May 29, 2026
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Fifth graders welcomed family and faculty to hear about what they’ve been learning this spring.
Opening Message
Reflections On a Decade with the Graduating Class of 2026
By Brendan Largay, Head of School
Post Date: May 29, 2026
The Class of 2026 occupies a special place in my heart. These are the students and families who arrived at Belmont Day when I did or who joined this class along the way and became no less foundational to my own BDS experience. While our BDS lifers arrived with the wide eyes of four-year-olds, filled with wonder and hope, I often felt much the same at the start of my journey: eager to learn, eager to grow, and eager to become the leader these now eighth grade students deserved.
As we reach the end of our tenth year together, here are a few reflections on what this class has taught me (and all of us) and why the legacy of the Class of 2026 will hold an important place in the proud history of our school.
Lesson #1: Go for it.
I don’t know if I’ve witnessed a class more willing to take risks than this one. From welcoming new friends to trying new electives, picking up new instruments, volunteering a novel idea in class, or stepping onto a field or court for the first time, this group has embraced opportunity again and again. They have taught me the value of saying “yes” first and figuring it out from there.
Lesson #2: Joy and care matter.
There is something especially moving about watching this group serve as elder cross-graded partners. Paired with four-year-olds at the beginning of their own ten-year journeys, it is easy to see the same sparkle in our eighth graders as in our pre-kindergarten students. Their joy, rooted in genuine care for others, offers an important reminder each day: childhood passes quickly. They have taught me to seize joy whenever I can.
Lesson #3: The easy path isn’t always the most meaningful one.
The impact of the pandemic—remarkably, now five years in our rearview mirror—was especially significant for students who were in third grade during the 2020–21 school year. A notably formative year in a child’s development, third grade brings more complex logic and math skills, accelerated literacy growth, and critical steps toward conflict resolution and independence. This class experienced all of that behind masks.
With quiet resilience and humility, they engaged in the work of growing, learning, and becoming the remarkable young people they are today. They’ve taught me that the harder road can sometimes shape us more meaningfully than the smooth one.
Lesson #4: There may be more to them than meets the eye.
This class embodies fully engaging in school life. Last week, twenty-four of them were recognized for their participation in our ensembles program, many participating in multiple groups. Thirty-two students participated in the production of Thirty Minutes Til Boarding. Ask the faculty who coordinate the Middle School Meeting, and they’ll tell you that the sign-up sheet for eighth graders to lead is always full of volunteers.
The same spirit extends to athletics. These students have explored new sports, switched teams, and embraced unfamiliar challenges: from soccer to flag football, lacrosse to ultimate frisbee, field hockey to soccer. Along the way, they have become leaders and accomplished athletes: state qualifiers in track for three consecutive years, winners of the Park XC Invitational, an undefeated boys’ lacrosse team, a winning record on Friday Night over three years, and even the fastest eighth grader in the state.
Put simply, this class continues to teach me that one rarely knows what a child is capable of until they have the license to try.
Lesson #5: Respect the people who helped you get there.
This class makes its presence known. The hum of laughter moving through the halls of BDS (or next week, through the Grand Canyon) often means you hear them before you see them. But once you do, you are greeted with kindness.
The students recognize, respect, and appreciate the faculty and families who helped guide them and, in doing so, uphold one of the most important and often unspoken values of our community. Over ten years, this class has strengthened the fabric of Belmont Day. That may be their most enduring legacy.
They have certainly made Belmont Day a more special place, and I cannot imagine a better group with whom to have begun my own journey here. Here’s to the Class of 2026. Safe travels!
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendar
BDS Music Showcase
TONIGHT! Friday, May 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Barn
Join us TONIGHT for the musical event of the spring! We have decided to hold the event in the Barn due to the possibility of rain during the show.
Come and listen to middle school students sing and play music ranging from Gracie Abrams to Green Day, and from known hits to improv. Food and snacks available! Please bring cash for all purchases.
See you at the show!
Celebrating Pride Month at BDS
June is Pride Month. On Friday, June 5, we will raise the Progress Pride Flag in front of the Schoolhouse before the start of our annual Field Day. Students and faculty will gather at the flagpole to share about Pride Month, learn about the meaning of the Progress Pride Flag, and enjoy being in community. We are excited to continue this special tradition at Belmont Day.
