May 12, 2023
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Fourth graders took their studies of Ancient Greece to Far Field on Wednesday for the Olympic Games!
Opening Message
Welcome to Belmont Day School! A Wonderful Admissions Season Concludes
Liz Parfit, Director of Admissions
Post Date: May 12, 2023
After three complete admissions cycles, our team was able to run an entirely in-person season, and what a success it was! While we still maintained many of the positive practices we adopted during the pandemic (virtual parent/guardian interviews are easier and more accessible for many families than in-person ones), we were able to joyfully return to bringing families on campus freely for tours, student assessments, shadow days, open house, and much more.
What a difference it made! Students and families fell in love with Belmont Day more so than ever. Application numbers were up yet again (9% over last year and 18% over the three-year average), and even more wonderfully, our yield numbers (those families who accepted our offers of admission) are at record highs in our pre-kindergarten and grade six entry points (84% and 76% respectively). I am happy to report that these are no longer pandemic-related surges in interest. These families are seeking out what BDS offers specifically and, when offered a place in our community, are eagerly accepting the opportunity.
So what has an entirely in-person admissions season meant for us as a team? It means so many ways families can interact with our school and experience the strength of our classrooms, community, and faculty. We got to know our applicants and their families in a deeper and more meaningful way. Faculty could engage directly with prospective students during campus visits, leading them in literature discussions, math activities, and team-building games. Current students hosted admitted students for shadow days in our middle school, giving them a window into daily life at BDS. Pre-k and kindergarten applicants were able to take part in a joyful Saturday morning play session with the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers as well as all four associates.
It has also meant getting to know our current students and families in ways that bring to life the strength of our community and our commitment to furthering the mission and progress of Belmont Day. Parents lead daily campus tours, call admitted families, speak on panels, act as “buddies” to newly enrolled families, and serve in crucial volunteer roles at events. Student ambassadors could also showcase their leadership skills in new ways, thanks to a return to on-campus events. This year, with an on-campus open house as well as our headlining yield event, “Say Yes to BDS,” our student ambassadors confidently and competently toured visitors around campus, guided them through scheduled programming, spoke from the heart on student panels, served as playmates for our youngest applicants, and aided faculty during mini-class experiences, to name a few! Watching our seventh and eighth grade students shine in their ambassador roles and emerge as true leaders within the admissions process was by far the most rewarding part of this year’s season.
As a result of all these efforts, in combination with tremendous behind-the-scenes work by faculty, parents, and students, we will have 58 fabulous new students and families joining us in September. As a team, we continue to focus on bringing a diverse group of new students to the school each year. This admissions cycle, in partnership with the communications and marketing team, we targeted outreach into three specific underrepresented communities and continued our annual strategy to connect with as wide an audience as possible in our enrollment efforts. Thanks to this work, our new students and families represent 16 different towns and cities; 66% of them identify as a family of color, and they speak multiple languages in their homes, including Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Gujarati, Hindi, Portuguese, Urdu, Amharic, and Russian.
Thank you to the many individuals who participated in this year’s admissions season for encouraging all of these new families along the way and to the entire community for all you do to spread the good word about BDS. It truly starts and ends with all of you, and I could not be more grateful for your hard work and support this admissions season!
Upcoming Events
Coming Up This Week
Monthly Calendar
Spirit Day & Friday Night Scoops
Friday, May 19
Spirit Day All day at BDS!
Wear your Blue & Gold to show your school spirit and get excited to cheer on our teams.
Friday Night Scoops
The Meadowbrook School, 10 Farm Rd., Weston
Girls’ game at 5 p.m. | Boys’ game at 6 p.m.
Join us for the second annual Friday Night Scoops event at The Meadowbrook School, featuring a doubleheader between the two schools’ varsity lacrosse teams. The entire Belmont Day community is invited and encouraged to attend. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from the food truck, some folding chairs, or a blanket. See you there!
Ensembles Program: Spring Concert
Thursday, May 25 at 5:45 p.m.
Ensembles students have been working hard to prepare and are excited to share their music. An RSVP email with detailed information about the logistics and program has been sent to families with a student enrolled in an ensemble—if you did not receive this RSVP email, please reach out to Tyler Cotner or Kassie Bettinelli. Other members of the BDS community who would like to attend this concert should reach out to Tyler or Kassie.
