Blake Updates
April 28, 2019
Orchestra, Percussion & Jazz Concert
Advanced Placement Exam Dates
Additional Advanced Placement Information
Students who are taking AP tests this year were sent their testing schedules and some general reminders on Friday, April 26 via email and text. If students do not know where they are testing for each of their tests, individual AP teachers have the rosters and can be of assistance.
It is imperative that students arrive by 7:45 for morning tests and 11:45 for afternoon tests. The timeline for administration is tight and proctors cannot wait for missing students.
Some tests are given at the People’s Community Baptist Church located about one mile from Blake near New Hampshire Ave. The address is 31 Norwood Road. If students have a test at the church, it is important to arrange transportation with a parent or a friend. If students are driving, they should park in the back behind the church, not on the side to avoid being towed.
Students should bring at least a couple of number two pencils and black or blue pens to the tests. If the test requires a calculator, students need to bring their calculators and it is recommended that spare batteries be brought as well as calculators and batteries are not proved.
It is recommended that students dress in layers and/or bring a sweatshirt/sweater as the temperatures in rooms can fluctuate. Some tests are given in the auditorium and it tends to be cooler in that environment. Desk lights are provided for each desk in the auditorium to adjust brightness for individual student needs.
It is recommended that students bring water and a light snack. Non-water drinks will not be allowed in the testing area and will be accessed only after testing so it is best to finish those prior to arrival. If a student has two tests in one day, a filling, heavier snack and extra water should be packed so it can be consumed between tests.
Cell phones and smart watches will not be permitted in the testing room. It is best if those items are not brought in at all because they will be secured in bags away from testing.
If students have questions their teachers cannot answer, they can see Ms. O’Neill.
Equity Accountability Model Now Available
The MCPS Equity Accountability Data Dashboard provides information on the strategies the district is using to monitor and report student achievement. MCPS created the Equity Accountability Model to provide a way to look at the impact of a school specific to the achievement of all students. You can view the dashboard and learn more at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/evidence-of-learning-framework/equity-accountability-model.aspx.
Reminder: 2019 Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services are asked to complete the 2019 Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey over the next few weeks. The information you provide will help guide the state’s efforts in improving special education and related services in public schools. The survey is anonymous and can be completed online. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, May 17. Visit www.mdparentsurvey.com/ to complete the survey.
Changes to the 2018 - 2019 Calendar Due to Inclement Weather
Inclement weather forced MCPS to close schools on four days this winter. The 2018–2019 MCPS school calendar includes 182 instruction days, 2 more than the minimum required in the state of Maryland. As a result of these closures, MCPS will need to use two designated make-up days to ensure that it meets the state-required number of school days. The school year will be extended to June 14, 2019, and schools also will be open on June 5, which was a previously scheduled professional day for staff. June 14 will be an early release day for all students.
Latino Community Forum Set for April 30
MCPS parents/guardians and members of the community are invited to attend the Latino Community Forum to engage in an important conversation about enrichment opportunities for Latino students and deepen connections among MCPS leaders, Latino parents/guardians and students, and their school communities. The forum will be held at Forest Oak Middle School on Tuesday, April 30 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be conducted in Spanish, with English interpretation available. Food and childcare will be provided. RSVP online at
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLVLb2HnMQhuS1MeHcHHRsVjCpaepKsgPP0CkJK3kMlKiiow/viewform.
Help Build the Future of MCPS High School Programs
What high school programs should Montgomery County Public Schools offer in the future to best support college and career readiness? Be a part of the future! MCPS wants to hear from you about what programs you want made available at your local school and throughout the district. The district will hold the fourth in a series of community conversations for parents/guardians to discuss high school programs. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Paint Branch High School.
May 8 High School Science Curriculum Night
Learn more about all core high school science course options, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses during the High School Science Curriculum Night on Wednesday, May 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Thomas S. Wootton High School. This event is co-sponsored by MCPS and MCCPTA, childcare and translation services will be available.
RSVP online at mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/high-school-science-curriculum-night-may-8/.
REMINDER: Learn About the Equity Accountability Model at an Upcoming Community Meeting
Members of the community are invited to join staff from the MCPS Office of School Support and Improvement at the final community meeting to learn about the MCPS Equity Accountability Model and other strategies the district is using to monitor and report student achievement. The meeting will take place on:
Monday, May 13, 2019
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Rockville High School
Quince Orchard High School
Springbrook High School
For more information and to RSVP, visit mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/equity-accountability-modelcommunity-meetings/.
LGBTQIA Forum Set for May 18
MCPS, in collaboration with MCCPTA and community partners, is hosting a forum on Saturday, May 18 to help build, support, and advocate for a stronger and more diverse LGBTQIA school community. The forum will be held at Thomas S. Wootton High School from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. To RSVP, visit mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/lgbtqia-rsvp-form/.
Key Dates
May 1- Orchestra, Percussion & Jazz Concert (7:30 pm)
May 3- World Language Honor Society Induction
May 6 - 17- AP Testing Window
May 7- Choral Concert (7:30 pm)
May 8- Blue Block Day
May 9- Silver Block Day
May 9- Band Concert (7:30 pm)
May 17- Junior / Senior Prom (8:00 pm)
May 20 - 23- State Testing Window
May 21- Athletic Awards
May 22- Academic Awards
May 23- Minority Academic Gala
May 24- Last Day for Seniors
James Hubert Blake High School
James Hubert Blake High School is a Signature School for the Fine Arts and Humanities
#ExpectExcellence
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
Twitter: @Blake_Principal