February 6, 2026
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
The girls’ JV basketball team earned an exciting win at Nashoba this week!
Opening Message
This Is Not What I Signed Up For …
By Jim Walker, Senior Associate Director of Communications & Marketing
Post Date: February 6, 2026
“This is not what I signed up for …” – Anonymous and probably everyone you’ve ever met
We’ve all been there. That feeling when something we enthusiastically raised our hand for days, weeks, or months ago, has drifted, changed from a comfortable, controllable known to a more challenging, confusing, and even frustrating unknown. When we realize the task has been tweaked, our gut starts to sink, and our mind, frankly, begins to freak. What have I gotten myself into? And how can I now possibly get out of it?
For you, maybe it was that time you volunteered to help at a carnival, and someone gleefully suggested that all volunteers take a turn in the dunktank. Or maybe it was the company’s annual all-in talent show that no one told you about during the interview process. I offer this only to say, I was just there too–in that moment and very ready to say, “Later, friends! You can count me out on this one.” And, honestly, I probably would have bolted had I worked somewhere other than here at Belmont Day School.
Working at a school, even in a non-teaching role, you learn with time that these fight-or-flight moments are happening all around you, every day. I can promise you that a similar scenario is playing out for at least one, but more likely, many of our students every minute we’re in session. A kindergartner is learning that he not only needs to design and draw his ideal space station, but he’ll also be presenting it to parents when they visit. A fifth grader gets a bigger part in the play than they had imagined, or even hoped for. An eighth grader is named a team captain, and she suddenly feels the weight of the responsibility she has just taken on.
What happens in these moments for our students is, for me, the greatest strength of a BDS education and of our community. It goes far beyond the simple, “You got this!” (although even that encouragement, when well placed, does help). It’s in the rehearsals of a scene, over and over and over again. It’s in the subtle bump up in playing time for a teammate who pays close attention and cheers loudly from the bench. It’s in the listening, eye contact, and caring for a young student as they struggle with their first attempt to learn the process of self-advocacy. It’s in the light-hearted and shared laughter of students and faculty in those moments of mistakes that let us know we’ve all been there, and that we’ll all get another chance at it. And, it’s in the breathing and movement exercises we’re taught to calm our minds.
This past week, I felt myself seemingly caught in one of these fight-or-flight moments. A wonderful writers group I’m lucky to be a part of, with Dean Spencer, Lana Holman, Barbara Carey, and Tara Lightbody, had planned an open mic night for our fellow faculty and staff. Working from a Lenesa Leana Inspire Grant, our group is promoting a culture of writing at BDS, and the open mic event was an opportunity for colleagues to share original work and writing from our favorite writers and poets. I am loving our group’s work together, but as someone who avoids public speaking unless absolutely necessary, the prospect of standing in front of my peers and sharing my fiction immediately put me in pre-flight mode, thinking, “How can I get out of this?”
However, in the week leading up to the event, I looked to our students and found inspiration in how they face these moments nearly every day. With many deep and controlled breaths, I was able to see and hear clearly as our group discussed our fears before the open mic. One of the group reminded us, “This is exactly what we ask of our students. We help them not only to create, but to share. It’s good for us to be reminded of how that feels.”
When I finally stepped up to share a story, I found myself in front of a community that teaches and supports for these moments, when “This is not what I signed up for” becomes “This is exactly what I needed.” Thank you, Belmont Day.
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendar
Family Movie Event
TOMORROW! Saturday, February 7
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Capitol Theater, Arlington
All families are invited for an afternoon at the movies! Join the parents’ association for hosting a private screening of Lilo & Stitch (2025 film) at the historic Capitol Theater in Arlington. Bring the whole family along for this special event, filled with fun, friendship, and popcorn.
Save The Dates! 7th & 8th Grade Play
Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, at 7:00 p.m.
