February 14, 2025
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The sledding hill was ready with some fresh snow this week.
Opening Message
Taking the Small Steps to Innovation
Annie Fuerst, Director of Innovation
Post Date: February 14, 2025
When I introduce myself as a director of innovation, people often assume that my job is to make waves, whether reinventing programs, jumping headfirst into new technologies, or pushing for big, bold changes. While I do love brainstorming and tapping into some futurist thinking, in reality, innovation is often quieter and more incremental. I’ve always defined innovation as “doing things differently enough to achieve better results,” and I’ve found that, more often than not, that difference comes from small but meaningful shifts.
Brainstorming big and far-off ideas in innovation team meetings is always exciting and inspiring. However, the true moments of joy and the heart of our work lie in figuring out how we can adjust and tweak what we already do to make it more empowering for our students. How can we pull in a design element? What technology platform might enhance this lesson? Can we seek out an expert to learn from? Questioning what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how we might do it a little differently, and better, is where we start to see the real power of innovation.
This week, our sixth and seventh graders are in the final stretch of preparations for the STEAM Expo. The students are now making small tweaks to their projects, reinforcing the structures of their models, revising gameplay rules after testing, adjusting lines of code to improve functionality, and fine-tuning the mechanics of their LEGO builds. Meanwhile, our eighth graders are engaged in Capstone Studio Week. They are taking their project ideas from concept to reality. Spaces across the Schoolhouse and the Barn were filled with a creative buzz—hallways lined with sketches and prototypes, classrooms transformed into studios, and students naturally engaged in conversations about refining their work. “I like this layout, but something still feels off … Should I shift this section over?” “Do you think this material will hold up better?” “I think I need to add a delay here to make the animation smoother.” These moments of collaboration and iteration happen organically, with peers and faculty mentors offering feedback and suggestions that shape each project and student experience in meaningful ways.
Supporting and celebrating our students’ small but deliberate changes improves the quality of each project. It also builds critical skills like resilience, reflection, and problem-solving, shaping an innovative mindset.
Most importantly, it allows our students to experience real, authentic innovation firsthand. It enables them to understand that innovation is not always flashy or big and is not always about inventing something new. It’s about the balance of taking care of what we already have that works and keeping an eye on continuous growth. It’s about asking the right questions, engaging in thoughtful reflection, making deliberate choices, and embracing the small changes that lead to better outcomes.
Upcoming Events
Coming Up This Week
Monthly Calendar
After School & Enrichment Registration Opens Soon for Trimester 3
The three-week registration period for trimester three of the after school and enrichment programs will open on Monday, February 24, at 7 a.m. Enrichment class descriptions and schedules are available on the Parent Portal. The current trimester ends on Friday, March 14, and trimester three begins on Monday, March 17.
For enrollment questions, please contact Denali Kikuchi, auxiliary programs coordinator; for program questions, please contact Blair Fross, director of school-year auxiliary and specialty programs.
Third Annual STEAM Expo
Thursday, February 27, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Join us in the Barn for an exciting evening of hands-on learning and discovery at our STEAM Expo. Bring your family and explore the world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a fun and interactive way. Our sixth and seventh grade students will showcase projects and demonstrate how BDS approaches teaching and learning science through experimentation, exploration, and an iterative process.
Interactive activities and exhibits will highlight how this style of learning lives beyond the science classrooms and is woven into the BDS experience.
There will be activities geared toward all grade levels, and this event is open to all families and students. Participate in the learning process with our BDS scientists—we hope to see you there!
Get Ready to Party This Spring
We’re eagerly anticipating The Baash on Saturday, April 5! It promises to be an unforgettable night filled with fun, friendship, dancing, and abundant school spirit. This event is a cherished tradition, and we hope you will join the excitement and help us make it the best one yet.
There are many ways to get involved and make The Baash a night to remember. Whether you become an event sponsor, contribute something special to the silent auction, volunteer your time, raise your paddle to support a school priority, or purchase a ticket to dance the night away, every bit of support makes a difference. Together, we’ll make this event a true celebration of our school community.
Would you like to contribute to the auction but need some inspiration? Check out the 2023 auction catalog to spark your imagination.
Use the button below to purchase tickets or make a contribution. Thank you!
If you have any questions, please email development@belmontday.org.
