May 31, 2024
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Butterflies took flight with our kindergartners this week!
Opening Message
Making Each Season Shine At Belmont Day
Anderson Santos, Director of Operations
Post Date: May 31, 2024
The cover is off, and the pool is shimmering again under the sun. The transition from spring to summer and from school to camp is underway, quietly building momentum through the work of a crew that keeps us constantly moving smoothly and safely through the days, weeks, and seasons at Belmont Day.
I’m entering my third decade at BDS and helping to ensure that each season flows into the next. As the director of operations, I am proud to work with a team of professionals committed to creating an environment where our community of students, faculty, campers, and counselors can thrive.
Today, we are on the doorstep of summer. But each new summer camp season at Belmont Day starts before the last campers head off to school in the fall. Director of Summer Programs Zach d’Arbeloff and his team work year-round to lay the foundations for a successful camp season. Our summer programs—packed into ten weeks each year—are vital to community building and the school’s overall financial well-being. For over 75 years, Belmont Day Summer Camp has provided a distinct, joyful, and educational experience for our campers, future leaders, and staff.
Each fall, our students return, inevitably accompanied by coughs, colds, and even a few bumps and bruises. Our school nurses are on the front line to care for our community with calm and wisdom. It is a huge undertaking to be responsible for the health and well-being of a school with over 300 students and 100 adults. School nurse Lauren Connors and part-time nurse Kelly Williams skillfully work to protect us and get us on the mend. In the few years that I have had the pleasure of overseeing the nurse’s office, I have learned so much about the science and art of the nurse’s role, and I am in awe of their dedication and expertise.
When winter descends, and ice and snow threaten to make each step to our doors dangerous, our buildings and grounds team is here before the sun. Steve Nichols, Greg Paquette, and Soren Nelson wear excellence on their sleeves. Whether in a thick winter coat or a t-shirt, this team is always ready for changes in the elements and the needs of our educational and community programs. From setting up the Barn for a 300-person event, directing overflow traffic one minute, mowing fields, and making facilities repairs the next, they’re in constant motion. And through it all, they welcome every heavy lift with light hearts and good humor.
Our school’s operations rely on the collaboration of so many people within our community and beyond. Whether it’s student transportation, safety planning and training, facility rentals, or campus updates and organization, we’re working to build relationships and set challenging goals to meet our future educational needs and commitments to innovation and sustainability. I appreciate everyone who has a hand in this process through every season.
I’m again thinking about the pool and its cooling water. Like summer, we can’t jump just yet, but very soon! May your spring bloom beautifully into summer, and we’ll see you in the fall!
Upcoming Events
Coming Up This Week
Monthly Calendar
ICYMI: Fifth Grade Play Video
Last week, our fifth graders took to the Palandjian Arts Center stage and wowed us with their wonderful production of “Bots!” If you missed it, or if you’d like to relive the magic, click here for the video recording of the show.
LOST & FOUND
Last Call to Claim Items
With just over a week left in the school year, the Lost & Found is once again overflowing with items looking for their way home. Please stop by next week to look for missing items.
Don’t have time to visit? No worries! Our wonderful parent volunteers have updated the photo gallery of all the items currently in the Lost & Found.
All unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of the school year.
SPIRIT WEEK & FIELD DAY
Spirit Week, June 3-7
Field Day, Friday, June 7
Who’s excited for Spirit Week and Field Day?!
Each day will have a different dress-up theme:
- Blue & Gold Monday
- Tropical Tuesday
- Wacky Wednesday
- Wear Your Favorite Team Jersey Thursday
- TEAM COLOR FRIDAY!
Students have been assigned to a team for Field Day, and on Friday, June 7, they will dress in their team color. Field Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The event is for students only. However, families are encouraged to help build excitement at home and help students source the right gear for max team spirit.
If you need help finding clothing in a team color or are seeking a little flair for your student, don’t hesitate to contact the physical education and athletics team.
Use the link to learn your student’s team color!
Lunch & Snack Menu
June 3 to June 7
Monday
Snack: fruit cups; tortilla chips
Lunch: pasta and marinara; gluten-free penne and marinara; crusty rolls; seasoned green beans; greens, shredded carrots, and balsamic
Tuesday
Snack: apples; Cheez-Its
Lunch: chicken tenders; vegan nuggets; gluten-free chicken tenders; honey carrot coins; Caesar salad
Wednesday
Snack: bananas; chocolate chip muffins
Lunch: teriyaki beef and broccoli; teriyaki vegan strips and broccoli; basmati rice; broccoli; spinach and bok choy with ginger soy vinaigrette, scallions, and pumpkin seeds
Thursday
Snack: clementines; pretzels
Lunch: chicken and cheese quesadillas; vegan cheese quesadillas; gluten-free chicken and cheese quesadillas; seasoned corn; taco salad with chipotle ranch, avocado, and tomato
Friday
Snack: fruit; Popcorners
Faculty Lunch
Please click the button below for a more detailed and updated weekly menu.
PARENT SURVEY
Feedback Deadline Is Today!
We hope that many of you will take the time to participate in the survey by then end of the day today, Friday, May 31.
