Re-enrollment Contracts Reminder

We want to remind families that re-enrollment contracts for the 2020-2021 school year were sent by Fred Colson, director of finance, last weekend via an email from DocuSign. Please be sure to review and electronically sign your contract by next Friday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. Also, in order to complete the process, we need to receive your deposit by next Friday.

Several parents/guardians in two-parent/guardian families have asked if both need to sign the contract. The answer is yes. In order to complete the process, both parents/guardians need to sign the contract and one must choose a payment method.

Finally, an earlier email said the 2020-2021 bus enrollment form would be sent with the re-enrollment contracts. Due to a last-minute process change, those forms will be sent shortly.

If you were expecting a contract but have not received one, please contact Fred at fcolson@belmontday.org or 617-932-3886. Please contact Fred if you have any questions or difficulties signing the contract.

Mural Helps Set the Scene in Fourth Grade

Fourth grade is creating a mural in their classroom, a collaboration between the art teacher and social studies teacher. Earlier this year, the students were given the challenge to create a design for a backdrop for the storytelling corner that is set up in their classroom year-round. The storytelling traditions of Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, and creative writing are all part of the fourth grade curriculum. 

Given the range of stories that may be told in this area, students were asked to consider a design idea that was timeless, open-ended, and could serve as a background for any story. The classroom mural is a combination of ideas presented by the fourth grade students. Using latex paint, students first created a base coat in each area of the design. Next, they applied details and textures using various techniques using brushes, crumpled paper, and cloth.

The storytelling stage will be one of three stages highlighted at the Greek Festival in April. In May and June, students will have opportunities to tell their own stories through a new, Moth-inspired storytelling unit. 

See “The Apple” on Stage

Friday, February 27 at 3:45 p.m.
Palandjian Arts Center

Don’t miss the theatrical event of the trimester! The enrichment drama club, Center Stage Players, proudly presents the sassy and satirical production of “The Apple.” The play deals with the perceptions that people create and project upon art. It explores, in an absurd way, how some people mistakenly think the work of art is responsible for their perceptions, and how sometimes this thinking can culminate in an act of censorship. The show is open to all BDS families and faculty. We’ll see you there!

Chess Students Compete in Tournament!

Four of our chess enrichment students competed in a tournament called the “Winter Team Challenge,” held recently in Burlington. The students were up against very skilled players and initially lost several rounds only to make a major come back in the end. Mr. Foygel, our chess enrichment instructor, was impressed and thrilled to have his students exploring this game of strategy in a competitive environment outside of BDS.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Recognizes BDS Students

Three Belmont Day grade eight students were recently honored in the 2020 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The program recognizes the talent of our nation’s youth and provides opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. Young artists and writers, filmmakers and photographers, poets and sculptors, video game artists and science fiction writers, along with the educators who support and encourage the creative process are recognized for excellence annually.

• Kiki Friedbauer: Gold Key (Drawing & Illustration) for “One’s On” (pictured)
• Elizabeth Amaratunga: Gold Key (Poetry) for “Ballad of a Galaxy Cat”
• Elena Ferrari: Silver Keys (Flash Fiction) for “Nail Fire” and “A Path Made of Midnight” and Honorable Mentions (Poetry)

Preparing for Secondary School Placement

Monday, February 24
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kiva
Seventh grade parents are invited to join Director of High School Placement, Sarah Merrill, Middle School Head Liz Gray and Head of School Brendan Largay for an introduction to the secondary school placement process.