Lunch & Snack Menu
February 24 to February 28
Monday
Snack: applesauce; lemon blueberry crisps
Lunch: cheese tortellini with marinara; pasta with marinara; gluten-free cheese tortellini with marinara; crusty rolls; steamed seasoned peas; Mediterranean salad with artichokes and olives
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; tortilla chips
Lunch: chicken boa filling; vegan bao filling; bao buns; sriracha mayo; basmati rice; seasoned broccoli; crunchy purple slaw; cucumber salad
Wednesday
Snack: apple slices; Cheez-Its
Lunch: chicken tender; vegan Italian sausage; gluten-free chicken fingers; roasted red bliss potatoes; seasoned green beans; Romaine lettuce with Roma tomatoes and honey mustard dressing
Thursday
Snack: clementines; Smartfood
Lunch: chicken with tortellini and kale soup; steak and cheese sandwich; vegan steak and cheese sandwich; gluten-free steak and cheese sandwich; herb-roasted cauliflower; Caesar salad
Friday
Snack: apples; chocolate chip oatmeal bars
Faculty Lunch
Please click the button below for a more detailed and updated weekly menu.
BDS News
COMMUNITY NEWS
Protecting Our Children in a Connected World
Helping children navigate our world today is extremely challenging, and as adults, we may often feel as though we’re one step behind. Technology, particularly smartphones, smartwatches, and other internet-enabled devices, connects our students to information, the world, and their community of friends and family like never before. With that connectivity, however, comes a degree of risk that we must prepare our students to face and protect themselves from.
We recently supported a student and their family after learning that the student had received direct messages on their phone from an unknown sender. While the student and family are fine, and that situation has been resolved, it was quite upsetting and unsettling for all involved.
It reminded me of our community’s need to redouble our efforts to educate our students about the healthy use of technology. Those efforts start with us, the adults who put those devices in their hands. The first step is our oldest form of communication: talking with our children and empowering them to come to us if they see, hear, or experience anything that does not feel right or confuses or threatens them in any way.
As a father of three myself, I understand. These conversations can be difficult, but they are vital. And please know that you are not alone in these efforts. I am available, along with the division heads and our mental health and technology teams, for support and to answer your questions. In the dropdown below you will see resources our team has compiled to help you have those conversations.
– Brendan Largay, Head of School
Technology Resources for Parents
COMMUNITY NEWS
Family Partnership Guide Update: Academic Learning Plans
Belmont Day’s Family Partnership Guide is a useful resource published on the Parent Portal. The guide is an evolving document with occasional updates. Recently, an update was made to include information on Academic Learning Plans.
We hope that each family will review and familiarize themselves with this update. If you have questions about these topics or any others covered in the Family Partnership Guide, please contact your division head.
STUDENT CONFERENCES
Middle School Students Attend Annual DEI Event
This past Saturday, eleven of our middle school students attended the annual Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion conference hosted by the Carrol School and supported by Regis College. This year’s theme was “Belonging and Becoming”. Students attended workshops, and affinity groups, and made connections with other students across the New England area. They represented BDS proudly!
– Trinity Johns, assistant director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and seventh grade social studies teacher
Students Address Arctic & Global Warming Issues at Model UN
On February 8, eleven middle school students participated in a Model UN conference at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. The focus of the day was the Arctic and issues surrounding global warming. Our students represented the countries of Denmark and India, and they worked to solve various crises that came to them in real time throughout the conference. BDS delegates and delegates from about twenty other schools in New England had thought-provoking and meaningful conversations as they worked to solve world issues.
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One highlight of the day was a short talk by Dr. Abiodun Wiliams, Professor of Practice of International Politics at The Fletcher School. He worked with Kofi Annan when Mr. Annan was Secretary General of the UN. Dr. Williams addressed our students as future diplomats and global leaders. The challenge of improving the world can seem abstract, said Dr. Williams. It requires participation from all, but “there is no substitute for ethical leadership and vision.” Hearing from Dr. Williams was a perfect way to kick off our day of simulation and problem-solving. He sent us off with this inspiring quotation from Kofi Annan: “You are never too young to lead.”
Our students activated all the BDS core values as they participated in this conference. Vatche Balikian, Jonathan Laipson, and Ethan Zipkin earned special recognition, but all eleven delegates were outstanding in the caring and excellence they demonstrated.
Participants were sixth graders Bella Tan and Elena Lin, seventh graders Eden O’Sullivan, Reema Wulfsberg, and Suryavir Nallari-Jhala, and eighth graders Vatche Balikian, Jonathan Laipson, Kiernen Patel, Mylo Rosenfeld, Sohan Shah, Ethan Zipkin.
– Jennifer Friborg, French teacher, Capstone coordinator, and Model UN club advisor
BUSINESS OFFICE NEWS
Re-enrollment Contracts Due TODAY!
