optional day of downhill skiing and snowboarding at a local ski area for all interested Middle School students. There is a charge for this activity to cover lift tickets and transportation. The chair of this event is responsible for securing a ski location, arranging the publicity, transportation and chaperones.
Spring Fling
The chair of this committee arranges for ice cream treats to be distributed by parent volunteers courtesy of the Parent Association during the end of the school year celebration for Middle School.
Middle School Hospitality Liaison
The liaison works with parents and the administration to provide a welcoming environment at Blake. This person is responsible for coordinating the Parent Association’s involvement in the New Middle School Student Event organized by the Admission’s Office, the 6th Grade Breakfast, the 7th and 8th Grade New Student Luncheon, and the Middle School Curriculum Night. Also, this person makes all the arrangements for the receptions after all Middle School concerts and plays. Attendance at all the receptions is not required.
After-School Chess
The Parent Association offers chess after school in the Fall and the Spring of each school year. The After-School Chess Chair is responsible for working with the Lower School administration to set up the schedule, reserve the room, order snacks and coordinate billing. Costs are paid by parents who enroll their children; however, scholarships are available to familites receiving financial assistance.
JAVA
This program, initiated by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, is designed to bring art appreciation into schools. Trained parent volunteers meet regularly with Lower School art classes to discuss reproductions of art displayed at the Institute. The program culminates with a tour of the Art Institute to view the original works of the art the students have studied.
Bingo Night
Bingo Night is a social event organized by a committee of the Parent Association for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. Each student may invite one guest.
Box Tops Fundraiser
The Parent Association invites families to deposit box tops from their groceries in the Lower School office. These box tops will be submitted in order to receive money for the Lower School Parent Association. Box Tops is a passive fundraiser, where parents are not asked to buy anything specific, but to contribute to the school by donating their box tops.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation
The Faculty Appreciation Committee was created to show the parents' appreciation for the faculty and all they do for our children. It organizes treats for the faculty, such as food in the faculty lounge, birthday gift cards, and an end-of-the-year luncheon.
Fifth Grade Graduation Party
The fifth grade party, traditionally held off-site, is sponsored by the Parent Association for the fifth grade students following the Fifth Grade Closing Program. A chair and committee members plan the party for all 5th grade students. The committee is responsible for finding a suitable location and, planning for entertainment, food and chaperones.
Fifth Grade Play Cast Party
The Parent Association organizes a small party for the 5th graders and their families in the Bovey Chapel immediately following the 5th grade play. Snacks and beverages are provided and each student receives a cast photograph in a cardboard folder as a memento. Students enjoy signing each other’s photo folders in colorful ink.
Fifth Grade Closing/Video
The Parent Association helps coordinate the 5th Grade Closing Ceremony with the Lower School administration by collecting photos of 5th grade graders and creating a video/ DVD (with a videographer’s help) that is shown at the Closing ceremony.
Literacy Fest
Each campus of the Lower school formerly hosted its own book fair. Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, both campuses began to host a joint event called LiteracyFest (“Litfest”), which is the only Lower School fundraiser. LitFest consists of several events that occur in October with the underlying goals of building community, celebrating literacy and raising funds for the Lower School. Funds raised from Litfest events are used by the Lower School Parent Association to fund projects on both Lower School campuses. Litfest events consist of Author Celebration, the Blake Campus Book Exchange, the Barnes & Noble Shopping Day, the Highcroft Book Fair, the Boutique Sale and the Raffle.
Lunchroom Volunteers
The Lunchroom Volunteers Chair arranges for parent volunteers to chaperone lunch periods once a week (currently each Thursday), so that teachers have time to schedule meetings and prepare for classes.
MayFest
MayFest is a gathering of students and parents to celebrate spring by cleaning and refreshing the grounds of the Blake Lower School Campus. It’s a time to plant and maintain flowers, shrubs and trees.
Media Center Volunteers
Lower School parent volunteers assist in maintaining the Media Center's appearance, checking books in and out, putting books back on the shelves, doing inventory at the end of the school year and assisting with the year-end book exchange.
Pancake Breakfast
Parent volunteers organize this social event, which is held before school one morning each year, for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students. Each student may invite one special guest.
Pumpkin Party
Lower School students are invited to spend an afternoon in late October decorating pumpkins at this Parent Association sponsored social event.
Room Representatives
Room representatives serve as liaisons between classroom teachers and parents. They coordinate volunteers for the classroom activities and field trips, coordinate communication between classroom teachers and parents and host Grab-and-Go Coffees and Parent Parties for their grade.
WinterFest
The Parent Association sponsors a winter celebration for the Lower School students and a guest, featuring ice skating, hot cocoa and cookies.
After School Enrichment
The Parent Association offers enrichment opportunities to Lower School students after school. Examples of classes currently offered are Archery, Chess, Math Club and Spanish. Costs are paid by parents who enroll their children; however, scholarships are available to families receiving financial assistance.
