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Kindergartners learned about the surface of Mars during a visit from an eighth grader this week!
Opening Message
Kindergarten Read and Rest Time–Far More than a Duty
By Divya Muralidhara, Assistant Head of School
Post Date: February 27, 2026
Before the start of each school year, Belmont Day School faculty members sign up to cover a number of weekly duties, such as recess, lunch, or dismissal. These shared duties allow us to connect with and get to know students across different grades and colleagues with different job responsibilities.
Being new this year, I went with instinct when it came to signing up for my duties and challenged myself by taking the kindergarten rest duty two days each week. I wanted to immerse myself in an early childhood classroom, as I was just coming from a job focused predominantly on middle school-aged students. Also, I had just met our wonderful new kindergarten teachers, Lisa Wilson and Kristen Faubert, at our orientation, and I wanted to build rapport with them as a new teaching team.
Before my first duty with the kindergartners, I re-read the section on ages 5 and 6 in Yardsticks by Chip Wood. I highlighted the following words: “reassurance and routine,” “learning through doing,” and “high energy and movement,” wondering how they might reveal themselves during this thirty-minute block after lunch.
At 12:35, Ms. Faubert rang a chime and calmly announced the start of rest time. Students brought their rest mats and fuzzy blankets from their cubbies and sat in assigned spots. Some had their book baskets, while others focused on their stuffies: a fox, a pink cat, a small owl. My job was simply to redirect students when they talked with their peers or to help them switch their assigned spot if needed.
After a few weeks, it was clear that after lunch, the temptation to play animatedly or tell jokes to a friend was almost insurmountable. I relied on my Responsive Classroom training and took on the role of a ‘warm demander,’ redirecting students in affirming ways. I also started bringing in my own books to read. Students asked me questions about what I was reading, especially when I took notes on the pages, and told me when they liked the cover designs. Sometimes they even piled their stuffies around my books to keep them company when I was off helping another student.
In November, Lisa and Kristen reimagined the classroom’s daily schedule and moved recess to before what is now called “read and rest time.” This shift was in response to what they had observed in their students—a need to move and play more frequently during the school day, less inclination to take naps, and an increased desire to practice their growing reading skills. A few days into this new routine, I arrived to observe the children bounding into the classroom after recess, eager to settle into their books. Some found spots on the blue-and-white striped rug, away from the larger group, and read aloud at length for the first time. When bored with the books they had already read, we encouraged them to find new ones in the classroom. Around 12:48, 15 minutes into read/rest time, the classroom hummed with the collective energy of students doing what they needed individually.
There are many truths and lessons in this experience thus far. The first is that change is always possible. I respect Lisa and Kristen for advocating for what their students needed and, with Lower School Head Betty Chu Pryor’s support, making it happen. They are remarkable educators who are keenly focused on their students’ growth and well-being.
Second, each of us can learn by doing. As a former middle school teacher and division head, I had not spent much time in a kindergarten classroom until this year. I learned by observing how the teachers engaged the students, and they helped me see how I could contribute. A month in, I was able to greet the kindergartners during my other duty at morning arrival in a more connected way, knowing that I would see them later that day and learn about topics as wide-ranging as cooking, tigers, and construction vehicles through the books they had chosen.
And finally, the experience has reminded me of my own post-pandemic decision to carve out quiet reading time in my former seventh grade English classes, which felt like a bold move at the time. All of us can benefit from structured time to read and to make choices about what we need most from quiet time, regardless of our age.
The premise of presence, as represented by a sign-up slot on our duties calendar, offers a tremendous opportunity to learn, connect, and create impact. It is one of the many ways that we inspire and challenge our students—and ourselves—at Belmont Day.
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendar
Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups
All families will receive an email from their student’s teacher or advisor next Friday, March 6, at 8:00 a.m., with a link to schedule a time for parent-teacher conference days. The next parent-teacher conference days will be held on Thursday and Friday, March 26 and 27. Please be on the lookout for that email, and if you have any questions regarding parent-teacher conferences, please reach out to your student’s division head.
After School & Enrichment Registration Is Now Open
The three-week registration period for trimester three opened on Monday, February 23. Enrichment class descriptions and schedules are available on the Parent Portal. Many of the enrichment classes have been filled, but there are currently still spaces left in the following classes:
- Center Stage
- K-Pop Demon Hunters Dance Party
- Metalsmiths: Jewelry Design
- Sewing & Embroidery
The current trimester ends on Friday, March 13, and trimester three begins on Monday, March 16.
Upcoming Assemblies
Lower School Sharing Assemblies
Friday, March 6 at 8:45 a.m.
Friday, April 3 at 8:45 a.m.
Palandjian Arts Center
Middle School Open Meeting
Friday, April 10 at 11:50 a.m.
Palandjian Arts Center
Parents, please join us for these community gatherings!
Tickets Now Available for 7th & 8th Grade Play
Friday, Saturday, March 13, 14, at 7 p.m.
Palandjian Arts Center
Free tickets for the seventh & eighth grade production of Thirty Minutes Till Boarding are now available to the entire Belmont Day School community on a first-come, first-served basis.
