January 17, 2025
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Working on poetry and drawing in kindergarten.
Opening Message
Reaching Across the Country To Help A School Devastated By Fire
Jen James, Chief of Staff and Registrar
Post Date: January 17, 2025
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at our annual assembly honoring the iconic civil rights leader. From our youngest learners teaching us their song about Martin to our middle school students reading poetry that recognizes his important work, we are a community engaged in honoring his commitment to service and how each of us can contribute to making a difference in our world.
This is also the week we typically kick off our annual MLK Jr. collection drive to benefit the Pine Street Inn. Over the years, we’ve collected hats, coats, gloves, socks, gift cards, boxes of oatmeal, hand warmers, soap, and many other personal items for some of the neediest people in the Boston area. This valued partnership with Pine Street Inn allows Belmont Day to act on our core value of caring and work together towards a common goal.
This year, however, we will focus our community service project on those affected by the devastating wildfires on the West Coast. While they may be farther from our home in Massachusetts, those impacted are very close to our hearts. As Mr. Largay mentioned in his column last week, we will support a pre-kindergarten to grade 8 school in the Los Angeles area. We are in contact with the leadership at peer schools that have lost everything to the fires and need help at every turn. We have pledged to do our part to ensure that these schools on the other side of the country can welcome their students and families back to a teaching and learning community. In its effort to empower meaningful contributions, Belmont Day is eager to participate.
To that end, we ask our students to consider what makes their classrooms and learning spaces special. What do they love best about their school? Is it the make-believe area in pre-k? Finding new favorite books in the Erskine Library? Learning an instrument in music class? Using fresh new markers for coloring at Early Birds? Using field notebooks in science class? Using LEGO bricks after school or at clubs?
Each grade will determine a list of what makes their classrooms/learning spaces special, and we will then collect donations for those specific items to send to a school in Los Angeles. It may be some time before their school community is ready to receive these items, but we can start helping them get there now. There are details to work out (stay tuned), but we know we can take these first steps immediately.
Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” will guide us as we embark on this project. Building from the ashes will not be easy or quick for the communities in and around Los Angeles. At Belmont Day, we strive to make a positive difference in our school community, neighbors, and friends. Our work this winter will stretch our scope of collaboration a bit further and I’m excited to see what each grade values and chooses to share. Community service is about putting our values into action and doing our best to help others near and far.
Upcoming Events
Coming Up This Week
Monthly Calendar
School Closed January 24
Please note that school will be closed next Friday, January 24. Our admissions team will be running assessments for prospective students.
Middle School Parents: Reports & Grades January 22
Save The Date: Friday Night Hoops
Friday, January 31
5:30 p.m. – Boys’ Game Start
7:00 p.m. – Girls’ Game Start
Belmont Day School, the Barn
Get ready for our winter classic basketball matchup against our friendly rivals, The Meadowbrook School. Wear your BDS gear and come cheer on the Blue & Gold as the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams play the tenth edition of Friday Night Hoops. Our athletes invite the entire Belmont Day community to attend. See you there.
Lunar New Year Assembly
Friday, January 31
8:45 to 9:30 a.m.
Barn Gym
Join us to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a special assembly featuring a professional lion dance performance and a pre-kindergarten presentation. The lion dance is a traditional Chinese art form that symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. It uses acrobatic movements, rhythmic drumming, and vibrant costumes to chase away evil spirits. Following the performance, students will have the opportunity to ask the lion dancers questions about the cultural significance and techniques behind the dance.
We look forward to celebrating this festive occasion together!
Casual Coffee Before Assembly
Friday, January 31
7:45 to 8:30 a.m.
Barn Lobby
Join the parents’ association for some casual mingling over coffee. This is a great way to connect with fellow parents before enjoying the assembly.
