January 26, 2024
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Making mummies in fourth grade!
Opening Message
The Value of a Different Perspective
Brendan Largay, Head of School
Post Date: January 26, 2024
I attended the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) heads’ retreat and winter board meeting in Portsmouth, NH, this week. It was inspiring, reinvigorating, and a worthwhile pause and reflection during another busy school year. This spring, after two terms over six years, I will step off of AISNE’s board, where I serve as secretary. I am fortunate to serve on two other boards—the Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA), a national organization for independent school heads of pre-k to grade 8 schools, and Concord Academy, a local independent high school—and each has needed to navigate and adapt to the ever-changing education landscape.
The turbulence experienced over the past six years here at Belmont Day, and throughout the region, the nation, and the world has been significant. Serving on AISNE’s board during this time has been a privilege that provided extraordinary learning opportunities. I participated in a merger that brought the Independent Schools Association of Northern New England (ISANNE) into the fold with AISNE. These northern New England schools are new to our orbit, and I have learned from them that the challenges that Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine face are different from those we face in Metro Boston. I have also been a part of AISNE’s adaptive and proactive response to the pandemic, which resulted in a weekly call between local heads to support one another through the most demanding days. All of this, and still the so-called regular business of the organization—supporting the accreditation process for member schools, the transition of the executive leadership of the organization itself, and imagining a strategic future for our schools—has provided some of the best professional development I could have ever hoped for.
As mentioned here, Belmont Day’s AISNE accreditation self-study year is well underway. We are looking closely at the systems, processes, and operations that allow the school to deliver on our aspirational mission to inspire and challenge. Because of the thorough refinement that my AISNE board colleagues have done on the process, we confidently engage in the healthy and good practice of investigating the school’s strengths and opportunities for growth.
School leaders often observe that the strategic view of a school is from 30,000 feet. If that is so, then the work of AISNE is done somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 feet, and the perspective from there has been wonderful, with the mountains and valleys clearly in view. I am only entitled to serve two terms in this role, but if I could stay longer, I would. This May, AISNE will recognize my service, but the truth is, all the appreciation is mine. It has been a tremendous run with a meaningful and important organization.
Upcoming Events
Coming Up This Week
Monthly Calendar
Lunar New Year Celebration
We are pleased to invite you to join us on Tuesday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
This will be a celebration of the many Asian countries, cultures, and traditions in our community. If you would like to share your Lunar New Year/Spring Festival traditions at this event, please reach out to Wenting Cai at tingting4805@gmail.com or Connie Yepez at cyepez@belmontday.org.
We kindly ask that you RSVP for this event for our planning purposes. Thank you.
One Week Away! Friday Night Hoops!
Friday, February 2
5:30 p.m. – Girls’ Game Start
7 p.m. – Boys’ Game Start
Belmont Day School, the Barn
Join us for our winter classic basketball matchup against our friendly rivals, The Meadowbrook School. Wear your BDS gear and come cheer on the home teams as the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams play the ninth edition of Friday Night Hoops. Our athletes invite the entire Belmont Day community to attend. Let’s go, Blue & Gold!!!
2nd Annual STEAM Expo!
Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 to 7:00 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!
MLK Donation Drive Continues Through Wednesday, January 31
Thank you to everyone who has already supported our annual community collection of items to help those facing the winter without secure shelter. Donation bins are available in front of the Schoolhouse and the Barn. As identified by our partners at the Pine Street Inn, the most needed items include:
- men’s winter coats, sizes large and up (preferably new, but used if in good shape)
- warm socks, winter gloves, and hats
- hand and foot warmers
- thermal layers – shirts and leggings
- individually packed snacks (sweet and salty, chewy)
- $5 gift cards for McDonald’s or Dunkin’
Lunch & Snack Menu
January 29 to February 2
Monday
Snack: craisins; tortilla chips
Lunch: chicken dumplings; vegan dumplings; gluten-free chicken dumplings; veggie fried rice; seasoned broccoli; greens with balsamic
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; CheezIts
Lunch: BDS beef stew; vegan vegetable stew; biscuits; roasted brussel sprouts; garden salad with tomatoes and honey mustard dressing
Wednesday
Snack: apple slices; apple muffins
Lunch: crispy cheesy chicken; vegan nuggets; herb roasted chicken; green beans; spinach salad with roasted peppers, pickled onions, and sherry vinaigrette
Thursday
Snack: clementines; tiny twist pretzels
Lunch: cheese pizza; pepperoni pizza; vegan cheese pizza; gluten-free cheese pizza; gluten-free pepperoni pizza; corn; Caesar salad
Friday
Snack: apples; banana oatmeal rounds
Faculty Lunch
For a more detailed and updated weekly menu, please click the button below.