The terminal is buzzing, and excitement is in the air. Tickets for the seventh and eighth grade play Thirty Minutes Till Boarding will become available after February Break, so mark your calendars now for the performances. Seating will be limited, and tickets will be free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Set in the organized chaos of an airport on the brink of departure, Thirty Minutes Till Boarding is a fast-paced, funny, and sharply observed look at what happens when travelers, tensions, and ticking clocks collide.
More information about ticket release and availability will be announced soon. Until then, keep your boarding pass handy and prepare for takeoff.
Lunar New Year Celebration
NEXT WEEK: Tuesday, February 10
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Coolidge Hall
Join us for our Lunar New Year Festival, hosted by BDS families. Step into a vibrant evening of games, hands-on crafts, engaging learning, and delicious food as we welcome the Year of the Horse. Everyone is invited to come together, celebrate, and enjoy this joyful community festival—you won’t want to miss it.
Please complete the RSVP form linked here so we can plan accordingly. The form also includes an option to let us know if you or your family celebrate the Lunar New Year and would like to help with day-of setup.
Fourth Annual STEAM Expo
Thursday, February 26, 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!
Lunch & Snack Menu
February 9 to February 13
Monday
Snack: apples; tortilla chips
Lunch: macaroni and cheese; pasta and marinara; gluten-free macaroni and cheese; baked ham; seasoned green beans; romaine, plum tomatoes, cucumber, and ranch dressing
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; Tiger Bites
Lunch: hoisin chicken; hoisin tofu; bao buns; basmati rice; seasoned broccoli; savory slaw; cucumber salad
Wednesday
Snack: apple slices; Pita Chips
Lunch: Make Your Own Subs: meatball with marinara; vegan meatballs with marinara; gluten-free meatballs with marinara; fiesta blend corn; beans and peppers; spinach salad with roasted tomato and cider vinaigrette
Thursday:
Snack: clementines; Smartfood
Lunch: Breakfast for Lunch: pancakes; turkey sausage; scrambled eggs; vegan pancakes; vegan sausage patties; gluten-free pancakes; maple syrup; roasted Mediterranean vegetables; Caesar salad
Friday
Snack: craisins; chocolate chip muffins
Faculty Lunch
Please click the button below for a more detailed and updated weekly menu.
BDS News
LIBRARY NEWS
Awesome Authors Visit BDS! And More Are On the Way!
We’ve been delighted to welcome two authors and illustrators to Belmont Day School over the past month, and there are still more to come this year. Earlier this week, Peter Brown spoke with students in grades two and three about his new book Unsettling Salad. You might know Peter Brown’s work from his picture books like The Curious Garden, the novels in The Wild Robot series, or his Caldecott Honor-winning illustrations for the Creepy Carrots picture books. He also created the illustrations for a new chapter book series featuring Jasper Rabbit from Creepy Carrots. In his session in the library, he shared his journey as an illustrator from age 5 until now, the many sketches and drafts he creates when illustrating a story, and the techniques he uses for creating a specific mood in his work. Students asked thoughtful questions, and several shared their expressions of gratitude in creative notes they wrote to him after the session.
We also had an opportunity to welcome back Luisana Duarte Armendariz to the fourth grade again this year after fourth graders finished reading her book Julieta and the Diamond Enigma. Students had an opportunity to workshop elements of their own mystery stories, adding elements such as red herrings and stolen artifacts. They discussed craft with Luisana and were the first to hear about a new book in the works!
Coming up, we are looking forward to joining with other schools for a virtual visit with Grace Lin, who will be discussing her new book, Ling and Ting’s Lunar New Year: Two Times Lucky, and doing a drawing demonstration. We’ll also be welcoming Saadia Faruqi in March to discuss her new novel, Some of Us Are Brave, with the sixth grade.
– Amy Sprung, school librarian
BUSINESS OFFICE NEWS
2026-27 Re-enrollment Contracts Due Next Friday
You can access your 2026-2027 contract via the Parent Portal. Please follow the steps below to complete your re-enrollment.
