Blake Updates
January 26, 2020
- Refresh your materials and supplies. New classes mean new organization.
- Set goals for the second semester identifying what you want to accomplish (specific goals are much more effective) but also plan how you intend on achieving those goals.
- Review the opportunities for help and support. They are included in each of these weekly updates below, listed under academic support.
- If you need help, be sure you see your counselor or administrator, we are here to help.
January 28 Homeroom Bell Schedule
Advanced Placement Test Payments Due March 1
A reminder that Advanced Placement Test fees are due March 1. Any exam that is not paid for by March 1 will be canceled and students will be issued a $40 financial obligation for the price of canceling the test.
Directions to pay for the test are below. Questions? Contact Ms. O'Neill ( Anita_R_O'Neill@mcpsmd.org ) , Assistant Principal / AP Test Coordinator
Register to Vote and/or Volunteer on Election Day
Book Sale
The 14th Annual Blake PTSA Used Book Sale runs from February 8-23. This is the PTSA’s biggest fundraiser and proceeds benefit college and career events, NAACP Parent Council, senior scholarships, staff appreciation, student recognition awards, and much more. The PTSA depends on Blake parents and students to staff the event. Volunteering is fun and easy (and you can get free books!) Students also earn SSL hours. For more information, go to:
NEW INFORMATION - Senior Banquet - NEW INFORMATION
- February 27, 2020
- Ten Oaks Ballroom, 7:00 p.m.
- Tickets are $50
- They will be on sale from January 20th through February 10th
- Tickets can be purchased at Blake's Online Payments
Senior Panoramic Picture:
- The senior panoramic picture taken before winter break is online and available for purchase. It may be found at vosphoto.com/blake either in your photo gallery or through direct link on the Senior Portraits and Misc. Events tabs.
Caps and Gowns
- Students received information this week in their English classes
- All payments will be made to Jostens
- Online orders will start January 8th- Click Here
- Cap, Gown, Stole & Tassel- $45 (until February 19)
- Have a cap and gown? 2020 Stole and Tassel- $22.95
- A Jostens representative will be at Blake on January 22nd during lunch to collect orders and payments for those wanting to pay in person (Click here for the order form if ordering and paying in person on the 22nd)
- Prices will go up after February 19th
- Teacher Support- Students (and parents) should always start with their classroom teacher to get support. You can see when teachers are available for support by clicking here.
- Global Concerns- If parents have more global concerns about their student in terms of academics or their social-emotional state they should reach out to their counselor or grade level administrator.
- Peer Student Support- James Hubert Blake High School provides a variety of opportunities for students to get support from their peers. Many of our honor societies provide opportunities for students to get support in their classes during their lunch periods. You can see when and where these sessions take place, as well as the staff member who coordinates them by clicking here.
- Homework Club and Math Lab- We also provide an opportunity for students to receive help after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 until 4:30 in the media center. Our Homework Club and Math Lab are coordinated by Ms. Bamfo, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Hicks, and Ms. Wang. At these sessions, students can receive support from staff as well as student tutors.
- Bump It Up Saturdays- We offer an opportunity for students to get additional time and support with their work through our Bump It Up Saturday sessions. These sessions run from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Blake HS on January 11, February 22, March 21, April 18, and May 6th. Students who need transportation can catch buses from either White Oak Middle School or Briggs Chaney Middle School. Buses will leave those schools at 7:30 a.m. and return at 11:30 a.m. Students attending Bump It Up should come with work to do. You can contact Mr. Brown with additional questions or concerns.
Free Screening of Documentary Screenagers
The Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations, Inc. (MCCPTA) Safe Technology Committee, in partnership with Ridgeview Middle School, is hosting a free screening of the documentary Screenagers at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4. The screening will be held at Ridgeview Middle School. Parents/guardians, students, and staff are invited to this event to learn more about social media’s effects on children. Please RSVP to safetech@mccpta.org.
Nominations Open for Annual Distinguished Service to Public Education Awards
The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking nominations from the public for its 23rd Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards are sponsored by the Board to recognize and show appreciation to individuals (including students), groups, and organizations that have made exemplary contributions to public education in Montgomery County.
Nominations will be accepted in the following categories:
- business
- community individual (which can include students)
- community group
- MCPS staff
- school service volunteer
- individual pioneer
Nominations in other categories must be of individuals (including MCPS students), groups, or organizations that have, within the past three years, provided service, support, and commitment to public education as demonstrated by:
- an outstanding contribution of time and expertise to school system programs,
- development and/or implementation of an exemplary program or project, or
- a contribution that results in systemwide benefit.
Nomination forms are available on the Board of Education website or from the Board office. Completed nomination forms must be received in the Board of Education office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6. More information is available at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/community/awards/.
Nominations for Presidential Awards Open to STEM Teachers
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the highest honors given by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The awards were established by Congress in 1983.
The awards recognize teachers who have deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program's inception, more than 4,800 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.
Parents/guardians, students, or members of the general public may nominate exceptional individuals who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science in Grades K-6 for this award year. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have at least five years of teaching experience. The nomination deadline is Sunday, March 1. The application deadline is Friday, May 1.
Winners receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, along with recognition and professional development opportunities. For more information and to complete a nomination form, visit www.paemst.org/nomination/nominate.
Councilmember Rice to Host Forums on the State of Education in Montgomery County
Montgomery County residents are invited to participate in two upcoming meetings on the state of education in Montgomery County. The forums, hosted by councilmember Craig Rice, will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about academic readiness, career pathways, and work-based learning opportunities that take our students from prekindergarten to jobs. The meetings will be held on Tuesday, January 28 at the Montgomery College Germantown campus and Wednesday, March 4 at Northwood High School. Dr. Smith, Montgomery College President Dr. DeRionne Pollard, and Dr. Stewart Edelstein, executive director of the Universities of Shady Grove, will participate in the conversation.
- January 27- No School for Students (Professional Day for Staff)
January 28- Voter Registration During Lunch
January 28- Marking Period 3 / Semester 2 Starts
January 29- Voter Registration During Lunch
January 30- Voter Registration During Lunch
February 3-7- Black Student Union Sponsored Black History Spirit Week
February 4- Report Card Distribution
February 5- Blue Block Day
February 6- Silver Block Day
February 9- Tri-M Music Recital- 7:00 p.m.- Amphitheater
February 9- Incoming 9th Grade Parent Meeting- 7:00 p.m.- Auditorium
February 17- Holiday- No School
February 18- Athletics Booster Club Meeting- 7:00 p.m.- Amphitheater
February 19- Blue Block Day
February 20- Silver Block Day
February 20- Instrumental Music Festival Preview Concert- 7:30 p.m.- Auditorium
February 21- Children's Theater Performance- 7:00 p.m.- Black Box
February 22- Bump It Up
February 22- Children's Theater Performance- 7:00 p.m.- Black Box
February 22- Children's Theater Performance- 2:00 p.m.- Black Box
February 23- Children's Theater Performance- 2:00 p.m.- Black Box
February 27- Senior Banquet- 7:00 p.m.- Ten Oaks Ballroom
February 28- Early Release Day
James Hubert Blake High School
James Hubert Blake High School is a Signature School for the Fine Arts and Humanities
#WeAreBlake — #BengalPride
Email: Robert_Sinclair@mcpsmd.org
Website: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/
Location: 300 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD, United States
Phone: (240)740-1400
Facebook: facebook.com/BlakeHSPrincipal/
Twitter: @Blake_Principal