BDS News
BUSINESS OFFICE NEWS
2024-2025 Re-enrollment Is Coming Soon
With February right around the corner, we are about to launch our re-enrollment process for the 2024-2025 school year using Veracross. We hope you will find it easy to access and use.
Please watch your inbox this weekend for an email to start the process. 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 aid in 2024-2025, your financial aid award letter will be included with your contract.
Information about using VC Pay 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 9. Please note that all parents/guardians must sign the contract.
If you have any questions, please contact Jen James, assistant to the head of school and registrar.
FEBRUARY VACATION
Ahoy! Spaces Available for a Week of Pirate Fun!
Registration for Belmont Day’s February vacation camp is open and spaces are still available! The camp is pirate-themed this year! Aargh: It’s a Pirate’s Life For Me is open to children in pre-kindergarten to grade 3 and will be held Tuesday, February 20 to Friday, February 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Belmont Day School.
Children who dream of sailing the seven seas are invited to join us for this nautical-themed program to learn about life under the sea. They will discover their pirate persona, imagine where the mermaids hang out, learn about the animals and flora that inhabit our local coastlines, and what they can do to support and safeguard our oceans.
If your child has attended summer camp at BDS, you can enroll directly in CampMinder for the vacation week camp. If your child has not attended summer camp at BDS and would like to sign up for a vacation week camp, please email summer@belmontday.org.
More details for the camp can be found on the Parent Portal on the Auxiliary Programs page. For program questions, please reach out to Blair Fross, and for CampMinder or enrollment questions, please contact Denali Kikuchi.
SPRING EVENTS
Grandparents and Special Friends Visit Days
Please mark your calendars for our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Visit Days!
- Middle School – Thursday, May 9
- Lower School – Friday, May 10
This much-loved occasion provides grandparents and special family friends the opportunity to visit Belmont Day and experience our vibrant school community. While a formal invitation will be sent later this spring, we want to share these dates early so loved ones can make arrangements to attend. Please spread the word and keep an eye on your inbox for more information. We can’t wait to welcome our special guests onto campus this spring!
Please email development@belmontday.org with questions.
Spring Fest 2024! Volunteers Needed
We’re thrilled to announce our biennial Spring Fest: A Celebration of Our Cultures and Traditions, which will take place on Saturday, May 4. We are seeking volunteers for the following roles:
- Lead Volunteers – Partner with the Development and DEIB teams to help lead the overall Spring Fest volunteer effort.
- Culture Ambassadors – Take the lead on organizing your culture’s display for Spring Fest. Recruit and organize additional volunteers (Culture Representatives) to partner with you.
- Culture Representatives – Join a team of volunteers to plan how you’d like to represent your shared culture at Spring Fest! (Parents, students, extended family, and faculty are all invited to participate!)
- Event Set-up or Break-down on May 4
We can’t wait to celebrate the rich and diverse backgrounds we share at Belmont Day through music, dance, food, storytelling, games, and more! Complete this survey if you’d like to help!
Questions? Please email development@belmontday.org.
DEIB NEWS
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Book Group
Join us each month for an informal, parent-led DEIB book group focusing on books written from the perspectives of marginalized communities. All parents/caregivers and faculty are welcome, and we choose our books democratically.
Our next Zoom meeting will be on Monday, February 12, from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. We will be discussing Emotional Inheritance: A Therapist, Her Patients, and the Legacy of Trauma by Galit Atlas.
Our anticipated next selections will be (dates TBD):
- March – Corrections In Ink by Keri Blakinger
- April – Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson
The group meets on the first Thursday of every month via Zoom. The link to attend is available on the Parent Portal.
Please contact Danielle England or Christina Cosman if you would like to be added to the email reminder list.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Planning for Upcoming Grade-Level Curriculum Showcases
Starting in a few weeks, families will be invited to campus for an opportunity to observe and engage directly in their child’s learning. Our students and faculty teams are eager to showcase and share with you a curricular highlight of their year in an authentic learning experience in each grade level. We are excited to return to this model of sharing the teaching and learning that occurs 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 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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to lower school head, Betty Chu Pryor, or middle school head, Liz Gray. Thank you!
Schedule of Curriculum Showcases
- Pre-kindergarten: Math Game Day – Thursday, March 14, 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.
- Kindergarten: K Guided Games – Monday, April 29, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Grade 1: 100th Day Celebration – Tuesday, February 27, 8:50 to 9:45 a.m.
- Grade 2: Student Showcase – Thursday, June 6, 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.
- Grade 3: State Fair – Thursday, May 23, 8:45 to 10:00 a.m.