Art Adventure-- then JAVA-- Now Called VTS
This program, which was originally Art Adventure, has evolved to focus on critical thinking skills that are important in all aspects of students’ Blake education, not only in visual arts. “Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) uses art to teach critical thinking, communication skills and visual literacy.” Growth throughout the Lower School years (Grades K-5) “is stimulated by three things: looking at art of increasing complexity; responding to developmentally-based questions; and participating in group discussions” that are carefully facilitated by parent volunteers and Art Teacher Jackie Quinn. Students attend a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts ( Grades K-4), and another local art museum such as the Walker Art Center or the Wiseman Art Museum (WAM), as well as visit the Art Department in Blake’s Upper School (Grade 5).
BEARS Club (Boys, Education, Activity, Recreation and Service Club)
Parents act as grade leaders for each Grade 1-5 for this after-school club for boys (GSAC is the girls’ club). Boys meet monthly in October, November, and in February or March, and participate in the Pinewood Derby, usually held in January, and a Joint Service Day with GSAC, usually held in April. BEARS Club also has an overnight campout for boys and one adult chaperone per family that usually takes place in May at Baker Park. Costs for BEARS Club are paid by parents who enroll their children; however, scholarships are available to families receiving financial assistance.
Bingo Night
Bingo Night is a social event organized by a committee of the Parent Association for grade 3-5 students and the special guest each student may invite.
Box Tops Fundraiser
The Parent Association invites families to deposit boxtops from their groceries in the Lower School office to be submitted in order to receive money for the Lower School Parent Association. Box Tops is a “passive” fundraiser, where parents are not asked to buy anything specific, but to contribute to the school by donating their box tops.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation
The Faculty Appreciation Committee was created to show the parents' appreciation for the faculty and all they do for our children. It organizes treats for the faculty, such as food in the faculty lounge, birthday gift cards, and an end-of-the-year luncheon.
Fifth Grade Graduation Party
The fifth grade party, traditionally held off-site, is sponsored by the Parent Association for the fifth grade students following the Fifth Grade Closing Program. A chair and committee members plan the party for all 5th grade students. The committee is responsible for finding a suitable location and planning entertainment, food and chaperones.
Fifth Grade Play Cast Party
The Parent Association organizes a small part for 5th graders and their families in the Bovey Chapel immediately following the 5th Grade Play. Snacks and beverages are provided, and each student receives a cast photograph in a cardboard folder as a memento. Students enjoy signing each other’s photo folders in colorful ink.
Fifth Grade Closing/Video
The Parent Association helps coordinate the 5th Grade Closing ceremony with the Lower School Administration by collecting photos of 5th grade graduates and creating a video/DVD (with a videographer’s help) that is shown at the Closing ceremony.
GSAC (Girls’ Service and Activity Club)
Parents act as grade leaders for each grade 1-5 for this after school club for girls (BEARS is the boys’ club). Girls meet monthly usually in October, November, and in February or March, and participate in the Pinewood Derby, usually held in January, and a Joint Service Day with BEARS usually held in April. GSAC also has an afternoon/evening “camping experience” for the younger girls and an overnight campout for the older girls and one adult chaperone per family that usually takes place in May at Baker Park. Costs are paid by parents who enroll their children; however, scholarships are available to families receiving financial assistance.
LiteracyFest
Each campus of the Lower School formerly hosted its own book fair. Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, both campuses host a joint event called LiteracyFest (“LitFest”), which is the only Lower School fundraiser. LitFest consists of several events that occur in October with the underlying goals of building community, celebrating literacy and raising funds for the Lower School. Funds raised from LitFest events are used by the Lower School Parent Association to fund projects on both Lower School campuses. LitFest events consist of the Author Celebration, the Blake Campus Book Exchange, the Barnes and Noble Shopping Day, the Highcroft Book Fair, the Boutique Sale and the Raffle.
Lunchroom Volunteers
The Lunchroom Coordinator arranges for parent volunteers to chaperone lunch periods once a week, currently each Thursday, so that teachers have time to schedule meetings and additional time to prepare for their classes.
Mayfest
Mayfest is a gathering of students and parents to celebrate spring by cleaning and refreshing the grounds of the Highcroft campus. A time to plant and maintain flowers, shrubs and trees. This event is specific to the Highcroft Campus of the Lower School.
Media Center Volunteers
Lower School parent volunteers assist in maintaining the Media Center's appearance, helping check books in and out, putting books back on the shelves and doing inventory at the end of the school year, as well as helping with the end-of-year Book Exchange
.
Pancake Breakfast
Parent volunteers organize this social event for Kindergarten, first and second grade students held before school one morning each year. Each student may invite one special guest.
Pumpkin Party
Lower School students are invited to spend an afternoon in late October decorating pumpkins at this Parent Association sponsored social event.
Room Representatives
Room representatives serve as liaisons between classroom teachers and parents. They coordinate volunteers for classroom activities and field trips, coordinate communication between the classroom teachers and parents, and host the Grab-and-Go Coffees and Parent Parties for their grade.
WinterFest
The Parent Association sponsors a winter celebration for Lower School students and a guest, featuring ice skating, snow painting and hot cocoa. This event is specific to the Highcroft campus of the Lower School.