Lunch & Snack Menu
January 20 to January 24
Monday
School Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday
Snack: fruit cups; tortilla chips
Lunch: cheese lasagna rolls with marinara; penne with marinara; gluten-free tortellini with marinara; steamed broccoli; Mediterranean salad with artichokes and olives
Wednesday
Snack: bananas; Cheez-Its
Lunch: turkey dinner with cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potato, and cornbread stuffing; vegan sausage; seasoned green beans; arugula and spinach salad with sherry vinaigrette, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries
Thursday
Snack: clementines; Popcorners
Lunch: cheese and pepperoni pizza; vegan cheese pizza; gluten-free cheese pizza; roasted cauliflower with red pepper and shallots; Caesar salad
Friday
School Closed for Admissions Assessment Day
Please click the button below for a more detailed and updated weekly menu.
BDS News
COMMUNITY ADVISORY
Rules of the Road: Be Kind, Take Your Time, Be a Good Neighbor
Unfortunately, we heard recently from a neighbor on Day School Lane that we haven’t been living up to our community’s values. Specifically, we have not exhibited courteous behavior when driving out of the BDS campus. Please be mindful to drive slowly at all times and kindly let our neighbors exit their driveways onto Day School Lane and enter traffic. These small courtesies help to create a safer traffic flow, maintain our positive relationships with our neighbors, and further the values of our school.
With the start of the new year, it is also a good time to remind everyone of a few additional community guidelines. The first is about our canine friends. If you bring your dog on campus, it must be on a leash and under control at all times. And if your dog tends to get even a little excited around new people, especially children, it would be best to leave them at home. The second is again on our driving. Please remember that the route into and out of our campus is one-way at all times. We enter campus via our driveway next to the cemetery and exit the campus down Day School Lane. There should be no exceptions to this.
I appreciate your mindfulness around and participation in these community guidelines. Thank you.
– Brendan Largay, Head of School
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
Textile Recycling Bin Now Available at Belmont Day
This week, you may have noticed a new large, white bin in our parking lot near the Barn.
As part of our greening initiatives, the sustainability committee is excited to announce that Belmont Day School will now host a textile recycling bin from Bay State Textiles. This endeavor will contribute to our sustainability efforts by reducing our environmental impact and promoting awareness of the impact of textile waste.
According to Bay State Textiles, “the average person throws away 81 pounds of clothing, shoes, and linens per year, which adds up to about 28 billion pounds of unnecessary waste in landfills.” Furthermore, “45% of these textiles can be reused, 30% can be turned into wiping cloths, and 20% recycled into new products.”
The bin can accept clothing, footwear, accessories, linens, stuffed animals, and more. Before placing donations in the bin, they must be placed in a plastic bag. Click here for a detailed list of items that can and cannot be accepted. We appreciate your participation!
– Kathy Jo Solomon and Betty Chu Pryor, on behalf of the sustainability committee
HEALTH NEWS
Preventing the Spread of Norovirus
This winter, the norovirus is spreading quickly in the Northeast and is now the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. We should all make efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy. Below are some facts and tips from the CDC regarding the virus and what we can all do to slow its spread.
- People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly.
- Hand sanitizer does NOT prevent the spread of norovirus. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after changing diapers, using the bathroom, touching common surfaces, shaking hands, caring for the sick, and before eating, preparing, or handling food or medicine.
- It is important to continue washing your hands often, even after you feel better. Norovirus can be found in your vomit or feces, even before you start feeling sick, and can stay in your feces for two weeks or more after you feel better.
- Do not prepare food for others or provide healthcare while sick and for at least two days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.
- Most household disinfecting cleaners do not mitigate norovirus. Check your products to ensure they can be used effectively for norovirus. Always clean well after someone vomits or has diarrhea, and disinfect the entire area immediately. Click here for information on proper cleaning.
As a reminder, students should be free from vomiting and/or diarrhea for a full 24 hours without medication before returning to school. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at lconnors@belmontday.org. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community healthy.
