By Carole C. Goodman
Carole C. Goodman
Blake Blue Note
June 2008
Continued from home page...
Saying good-bye to the class of 2008 will be very difficult for us at Blake. They have been a very special group -- smart, talented, hard-working, funny and all around great kids. The Senior Banquet, Prom and After-Prom were great examples of the kind of events that are models for upcoming classes. Students were well-behaved and had a terrific time while keeping safe and exercising good judgment. I’m very proud of them.
Graduation is Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at DAR Constitution Hall. Depending on the mail, it may already have occurred by the time this issue of the Blue Note reaches you. The senior class advisors and class officers have worked extremely hard to ensure a wonderful graduation day for our graduates, their family and friends. The last seven graduation ceremonies have been outstanding in every way; I am certain we will continue the tradition we have established.
There is another group graduating this June as well. Many parents of seniors will also be transitioning from Blake. There are so many people who have given so freely of their time over the years, many going back over eleven years, long before the school was even built. I thank the outstanding parents who truly have made a difference by their unwavering support for our school community. We will miss the phenomenal parents of graduates who have been pillars of support through the years. While the direct tie may be gone, I hope our alumni parents will come to school events, and if you should get a bit nostalgic and are missing high school, you are always welcome.
By the release of this issue of the Blake Blue Note, I will have visited with all of our in-coming ninth graders. The visits have been extremely positive and I am highly impressed with the students who have chosen Blake as their high school. Ms. Thomas and I took Blake Ambassadors with us on the visits to be able to answer student questions from a student perspective. I was extremely pleased and proud of what our students had to say. One of the key questions I asked our ninth graders to address was, “What advice would you give in-coming students to assure their success in high school?” We honestly did not coach students to say this, but in each group the response was; “Do your homework!” “Keep up with your work.” “Get involved in school activities; sports and clubs.” “Ask for help when you need it.” Our students could clearly articulate the objectives and the advantages of the 9 th Grade Academy. They were completely on target with their observations and reflections. If our in-coming students heed their advice, they are sure to have a smooth transition and positive and productive high school years.
The final exam review day is Wednesday, June 4. Exams are mandatory and two hours in length for English, math, science, social studies, foreign language and some computer classes. Exams start Friday, June 6 for periods 1 and 2, Monday, June 9 for periods 3 and 4, Tuesday, June 10 for periods 5 and 6 and Wednesday, June11 for period 7 and make up exams. Make-up exams continue by appointment, on Thursday, June 12. Students are not expected to come to school when they do not have an exam. It is extremely difficult to honor requests for students to take exams early as teachers will be in class and will not have two hour blocks of time to monitor student exams.
An important packet of information will arrive in homes in the beginning of August for all returning and in-coming students. It will include important information about calendars, activities, bus transportation, testing dates and accommodations information, PTSA information, free and reduced meal information and a host of other important items. Please keep the packet for reference throughout the year.
We offer two unique programs in the summer that are not for credit but incredible opportunities for students. High School 101: Intro to 9 th Grade is an opportunity for in-coming 9 th grade students to get a jump-start academically and socially to all aspects of high school. The program runs two sessions from June 30 – July 11 and July 14 – July 25 from 8:30 until 12:15 pm. I strongly encourage in-coming 9 th graders to participate in the program, particularly those coming from private schools, who may not know as many of their in-coming classmates. Additional information can be found on our website at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs, as well as applications and fees are accepted online: http://stores.colorworkspromotions.com/blake.
We also offer the Summer Sensations which is also a two week morning program where students can take high interested mini-courses. This opportunity is enriching, reinforces the signature program in Fine Arts and Humanities and allows students to make new friends and explore new opportunities and challenges in a relaxed atmosphere. Information about Summer Sensations is available at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs.
Fall sports practices begin Saturday, August 16, at which time you must have a current physical in order to try out. All forms can be found on Blake’s website at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/athletics. Orientation for in-coming 9 th graders is Friday, August 22. Students will board the buses and participate in a half day program where they will go through their actual schedule, learn about activities and get a feel for high school. There is an informational meeting for 9 th grade parents at 7:00 pm in the auditorium on Thursday, August 21. The first day of school for students is Tuesday, August 26, 2008.
Summer reading information is also on the website; I strongly urge students to begin this important process early in the summer and not put it off until the last minute. Summer reading is an MCPS requirement and a way to reinforce the importance of reading to our students.
And so with the ending of this school year, we continue, graduating our seventh class and looking forward to welcoming the class of 2012. Have a safe, relaxing and happy summer; the fall will be upon us before we know it!