While the flag-raising event will be for students and faculty only, everyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and those who want to show allyship are encouraged to stop by the Gallery in the Schoolhouse to pick up stickers and other items throughout the week.
Summer Reading Celebration & Author Talk
Sunday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | author talk at 10:15 a.m.
Join the parents’ association and the Erskine Library team to kick off the fun of summer reading. Please RSVP below to help us plan the event.
The fun will include:
- An author talk with Lindsey Leigh, whose books include The Deep! Wild Life at the Ocean’s Darkest Depths, The Dark! Wild Life in the Mysterious World of Caves, and her newest, The Dirt! Wild Life Under the Soil’s Surface! (Palandjian Arts Center)
- Cartooning with Lindsey Leigh (Erskine Library)
- Summer book checkout
- An ice cream truck!
If you have any questions, please reach out to school librarian Amy Sprung.
Volunteer Appreciation Coffee
Wednesday, June 10, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Outside Coolidge Hall
As we head into summer, the development team invites you to join us outside Coolidge Hall for casual coffee and brief remarks in recognition of the volunteerism that has shaped Belmont Day this year. Whether you volunteered in the classroom, for the parents’ association, or the admissions or development departments, or simply were part of the “village” supporting our students every day, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Lunch & Snack Menu
June 1 to June 5
Monday
Snack: applesauce; Tostitos
Lunch: chicken quesadillas; cheese quesadillas; vegan cheese and sofrita quesadillas; gluten-free chicken quesadillas; corn fiesta blend; taco salad with avocado, tomato, corn, and chipotle ranch dressing
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; Goldfish
Lunch: penne with marinara; gluten-free pasta with marinara; focaccia bread; roasted broccoli; arugula greens, roasted grapes, and parmesan
Wednesday
Snack: clementines; Bug Bites Grahams
Lunch: chicken tenders; sweet chili tofu; gluten-free chicken tenders; potato chips; green beans; romaine, tomato, cukes, and ranch dressing
Thursday
Snack: apples; Smartfood
Lunch: butternut squash soup; turkey BLT subs; vegan subs; gluten-free turkey BLT subs; sweet potato fries; Caesar salad
Friday
Snack: craisins; chocolate chip muffins
Faculty Lunch
Please click the button below for a more detailed, up-to-date weekly menu.
BDS News
COMMUNITY EVENT
Spirit Week & Field Day Fun!
Spirit Week, June 1-5
Field Day, Friday, June 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Who’s excited for Spirit Week and Field Day?!
Each day will have a different dress-up theme:
- Blue & Gold Monday
- Tropical Tuesday
- Wacky Wednesday
- Wear Your Favorite Team Jersey Thursday
- TEAM COLOR FRIDAY!
Students have been assigned to a team for Field Day, and on Friday, June 5, they will dress in their team color.
The event is for students only. However, families are encouraged to help build excitement at home and assist students in sourcing the right gear for maximum team spirit.
If you need help finding clothing in a team color or are seeking a little flair for your student, don’t hesitate to contact the physical education and athletics team.
Use the link to learn your student’s team color.
PARENT SURVEY
Please Provide Your Feedback by June 8
Since its founding, the relationship between parents and the school has been critical in establishing the high standard of excellence we aspire to. Belmont Day is eager to hear from you to better understand your family’s experience this year and gauge our community’s health. This annual survey is an important tool to help us realize opportunities to improve the school experience for our students and families.
The survey should take approximately 25 minutes to complete. Please participate in the survey by Monday, June 8.
The school administration will review the results during the summer and then provide an overview of and response to the results at the State of the School next fall. Thank you!
ANNUAL FUND
Help Us ‘Plant It Forward’ To Finish the School Year
Welcome to Week Three of Planting It Forward, our community-wide effort to fully fund Belmont Day’s Annual Fund goal of $1,067,220 by the end of May. As of today, we have raised $861,487! Congratulations, BDS!
Every gift already made is helping Belmont Day grow stronger, deeper, and more vibrant.