– Lauren Connors, school nurse
Learning Updates
Eighth Graders Explore Jewish Life Before The Holocaust
In eighth grade social studies, students are currently learning about the buildup to World War II and The Holocaust. This week, students participated in a classroom gallery walk that showcased ten photographs. Students analyzed the images to recognize the rich diversity of Jewish life during the Weimar Republic, including variations in religious practice, culture, national identity, social class, location, and occupation. While most photographs are from the organization Facing History and Ourselves, I also shared some personal images of my grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, as a child growing up in Berlin. By showcasing varied lived experiences, we can honor what was lost in The Holocaust and challenge the stereotypes and myths that were perpetuated by Nazi ideology and policy.
– Emma Alexander, eighth grader social studies teacher
Second Graders Write Letters to the President-elect
As part of our social studies curriculum, students have been learning about the democratic process. During a mock election between two favorite book characters in November, they devised platforms and listed the skills necessary to be an effective leader. This week, we wrote letters to the President-elect of the United States of America expressing our hopes and dreams for our country and the world. We talked about how we all have a voice, and how, as citizens of our communities, we have a responsibility to ourselves and others to identify and convey what we think is important.
– The Second Grade Team
What second graders are asking the next President to do during his time in office:
“I think whenever you make a mistake, it’s a good time to learn from it.”
“Please make sure you use T.H.I.N.K. speech. That means you think before you speak or act. T is it true? H is it helpful? I is it inclusive and inspiring? N is it necessary? K is it kind?”
“Make sure that people have medicine.”
“When you are president, remember to treat others how you want to be treated.”
“Put care into our country and give joy to our country.”
“Help make fair rights for everyone.”
“Be calm and respect nature.”
“Stop war because it only hurts people and doesn’t help with anything.”
“Take care of the environment.”
“Make people feel like they belong here.”
“Be kind no matter what.”
“Please be a good listener and be honest with your words.”
“Please help the country be healthy.”
“Please listen to your citizens’ ideas.”
PE Update: Students Challenged to Create New Games
Returning from the break, students in their physical education classes participated in a create-a-game unit. Students worked with partners to design games and activities from their imaginations. Partners were encouraged to share ideas, listen to others, and be challenged to put a new spin on games they already love to play. Have you ever tried jump rope soccer or tried to sink a putt while standing on a balance board? Trust me, it’s hard! The creativity and ideas made for fun activities to design and share with others.
– Abbey Nyland, physical education teacher
Athletics Update: Lightbody Joins Coaching Staff
Xander Lightbody ’20 has signed on to help coach the wrestling team this season. Xander was introduced to wrestling at Belmont Day during middle school and had a successful high school career on the mat. In his freshman year at the University of Massachusetts, Xander wrestles recreationally but shifted his focus to jujitsu. Xander has teamed up with long-time assistant coach Vlad Hucko and has immediately impacted the team thanks to his wealth of technical knowledge and ability to connect with the athletes. During his first interscholastic meet on the sidelines, the Blue & Gold wrestled strong, taking Roxbury Latin the distance and winning some impressive matches. Rookies Gael Cruz Marcos and Colin Walker looked like seasoned veterans by winning tough matches against more experienced opponents while second year wrestler Ashley Fleming stole the show with a gritty three round win. The team will look to keep their momentum rolling next week at home against Fenn.
– John O’Neill, director of athletics
Athletics News
- The boys’ JV basketball team had their first win of the season this week, taking down Shady Hill 38-15. Santi Aguerrevere ran the court well and Clark Rutherford was a beast in the paint.
- The girls’ JV basketball team remains undefeated following a 20-13 win over Shady Hill. Christian Samuel played amazing defense and Bella Tan scored a game-high 11 points.
- Fencing improved to 4-0 after a 19-8 win against Shady Hill. Rookie epee fencer Jacob Jarbeau shined on the strip, winning 2 of his 3 bouts. Classmate Raphael Hsia also had a nice win.
- Samantha Cuming played her best game of the season during girls’ varsity basketball’s big win over Shady Hill. Penny Gottesman and Colby Schneider both had strong minutes.