The survey should take approximately 25 minutes to complete.
Our typical response rate is about 80%. This year, we hope parents meet or exceed this and get closer to 100% participation! Thank you!
BDS News
LIBRARY NEWS
All Books Due Back At The Library
Did you know there are still 1,315 books checked out from the Erskine Library? All books were due today, Friday, May 31, except for Capstone summer work and pre-kindergarten students who have until Tuesday, June 4, to return their last books. Please search at home, in your vehicles, and at school for forgotten books!
New this year, we will have designated summer checkout times for families who would like to borrow books for the summer once school-year checkouts have been returned. We’ll have boxes available for you to fill with summer reading as you browse. The checkout times are Monday, June 10 from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, June 11 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. If these times don’t work for you, or if there’s a particular book or series you’d like me to set aside for your child, please reach out. All summer loans are due back the week we return to school in September.
Thank you!
– Amy Sprung, school librarian
STAFFING NEWS
Parental Leave
Elizabeth Ho, kindergarten teacher
We are thrilled to announce that Elizabeth is expecting her first child in the fall. Elizabeth will begin the year in kindergarten and be on parental leave through the end of the school year once her baby arrives. To ensure that her leave substitute is familiar with BDS and can hit the ground running, we conducted an internal search process for a one-year kindergarten teacher. After a thorough process, we are delighted that Paige Maguire, our current associate teacher in pre-kindergarten, will begin the year with Elizabeth and continue through the remainder of the year alongside Ekta. As announced last month, Ekta Sampson will join our kindergarten teaching team in the fall to replace Missy Hartvigsen, who is relocating to Virginia with her husband.
New Hire
Paige Maguire, interim kindergarten teacher
Paige recently completed her master’s degree in early childhood education at Lesley University. She taught first grade and pre-kindergarten at Belmont Day this year as part of our Associate Teacher Program. Before that, Paige assisted at a daycare, where she worked with children ages three to five. Before switching careers, Paige spent ten years in sales and marketing, working for various footwear and apparel companies, including Keds and Nautica. Please join us in welcoming Paige to our teaching faculty.
Personal Leave
Alana Shortt, lower school learning specialist
Alana joined our faculty two years ago and has made an impact during her short tenure. She has led Focus classes in third, fourth, and fifth grades, a third grade reading group, overseen iReady and ERB administration in the elementary grades, worked in various academic classes in the Labyrinth, attended countless meetings with families, and has served as a valuable resource to families and faculty alike. Alana also taught in the After School Program, leading enrichment classes such as Shark Tank, LEGO, and Bedtime Math.
This year, she was our first learning support coordinator, liaising between our programmatic and learning support teams. In this role, Alana used her expertise and experience to evaluate our current practices, develop new policies and protocols, create and present professional development opportunities for our faculty, and bring new ideas and initiatives for learning support.
During the 2024-25 school year, Alana will be taking a one-year leave. This decision is due to her father’s illness, which will require her to travel between the US and England in the coming months. We extend our best wishes to Alana and her father during this time. We also look forward to welcoming Alana back in 2025. A search for Alana’s leave replacement will commence shortly.
New Hire
Trinity Johns, assistant director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and grade 7 social studies teacher
We are pleased to announce that Trinity Johns will join us in September as the assistant director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and grade seven social studies teacher. Trinity’s commitment to “working closely with staff and community members in molding a future where all students can thrive and freely express themselves” was evident in the hiring team’s interactions with her. She made wonderful connections with students and faculty during her recent day-long visit.
Trinity comes to us from The Meadowbrook School, where she previously served as a teaching assistant and a DEI fellow. She is currently the associate director of equity and inclusion. Her studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and work at the Harvard EdRedesign Lab and the Adolescent Ethnic-Racial Identity Development Laboratory further solidify our confidence in the skills she will bring to our DEIB team.
Trinity brings a deep commitment to and expertise in creating and advancing DEIB-related student and faculty programming, curriculum, and anti-bias, anti-racist teaching practices. We look forward to working with her to build an inclusive, identity-conscious community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Johns to Belmont Day.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Get Ready for Great Songs in the Great Outdoors
Spring Middle School Music Showcase
Wednesday, June 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
BDS Campus, Far Field
Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and delicious nut-free dinner, and find a spot on Far Field to take in the live student performances. Listen up for songs by Billy Joel, Adele, Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Beyonce, as well as some classical piano and original student works.
This event is open to all BDS families—please note that students must be accompanied by an adult.
HEALTH NEWS
Managing Anxiety and Emotions over the Summer
I have been receiving requests from parents about how they can best support their children with managing anxiety or other emotions at home. Summer can be an excellent time for families to reconnect, learn and practice strategies, and develop new routines if needed. I am sharing a few books and virtual parenting resources that might be helpful to your family over the summer.