ICYMI: Fifth Grade Play Video & Photos
Last Friday, fifth graders took to the Palandjian Arts Center stage and had us rolling in the aisles for the “Princess Plays.” If you missed it, or if you’re just looking to relive those laughs, click here for the video recording of the show. And click here to check out a photo gallery on the Belmont Day website.
Lunch & Snack Menu
May 15 to May 19
Monday
Snack: mixed fruit cups; Popcorners
Lunch: Asian noodles with chicken and veggies; Asian noodles with veggies and teriyaki tofu; gluten-free Asian noodles with chicken and veggies; steamed broccoli; greens with balsamic
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; Cheez-Its
Lunch: beef tacos; veggie tacos; beef tacos with corn shells (gluten-free); flour tortillas; salsa; guacamole; sour cream; cheese; cut corn; garden salad with tomatoes, cukes, and honey mustard dressing;
Wednesday
Snack: clementines; banana chocolate oatmeal rounds
Lunch: turkey and cheddar panini; dairy-free cheese panini; gluten-free turkey and cheese grilled sandwiches; BBQ chips; green beans; spinach salad with maple sherry vinaigrette, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds
Thursday
Snack: apples; tortilla chips
Lunch: grilled Greek chicken; grilled Greek tofu; rice pilaf; seasoned basmati rice (gluten-free); Pomodori blend veggies; Greek salad with feta and kalamata olives
Friday
Snack: raisins/craisins; banana muffins
Faculty Lunch
For a more detailed and updated weekly menu, please click the button below.
BDS News
PARENT SURVEY
Please Provide Your Feedback by May 26
The relationship between parents and the school has, since its founding, been critical in establishing the high standard of excellence to which we aspire. Through this satisfaction-based survey, the school is eager to learn about your family’s experience this year and gauge the health of our community. We see this as an important tool to help us realize opportunities to improve the school experience for our students and families in the future.
We hope that many of you will take the time to participate in the survey by Friday, May 26.
To “sweeten” the deal, we are offering an incentive—every grade that reaches 80% or higher in households completing the survey by Friday, May 26, will receive a surprise dessert party.
Please know that the school administration will review the results during the summer and then provide an overview of and response to the results at the State of the School next fall. Thank you!
BUSINESS OFFICE
Invoices Issued for After School & Enrichments
The business office has issued invoices for the After School Program and enrichment classes in trimester 3. Invoices have also been issued for emergency After School care during the second trimester and during the third trimester through May 4, 2023. Payments for After School and enrichment classes are due by Friday, June 9, 2023. For those who pay via AutoPay, the AutoPay payments will be processed on June 9. Please plan accordingly. For those using emergency After School care after May 4, invoices will be issued at the conclusion of the school year.
The business office has also issued invoices for the 2023-2024 school year for families who opted for the Single Payment Plan and for the Two Payment (60%/40%) Plan. The due date for the tuition payment for those plans is Monday, July 3, 2023. For those who are using AutoPay, the payments will be processed on July 3.
Invoices can be accessed, and payments can be initiated through the Parent Portal. Please login to the Parent Portal and click on the blue “Invoices & Payments” button on the right side of the screen to review your account and initiate payment. Payments may also be submitted by mailing a check to the attention business office.
For families using the Ten payment Plan for tuition, the next payment date is Thursday, June 1.
For questions about any of the charges for the After School Program and enrichment classes, please contact Blair Fross, director of school year auxiliary & specialty programs.
Please contact the business office with any questions about the tuition invoices and about payment processing.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Service Day 2023 – Friday, May 19
Please Support our Donation Drives
We are hosting two drives—one for small toys for The Jared Box Project and one for items to fill care packages for Rosie’s Place.
With your donations, third graders will assemble Jared Boxes—a plastic shoe-sized storage box filled with small gifts, toys, games, crayons, coloring books, and fun activities. The boxes are given to children in the hospital to provide a special, fun diversion.
Fourth graders will put together care packages for Rosie’s Place to distribute to women in need. The care packages will be tucked into canvas tote bags that students will hand-decorate. Please consider a donation of any of the following items:
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
- Deodorant, soap, body wash
- Lip balm, face cream, hand lotion
- Shampoo, conditioner—especially products for textured hair like Pantene Gold Series, Shea Moisture, and Carol’s Daughter
- Hand sanitizer, wipes
- $25 Gift Cards to Target, Old Navy, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens
All items should be full-size, new, unopened, and unexpired.
Drop-off boxes are located at the Barn and Schoolhouse entrances, and donations will be accepted until the morning of May 19. Thank you!