- Grade 4: Greek Storytelling Festival. – Thursday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Grade 5: Movement of People through the Ages – Thursday, May 30, 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
- Grades 6 and 7: STEAM Expo, Tuesday, February 13, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
- Grade 8: Capstone Week from April 8-12 (various dates and times – a detailed schedule will be made available later this winter)
Learning Updates
Athletics Update: Varsity Fencing Stays Perfect
The varsity fencing team improved their record to 4-0 on the season following a commanding 23-4 win against BB&N this week. In an afternoon full of highlights, Coach Solomon noted the strong footwork of Jonathan Laipson and Vatche Balikan en route to a pair of sabre wins. In addition, sixth grade standout Aman Singleton continued his impressive rookie campaign with three dominant epee wins, only allowing one touch. The team will put their undefeated record on the line when they host Shady Hill next week.
– John O’Neill, director of athletics
Athletics News
- Sara Colangelo poured in 22 points and Liv Dawson collected 8 boards during girls’ varsity basketball’s big win over SSDS. The win propelled the team to a 4-0 record on the season.
- The boys’ varsity basketball team overcame a halftime deficit to topple SSDS thanks to lockdown defense by Kaden Flummerfelt and spirited play from Rhys Kaplan.
- Samantha Cuming and Sophie Cutie combined for 24 points during girls’ JV basketball’s 31-22 win over DCD. Kalkidan Shiferaw played solid D. The team is now 5-0 on the season.
- The intramural basketball program has received steady contributions from sixth graders Eyan Morales and Lee Piechota who have been working hard to improve their game.
- Eva Peregudov and Lucie Mora have been great additions to the fencing program as consistent contributors to the junior varsity squad. Both are doing a great job with their technique.
- Wyatt Baker earned a formidable major decision win during wrestling’s quad meet this week. Altay Jomazer and Quinn Clark also had notable wins for Belmont Day.
- Noor Khan, Isla Smith, and Julia Street had a great week on the badminton courts. The trio brought a joyful approach to athletics and competed with class during the intramural tournament.
- Noah Yang and Pippa Ellner have been great ambassadors for Belmont Day during the climbing team’s weekly trips to Boston Bouldering Project. Both athletes have impressed on the wall.
Courtside Report: A Special Sports Update
Boys’ JV Basketball Seals the Deal Against DCD
The boys’ JV basketball team defeated Dedham Country Day (DCD) with a final score of 32-27. The score may look close, but Belmont Day led for the entire game, at most by 16 points. Seventh grader Zeke Fine forced multiple steals and made shots on fast breaks. He was also big off the boards, pulling in a ton of rebounds and putting the balls back up for points. Fine’s classmate Calum Dunbar had a huge block to seal the game away while eighth grader Charlie Rossi also made a key bucket and rebounds down the stretch. BDS played aggressive defense, getting to the ball with diving attempts by players including sixth grader Clark Rutherford and seventh grader Ben Fleming. The Blue & Gold also did a fantastic job pressuring DCD’s players on defense with tough coverage from sixth grade duo Deniz Kas and Murilo Santos. In the final minutes, DCD’s impressive back-to-back 3s got them back into the game but BDS hung on for the W. This was the boys’ JV team’s first win at home after dropping their last two games in the Barn, each by just one point in heartbreaking fashion. This was a great showing for the boys’ JV as they improved to 3-2 on their season.
– Suryavir Nallari-Jhala, sixth grader and basketball correspondent
Arts Update: Transitions & Transformations – 2D into 3D
This week in the studio, fifth graders transitioned from making prints with their printing block, which they designed and carved earlier in the year, to impressing their printing block into a clay slab to create an image in bas-relief. Students then carefully added a flange to the underside of the clay, as it will ultimately be a removable lid for their unique clay ‘design cube.’ In the coming weeks, students will work with a partner as they impress several clay tiles, and then attach the tiles together to create the base and walls of their cube. After the cubes and lids have been fired in the kiln, students will finish their ceramic pieces with glaze. Be on the lookout for these treasures from the studio in the coming weeks!
– Anne Armstrong, visual arts teacher and arts coordinator
First Grade Feature Their Expertise In New Books
First graders are finishing their “All About Books” in writing. First graders began this writing project by brainstorming their “expert” lists: different topics that they know a lot about and topics they are excited about. They then chose different topics and began planning the parts and sub-topics of their books. As they wrote, they revised their work and added sketches. First graders then spent time adding more detail to their work and editing their writing by looking at punctuation, spelling, upper and lower case letters, and handwriting. In the final stages of their project, writers began publishing their work. They carefully copied over their work from their first draft to their final copy and added illustrations. To put the finishing touches on their books, writers created an “about the author” page and thoughtfully crafted covers that included the author’s name, picture, and title. First graders are excited to publish their books and showcase them very soon!