– Dr. Arlene Silva, school psychologist
Emotional Health Resources
Articles/Books
- How to help kids understand and manage their emotions – for pre-k and up
- The self-regulation workbook for kids; CBT exercises and coping strategies to help children handle anxiety, stress, and other strong emotions – for ages 8-11
- Sometimes I have big feelings; A child’s guide to understanding and expressing emotions – for ages 8-12
- The Anxiety Workbook for Teens – for middle schoolers
- Keeping Teens Safe on Social Media; What Parents Should Know to Protect their kids – for middle schoolers
Virtual Parent Coaching
- Manatee – virtual parent coaching
- Amy Behrens – a highly recommended parent coach
- Triad Adolescent Services – virtual parent support and skills groups
- The Be Center – a team of experienced clinicians who deliver telehealth services, including parent coaching; they do not accept insurance for their services
Virtual Parenting Resources
- Good Inside – online community of resources, support, workshops, and events led by Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical child psychologist, for parents of children ages 0-18
- SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Child Emotions – virtual parenting class next offered in the fall of 2024
In-Person Summer Group Programming
- Child Therapy Boston – social, emotional, and creative therapy summer groups for children and teens; also offers child therapy and in-person parent coaching in Needham and Sudbury
Learning Updates
Kindergarten Butterflies Take Flight to the Garden
Our kindergarten scientists have learned about life cycles all year, from pumpkin plants in the fall to oviparous animals in the spring and insects with summer quickly approaching. Young entomologists hosted caterpillars in the classroom. They fed them, read out loud to them, and gave them a safe place to metamorphose. Our student scientists have raised fully-grown painted lady butterflies. After spending a few days observing them, we said a bittersweet goodbye as we released them into the Belmont Day garden on Thursday. So the next time you are enjoying our beautiful campus, especially near the garden, keep an eye out for our former kindergarten class pets!
– Missy Hartvigsen and Elizabeth Ho, kindergarten teachers
Athletics Update: MTB Shreds Great Brook Farm
Belmont Day’s mountain biking team has grown exponentially in gnarliness since its inception four years ago. This year’s squad benefitted from extended Monday rides, leveling up throughout the season and culminating in the first-ever MTB “away game” at Great Brook Farm on Wednesday. The “opponents” were the roots, rocks, bridges, boulders, trees, and even a horse on the path. Aside from the horse, the team skillfully dispatched the opposition. Ella “Kamenskillz” Kamenski and Clark “Rutherfire” Rutherford showed their resilience on a steep climb, “Captain” Sal Pattisall used their eighth grade leadership and horse knowledge to guide the team around the four-legged beast, and Altay “Jomazing” Jomazer, Eyan “Mount” Morales, and Ewan “Double Ew” Wheeler were nimble and relentless. The team logged a 5+ mile shred that not-so-coincidentally ended up at the Great Brook Farm’s homemade ice cream stand. It was the last obstacle of the day, and they proved up to the challenge.
– John O’Neill, director of athletics
Athletics News
- The track & field team recorded the first undefeated season in program history following a narrow 73-64 win over Carroll. Roudi Youssef and Violet Hancock swept the field events for BDS. Clive Sutton had the race of the day in the 400m.
- The girls’ JV lacrosse team finished their season on a high note with a strong performance against Carroll. Mame Gensler netted her first goal of the season. Fatoumata Bah was excellent on the draw, and Lucy Walther was great on offense.
- Carroll toppled Belmont Day’s varsity lacrosse teams yesterday in a pair of hard-fought games. Eighth grade captains Andrew Green, William Li, Annika Vittal, and Liv Dawson all finished their careers on a high note for the Blue & Gold.
- The tennis program swept Beaver with two dominating wins to end their seasons. Captains Lucy Yin, Rhys Kaplan, Kalkidan Shiferaw, and Josie Stevenson led the way for their respective teams with strong play and great sportsmanship.
- Both ultimate teams collected dramatic, one-point wins on the road against Beaver in their final games yesterday. First-year players Murilo Santos, Soleil Flanagan, and Annika Cash all shined for Belmont Day and will be the future of the program.
- The intramural tennis team improved tremendously this spring. Newcomers Wren Kass, Sam Springer, Bea Stevenson, Henry Ward, and Maren Whitman will all look to make the jump to an interscholastic team next spring after a successful campaign.
Parents’ Association News
Thank You Breakfast & Grade Parent Training
The parents’ association would like to thank our parent volunteers with a special breakfast on Friday, June 7 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. in Coolidge Hall. All parents are welcome. We would like to especially honor this year’s grade parents and committee members for their great work. Please join us as we celebrate a great year together!
Attention Incoming Grade Parents: Following the breakfast, we will hold an orientation for 2024-25 grade parents starting at 8:45 a.m. Our volunteers will meet each other along with the PA Executive Team, and learn the details they’ll need to be well-equipped for their roles. The session will be recorded and shared with those who cannot attend. Please email bdspa@belmontday.org with any questions.
Beyond BDS
ART EVENT
Kids Comics Fest To Feature BDS Enrichment Teacher
The Boston Kids Comics Fest is a daylong festival on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Northeastern University that invites children, parents, guardians, educators, and librarians to discover and explore kid-friendly comics, graphic novels, and hybrid books.
Throughout the day, there will be a variety of fun workshops and presentations. Among the great comic book artists at the fest will be Belmont Day enrichment teacher Jonathan Todd, who recently published his first graphic novel, Timid.
Admission to the festival is free. Click here for more information on location and schedule.
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