The email will include links to complete the re-enrollment process for the 2026-2027 school year using Veracross. We hope you will find it easy to access and use. When you receive the email, you’ll be asked to:
- Review and sign the contract for your child(ren).
- Review and approve school policies relating to your child’s enrollment.
- Choose a payment plan for the year:
- Single payment option
- Two-payment option
- 10-payment plan
- Pay this year’s deposit.
- Update your family’s contact and demographic information.
- If your family will receive financial assistance in 2026-27, your award letter will be included with your contract.
Continue Reading
Information about using VC Pay’s AutoPay function to schedule online payments for tuition, incidentals, and more will be included with your contract. VC Pay provides parents with 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 Friday, February 13, at 5 p.m. Please note that all parents/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
ADMISSIONS NEWS
Volunteers Needed to Help Welcome Admitted Families
We have two wonderful opportunities to help us welcome admitted families as they make their decisions for the 2026-27 school year.
Join us on Wednesday, March 4, to help assemble mailers, chat with other parents, and maybe even make a new friend! If you can pitch in (even for a short while), please complete this brief survey, and Judy Bright will follow up to confirm details.
Would you like to help reach out to congratulate newly admitted families? Over the course of a few days in early March, our admissions team is looking for current parents to reach out to newly admitted families with congratulations and an offer to connect if they have questions. We need lots of volunteers for this endeavor, so we hope you’ll consider joining us! Please complete this brief survey to learn more and more specific dates. We truly appreciate your support!
– Judy Bright, admissions and outreach program manager
THEATER NEWS
ICYMI: Fifth Grade Play
On Thursday and Friday, our talented fifth graders took to the Palandjian Arts Center stage to present “We Two Are Who?” The young actors delivered powerful performances filled with wonderful characters, songs, laughs, and an important message. If you couldn’t make a performance or simply want to experience it again, check out the video recording of the show. Bravo, fifth grade!
AUXILIARY PROGRAMS
Important Schedule & Registration Updates
All families with students currently enrolled in the After School Program should please note that we will close promptly at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13, to start the February vacation week.
Also, the three-week registration period for trimester three will open on Monday, February 23, at 7 a.m. Enrichment class descriptions and schedules will be available on the Parent Portal. The current trimester ends on Friday, March 13, and trimester three begins on Monday, March 16.
– Blair Fross, director of school year auxiliary and specialty programs
Learning Updates
Arts Update: Third Graders Put The ‘Hole’ Thing Together in Woodshop
Third graders are stepping up their game in the woodshop, using a variety of established and new skills in order to see projects from beginning to end. Recently, the students designed and created individual Hole ‘n’ a Box projects. Each student started by imagining and drawing their designs. They then got to work following those designs, choosing proper wooden materials, shaping the wooden blocks, assembling them with holes, and adding unique details. Finally, they painted each project to add personal character.
– Bill Smith, woodworking teacher
Fourth Graders Learn About Mummification
It’s that time of year! Fourth graders are learning about Ancient Egypt in social studies, and in science, they are conducting mummification experiments. Each partnership has chosen to mummify either a hen or another food item of their choosing (one group chose to experiment with watermelon this year, which has been fascinating). We are using a homemade natron mixture of salt, baking soda, and laundry detergent to help dry out these foods and preserve their shapes. Students are observing the physical changes of their objects and comparing how much weight has been lost from week to week.
– Emily Crawford, fourth grade teacher
Athletics Update: JV Basketball Squads Show Great Improvement
It was another exciting and active week in Belmont Day athletics, highlighted by our annual Friday Night Hoops event against Meadowbrook. The evening was an amazing community celebration, with students, families, faculty, and fans filling the gym to support our teams and create an electric atmosphere. Events like this continue to showcase the spirit and connection that make BDS athletics so special.