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Celebrations: RSVP by May 14
Our annual Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Celebrations are coming up soon! Please have your child’s guests RSVP, or you are welcome to do so on their behalf by May 14. If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Beatty, assistant director of development.
Below are the dates for each grade.
- Monday, May 22, grades 3 and 8
- Tuesday, May 23, kindergarten, grades 2 and 7
- Wednesday, May 24, pre-kindergarten, grades 1 and 6
- Thursday, May 25, grades 4 and 5
AUXILIARY PROGRAMS
After School Welcomes May
Our After School Program welcomed the month of May and celebrated ‘May the 4th’ with some thematic programming focused on Star Wars and maypole dancing and braiding. Students had lots of intergalactic fun building droids and practicing lightsaber skills with Mr. Dale. Ms. Kikuchi and Ms. Leighton helped our youngest learners make a maypole, and they had fun dancing together.
– Blair Fross, director of school year auxiliary and specialty programs
CLUBS NEWS
Model UN Season Finishes in Style
On Saturday, April 29, eight middle school students—Duncan Beirne, Tadhg O’Sullivan, Ariel Duan, Vatche Balikian, Simon Wright, Sam Leviton, Madoka Hubbard, and Gideon Borisy—took part in a Model UN conference at the Commonwealth School in Boston. The day began with a short talk with a member of the United Kingdom diplomatic service. It was interesting to hear about his experiences as a diplomat in various postings, including Pakistan, Portugal, and Boston. Next, students took part in lively discussions on several topics led by the very capable students at Commonwealth. This conference included a wide range of topics, both historical and current. Our students were enthusiastic about the opportunity to engage in these unusual conversations. Duncan Beirne, Tadhg O’Sullivan, and Ariel Duan earned special recognition for their writing and negotiating skills.
Early in April, our BDS delegates participated in a Model UN conference hosted by Bentley University. Over the course of the year, Model UN students take a self-guided journey through parliamentary procedure, research into topics completely new to them, collaboration, writing, public speaking, and debate. These students have been wonderful representatives of BDS, showing determination, good humor, and zest for learning. They are currently planning an event for sixth and seventh graders who’d like to learn more about Model UN.
Middle School students who are intrigued by Model UN can explore summer programs offered in the area, including Boston and Newton.
– Jennifer Friborg, French teacher, Capstone coordinator, and Model UN club advisor
STUDENT ARTWORK
A Beautiful Thank You For Faculty
In addition to the incredible food and treats served last Friday at the Faculty Appreciation Luncheon, faculty members received a special gift to give them a smile as they tuck into their next favorite book. Fourth grader Erin Meredith’s beautiful illustration celebrating the BDS community was turned into colorful bookmarks for all faculty, teaching and non-teaching. Thank you to Erin and all the parents and friends who made everyone who works at Belmont Day feel so special and appreciated.
EIB COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Braiding Different Strands
Final gathering of the school year!
Thanks to all the parents and faculty who attended our fantastic discussion about socioeconomic status earlier this week! We encourage others to join us for our next conversation about ABILITY.
The mission of Braiding Different Strands is to provide space for adult members in the BDS community to share perspectives and stories, and build connections around various EIB topics. We encourage you all, as members of the BDS community, to join us in these conversations!
Please join us on Tuesday, May 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Coolidge Hall. Please help us to plan and set up for the event by completing the RSVP.
Cross-Community Gathering for Parents/Guardians of Color
Belmont Day partners with the Atrium School, Chestnut Hill School, and Shady Hill School to provide a space for parents/guardians who identify as people of color to come together and build community.
The gatherings include food, good conversation, and an opportunity to meet other parents/guardians of color from peer schools.
Due to scheduling conflicts, we are rescheduling our final gathering for this year to Wednesday, May 31 at BDS. Please RSVP.
Please reach out to Connie Yepez, director of equity, inclusion, and belonging, with questions.
Learning Updates
Latin Students Examine Ancient Medicine’s Connections to Today
As Latin students know, there is much to be gained from learning about the ancient world. Hippocrates was a Greek physician from whom we have the eponymous Hippocratic Oath taken by medical professionals. Students first took a look at the oath translated into English from its original form. We then examined the updated oath from the 1960s. Most recently, in 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and re-energized civil rights movement, an incoming class at the University of Pittsburg’s medical school rewrote the oath to utilize inclusive language and recognize the racial, socio-economic, and gender disparities in medical practices (among others). Students, in their examination, connected this work to a narrative they read in Latin about ancient medical practices. Students were curious to learn more about the practices of an astrologer who uses the sky and stars to predict outcomes, as well as a physician’s use of mice and cobwebs. As students learn about medical practices in the ancient world, they will also begin to explore additional scientific advancements. Through examination of these primary sources as well as comprehension of fictional Latin stories, students work to have a full picture of the cultural and linguistic context needed to understand life in the ancient world. Not only do our students learn much from the ancient world, but they learn about and take steps to improve it!
