Middle School Parents – These Items are for You
Middle School Fall Sports Meetings
On Tuesday, Aug. 28, there will be a meeting for all Middle School fall sport athletes, parents and coaches at 5 p.m. in the MacMillan Performing Arts Center (MPAC). Team meetings will take place after the group meeting. Please contact the Athletic Office at (952) 988-3800 with any questions.
Picture Day
Friday, Aug. 31 is picture day at Middle School. Order forms were sent home in the August mailing and should be brought to school on picture day. Individual photos will be taken throughout the morning. Please do not schedule appointments for your child during this time. Retakes are scheduled for Oct. 1.
Parent Association Meetings
Middle School Parent Association monthly meetings are typically on the first or second Friday of every month. Stay in tune with Middle School happenings at these informative meetings, which include presentations by administration, staff and special guest speakers as well as campus news and updates.
The first meeting will be held on Friday, Aug. 31 from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. in the Pillsbury Conference Room (PCR). Our theme is “Back to School.” We will receive a preview of the upcoming year from Middle School Director Elizabeth Aurand Hastings, including details of the new “J”-term experience that our students will be participating in for the first time this year. We will also hear from other administration and PA members regarding athletics, magazine drive, clubs and the fall play. Also, please save the date for our second meeting on Friday, Oct. 5 at 8:45 a.m. in the PCR and meet new Head of School Dr. Anne Stavney.
Middle School Camping/Excursion Trips
On Thursday, Sept. 6 and Friday, Sept. 7, Middle School students will attend retreats with their respective grades. Sixth grade students and faculty will depart for Camp Ocaghowan in Amery, Wis., on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m. Eighth grade students and faculty will attend Camp Iduhapi in Loretto, Minn., and will also be departing at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 6. All sixth and eighth graders will return on Friday, Sept. 7 by 3:30 p.m. Seventh grade students and faculty will have two days of off-campus excursions returning each day by 3:30 p.m.
The goals of these trips include developing cohesive advisory spirit, forming new friendships, setting a positive tone for the new school year and establishing goals and objectives for the coming year. The campouts and excursions are an integral part of each grade program. Additional information was sent home in the August mailing.
Parent Curriculum Night
Wednesday, Sept. 12, is the Middle School Parent Curriculum Night. This is a great opportunity for parents to learn about teacher expectations and requirements for the school year. There will be a lite bite at 6 p.m. in the MacMillan Performing Arts Center (MPAC) lobby. At 6:45 p.m., a formal program will be held in the MPAC. Parents are then invited to follow their child’s daily schedule and meet with teachers. Please mark your calendar for this important evening.
Sixth Grade Skating Party
On Friday, Sept. 14, all sixth grade students are invited to attend a skating party in the Blake Ice Arena from 3:30 to 5 p.m. More details will be provided in Bear Essentials.
Magazine Drive
Save your subscription renewals and new magazine orders for the annual Middle School Parent Association magazine drive. The magazine drive begins Monday, Sept. 24 and has a final online order date of Tuesday, Oct. 9. This is the only fundraiser for the Middle School. The proceeds directly benefit the Middle School students. Last year’s magazine proceeds winners (voted on by students, parents and staff) included things such as classroom yoga balls, potter’s wheel, table tennis tables, fitness training equipment, science microscopes and choral risers. Support your school! Order magazines!
Learning Lunches
All parents are welcome to join Middle School Director Elizabeth Aurand Hastings for an informative discussion on a variety of issues concerning Blake Middle School students. Lunch will be provided. These lunches are held in the Pillsbury Conference Room beginning at noon and lasting approximately one hour.
8th Grade Learning Lunch - Tuesday, Oct. 2
7th Grade Learning Lunch – Tuesday, Oct. 9
6th Grade Learning Lunch – Tuesday, Oct. 16
Grade 7 & 8 Fall BBQ
On Friday, Oct. 12, all seventh and eighth grade students are invited to attend the Fall BBQ from 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by a varsity home football game. Encourage your student(s) to come for dinner in the BC loggia and stay to cheer on the Bears!
Middle School Conferences
There will be no classes on Wednesday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 19. Middle School conferences will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18 from noon to 8 p.m. Each Middle School student and his or her parents will meet with the student’s advisor. Watch Bear Essentials for an announcement on signing up for a specific meeting time.
Quarter Ends
The first quarter ends on Friday, Oct. 26.
Haunted House
Please join Blake’s ghosts and goblins at the sixth annual Blake Haunted House on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Blake campus dining room. Watch the Bearometer and Bear Essentials for more details.