Set inside a bustling airport terminal inspired by Boston Logan, this high-energy production features more than fifty student performers bringing humor, heart, and a bit of travel-day chaos to the stage. From last-minute passengers to dedicated airline crew, you never know what surprises await before boarding begins.
Seats are limited, and this flight is expected to fill quickly, so please reserve your free tickets as soon as possible. Click the button below to make your reservations for this fantastic flight!
Lunch & Snack Menu
March 2 to March 6
Monday
Snack: applesauce; Tostitos
Lunch: chicken dumplings; vegan dumplings; gluten-free chicken dumplings; veggie fried rice; bok choy and peppers; soy ginger spinach and greenswith pepitas and scallions
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; Goldfish
Lunch: crispy coconut-crusted fish; gluten-free Mediterranean-style fish; falafel; harissa roasted potatoes; roasted Mediterranean vegetables; Greek salad with romaine, olives, and feta
Wednesday
Snack: clementines; Fritos
Lunch: steak and cheese sandwiches; vegan steak and cheese style sandwiches; gluten-free steak and cheese sandwiches; peppers and onions; steamed cauliflower and broccoli blend; mixed greens with pepitas, cranberries, goat cheese, and maple sherry vinaigrette
Thursday:
Snack: apples; Sunchips
Lunch: cheese and pepperoni pizzas; vegan cheese pizza; gluten-free cheese pizza; honey and parsley carrot coins; Caesar salad
Friday
Snack: assorted fruit; chocolate chip oatmeal bar
Faculty Lunch
Please click the button below for a more detailed and updated weekly menu.
BDS News
CURRICULUM SHOWCASES
Mark Your Calendars for These Fun, Informative Events
We are excited to announce that families will be invited to campus for an opportunity to observe and engage directly in their child’s learning in the upcoming months. Our students and faculty teams are eager to showcase and share with you a curricular highlight of their year in an authentic learning experience at each grade level at Belmont Day.
Each grade-level team has planned an interactive curricular share, which exhibits a key moment in students’ learning during this school year, and which students are proud to present. Below are the dates and times for each grade level’s event. Specific details such as location and format will be shared by the teachers in your child’s grade level as the date for their event approaches.
- Pre-K: Spring Portfolio Celebration – Thursday, May 28, from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.
- Kindergarten: Built to Shake “Engineering for Earthquakes” – Thursday, May 14, from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.
- Grade 1: Scratch Poetry – Wednesday, March 25, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
- Grade 2: Student Showcase – Thursday, June 4, from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.
- Grade 3: State Fair on Tuesday – May 19, from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m.
- Grade 4: Greek Storytelling Festival – Thursday, May 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Grade 5: Movement of People through the Ages – Thursday, May 28, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Grades 6 and 7: STEAM Expo – Thursday, February 26, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. (happened this week!)
- Grade 8: Capstone Week from April 13 to 17 (various dates and times – detailed schedule will be made available soon)
If you have any questions, please reach out to Lower School Head Betty Chu Pryor or Middle School Head Liz Gray. Thank you!
STAFFING NEWS
New Hire
Josh Felizardo, grade 6 math teacher
We are excited to announce that Josh will join us beginning in the fall as our new grade 6 math teacher and advisor. Josh comes to BDS most recently from the Charles River School, where he has been teaching middle school math for the past two years. Previously, Josh worked at Belmont Day as our interim grade 8 math teacher, filling in for Rae Starkes Chaves during a parental leave in the spring of 2024. In addition, Josh taught middle school math for several years at Boston Preparatory Charter School and Excel Academy Charter School, and served as a grade-level content team chair in the Excel Schools network. Josh holds a B.A. in statistics from Harvard University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Please join us in welcoming Josh to Belmont Day in September!
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
2026-27 Bus Interest Survey
We will send out an email with the 2026-27 Transportation Survey on Monday, March 2, and it will be due back on Friday, March 13. All parents are receiving the interest form regardless of where they live, as one of the bus stops may still be convenient. If you will not use bus transportation, no action is required. If you have any questions, reach out to Zach d’Arbeloff at zdarbeloff@belmontday.org.
In early May, we will communicate bus routes and stops. Bus registration will open for families on Friday, May 15, and will be due back by Friday, May 29. A deposit of $200 will be due at registration time and will be waived for families receiving financial assistance. Late registration is permitted pending availability.
– Zach d’Arbeloff, director of summer programs and transportation
AUXILIARY PROGRAMS
February Vacation Camps Thrill Young Sleuths and Thespians
Students Learn, Sharpen Their Spy Skills
During February break, the Belmont Day School campus transformed into a school for super sleuths with all sorts of whodunit programs. Our young detectives and spies explored everything that the campus had to offer. Their sleuthing instructors, Ms. Fields and Mr. Armstrong, taught the campers about track casting, Morse code, and all sorts of spy skills. We ended the week with a live action game of Clue–The Case of the Missing Sheep (note: no real sheep went missing in the running of this camp). Be sure to ask a camper about optical illusions, spy kits, and what a detective keeps in their journal.