The girls’ varsity basketball team tipped off the festivities on Friday Night Hoops and delivered a strong effort in front of the home crowd. Sofie Cutie applied incredible defensive pressure throughout the game and carried that same intensity into the team’s matchup against Dedham Country Day. Fatoumata Bah hit several big shots on Friday night to keep the Blue & Gold within striking distance, and Colby Schneider proved to be a difference maker on the inside in the Dedham Country Day game, controlling the boards and providing a strong interior presence.
The boys’ varsity basketball team played the second match-up against Meadowbrook, ultimately falling 48–27. The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams locked in early. Meadowbrook eventually found a rhythm and built a lead as shots were hard to come by for BDS. In the second half, Belmont Day came roaring back behind the inspired play of Evan Bae, Ethan Antipov, and Murilo Santos, who brought energy and determination on both ends of the floor.
The boys’ varsity team returned to action on Thursday, hosting Fenn. After a slow start, the Blue & Gold battled all the way back with aggressive play sparked by Deniz Kas and the offensive firepower of Evan Bae, who finished with 27 points. The team’s effort and resilience were evident throughout, but Fenn ultimately pulled away late to secure a 51–42 win.
The girls’ JV basketball team earned an exciting road win in Concord, rallying from a first-half deficit to shut down Nashoba Brooks in the second half and prevail 17–15 in a tight, physical contest. Gritty defensive play led by Lucy Rodriguez, Reema Wulfsberg, and Zoe Masozera kept the game close and ignited several breakaway opportunities. Rowan McCoy led all scorers with 9 points in an impressive team victory.
Continue Reading
The boys’ JV team also traveled to Fenn on Thursday and showed steady improvement throughout the game. Most notably, Jonathan Deng poured in 16 points to lead the offensive effort. Despite the progress and strong individual performances, BDS ultimately fell 40–24.
The fencing team had a strong showing on Thursday as well, earning a 14–13 overall victory against Shady Hill by winning 14 of 27 bouts. Epee competed closely, winning four of nine bouts in a narrow loss. Foil and sabre led the way, each winning five of nine bouts to secure the overall team victory. Jacob Jarbeau, who recently switched from epee to foil, won both of his bouts. Zade Wulfsberg continued his strong run with another foil victory, marking consecutive weeks with wins. Fred Mak dominated in sabre, winning all three of his bouts, while Ashwin Balakrishnan added two sabre victories. In epee, Maitreyee Bonthapally, Chris Baker, Kayla Li, and Michael Geng each earned a win to round out a total team effort.
Our hiking and climbing team continues to thrive during its Tuesday visits to The Bouldering Project in Somerville. The group has been having a fantastic time building skills, confidence, and teamwork. Team captains Maren Whitman, Mame Gensler, Frankie Dowers, and Nihka Linhart have led with enthusiasm and care, pushing both themselves and their teammates to new heights. During off-campus climbing days, students have learned how to safely and properly use auto belays, boulder effectively, and support one another through belaying.
Penelope Wong, Lucia Panch, Iris Xu, Jeremy Pan, and Ahna Chakra have been honing their skills on the bouldering island, sharing techniques and encouraging one another. Gwen Wagner, Dalia Dicrescenzo, Helen Brady, Catherine Brady, Caroline Frost, Tallulah Chipman, Josie Goldstyn, and Anna Paulson have been scaling the walls using the auto belays, discovering new strengths and building confidence with each climb. Nuria Kumar-Warikoo, Ella Kamenski, Sylvie Fry, Wren Kass, and Ashley Fleming continue to motivate their teammates while pushing their own limits and setting new personal records. The team has also benefited greatly from the expertise of Bouldering Project coach Zack, whose passion for climbing has inspired our students throughout the season.
It has been another memorable week filled with growth, perseverance, and strong community support. Thank you, as always, for cheering on our student-athletes.
Next week marks the final week of winter competition before we shift into our Mud Season break, with spring sports set to begin on March 16. We look forward to a strong finish to the winter season and an exciting transition into spring.
