Early Dismissal Before February Break

Please be aware that the final dismissal for after school will be at 3:30 p.m on Friday, February 14. Please plan accordingly—the program will close promptly at 3:45 p.m. for the start of the February vacation week.

Back to the Future

Using web-based code editor Microsoft MakeCode Arcade middle school students in the games programming arts elective are creating retro arcade games. We have delved into six of the most common level design patterns present in 2D videogames. Who needs 4K (4096 x 2160 pixels) when you can create a game with a screen size of 160×120 pixels and 16 available colors? Although it might seem simple this 2D game engine has sprites, platformer-style collisions, tile maps, and particle systems. Students are learning how hard it is to program a simple 2D game and gaining an appreciation of how much thought goes into creating one level of the games they like to play.

– Kurt Robinson, innovation and art teacher

Advisory: Cold and Flu Season and Coronavirus

Cold and flu season, regrettably, is upon us. We appreciate your support of our efforts to reduce the spread of illness and maintain a healthy school environment by keeping children home when they are ill. Thank you for your partnership with us in ensuring that your children are getting the rest they need, keeping their hands clean, and following good hygiene practices to keep colds and flu at bay. (Click here to review the BDS Studnet Illness Policy)

Of course, we are also paying close attention to the national news regarding the Coronavirus, a novel virus that originated in Wuhan, China. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the international health community are closely monitoring the outbreak of this virus, and we are tracking it here at BDS as well. As of today, there are five confirmed cases in the United States. 

Under the leadership and guidance of Nurse Liz LaRocque, Belmont Day takes concerns about the Coronavirus seriously as student safety remains our highest priority as a school and community. We have been closely following the guidelines and updates from the CDC and the World Health Organization. We have also been in touch with our local health agencies for guidance and will stay apprised of state and regional updates. As health officials manage the response to the Coronavirus, they tell us there is a very low risk to our community at this time.  

That said, to err on the side of student safety, we offer information about the virus, the CDC’s guidelines, and preventative measures you and your family might take:

Departing Faculty

Beth Krebs, First Grade Teacher
It is with regret that we will be saying good-bye to Beth Krebs in June. After ten years at BDS, first as an associate teacher in the Lesley University collaborative program and then as a first grade teacher, Beth has decided not to return next year to have a more flexible schedule. She looks forward to spending more time with her family, traveling, and devoting time for volunteering and her hobbies. Beth’s love of young learners and her passion for math helped solidify her place at BDS. Not only has Beth dedicated her work to first graders, but she also served on the mentoring committee and numerous hiring committees. We will always think of her in February when first grade has its hallmark 100th Day of School celebration. Her collegiality, diligence, and kind spirit will be greatly missed. We are beginning a hiring process to fill this position.

Suzanne Caruso, Middle School Social Studies Teacher
It is with sadness for us, and great enthusiasm for Suzanne Caruso, that we will bid her farewell at the end of this academic year. Suzanne will be leaving Belmont Day to pursue teaching opportunities at local public schools, a long-held goal of hers. We are beginning a hiring process for a seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher to fill this position.

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