– Blair Fross, director of school year auxiliary & specialty programs
Campers Take A Turn on the Red Carpet
A talented group of campers stepped into the spotlight at our Red Carpet Camp. Throughout the week, campers immersed themselves in acting, movement, and musical performance, building skills in character development, stage presence, vocal performance, and ensemble collaboration.
Students performed a scripted scene, explored physical storytelling through movement, and brought energy to the stage with musical numbers from Seussical and Toy Story. More than just learning lines and choreography, they strengthened confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
By the final showcase, the growth was undeniable. Red Carpet Camp once again proved that when young performers are challenged and inspired, they rise to the occasion.
– Chris Parsons, theater arts teacher
Learning Updates
Athletics Update: Celebrating the Winter Season and Looking Ahead to Spring
With the competitive portion of the winter season now behind us, this week was all about celebration, reflection, and community.
Two snow days at the beginning of the week altered our plans slightly, but once everyone was back on campus, the energy quickly returned. On Wednesday, we held one of our favorite traditions: the Coaches vs. 8th Grade Basketball Game. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the coaches ultimately came away victorious, 58–51, but not without a spirited and competitive battle. The eighth graders showcased their skill, confidence, and growth, while the coaches (perhaps surprisingly!) proved they still had a little left in the tank. It was a fun and fitting way to celebrate the end of the season.
On Friday, our community gathered for the Winter Sports Sharing Assembly. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship displayed across all programs. Teams reflected on their seasons, celebrated their growth, and acknowledged the teamwork and leadership that defined their winter experience. Assemblies like this remind us that athletics at BDS are about far more than wins and losses; they are about commitment, character, and community.
Over the next two weeks, students in grades 6–8 will participate in our annual “Mud Season,” the time between sports seasons. During Mud Season, students select from a variety of engaging offerings designed and led by coaches and staff members. These sessions provide opportunities to try something new, build different skills, stay active, and enjoy athletics in a fun and low-pressure environment.
We are already looking ahead to the start of our spring season on March 16. This spring, BDS will field teams in Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Track & Field, and Mountain Biking. We are excited for the energy and opportunities that a new season brings.
Thank you to all of our student-athletes, coaches, and families for a fantastic winter season. We look forward to seeing everyone back out on the fields, courts, and trails soon. Go BDS!
– Stephen Marks, director of athletics
Parents’ Association News
PIN Informational Meeting
The Parents’ Independent School Network (PIN)—all Belmont Day School parents and guardians are members–hosts informational meetings throughout the school year. The next meeting will be held over Zoom on Tuesday, March 3, at 12 p.m. The topic of this meeting will be “Harnessing Your Emotions for Growth,” featuring Ethan Kross. Click here to pre-register and receive the Zoom link.
Casual Coffee
We invite the parent community for some casual mingling over coffee in Coolidge Hall before the Lower School Sharing Assembly on March 6, 2026, from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m.
Middle School Parent Gathering
Middle School parents are invited to an informal gathering during the Middle School dance on Friday, March 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us at Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., 411 Waverley Oaks Road, in Waltham. The parents’ association will provide shared appetizers. Hope to see you there!
Parent Book Club
Our next Parent Book Club gathering will be held on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:15 p.m. at Menotomy Grill and Tavern in Arlington. We will discuss Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. 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.
BDS Connections Walk
Our next BDS Connections Walk will take place on Friday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Join fellow parents and school administrators for a fun, casual walk through the woods surrounding campus after morning drop-off. We’ll meet at the exterior entrance to Coolidge Hall to start the walk. We’d love to see you there!
Supporting Parent Connections
The parents’ association has introduced two new initiatives designed to create more opportunities for parents across all grades to connect, support one another, and build community.
- Parent Connections Network: If you have a specific question or topic you would like to learn more about, please complete the form in this program description, and we will connect you with another parent who may be a helpful resource.
- Breakfast/Lunch Meet-ups: If you are interested in simply meeting other BDS parents in a casual setting, consider joining one (or more) of the following breakfast/lunches we have arranged. Please RSVP through this form.
- Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. – Lunch at Flour near MGH/Gov’t Center (Boston)
- Friday, March 6 at 12:30 p.m. – Lunch at Rosebud in Davis Square (Somerville)
- Friday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. – Lunch at Bruegger’s in Belmont Center
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
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Learn The Joys of Fishing
Looking for a fun outdoor adventure option this spring and summer? The Assabet Anglers offers a variety of half-day and full-day fishing trips in the local area on early school release days, weekends, and holidays, as well as fishing adventures and summer camps. Fishing is one of the most rewarding forms of outdoor play as it gets kids excited about their natural surroundings. And, most importantly, they have fun and catch fish!
No experience with fishing is necessary, and all experience levels are welcome. Assabet Anglers provides all the gear needed and teaches campers all they need to know about this fun outdoor activity.
To book a spring trip or learn more, visit www.assabetanglers.com.
Return to the Parent Portal
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