Go BDS!
– Stephen Marks, director of athletics
Parents’ Association News
Thank You, Event Organizers & Volunteers!
The Parents’ Association would like to thank the Friday Night Hoops Committee, led by Cynthia Chang and Rana Abdul-Aziz, and the Erskine Library Committee, led by Zhenzhen Zhang and Reema DellaNeve, for organizing two wonderful community events last week. In addition, thank you to all parent volunteers for their help in ensuring that these events ran smoothly!
Parent Book Group
Our next gathering will be on Tuesday, February 10, at 7:15 p.m. at Menotomy Grill and Tavern in Arlington. We will discuss My Friends by Fredrik Backman. 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 Thursday, February 12, from 8:30 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!
Casual Coffee
We invite the parent community for some casual mingling over coffee on February 13, from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. in Coolidge Hall before the Lower School Sharing Assembly.
Next PA Meeting
The next parents’ association meeting will be held on Friday, February 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Coolidge Hall. We are finalizing our guest speakers, so please stay tuned. All parents are invited, and coffee and light refreshments will be served.
Supporting Parent Connections
As communicated in an email earlier this week, the parents’ association is introducing 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 that you are interested in learning more about, please fill out the form included in this program description, and we will try to connect you with another parent that we believe could 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.
- Wednesday, February 25 at 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Bruegger’s in Belmont Center
- 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
Join the PA Ambassador Team
The PA Ambassador Team encourages parents to start thinking about whether they would like to get more involved in the parents’ association next school year, either in a leadership capacity, as a committee chair or member, or as a grade parent. On the leadership team, we are specifically seeking nominations for the roles of Vice President and Clerk. Please reach out to us at bdspa@belmontday.org at any time to ask questions or express interest. We look forward to working with you!
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
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Sisters Excel At National Cheer Competition
Congratulations to the Yardemian sisters, seventh grader Bianca, and third grader Alexa, who both competed on cheer teams that earned national honors. Both girls are members of Winchester Pop Warner Cheer. Beginning in August, their teams competed locally and regionally to advance to the national level in December. At the Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships in North Carolina, hundreds of teams from across the country competed. Alexa’s team placed second nationally in her division, and Bianca’s team placed third.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Black History Month Concert at Belmont HS
Friday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m.
Belmont High School Black Box Theater
221 Concord Ave, Belmont
In honor of Black History Month, and in collaboration with the Club Passim Folk Collective and Belmont Against Racism, Opening Doors presents a free evening of poetry, music, and conversation with Reggie Harris and Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson.
Regie Gibson is the first and current Poet Laureate of Massachusetts, an honor bestowed on him by Governor Maura Healey in May, 2025. He is also a National Poetry Slam champion and the Chicago Tribune Artist of the Year; appeared in “Love Jones,” a New Line Cinema feature film based on his life; was featured on HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam”; and contributes regularly to NPR. Reggie Harris has traveled the world for over 40 years as a songwriter, storyteller, and lecturer using music and the spoken word to make an impact in education, social and racial justice, the environment, faith, and human and civil rights.
Click here for more information and to RSVP for this event.
FILM FESTIVAL
Events Rescheduled To This Weekend
Belmont Day is proud to sponsor Belmont World Film’s 23rd Family Festival, which features some of the world’s most imaginative live-action and animated films for and about children ages 3-12.
The significant snowstorm two weeks ago caused a few screenings to be rescheduled to tomorrow, Saturday, February 7. Those events include the 1:00 p.m. screenings of the films “The Scarecrow’s Wedding” and “Tabby McTat,” both from the United Kingdom, and the 2:30 p.m. showing of “School Chale Hum,” from India. All films will be shown at the Regent Theatre in Arlington. Click here for more information and tickets.
Return to the Parent Portal
You can share a link to the entire newsletter here—or share individual articles using the icons to the right of each article.