Blake Updates
April 8, 2018
Fourth Marking Period
As you head into the fourth marking period you should be setting your goals now. What are your going to improve during the fourth marking period? What will you do to make those improvements? How will you measure the progress you are making?
I also want to remind students that we need you all to arrive to school on time. We have seen an increase in the number of students arriving late in the mornings. Please remember that students are expected to be in their classes by 7:45 a.m.
I also want to encourage our families to continue to check this weekly update and the school's website. As we get into the spring and head towards the end of the year we have a number of events and activities for our families that you should know about.
Let's make the first week of the last marking period a great one!
Choose Respect Conference on Healthy Teen Dating Set for April 15
Did you know that nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner each year?
Parents/guardians, teens, youth service providers, and educators will come together to discuss the problems around teen dating violence and talk about ways to establish healthy relationships at the annual Choose Respect conference set for April 15 at Richard Montgomery High School. There will be raffles, prizes, free food, and live entertainment. More information is available at the following link: www.eventbrite.com/e/choose-respect-2018-9th-annual-healthy-teen-dating-conference-tickets-42890106463.
MCPS-MCCPTA Mental Health and Wellness Forum
The MCPS-MCCPTA Mental Health and Wellness Forum will be held on April 22 from 1:00 until 5:00 pm at Gaithersburg High School
The currently planned sessions and speakers include:
- 1-2 pm State of Youth Mental Health and Wellness in Montgomery County- Ann Mazur, CEO, EveryMind and Matt Post, MCPS Student Member Of the Board
- 2-4 pm Breakout Sessions on Coping with Anxiety and Stress, Ending the Silence (NAMI), Physical Exercise and Mental Health, Mindfulness, Mental Health First Aid (not full training), Keeping Kids Safe Online, Trauma-informed practice, Child Abuse and Neglect
- 4-5 pm Crisis Management and Suicide Prevention- Dr. Eilzabeth Rathbone, OSFSE, Montgomery County Public Schools, and Rachel Larkin, EveryMind
- There will be a Spanish language panel led by Identity
- More panel and resources tables are being planned!
Register online at https://goo.gl/forms/eHVPgj6erLeoXxSW2
Special Education Summit Set for April 28
MCPS parents, staff, and community members are invited to the fifth annual Special Education Summit, Leading the Way Today, Partnering for a Better Tomorrow. The summit will take place from 8:15 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg.
The summit will feature keynote speakers and MCPS parents Robin Williams Evans and Wayne Evans on “Living a Happy Life with a Special Needs Child: A Parent’s Perspective.” Families will also have the opportunity to participate in 30 breakout sessions on various parenting topics. Those attending will have an opportunity to meet community partners’ and county agencies’ representatives.
To register for the summit or for more information, visit the Special Education website or call 240-314-4860. The summit is free to attend. A light breakfast will be offered. Interpretation services are available and childcare will be available on a limited basis.
Are You Up to the Fifth Grade Challenge?
The MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc., invites you to join local dignitaries and community leaders for a night of fun and celebration at the sixth annual “Are You Up to the Fifth Grade Challenge?” event on Monday, April 16. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Road in Silver Spring. The event will test local celebrity contestants on their knowledge of Grade 5 facts. Students from several MCPS elementary schools will participate in the event. The event is free and open to the public. Those who wish to attend are asked to register online at: www.mcpsfoundation.org.
The Educational Foundation provides grants, programs, and scholarships that improve educational opportunities for MCPS students.
Update on Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Budget
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has released his recommended operating budget for FY 2019 and is proposing a $75 million increase in spending for MCPS. The Montgomery County Council will hold public hearings on the County Executive’s budget recommendation on April 10, 11, and 12. This is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts with county leaders on why it is important to fully fund the MCPS budget. Those who are interested in testifying can call 240-777-7803 to sign up to speak or register online at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/PHSignup.html.
Stay informed and engaged on the budget request on the MCPS operating budget website: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget/.
Key Dates
- April 9- Early Release Day
- April 9- End Marking Period 3
- April 10- Marking Period 4 Begins
- April 12- Senior Banquet- 7:00 p.m.
- April 13- Visualizing Blake- Visual Arts & Humanities Show- 7:00 p.m.
- April 15- Blake Students Participate in Musical Production of Ragtime at Strathmore. Click here for info and Tickets
- April 16- Blake Beat Ledo's Pizza Fundraiser
- April 17- School Safety Presentation- 7:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater
- April 18- Blue Day
- April 19- Silver Day
- April 19- Senior Parent Meeting- 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium**GRADUATION Information**
- April 21- Athletic Booster Mulch Sale
James Hubert Blake High School
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