You can access your contract via the Parent Portal. Please follow the steps below to complete your re-enrollment.
- Review and sign the contract(s).
- Review and approve school policies.
- Update your family’s contact and demographic information.
- Choose a payment plan.
- Pay this year’s deposit.
- If your family will receive financial assistance in 2025-26, the award letter will be included with the contract.
Information about using VC Pay’s AutoPay function to schedule online payments for tuition, incidentals, and more will be included. VC Pay provides an easy, secure online payment experience using your existing Veracross login. Parents must re-register for VC Pay each year.
Your signed contract and deposit must be received by 5 p.m. TODAY, Friday, February 14. Please note that all parents or guardians must sign the contract.
If you have any questions, please contact Jen James at jjames@belmontday.org.
– Jen James, chief of staff and registrar
Learning Updates
Athletics Update: Fencing Finishes with 6-1 Record
The fencing team took an undefeated 6-0 record into their final meet of the season yesterday against ISB. In a back-and-forth match that saw some incredible bouts, Belmont Day fell 15-12 for their first loss. Despite the final result, the Blue & Gold fenced well. Edwin Voiland won 2 of his 3 foil bouts. Jordan Levine demonstrated strong spirit on the strip with a big foil win. And Michael Geng took home the team’s only 2 victories in epee. Overall, it was an incredibly successful season for the varsity fencing team thanks to the strong leadership of coaches Kathy Jo Solomon and Jason Bae.
– John O’Neill, director of athletics
Athletics News
- Bea Stevenson, Lucie Mora, Christine Deng, and Soleil Flanagan all made tremendous improvements on the squash court this winter and could help build a competitive program.
- Christian Atem, Nihka Linhart, and Elena Lin tackled the bouldering wall with determined effort during the climbing team’s weekly trips to the Bouldering Project in Somerville.
- The wrestling team lost their final meet of the season at Nobles this week. Jun Murakami provided terrific leadership for the young team this winter and will be sorely missed next year.
- Stuart Sun, Kabir Sonawane, and Fergus Fagenholz were instrumental to the positive energy on the intramural basketball team this winter. The group really improved their skills.
- Zazoe Marsan, Maraki Shiferaw, and Christian Samuel played great defense during the girls’ JV basketball’s final game of the season. The team finished the season with a 6-2 record.
- The boys’ JV basketball team finished their season on a high note with a big win over Solomon Schechter this week. Team captain Deniz Kas played well for the Blue & Gold.
- The varsity basketball teams both toppled Carroll this week. Claire Huang was integral to the offensive flow for the girls and Murilo Santos provided energy off the bench for the boys.
Pre-k Creates Tech-based Great Race
Last week, pre-kindergarten students were introduced to Bee-bots. These bots live in the IMPACT lab and can be coded to move across a grid. The students worked in pairs to transform their Bee-bots into the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. After coding their bots to move forty squares, the Great Race began. As the story goes, each animal won a spot in the zodiac calendar.
– Kim Edwards, pre-kindergarten teacher
Parents’ Association News
Parent Book Group
Our next gathering will be on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:15 p.m. at Menotomy Grill and Tavern in Arlington. We will discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. We hope you will join us. If you have any questions or want to be added to our mailing list, please contact Karla Bays.
Family Movie Event
Save the date for a private screening of Inside Out 2 at the historic Capitol Theater in Arlington on Saturday, March 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be popcorn, snacks, and fun for the whole family. Due to the theatre’s capacity limits, we kindly request that you RSVP here as soon as possible and no later than March 3, 2025. We hope to see you there!
Contact the PA
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 – Andy Stevenson
- Clerk – Jeff Wang
Beyond BDS
VACATION WEEK
Ethiopian Dance & Demonstration at Cambridge Public Library
Youth from the Enku Dankira Ethiopian Dance group will perform and instruct audience members in cultural dance at the O’Neill Branch of the Cambridge Public Library, 70 Rindge Avenue, on Tuesday, February 18, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Click here to see the full schedule Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library events for the whole family.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Belmont Against Racism Celebrates Black History Month
Belmont Against Racism in partnership with community organizations including the Belmont Public Library and the Belmont Human Rights Commission is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of great opportunities for families to learn, share, and gather. Events and resources planned and offered include a community potluck, a t-shirt design contest, movie screenings, a youth book club, and reading lists for all ages.
Click here to see the schedule of events and learn more about the educational resources and learning opportunities.
Return to the Parent Portal
