March 14, 2025
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Sixth graders are learning about audio recording and editing in music.
Opening Message
The Infinite Reasons We Celebrate Pi Day
Brittany Ryan, Sixth Grade Math Teacher
Post Date: March 14, 2025
Today may seem like just another day to most. But in the world of math education, it’s a day to celebrate—Happy Pi Day, everyone! While the approximate value 3.14 is commonly used to represent the mathematical constant that expresses the ratio of a circle’s circumference (distance around) to its diameter (distance across), pi is an irrational number. Mathematicians and scientists have proven that the digits of the decimal representation of this ratio continue infinitely, with no repetition or any other discernible pattern within the string of numbers.
Unlike many math problems that lead to a definitive final answer, the exact value of pi can never be determined as the digits continue on and on and on to no end. Having those final and definitive numbers and answers can be very helpful in learning and life, but pi offers something else just as valuable. Its wonderful irrationality is a challenge that sparks the curiosity of both professional and middle school mathematicians alike!
Our middle school students embraced that curiosity this week with our second annual Pi Day celebration. Students challenged themselves to memorize as many digits of pi as possible. They follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, eighth grader Siri Paulsson, who memorized an impressive 314 digits—a number that was anything but random. By the time you read this, a new (or repeat) champion has likely been crowned, so be sure to ask around to learn who it is and how many digits they remembered.
Along with the friendly (and slightly competitive) memorization contest, our sixth graders enjoyed reading a picture book entitled Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi. The book tied in perfectly to their curriculum, as they prepare to study circumference and area of circles in math class this spring. Lastly, our middle school students also went home proudly sporting temporary pi tattoos, marking the occasion with a bit of mathematical flair.
At BDS, we continuously challenge the misconception that only those with a “math brain” can succeed in mathematics. As Dr. Rachel Starks Chaves, eighth grade math teacher, shared in a column last year, changing how we speak about and interact with mathematical ideas can profoundly impact students’ ability to see themselves as capable mathematicians. We hope that engaging activities like our Pi Day celebration help extend mathematical thinking beyond the classroom, allowing students to experience math’s joy, creativity, and beauty in fun and meaningful ways.
Want to challenge your memory? Here are the first 314 digits of Pi: 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944592307816406286208998628034825342117067982148086513282306647093844609550582231725359408128481117450284102701938521105559644622948954930381964428810975665933446128475648233786783165271201909145648566923460348610454326648213393607260249141273724587006606 …
Good luck! And have a wonderful weekend (hopefully filled with math)!
Brittany Ryan, on behalf of the middle school math department (Sarah Pikcilingis and Dr. Rachel Starks Chaves)
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendar
Save The Dates:
Grandparents & Special Friends Days
Thursday, May 8 – Middle School
Friday, May 9 – Lower School
Mark your calendars!
This much-loved occasion provides grandparents and special family friends the opportunity to visit Belmont Day and experience our vibrant community. Please spread the word and keep an eye on your inbox for more information. We can’t wait to welcome our special guests this spring.
Please email development@belmontday.org with any questions.
After School & Enrichments: Trimester Three Starts on Monday
Enrollment for the third trimester of after school and enrichment programs closes today, Friday, March 14. Late enrollment, if available, will accrue additional changes. Enrichment class descriptions and schedules are available on the Parent Portal.
The current trimester ended today, 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.
Ramadan Celebration & Dinner
Tuesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m.
(Fast will break at 6:54 p.m.)
Coolidge Hall
We are excited to invite the community to our annual Ramadan Iftar, a celebration of community, diversity, and identity. As Ramadan is based on the lunar year calendar, the start of the month changes each year. This year, Ramadan will be observed from February 28 to March 30.
Join us for an evening filled with henna, crafts, books, and fun activities. Dinner will be provided, and we look forward to sharing this special time with you.
Please RSVP specifying how many adults and children will be attending.
Attention Middle School Families
Trimester 2 Reports Available Next Week
Middle school students’ reports for Trimester 2 will be available on the Parent Portal next Friday, March 21.
Lunch & Snack Menu
March 17 to March 21
Monday
Snack: fruit cup/applesauce; Fritos
Lunch: spaghetti and meat sauce; penne with marinara; gluten-free penne and meat sauce; breadsticks; primavera vegetable blend; mixed greens with shaved carrots and balsamic dressing
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; Popcorners
Lunch: soy sesame braised chicken; soy sesame braised tofu; basmati rice; seasoned broccoli; crunchy colorful slaw
Wednesday
Snack: apple slices; Goldfish
Lunch: citrus-roasted fish; vegan meatballs; seasoned green beans; mixed greens with cranberries, goat cheese, and sherry vinaigrette
Thursday
Snack: clementines; pretzels
Lunch: minestrone soup; ham and cheese croissant; smoky vegan provolone melt; gluten-free ham and cheese melthoney carrot coins; Caesar salad
Friday
Snack: craisins; chocolate chip oatmeal rounds
Faculty Lunch
Please click the button below for a more detailed and updated weekly menu.