– Nicole Buck, Latin teacher
Dance, Dance, Dance With Kindergarten!
From ballet to powwow, kindergartners have been learning about dances from around the world. We became experts in the shimmy and the Charleston and held our own roda (circle) to practice Brazilian capoeira moves. Before practicing the moves, students learned where the dance came from and its history. We talked about why the shimmy and Charleston had been banned, with one kindergartener sharing, “It was because they didn’t want people to question the way things were.” We also learned about the history of powwows and how they were used to bring different tribes together. In our final week of the dance unit, students were traced onto large pieces of paper performing one of their favorite dance moves. Students then decorated their outlines with their favorite dances. Everyone answered the questions, “Why do you like to dance?” and “How can dance bring people together with unique designs and bright colors?'”
– Sophie Williamson, associate teacher
Eighth Grade Completes Projects on Reconstruction and Reparations
This week in eighth grade social studies, students wrapped up their unit on Reconstruction and Reparations with a design project. In pairs or small groups, students selected an injustice and designed a reparations package for the survivors of that injustice or their descendants. Many students chose to focus on the injustices of redlining or segregated education. Students demonstrated empathy and creative thinking as they were freed from the constraint of what could be done and focused on what, from their perspective, should be done. The week ended with a class discussion about the various plans for reparations that they came up with and what the best next steps are.
– Kate Burns, middle school social studies teacher
Athletics Update: Ultimate Program Shines During Busy Week
With three games on the docket, Belmont Day’s ultimate program put its best foot forward this week in a trio of competitive contests. The JV team got things going with a home game against Waldorf on Tuesday afternoon that saw lots of back-and-forth action and some great sportsmanship. Belmont Day ended up on the wrong side of the 9-8 result but played their most complete game of the season. Copeland Maier (4 assists) and August Wilmot (3 scores) had notable individual performances in defeat. On the other end of the program, the varsity team had a pair of away bouts against Arlington (W 15-5) and SSDS (L 9-8) and brought the spirit of the game with them to both contests. The team performed well in both games due in part to Luke Brenneman’s emergence as a handler. Brenneman was effective in both games, connecting on long passes, and allowing the offense to get more creative with their sets. Sixth grader Ethan Zipkin also flourished in his expanded role, which now includes important offensive touches in addition to his strong defensive play. Also of note was the play of Jaden Park. Although Park’s contributions don’t always show up on the score sheet, his energy sets the tone for the team, and he had countless hustle plays on both sides of the field this week. Congratulations to the ultimate program on three great games.
– John O’Neill, director of athletics
Athletics News
- Samantha Cuming and Brynn Franklin led the way for girls’ JV lacrosse during their 11-9 loss to Shady Hill this week. The duo contributed to all 9 goals and competed hard on both ends of the field. Cordie Goldsteyn stepped up huge between the pipes.
- The varsity tennis team split their week with an 8-0 win over Nashoba and an 0-8 loss to BB&N. Heading into the strength of their schedule the team is redoubling their efforts to clean up unforced errors and compete with more confidence.
- The JV tennis team finished their week on a high note with a 4-3 win over Nashoba. Sophie Jean and Kalkidan Shiferaw notched a dramatic 6-5 win, while Jack Ward and Isla Smith dominated the play with a 6-2 win of their own.
- The MTB team rode with NEMBA coaches for an extended off-campus ride this week. Everyone rode well, but Eva Peregudov impressed with a steep descent-and-roll off a fallen log and climbed some challenging terrain with ease.
- Petros Samuel and Ellis Anderson left it all on the field during boys’ lacrosse’s gut-wrenching 7-6 (OT) loss to Park this week. Both players played great defense and communicated well on the field. Andrew Green led the offense with multiple scores.
- Aria Goodpaster led all scorers with 4 goals and 1 assist during girls’ varsity lacrosse’s 13-12 win over Park this week. In a game where both defensive units struggled, Belmont Day had just enough firepower to squeak out a win.