As summertime approaches, we’re inspired by all that has taken root and grown across our Belmont Day community this year. Through the care, generosity, and shared commitment of families and friends like you, our spring annual fund campaign, Planting It Forward, continues to flourish, helping our students bloom in countless ways.
As BDS parents, we know that excellence is not simply something we hope for—it is something we nurture together each day. The BDS Annual Fund helps cultivate that excellence by supporting the people, programs, and experiences that allow children to grow with confidence, curiosity, compassion, and joy.
Like any well-tended garden, Belmont Day grows stronger through the care and participation of many hands. As we close out the school year, let’s continue cultivating this momentum and finish the season united in all we have helped grow together.
Together, we can continue Planting It Forward for every Belmont School Day student.
– Shanying Zhang P’27, parents’ association president, and Megan Akkina P’33, parents’ association vice president
SUMMER AT BDS
Swim & Tennis Association
Summer vacation is just two weeks away! It’s not too late to plan on some summer fun with the family on the campus of Belmont Day. Swim & Tennis Association (STA) membership is a fun and convenient summer option for families and individuals in the Belmont area. STA membership grants use to the pools, tennis courts, fields, and the Big Blue play structure on weekdays after camp (4 to 8 p.m.) and weekends (10 to 11 a.m. lap swim, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. open swim for families). During the last week of summer (before Labor Day), the pool is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Check out the STA page on our website to learn more about the Swim & Tennis Association at BDS. If you have any questions, email us at summer@belmontday.org.
ADMISSIONS NEWS
Staff the BDS Table at Winchester Town Day
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to represent Belmont Day at Winchester’s lively town celebration on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers can sign up for any duration—2 hours, 4 hours, the whole day, whatever works for you.
Help us show off what makes Belmont Day amazing.
- Chat with families about why you love BDS
- Hand out cool swag
- Spread the word about our school community
Bring a BDS buddy! Volunteering is way more fun with a friend. No experience needed—just bring your energy and enthusiasm.
If you’re interested in helping, please fill out this survey or email Elena Jay at ejay@belmontday.org with questions. Thank you.
Learning Updates
Athletics Update: A Very Successful Spring Season!
As the curtain closes on another outstanding spring athletics season, it is hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. While it was a short week of competition for the Blue and Gold, it was certainly a busy one, and a fitting way to wrap up a memorable season filled with growth, teamwork, perseverance, and plenty of success.
The boys’ lacrosse team hosted Beaver on Tuesday and completed an incredible undefeated season with a 14–4 victory, finishing the year at a remarkable 9–0. On the offensive side, captains James Shields and Evan Bae carried much of the scoring load, while Ethan Antipov put the finishing touch on the season with a brilliant goal late in the game. Defensively, Gus Barrett held down the fort in net and was supported by the suffocating defense of Graham Chisholm, Gael Cruz-Marcos, and Des Van Wesep. To finish a season undefeated is an incredible accomplishment, but what stood out most about this group was how they played together. Every member of the team contributed throughout the season, worked hard, supported one another, and earned their place in the BDS record books.
Continue Reading
On Wednesday, the track & field team hosted Carroll in its final regular season meet, falling just short by a score of 87–79. As has been the case all season, the meet featured numerous personal bests and signs of growth. Sebastian Mora and Frederick Mak recorded season bests in the 50-meter sprint. Lucia Panch and Anahita Stuti-Bala posted season bests in the 200-meter. Emma Katz ran a season best in the 400-meter, while Kabir Sonawane continued to show tremendous promise in the 200-meter sprint. Colin Walker demonstrated continued growth in the shot put, Christine Deng continued her development in the 400-meter, and Wren Kas showed improvement in the 50-meter sprint. While the regular season has concluded, several members of the team have qualified for the State Meet and will proudly represent BDS one more time next week.