BDS News
STAFFING NEWS
New Hire
Divya Muralidhara, assistant head of school
With great excitement and anticipation, Belmont Day welcomes Divya Muralidhara as the school’s next assistant head of school, beginning on July 1, 2025. Divya’s experience, warmth, conviction, and authentic enthusiasm for the work of education shone throughout the interview process, and we are all eager to see her bring her myriad strengths to bear here at Belmont Day. Beyond her strength and experience as a school administrator, the alignment between Divya’s core values and those of Belmont Day excited us most throughout the hiring process.
Divya joins Belmont Day after eighteen years as the beloved middle school division head at the Waynflete School in Portland, Maine. With an M.A. in independent school leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College Klingenstein Center, Divya has led her colleagues at Waynflete with conviction, optimism, and grace, preparing her well for this next important step in her leadership journey. Divya will move to the Belmont area with her husband, Ed Knoll, this summer, and we simply cannot wait to start our work together.
The engagement in the assistant head of school search process was robust and community oriented. Throughout our finalist visits, twenty-five to thirty-five parents attended each candidate presentation on an educational topic of interest. Between the parents and the faculty, we received more than 230 distinct feedback forms. Thank you! Belmont Day’s partnership between parents and faculty has always been strong, and this search and our decision to hire Divya for this critical role are further evidence of that.
Congratulations to Divya! I know the community will join me in celebrating her arrival this summer.
– Brendan Largay, head of school
Role Change
Erin Buechner, lower school learning support specialist
We are excited to announce that Erin will permanently resume the lower school learning specialist role for grades 3 to 5 next year. Erin was hired for Alana Shortt’s leave of absence to care for an ill family member. Alana will not return to BDS after her hiatus, so we are thrilled that Erin will continue in this role indefinitely.
Erin hit the ground running this year, quickly familiarizing herself with student support needs in the lower school and establishing relationships with faculty, students, and families in the Labyrinth. She has been an integral member of the Belmont Day student support team, actively involved in lower school admissions, and instrumental in the rollout of our MAP assessment in grades 3 to 5.
Erin brings over twenty years of service in elementary education with experience in various settings, including urban, public, international, Quaker, independent, and specialized schools dedicated to supporting students with learning differences. Erin has been a reading and learning specialist in the lower school divisions at Shore Country Day School and Cambridge Friends School, respectively. Before relocating to New England, Erin was a classroom teacher in various schools in California, including the Bentley School and the Charles Armstrong School. While at Bentley, Erin also took on the role of learning support specialist, providing learning support services to students with diverse learning profiles.
We wish Alana the best with her family and hope Belmont Day School will serve as Erin’s home for years to come!
Departure
Ekta Sampson, kindergarten teacher
After one year in kindergarten, Ekta will be moving on from Belmont Day. We are grateful for her work, the joy she brings to learning, and the focus on early literacy that she has brought to the classroom. We also appreciate her enthusiasm on the fields as a middle school athletics coach. We wish Ekta well in her next adventure.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Help Us Prepare for a Great Night!
Spring is almost here, and what better way to welcome the season than with a BDS celebration? We are just three short weeks away from The Baash, and we need your help to prepare for an amazing night. Don’t wait until the March 23 deadline to reserve your tickets. Visit The Baash website today!
The BDS community loves to gather, sing, dance, laugh, play, eat, drink, learn, and have fun. We also love to stay connected with our families and each other, so think creatively and share your time, talents, and treasures by adding to The Baash’s items and experiences catalog.
Thank you for helping us create a successful event. We look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday, April 5!
– Raku Martin and Ambika Patel, The Baash Co-Chairs
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Middle School Students Invited to Youth Climate Summit
Belmont Day is organizing a middle school group to attend the Climate Action 101 Summit at the Weston Public Library on Friday, April 4, from 10 am to 2 p.m.
Mass Audubon Youth Climate Leadership program members organize the summit to empower local students to take action on climate change in their communities. In partnership with Mass Audubon staff and local experts, youth from numerous area schools will tackle the question: “How can we act on climate in our communities?” Summit participants will discuss and develop a plan for community-level climate action. There will be interactive activities, including nature mandala creation and local climate action planning workshops.