– Geoffrey Fox, first grade teacher
Sixth Grade English Tackles “The Giver”
This week in sixth grade English, students are rewriting chapter 8 of The Giver, by Lois Lowry. They finished reading the book this past weekend and now they are being asked to imagine it from a different character’s perspective (not the protagonist). They have to rewrite the scene through the eyes of the titular character, The Giver but keep the same setting, plot, and dialogue. During our unit on The Giver, students are also learning discussion techniques (talk moves) that they can use to discuss a book. Talk moves include “I heard [name] say and I would like to add . . .” as well as “Can you repeat that using different words?” Students came up with some brilliant ideas and theories about this classic dystopian YA novel.
– Becca MacKillop, sixth grade English teacher
Martin’s Big Words Inspire Second Grade’s Banner
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the second grade class read Doreen Rappaport and Brian Collier’s bold and vibrant pictorial biography, Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King Jr. We discussed how powerful words can bring about change. We are creating a second grade banner to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and remember what a gift it is that “his big words are alive for us today.” We brainstormed a list of words that remind us of Dr. King’s work, such as justice, hope, together, and peace. Each student will design a flag featuring one of these powerful words. We will continue to highlight the importance of equality, love, and understanding in our community as we honor Dr. King’s service to all.
– The Second Grade Team
Eighth Grade French Lesson Hits Home
Eighth grade French students have been talking about family dynamics around household chores. Last week they had role-play family discussions about who should do which chores and why. This week they are learning how to describe what they appreciate in a house. They played a game where they described a house to their partner, who had to figure out which one they were describing. Next week they will explore a French version of Airbnb and play the roles of realtor and buyer.
– Jen Friborg, middle school French teacher
The Kindergarten Is Now Taking Reservations
Meet the hottest restaurant in the Boston area: The Kindergarten Cooks! This year in kindergarten, students voted to learn more about chefs as community helpers. After exploring videos and books, and even meeting chefs, kindergarteners decided to open their own restaurant. They came up with a name for their restaurant, decorated the walls, planned what tools were needed for the kitchen, designed the menus, and even created coloring pages for any patrons waiting for their food. So far they’ve welcomed and served their sixth grade buddies, specialist teachers, pre-kindergarten teachers, and even the BDS chefs themselves. Bon appetit!
– Missy Hartvigsen, kindergarten teacher
Parents’ Association News
Inaugural Glow Up Winter Bash
We’ll see you tomorrow for Family Fun Night! Join us in the Downing Gym on Saturday, January 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner, refreshments, music, and a lot of fun.
- A professional DJ spinning
- Musical bingo for all ages
- Fun games and contests
- Prizes
- Glow-in-the-dark tattoos
- Glow-in-the-dark face paint
- Glow sticks, light-up rings, and more
After the musical bingo and games, we will dance and glow the night away!
Parent Book Group
Our next Parent Book Club meeting will be on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Menotomy Grill & Tavern in Arlington. February’s book is the novel The Queen of Dirt Island by Irish novelist and short story writer Donal Ryan. We hope you will join us.
Friday Night Hoops
The PA hopes to see you at Friday Night Hoops on Friday, February 2! We encourage you to wear your BDS gear and come cheer for BDS as the varsity basketball teams take on Meadowbrook. The entire Belmont Day community (students, families, alumni, and friends of BDS) is invited to attend.
Middle School parents should look out for an email from John O’Neill, director of athletics, with a sign-up sheet seeking volunteers to help with the evening’s events. See you there!
PA Contacts
At any time and for any reason, please feel free to email the parents’ association executive team at bdspa@belmontday.org.
Beyond BDS
COMMUNITY CONCERT
Mystic Gospel 2024
Friday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Cary Hall, 1605 Mass Ave., Lexington
Experience the power of hearing a 175-voice chorale, which includes BDS French teacher Natalie Pellenq, singing gospel music, led by director and composer, Jonathan Singleton. Mystic Gospel: Moving Forward, Looking Back charts the progression of gospel from its origin in spirituals and the blues to today’s modern contemporary sound. You’ll be clapping and dancing in the aisles! For more details on the show and to order tickets, visit www.mysticchorale.org.
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT
Eighth Grade Wrestler Grabs the Gold
Congratulations to eighth grader Alexander Meredith who won a gold medal for his first place showing in the 150-pound weight class in the Tomahawk Throw Down Wrestling Tournament at Merrimack High School in New Hampshire this past weekend.
Return to the Parent Portal