Varsity tennis also wrapped up its season on Wednesday, traveling to Beaver and finishing on a high note with an impressive 7–2 victory. The singles lineup of Andrew Lubarsky, Lara Ulukan, Suryavir Nallari-Jhala, and Woody Evans completed a clean sweep. Co-captain Suryavir ended his BDS career with another smart and steady victory, using consistency and patience to force errors from his opponent. At first doubles, co-captain Jacob Jarbeau and Fergus Fagenholz demonstrated the perfect balance of focus and fun in their 8–3 victory. Nick Yu and Aidan Su battled through a challenging match at fourth doubles and earned an 8–6 win through disciplined play and positive attitudes. In his final match for the Blue and Gold, Henry Ward teamed up with Fergus against Beaver’s strongest doubles pairing and played some of his best tennis of the season, showing confidence and aggressiveness throughout the match. The team finished with a strong 4–2–1 record, but perhaps more importantly, it leaves the season with tremendous momentum and an exciting future ahead.
The JV tennis team also finished its season on a high note with a victory over Beaver on Wednesday. In doubles play, Rosie Smith and Cyrus Liszt, Olli Yang and Caroline Frost, Yiwen Bilian and Cora Stack, and Maitreyee Bonthapally and Kayla Li all came away with wins. Cyrus also stepped into a singles match and added another victory to cap off an outstanding season. Despite competing in some of the hottest weather of the spring, the team brought tremendous energy, focus, and enthusiasm throughout the afternoon. More importantly, they continued to demonstrate the qualities that defined their season: supporting one another, competing with great sportsmanship, and representing Belmont Day with pride. A special thank you goes to the parents who came out to watch and cheer on the team. The players truly appreciate your support and always enjoy having you on the sidelines. The match was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful season. The growth of this group was evident not only in their tennis skills but also in their confidence, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the entire JV tennis team on a fantastic season and a strong finish.
The girls’ varsity lacrosse team also hosted Carroll on Wednesday, battling until the final whistle in a 14–9 loss. The team once again displayed the resilience and determination that defined its season. Josie Goldstyn, Abigail Chang, Harper Treisman, Maren Whitman, and Ashley Fleming all scored impressive goals. Anna Turco came up with numerous saves throughout the game while receiving outstanding support from defenders Sofia Clark-Quintanilla, Sophie Cutie, Ella Kamenski, and Anna Paulson. The team finished the season with an excellent 6–3 record and should be proud of the growth, teamwork, and competitive spirit they demonstrated all spring.
Ultimate Frisbee also wrapped up its regular season with two matches during the final week. On Tuesday, BDS came up short against an athletic and cohesive Carlisle team that was firing on all cylinders. Despite taking an early lead, the Blue and Gold could not hang on as a combination of self-inflicted mistakes and strong play from Carlisle shifted momentum in the second half. The team bounced back in impressive fashion on Thursday in its final home game of the season, earning a convincing victory over Schechter. The two teams traded points early before BDS ramped up the defensive pressure and opened a comfortable lead with an extended scoring run. It was a true team victory, with contributions coming from every player on both the offensive and defensive sides of the disc. The team now turns its attention to the postseason and is excited for the league tournament on June 7.
The mountain miking team also concluded its season in style. As our only non-competitive athletics offering this spring, the group continued to exemplify what it means to challenge yourself, support your teammates, and embrace new experiences. Soleil Flanagan brought knowledge, leadership, and poise to the trails throughout the season, setting the tone as an eighth grader. Isaac Holbert was a steady and welcoming presence, always making sure fellow riders felt comfortable and included. Chris Baker showed remarkable growth, developing both skill and confidence as the season progressed. Dalia DiCrescenzo’s improvement over her two years on the team has been incredible, as she now routinely tackles highly technical trails with confidence. Jack Hargrove brought tremendous heart to the squad, constantly pushing himself outside of his comfort zone while always looking out for his teammates along the way.
As we close the book on the official spring season, I want to extend a thank you to everyone who helped make this year such a success. Thank you to our student-athletes for their effort, commitment, and sportsmanship. Thank you to our coaches for the countless hours they devote to teaching, mentoring, and supporting our students. Thank you to our families for your partnership, flexibility, and unwavering support throughout the year. And thank you to the entire Belmont Day community for embracing athletics as such an important part of the student experience.
We look forward to celebrating an incredible year together at the Athletics Banquet on Monday, June 8. We hope all Middle School students and families will join us as we recognize our teams, honor our eighth graders, and celebrate another fantastic year of athletics.
Go BDS!