Attendance at this event is free and will be recognized as an excused absence from Belmont Day. Transportation will be provided to and from BDS, leaving at about 9:30 a.m. and returning at about 2:30 p.m. Families may pick students up at the Weston Public Library at 2 p.m. A vegan lunch will be provided, or students may bring their lunch. Please be mindful of and follow our school’s policies on food and allergens if you prepare lunch for your student.
To register your student, or if you have questions, please contact Kathy Jo Solomon or Dean Spencer by Thursday, March 20. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Further information about the summit is available from Mass Audubon staff at ebarrow@massaudubon.org.
ADMISSIONS NEWS
Help Families Say YES to BDS!
The admissions team is looking for five to seven more parent volunteers to help with the “Say YES to BDS!” revisit day for accepted families. The visit day is key in helping families make their decision to join our community for the 2024-25 school year and beyond!
The event will be held on Sunday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers will help with family registration, staff food/beverage tables, and greet, and direct families.
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this brief survey by Monday, March 17.
Admissions will connect with you to share more information. Thank you!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Parent Conference Days & Childcare
We look forward to seeing you at parent conferences on Thursday, March 27, and Friday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
- All parents received an email from their child’s classroom teacher or advisor last Friday morning with information on scheduling their conference time.
- For the middle school, spring parent conferences will include the parent(s), student, and advisor only.
The school will be closed except for parent conferences on both conference days. Childcare will be available in the Barn during conference hours. Details on childcare are in the dropdown below.
Conference Childcare Information
- Sign-up is not required
- Join us in the Barn Gym
- Coverage is only available during the time of conferences–please do not drop off earlier or pick up later than the end of your conference
- All children of school age are welcome (even if they are not BDS students)
- Children should bring a book or activity; some activities will be provided
- Children should not bring electronics, including iPads, phones, or other devices
- No food will be provided
COMMUNITY NEWS
Mark Your Calendars for Capstone Week 2025
The research, writing, and project phases are now complete, and our eighth graders are starting to draft their Capstone presentations. It’s still over a month away, but we hope you will plan ahead to join us for Capstone Week, April 14-18. Capstone presentations are open to our entire community, and we encourage everyone to join us in the Palandjian Arts Center.
Check the dropdown below for the full schedule to plan your visit(s).
– Jennifer Friborg, Capstone coordinator
Capstone Topics & Schedule
2025 Capstone Presentation Schedule
- Presentations will be 15-20 minutes each, with some variation.
- All visitors are encouraged to stay for the whole session of three or four presenters.
- Eighth grade students will attend all presentations.
- Official presentation titles will be coming soon.
Monday, April 14, 9 to 10:40 a.m.
- Shackleton, Julia Popa (Mentor: Ana Maria Restrepo)
- Social media and development, Samantha Cuming (Mentor: Leigh Twarog)
- Deindustrialization in the Midwest, Jonathan Laipson (Mentor: Katie Wallace)
- Political divides, Mylo Rosenfeld (Mentor: Joshua Sussman)
Monday, April 14, 11:35 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- ACL tears, Laurice Bandar (Mentor: Abbey Nyland)
- Rocketry, Ben Fleming (Mentor: Tyler Cotner)
- Gemstones, Lucy Walther (Mentor: Kathy Jo Solomon)
Monday, April 14, 2:45 to 4:30 p.m.
- Starting an online business, Copeland Maier (Mentor: Nancy Fell)
- Sports card market, Sam Rodriguez (Mentor: Conor Garrison)
- Social media and adolescents, Henry Kiraly (Mentor: Lana Holman)
- Sudden cardiac arrest, Kiernan Patel (Mentor: Brendan Largay)
Tuesday, April 15, 9 to 10:40 a.m.
- CTE, Melisa Adhikari (Mentor: Emily Crawford)
- Fashion design, Christian Samuel (Mentor: Rebecca MacKillop)
- Perfectionism, Kali Owens-Schwartz (Mentor: Betty Pryor)
- Juneteenth, Ziah-Lina Marsan (Mentor: Emma Nairn)
Tuesday, April 15, 11:35 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Space junk, Ethan Zipkin (Mentor: Denali Kikuchi)
- Gardner Museum heist, Josie Stevenson (Mentor: Judy Bright)
- Art therapy, Penny Gottesman (Mentor: Sandra Trentowsky)
Tuesday, April 15, 2:45 to 4:30 p.m.