- The track & field team edged out Park (69-65) for their third win of the season. BDS swept the boys’ 1600m with Sam Leviton, Alexander Meredith, and Quinn Clark finishing 1-2-3. Ariel Duan took home a pair of 1st Place finishes in the 1600m and 800m.
PE Update: Greek Olympics Dazzles Record Crowd
It is a tradition dating back to antiquity. When the sun emerges after the long winter, athletes from various city-states gather to display incredible feats of strength, courage, speed, and bravery.
In physical education this week the fourth graders competed in their annual Greek Olympics, featuring five different city-states, eight events, and one incredible chariot race up the BDS driveway. In partnership with the classroom curriculum, students not only learn about Greek culture but embody it as they toss javelins, engage in meta-boxing, and proudly wear the self-designed garments of their city-state.
This year’s event brought out record crowds to cheer on the competitors. They rose to the occasion, bringing honor to their grade and showing what it means to be an athlete in action as well as spirit. It was an event that will go down in history.
– Alex Tzelnic, physical education teacher and mindfulness director
Parents’ Association News
PA Meeting & Auction Thank You Breakfast
The next PA meeting is Friday, May 19, at 8:30 a.m. in Coolidge Hall. The development office team will be hosting a breakfast to thank all parents for their volunteering and participation in the auction. We hope to see you all there.
Faculty Luncheon
Thank you all so much for bringing in such wonderful dishes for the faculty; the luncheon was a huge success! If you have not picked up your dishes, they are in the development office. Please stop by and get them.
Parent Book Club
The parent book club will have its final meeting on Tuesday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. at a to-be-determined member’s home. This month’s book is It. Goes. So. Fast. by Mary Louise Kelly. We hope you will join us. Please contact Karla Bays for more information or to join our mailing list.
Casual Coffee
The last casual coffee of the year will be on Friday, May 26, from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Come join us!
Looking Ahead
Committee Chairs
A great way to contribute to the vibrant Belmont Day parent community is to chair a committee and help coordinate specific events. Here are some of the PA committees:
- Baby Welcoming
- BDS Store
- Book Group
- Book Fair
- Coolidge Flowers
- Cradles to Crayons
- Enrichment Assemblies
- Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon
- Family Fun Events
- Friday Night Lights/Hoops/Scoops
- Friendraiser
- Library
- Lost and Found
- Music Ensembles
- Pumpkin Patch
If you are interested in helping chair a committee or learning more about them, please contact any of the PA executive team or email bdspa@belmontday.org.
Beyond BDS
POETRY CONTEST
Kindergarten Teacher’s Poem to Hit Cambridge Streets
Congratulations to kindergarten teacher Missy Hartvigsen, winner of the 2023 City of Cambridge Sidewalk Poetry Contest! Her poem, “Citrus Blossom,” was one of five winners chosen in March from 336 entries. Starting in 2015, each year’s winning poems are imprinted on a sidewalk somewhere in Cambridge. This year’s winners, including Missy’s poem, will be soon added, so keep your eyes out (or down, in this case) as you’re walking in Cambridge. Click here to check out the 2023 winning poems.
LOCAL CONCERTS
Fourth Graders to Perform with Lexington Children’s Chorus
Belmont Day fourth graders Emma Katz and Josie Goldstyn will be singing their hearts out tomorrow, Saturday, May 13, when the Lexington Children’s Chorus presents its spring concert. The concert will be held from 3 to 3:45 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.) at the Follen Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. Click here for more information on the Lexington Children’s Chorus.
BDS Eighth Grader to Perform with NEC’s Preparatory School
Belmont Day School eighth grader and violinist Eidan Kulman-Tamanaha will perform in the New England Conservatory-Preparatory School’s spring concert tomorrow, Saturday, May 13, at 3 p.m. at NEC’s Jordan Hall in Boston. Tickets are free but must be reserved online. The concert will also be live-streamed. For more information, directions to Jordan Hall, live streaming link and password, and ticket reservation, click here.
THEATER PRODUCTION
BDS Students to Perform in Willy Wonka
Catch the talents of four BDS actors—third grader Anahita Stuti-Bala and a trio of seventh graders, Clem Cradick, Brynn Franklin, and Grace Sullivan—when they take the stage in early June in Menotomy Musical Theater’s production of “Willy Wonka JR.” Tickets are now on sale for the three performances, Friday, June 2, at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4, at 4 p.m. All performances will be at the Marsha Caron Theater, Medford High School, 489 Medford Street. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
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