– Stephen Marks, director of athletics
Fourth Graders Visit Elm Bank in Wellesley
The culminating science unit of fourth grade is a study of plants, including a subtopic of pollination. This week, students visited the Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley to see some pollinators in action. While there, students participated in various activities, including observing flowering plants to collect data for their community science project. Data is being uploaded to Budburst to help scientists answer the question “How is climate change affecting plant-pollinator interactions?”
– Emily Crawford, fourth grade teacher
Pre-K Shares Learning With Families
On Thursday, our pre-kindergartners shared their portfolios with their families under the dappled sunlight of the Schoolhouse courtyard. We host this event to make visible all the incredible learning of the pre-kindergarten year. Portfolios serve as a collaborative tool among educators, the child, and families, offering benefits to everyone involved in a child’s early learning journey. They encourage self-reflection for children and provide helpful feedback for families and educators. We are thrilled with all the hard work our pre-k students have done this year!
– The Pre-Kindergarten Team
Second Grade Raises Nearly $13K To Help Fight Food Insecurity
On Community Service Day, the second graders spent the morning at Gaining Ground in Concord. Gaining Ground is a local nonprofit that grows and distributes 100 percent of its organic produce to local hunger relief agencies. Last year, Gaining Ground grew and distributed over 120,000 pounds of organic produce! The students toured the farm and spread compost, helping the farmers in their work to help people experiencing food insecurity. The work at the farm was a culmination of a year-long service learning project that linked work in our own Belmont Day School garden with fundraising, education, and community action.
The work with Gaining Ground supports the second grade social studies curriculum, where students have been mapping food labels to better understand where produce comes from, the environmental and nutritional impact of transporting food and equitable access to fresh food. In March, the second graders collected pledges from relatives, friends, and neighbors for the number of pages read during a two-week period. This year, the second graders are proud to announce that they raised $12,833.44 to donate to Gaining Ground! We would like to thank everybody who supported the second graders by making a pledge, reading alongside them, and cheering for them every step of the way.
– The Second Grade Team
Parents’ Association News
Faculty Appreciation Luncheon: Thank You!
The parents’ association would like to thank the Faculty Appreciation Luncheon Committee, led by Danielle England and Ying Ye, for organizing the amazing luncheon last Friday in Coolidge Hall. Thanks also to the many parent volunteers from all grades who provided food or monetary donations and helped with setup or cleanup. This event is always a highlight for our faculty and staff!
PA Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation
Join us for the parents’ association’s Annual Meeting on Friday, June 5, at 8:30 a.m. in Coolidge Hall. During this meeting, we will recognize our many dedicated volunteers, elect next year’s leadership team, and provide time for casual mingling. Pastries and coffee will be served. We look forward to seeing you at this celebration!
Parent Book Group
Our final parent book group for this school year will meet on Tuesday, June 9, at 7:15 p.m. at Menotomy Grill and Tavern in Arlington. We will discuss Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. We hope you will join us. If you have any questions or would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact Karla Bays.
Grade Parent Training Session
We will be holding a training session for incoming Grade Parents on Wednesday, June 10, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. in Coolidge Hall. We have scheduled this to immediately follow the Volunteer Appreciation coffee, and we hope you can attend both!
PA Contacts
At any time and for any reason, please feel free to email us at bdspa@belmontday.org:
- President – Shanying Zhang
- Vice President – Megan Akkina
- Treasurer – Manish Patel
- Clerk – Jeff Wang
Beyond BDS
SUMMER FUN
Nationally Ranked Speedcubing Teen Offers Coaching
Is your student interested in the fast and fun world of speedcubing? Maybe they’re already hooked and are looking to improve their skills. Belmont Day School’s psychologist, Dr. Arlene Silva’s son, David, a rising junior at Lexington High School, a competitive speedcuber and cubing competition organizer, will be offering individual coaching this summer. David holds six state records, two New England records, placed 10th at the world championship, and placed 2nd at the US national championship. He also has over a thousand subscribers on his YouTube channel!
David specializes in 2×2, 3×3, and Pyraminx puzzles, but let him know if you’re interested in another puzzle! Coaching can take place at Cary Library in Lexington Center or virtually. Times can be arranged individually, and his rate is $30/hour (cash or Venmo). If interested, please email David at davidspeedcuber5@gmail.com.
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