- Cancer detection, Vicente Aguerreverre (Mentor: Alex Tzelnic)
- Battle of Adwa, Leeul Miteku (Mentor: Angela DeVecchi)
- Petroleum, Jun Murikami (Mentor: Emily Phan)
- WWII spies, Claire Huang (Mentor: Heather Smith)
Wednesday, April 16, 8 to 9:40 a.m.
- Social media marketing, Isla Smith (Mentor: Ellen Brandt)
- AI and global health, Vatche Balikian (Mentor: Bea Rooney)
- Government policy and the dollar, Jordan Levine (Mentor: Sam Staples)
- Rising sea levels, Julia Casey (Mentor: Susan Vitale)
Wednesday, April 16, 11:35 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- AI images, Sohan Shah (Mentor: Liz Gray)
- GPS, Christian Atem (Mentor: Elena Jay)
- Women in sports media, Lila Green (Mentor: Katie O’Brien)
Wednesday, April 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Parkinson’s disease, Sara Colangelo (Mentor: Blair Fross)
- The Coliseum, Hughy Marsan (Mentor: Zach D’Arbeloff)
- Airplanes since WWII, Edwin Voiland (Mentor: Jim Walker)
- Evolution of comedy, Zeke Fine (Mentor: Nicole Buck)
Thursday, April 17, 8 to 9:40 a.m.
- Great Barrier Reef, Genevieve von Rekowsky (Mentor: Kyle Beatty)
- Drones, Wyatt Baker (Mentor: Rachel Starks Chaves)
- Diabetes, Penelope Bern (Mentor: Brittany Ryan)
- Animal navigation, Siri Paulsson (Mentor: Arlene Silva)
Thursday, April 17, 11:35 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Neural networks, Aidan Tan (Mentor: Larissa Rochford)
- Medieval and modern fashion, Maraki Shiferaw (Mentor: Anne Armstrong)
- Classical vs metal, Jack Ward (Mentor: Sarah Pikcilingis)
Thursday, April 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Architecture of the Middle East, Adam Ahmed (Mentor: Charlie Baird)
- Combustion engines, Alexander Kiraly (Mentor: John O’Neill)
- Commercial fishing, Emmett Mack (Mentor: Amy Sprung)
- Hip-hop, Makenzie Ekechukwu (Mentor: Kassie Bettinelli)
Friday, April 18, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
- Victorian beauty standards, Cordelia Goldstyn (Mentor: Susan Dempsey)
- Threats of dead stars, Calum Dunbar (Mentor: Maggie Smith)
- Bacteriophages, Isadora Eiref (Mentor: Khang Phan)
- Music and movies, Griffin Targum (Mentor: Bill Hamilton)
LIBRARY NEWS
Author to Visit with Middle School Students
On Wednesday, April 2, author and intellectual freedom advocate Laurie Halse Anderson will be meeting with all middle school students in the Palandjian Arts Center to discuss her work as an author and her latest book, Rebellion 1776, which will hit shelves that week.
All sixth graders were given the option to receive their own signed copy of the book in anticipation of that month’s genre focus–historical fiction–which will be introduced during English class that week. We’ll have several other copies of the book in the Erskine Library and middle school English classrooms for any interested students to borrow and read.
Anderson’s visit is being made possible through a partnership with Belmont Books. Click here to pre-order and purchase a copy of Rebellion 1776. Please enter the coupon code REBELLION1776 at checkout to receive a 20% discount.
– Amy Sprung, school librarian
Learning Updates
PE Update: Hoops and Serves
In physical education classes, students have been rotating through two classic units the last few weeks: volleyball in the Downing and basketball in the Barn. In one sport, the ball isn’t supposed to touch the ground, and in the other, it has to touch the ground whenever you move. In one sport, you are attempting to avoid the net, and in the other, you are attempting to get it in the net. Talk about confusing! Yet our discerning athletes have been up for the challenge, going from serving and bumping to dribbling and dunking with ease (okay, maybe not dunking). With all that practice, they are sure to be ready for versions of March Madness.
– Alex Tzelnic, physical education teacher
Pre-K Sees Some Beautiful Shapes and Colors
As part of our mathematical study of two and three-dimensional shapes, pre-kindergarten students constructed handmade kaleidoscopes. They used cardboard tubes, mirrored paper, and clear plastic to animate their colorful designs. This project reinforced the names of the shapes we learned, introduced the concept of reflective symmetry, and inspired awe and wonder for our youngest learners.