- Boys’ varsity basketball newcomers Ben Fleming and Zeke Fine continue to gain experience on the court. The team dropped their fourth straight game of the season vs SHS.
- Seventh grade classmates Eyan Morales and Sam Springer had a good week of practice for the intramural basketball team. Both players were active on the court, improving their skills.
- The sixth grade squash team traveled to MIT this week. Olivia Hu dominated on the court with long rallies and great serves while Boya Yun enjoyed success with strong shot placement.
- Tallulah Chipman, Mika Elsner, and Josie Goldstyn have been learning holds, tying knots, and route planning during the climbing team’s work on the Belmont Day traverse wall.
Parents’ Association News
BDS Connections Walk
Grab your walking shoes and a friend, and join us for the next BDS Connections Walk led by Ingrid Goldberg and Brian Kinzler on Thursday, January 23, at 8:30 a.m. After morning drop-off, we’ll gather outside Coolidge Hall and take a casual stroll through the woods, sharing laughs and good company with fellow parents and school administrators. It’s the perfect chance to connect with friends, new and old, and enjoy some fresh air. Don’t miss out—we’d love to see you there.
Friday Night Hoops
The parents’ association hopes to see you in the Barn for Friday Night Hoops on Friday, January 31! The first game starts at 5:30 p.m. We encourage you to wear your BDS gear and come cheer for the Blue & Gold as the varsity basketball teams take on Meadowbrook. The entire Belmont Day community is invited to attend.
Volunteers Sought for Coolidge Flowers Program
Help us beautify Coolidge Hall and enhance our children’s lunch experience! We are seeking volunteers to donate 12 small potted plants to be placed as centerpieces on the lunchroom dining tables. The plants should be no taller than 11” with a maximum pot diameter of 4.5”. If you wish to participate, please sign up here. Thank you!
Join the PA Ambassador Team for 2025-26
The PA Ambassador Team encourages parents to start thinking about whether they would like to get more involved in the parents’ association next 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 role of treasurer. 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!
President – Shanying Zhang
Vice President – Megan Akkina
Treasurer – Andy Stevenson
Clerk – Jeff Wang
Beyond BDS
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Watertown to Host 25th Annual MLK Jr. Day Unity Breakfast
Join World in Watertown for the 25th Annual Watertown Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Watertown! Every year, the community in Watertown, Massachusetts, comes together to celebrate civil rights and to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders by recommitting to foundational principles of racial, social, and economic justice. This will be the first Unity Breakfast held in-person since 2020!
A hot breakfast from Wicked Bagel will be served at 8:30 a.m. followed by music, roundtable conversations, student essays, and the presentation of the Unity Award. All are welcome to attend the event! The suggested donation for adult attendees is $10-$25. Youth under 18 and those experiencing financial difficulty are welcome to attend for free.
Click here for registration and more information.
FILM FESTIVAL
Family Films from Around the World Set to Premiere
Belmont Day is proud to sponsor Belmont World Film’s 22nd Family Festival, which features some of the world’s most imaginative live-action and animated films for and about children ages 3-12. Screenings start this weekend, on January 18 at the West Newton Cinema, January 19 and 26 at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, and January 20 at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge.
The line-up features films from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Most films are making their North American premieres. Ten films are in other languages with subtitles, with one completely wordless short film program and five films in English. For younger viewers and those with difficulty reading, a professional voice-over will read subtitles aloud through headphones. Films include multicultural casts representing five different continents.
Artist-in-residence David Feiss, co-director with previous artist-in-residence Cinzia Angelini of the recently released animated film HITPIG!, starring Jason Sudeikis, will take part in a Q&A following the film’s screening on Sunday, January 19 in Arlington. Feiss will also lead a workshop where children can learn to draw characters from the Minions and Hotel Transylvania movies on January 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Regent Theatre Underground.
For the complete line-up, tickets, and passes, visit www.belmontworldfilm.org/family-festival
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