Blake Updates
May 31, 2020
Events Impacting our Society
- "James Hubert Blake High School actively engages our diverse and inclusive school community with challenging learning opportunities in and beyond the classroom that foster a passion for learning, an appreciation of the arts, and a commitment to productive citizenship."
As a school we can not strongly enough condemn the senseless and horrific deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. We know that these events, the ensuing events of the past week, and our country's recently and long-standing struggles with race are impacting our students, staff, and community in numerous ways. I want to assure you that Blake High School is committed to equity, excellence, and supporting each and every one of our families. As a school we will continue to build an open, welcoming, and supportive school environment where each of our students feel safe and can work to their maximum potential.
I also want to let you know that even in our virtual learning structures we are here to support our students and families. If we can help or support you in any way please reach out to any adult in our building.
- You can find our staff contact information at https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/staff/directory/.
- You can visit our new counseling website at https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/blake-hs-counseling-site.
- Personally you can reach out to me by email at Robert_Sinclair@mcpsmd.org, through Twitter (https://twitter.com/Blake_Principal), through Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Blake_Principal/) or by text at 240-863-2302.
As a community we can and will support our families and our students during these troubling times and ensure that we come out of this stronger than we were before.
----------------------- #WeAreBlake ----------------------- #BengalPride -----------------------
From the Blake Music Department
We are extremely proud to present "I Could Write a Book," a virtual collaboration between the Eubie Blake Jazz Ensemble and A CAPPELLA! from James Hubert Blake High School!
Before schools closed down in March, both groups were working up this piece for our annual Swing Night event. It was going to be the first time these two ensembles had ever collaborated on a piece of music. When we moved to remote teaching and learning, we did not want the opportunity and the hard work the students had put into the piece to go to waste. So the students have been hard at work putting together this version at home.
This video represents approximately 150 labor-hours of practice, recording, and production by over 40 students in both ensembles, as well as Blake alumni. If you pay close attention you'll see some of our talented students singing their part AND playing their part! We hope you enjoy it, and please feel free to share as much as you'd like!
Senior Updates
Graduation Ceremony Updates
All MCPS high schools will host individual virtual ceremonies for their students and families June 8 through June 12. A link to view these ceremonies will be posted on the MCPS graduation webpage and on each school’s home page. The ceremonies will also be rebroadcast on MCPS TV (Comcast channel 33, RCN channel 88, and Verizon channel 35).
James Hubert Blake High School Graduation
We have been working very hard to prep for our virtual graduation that will be held on June 10th at 4:00 pm. Here is What can you expect from our Individual School Ceremony:- The access link to our ceremony will be available on our website on June 10th at 4:00 pm. ( https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/ )
- During our ceremony, a personalized slide including your graduate’s photograph and name will be shown.
- Images and short videos of our Class of 2020 graduates will be displayed at the end of our ceremony
- Marking Period 4 Grades will be pass or fail. You can find information on how students earn a pass here.
- Students who earn a pass for marking period 4 will have the opportunity to select if they would like a pass or a letter grade for a final grade. The chart below shows the options and the May 23rd email from MCPS explains this. The window for students to select will be from June 4 to June 12.
Summer School Updates
- MCPS is continuing with plans to offer summer learning and enrichment opportunities for students.
- Some of these opportunities will be free, and will cover everything from math and literacy, to enrichment and opportunities for students to explore areas of interest
- There will be opportunities for students to take online courses to earn high school credit.
- Programs are scheduled to start the week of July 13 and registration information should be out the week of June 8th.
- Families are also being asked to provide feedback into our summer programs and the structures of these programs this year. Please watch for the survey link from MCPS.
After Prom Contest Winners
Congratulations to the following students on being selected as winners for their submissions to our After Prom's Enchanted Forest Art Contest.
- 1st Place- Jeremy Honteveros
- 2nd Place- Jonathan Holt
- 3rd Place- Makayla Castillo
- 4th Place- Byron Perez
- 5th Place- Anne A. Bair
- Honorable Mention- Ryan N Jaba
- Honorable Mention- Sokha Heng
- Honorable Mention- Jaylen Pineda
- Honorable Mention- Robel Tsegay
- Honorable Mention- Erica Jew
- Honorable Mention- Malaika Jackson
Thank you to all of the students who participated and thank you to our After Prom committee for all of the amazing work
Having Technology Issues
If your student does not have the technology they need (chromebook or internet connection) please email Ms. O’Neill at Anita_R_O’Neill@mcpsmd.org
If you have technology that is no longer working you can exchange it at 45 W. Gude Drive,
Monday – Friday form 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. You will need the technology equipment that is no longer working, the student ID and face coverings.
Continuity of Learning Schedule
- June 1- Distance Learning- Content Sharing Day
- June 2- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 1-4
- June 3- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 5-7
- June 4- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 1-4
- June 5- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 5-7
- June 7- MCPS Universal Graduation- 6:00 p.m.
- June 8- Distance Learning- Content Sharing Day
- June 9- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 1-4
- June 10- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 5-7
- June 10- Blake High School Graduation- 4:00 p.m.
- June 11- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 1-4
- June 12- Distance Learning- Live Check in Sessions with Periods 5-7
- June 15- Last day for students
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