– Kim Edwards, pre-kindergarten teacher
Athletics Update: Spring Athletes Ready for Action
Since returning from the February vacation week, our middle school athletes have had some downtime. Over the course of a three-week span, athletes wrapped up their winter season with team celebrations and a coaches game, participated in mud week activities like fitness testing and trail hikes, and finally prepared for the musical and laid back during open gym. That all comes to an end on Monday when 140+ middle school athletes take to the lacrosse fields, tennis courts, track ovals, ultimate fields, and mountain bike trails to kick off the spring season. The clocks have changed, the weather is turning … it’s time to rock and roll!
– John O’Neill, director of athletics
Fourth Graders Test Their Compost Tumbler Designs
Need a compost tumbler for your food scraps? Fourth graders are creating some for you, using recyclable materials and the design thinking process. This week, teams of engineers were able to test their tumblers to see how they worked with food scraps inside. While there were many successes, there were also some challenges. Students will now brainstorm ways they can improve their designs and user experiences, and then they will implement those changes before retesting their prototypes.
– Emily Crawford, fourth grade teacher
Parents’ Association News
Event Series: Youth Anxiety and Technology
The parents’ association, in collaboration with the school administration and faculty, is organizing a three-part series on the topics of youth anxiety and technology usage. Please join us for one or all of the events below:
- Saturday, March 22, 4 to 6 p.m. – Family Movie Event, private screening of Inside Out 2, Capitol Theatre in Arlington
- Thursday, April 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Panel Discussion with Experts in the Field, Coolidge Hall
- Friday, April 11, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Parent Panel Discussion at the PA meeting, Coolidge Hall
Cradles to Crayons
We’re excited to announce the return of our Cradles to Crayons Drive and Sorting Event, so clean out your closets to help us make an impact. The clothing drive will run from March 24 to April 13, culminating in a sorting event at BDS on Sunday, April 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. We’ll be collecting new and gently used clothing, shoes, and books appropriate for children up to 12 years old. Keep an eye out for a collection bin that will be placed on campus soon.
For more than a decade, Belmont Day has proudly served as the Belmont community’s primary collection site, and through this partnership, BDS has provided clothing and vital supplies to countless children throughout Massachusetts. As the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to addressing children’s clothing insecurity, Cradles To Crayons equips children, from newborns to 12-year-olds, with the essential items they need to thrive. Your participation and donations can make a significant difference in the lives of many!
If you have questions, please contact event co-chairs Carolyn Atinizian and Adrienne Mugar. The flyer on the Parent Portal has more information and a QR code to sign up to volunteer for the sorting event.
Volunteer Opportunities for 2025-26
The parents’ association is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles and committees for the 2025-26 school year. Whether you’re interested in being a grade parent, helping with the Pumpkin Patch, organizing the Family Fun Event, or supporting other initiatives, there are plenty of opportunities with varying levels of commitment to fit your schedule.
A full listing of committees and volunteer opportunities can be found on the parents’ association page on the Parent Portal. Click here to view the list. If you’re interested in getting involved, please complete the volunteer sign-up form.
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
ARTS & WRITING AWARDS
Seventh Grader and Alum Recognized For Their Creative Work
Congratulations to seventh grader Suryavir Nallari-Jhala and his older sister Kesariya ’23, who were both winners in the recent Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Suryavir was recognized with an honorable mention in the journalism category for his sports reporting on Belmont Day’s coaches vs. eighth graders basketball game last year. He also won a Silver Key for his photograph entitled “Morning Run,” which he took in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood. Kesariya, now a sophomore at Noble and Greenough, was honored with an astounding seven awards. She won awards in multiple categories: photography (2 Gold, 1 Silver), poetry (2 Silver), and personal essay and memoir (2 Honorable Mention). Kesariya’s photography will be on view in the Gold Key Exhibition at Tufts University’s Breed Memorial Hall, 51 Winthrop St., Medford, from Saturday, March 15 to Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibition is open to the public and showcases student artwork from across Massachusetts in a variety of mediums.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
Online Talk To Offer New Strategies for Tree Care
Lexington’s Cary Library invites you to a virtual program, From Wasteland to Wonder–Easy Ways We Can Care for Trees and Help Heal Earth in the Sub/Urban Landscape, presented by Basil Camu, on Thursday, March 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Camu believes that the way we currently manage the suburban and urban landscape is harming the well-being of Earth. Fortunately, we have an alternative path: we can work with natural systems instead of working against them. Caring for trees, soil, and the well-being of Earth can yield a more beautiful world than what we have experienced previously.
Basil Camu is the co-founder of Leaf & Limb, a tree care company in Raleigh, NC, and Project Pando, a non-profit that aims to connect people to trees. He is a treecologist, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, and author of the book From Wasteland to Wonder – Easy Ways We Can Help Heal Earth in the Sub/Urban Landscape.
Click here for more information and registration for this program.
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