Upper School Events That Keep You Linked In
“Speaking of Forensics … ”
Is your child interested in speech or debate? Forensics Parents’ Night is Wednesday, Sept. 5. Parents of current and new debaters are invited to learn more about our fun program, the competitions and our nationally ranked forensic teams. Location: US library, 6:30–8 p.m.
Junior and Senior Retreat Information
On Sunday, Sept. 9 juniors and seniors are heading out for separate overnight retreats. Juniors will depart from the Upper School at noon for Camp Icaghowan, Wis., and will return by 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept.10. Seniors will depart from the Upper School at 1:30 p.m. for Camp St. Croix and will return by 2:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10. Questions? Please contact Junior Grade Dean Alyn Eastin or Senior Grade Dean Dion Crushshon.
Upper School Parent Association Meeting is Monday September 10, 11:15 – 1pm in the US Band Room
Come and chat with new Head of School Anne Stavney, Upper School Director Anne Graybeal and Ninth Grade Dean Jim Mahoney. Upper School and Parent Association officers will share the numerous ways you can get involved at Blake. Legacy Day, Homecoming and other fall events will be highlighted. It is a jam-packed agenda! Come and find out what’s new, enjoy lunch and join the conversation.
College Counseling Events for Parents of Juniors and Seniors
Senior parents, the college counselors will walk you through the maze of this year’s college search on Monday, Sept. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the JNA. Junior parents if you have the jitters about the college process, your evening event is Monday, Sept. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. Both meetings are replete with all the information you need to think calmly and confidently about the college process. Location: JNA
Grade 9 Ready, Set, Go!
Student services will be hosting a meeting for all parents of students transitioning to grade nine. Student Services provides academic, social and emotional support for Blake students and their families. They are passionate about ensuring the success of each of our children. This extremely informative meeting is in the Northrop Alumnae room from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11.
US Curriculum Night is an Evening Not to be Missed!
On Wednesday, Sept. 19, a light dinner buffet is served from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the lobby, prior to the formal presentation in the JNA. Following the presentation you cruise the halls on your child’s course schedule. You have an opportunity to meet all of your child’s teachers, learn important curriculum facts and ask questions. As you jostle quickly through the halls following your child’s schedule, you will be transported back to your own high school days. You may find yourself wishing you had such awesome teachers and amazing course selections. Time: 5:30–9 p.m. US
Community of Concern Fall Gathering for Freshmen and Sophomore Parents
Please join other parents from the freshmen and sophomore classes for coffee and conversation on Thursday, Sept. 20. Discussion topics will include the Homecoming dance, driving, drinking and substance use. Please come to join the conversation. 8:30 – 10 am at the home of Laura Enkoji and Mike Coyle.
All Upper School students are invited to the US Bonfire on September 27 from 8:30 – 10 pm on the Blake campus in Hopkins. Sponsored by the senior class under the guidance of Senior Grade Dean Dion Crushshon, the bonfire entertainment will be a tasteful line-up of acts starring talented musicians, actors, singers and dancers from the Upper School.
Homecoming Dinner for All Freshmen
This dinner is the perfect way to ameliorate the stress of the first high school dance and the worries about where your children are dining. Get your child to throw on his or her dancing shoes and join all his or her classmates for this freshmen Homecoming dinner on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Pillsbury Conference Room on the Blake campus in Hopkins. Stay tuned for further information from Grade Nine Dean Jim Mahoney.
Homecoming Dance
All Upper School students may attend the annual Homecoming dance on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., on the Blake campus in Hopkins, Bovey Chapel. Please pick up your child promptly by 11:30 p.m. in the circle. Cost $5. Questions? Please email Senior Grade Dean Dion Crushshon.
MISP College Fair, September 30, 12:30 – 3 p.m. Blake campus, Hopkins
Representatives from 150 colleges and universities around the country talk with students and parents from six partner schools: Blake, Breck, Mounds Park Academy, Minnehaha, SPA and Shattuck-St.Mary's. The MISP fair is an opportunity for students — especially seniors and juniors — to personally meet and ask questions of the representative from each college of interest. Juniors, sophomores and parents find the fair a great time for gathering information on many types of colleges.
Let's chat with our Grade Deans!
Ask questions, meet other parents in your child’s grade, and get better acquainted with the Blake culture.
• Grade 9 – Dessert with Dean Jim Mahoney Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 7 – 8:30pm Upper School Library
• Grade 10 – Coffee with Dean Ben Temple Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 8am - 9 am US Cherne
• Grade 11 – Coffee with Alyn Eastin Thursday, Oct. 4 from 8am – 9am US Cherne
• Grade 12 – Coffee with Dion Crushshon Friday, Oct. 5 from 8am – 9am US Cherne
SAT
SAT testing will take place Saturdays, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 in the Upper School library. Students will need to arrive by 7:30 a.m. and will be finished by 1 p.m.
The National College Fair, held each fall at the Minneapolis Convention Center, is one of the largest fairs of its kind and annually attracts representatives from over 350 different colleges and universities. The National College Fair is free and open to the public. Blake students are not given time off to attend this event, but they might wish to go on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon and on Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon to pick up information for their student.
SSAT testing will take place on Saturdays, Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 at the Upper School. Students will need to arrive by 7:45 a.m. and will finish by 12:30 p.m.
On Monday, Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. you do not want to miss International and Off–Campus Programs Evening, an information session held at the Upper School for all students and parents interested in learning more about off-campus study and service programs. To date, Blake has distinguished itself among its peer schools in the areas of international travel/study/service and global citizenship. Students who have attended overseas programs share their stories and emphasize the value of cultural exchange. There will also be more than 20 organizations present to hand out brochures, answer questions and get you thinking about excellent diverse summer and school year programs for your child. Of course, cost of participation is always a factor to consider, so to help with these considerations, the director of financial aid will be available to discuss eligibility for financial assistance. We look forward to a full house for this event, so parents and students should plan to arrive early to get a good seat. We will begin the evening in the JNA. Any questions? Please contact Dion Crushshon at (952) 988-3782 or dcrushshon@blakeschool.org.
US Conferences October 17 from noon – 8pm and October 18 from 9–3 p.m.
These conferences offer students and parents a chance to meet with teachers individually to review students’ progress and address questions and challenges. Upper School conference times will be confirmed by email.
Open Mic Night Friday October 26, from 7-9 pm in US Room 115
These awesome evenings provide students the opportunity to share with peers their many talents such as singing, playing musical instruments, poetry readings and stand-up comedy.
Parent Party for Grades 10 and 11, November 3
This is real-time, face-time, and one of the few unstructured purely social events held on campus. While sipping wine and nibbling on tasty hors d’oeuvres, you can reconnect with old friends and meet new families at Blake. Conversations ignite as you learn new things about Blake, the Twin Cities and parenting. Maximize the experience and make dinner reservations and it’s a DATE NIGHT! All parties take place on Saturdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bovey Chapel on the Blake campus in Hopkins.
College Financial Aid Night – Monday, November 5 @ 7 p.m. in US library
Financing a college education is a significant concern for many families. Learn how to apply for assistance and the steps necessary to take to receive merit and need-based financial aid.
Inviting all interested prospective families to an Admissions Grade 9–12 Open House on Saturday, Nov. 10 from noon until 2:30 p.m. Come see what Blake has to offer! Administration, current parents, students and faculty will be present to discuss school life, curriculum and activities.