October 14, 2022
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Second graders are learning the basics of handling and playing the violin.
Opening Message
First Graders Ask the Best Questions About BDS!
Koreen McQuilton, Director of Communications & Marketing
Post Date: October 14, 2022
Recently, first graders in Geoffrey Fox’s class had lots and lots of questions all about Belmont Day School. To answer them, Mr. Fox turned to Koreen McQuilton, director of communications and marketing. After more than 25 years working here at Belmont Day, Ms. McQuilton knows a lot about the history and traditions of our school and loves to share that knowledge with students of all ages.
Below are the first graders’ many curious questions and Ms. McQuilton’s wonderful answers. Enjoy!
Why is the Barn called the Barn?
We called the new building the Barn as a nod to the school’s history. When BDS was founded, Belmont was still a town of farms. When the school outgrew its first location, a parent came upon a “little stone house in the big field” in what was then a “country” atmosphere, and BDS moved to our present location.
And why is the Barn not connected to the Schoolhouse?
The school worked with building planners and architects to determine the best location for a new building. Also, the school had to get permission from the Town of Belmont for a new building. The Town has many rules that must be followed for building projects. The location chosen preserved Claflin Field, which is important for recess and sports, and the swimming pool, which is important for our summer camp.
Who made Big Blue?
A company installed the equipment that we call Big Blue on our playground in 2011. Big Blue replaced BigToy, which was on our playground from 1994 to 2011.
Here is some information about why we got new playground equipment:
In 2009, seventh graders became dismayed when a piece of BigToy broke, and a section had to be closed off. They decided to organize a bake sale to raise money to fix it. Sadly, replacement pieces were no longer being made for our BigToy structure, so that sparked us all to start thinking about replacing our BigToy. Everyone in the community contributed their thoughts, suggestions, comments, and ideas on how to proceed.
Seventh and eighth graders worked in their advisory groups to interview and observe the younger students in regard to the playground. With this information in hand, each group formally presented their recommendations to students, faculty, and the playground committee.
First graders worked with their fifth grade partners to review different types of structures and their possible appeal to different children. The cross-graded partners then created color images of these structures.
Second graders drew plans of what their ideal play structure would look like.
Fifth graders created two lists: “What we like about the current BigToy” and “Things we hope to see in the new playground.”
Here are a few ideas that didn’t make it:
- Trampoline, water slide, dance floor, mirror maze, trapeze swings, laser tag, mini golf, roller coaster, paintball court, a bouncing ball that goes to the clouds, snow catcher, princess to walk around, and a tightrope that goes over lava!
Sixth graders brainstormed ideas on what improvements could be made to the playground.
A group of parents, faculty, and staff worked together to decide on a vendor. The group made a presentation to the faculty with all of the ideas. Final plans were shown to the faculty and then approved by the Board of Trustees.
This (click here) is a picture of parent helpers installing BigToy!
And in this photo (click here) is Dr. Levine, who was BDS head of school from 1987 to 1998 with students after BigToy was finished being built. The students in the photo are all grown-ups now!
This photo (click here) is Belmont Day’s first play structure! (c. 1930s)
When was BDS founded? What year did BDS start teaching kids? And who founded BDS?
Belmont Day School was founded in 1927 by a group of parents who were inspired to start a school.
The first head of school was Miss Marjorie Poppleton. Belmont Day opened at All Saints’ Parish House with only 18 students! Our school moved to “the stone house in the field” (click here to see a drawing of the school) in 1933.
Why is it named Belmont Day School?
Because the school is in the Town of Belmont; “Day” can be a traditional part of a school’s name when its students do not live at school, as they would at a boarding school.
Why is the BDS logo a “B”?
The B has only been part of the school logo since 2013. Before that, we had a school seal that looked like this (click here) … and like this (click here)!
The B has three parts: the B, a branch, and the sun. These three parts show the strong foundation, growth, and positive outlook of the Belmont Day learning community.
Why are there so many fields at BDS? Why are there so many gyms?
Because space to play, exercise, and have sports is important for children.
Why is the mascot a lamb?
We don’t really know why the founders chose the lamb, but we can guess. It may be because of the school’s location in an area with farmland and fields.
Why is the Downing gym underground?
The part of the building where the Downing gym is (and the Kiva and the Labyrinth also) was built for our middle school and opened in 2002. Before that, BDS was a school for children in pre-kindergarten to grade 6. The school had to follow the Town of Belmont’s rules for this addition to the Schoolhouse—we were not allowed to build up, so we built down!
Upcoming Events
Coming Up This Week
Monthly Calendar
Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Kick-Off Event
Wednesday, October 19
5:30 to 6 p.m. – reception
6 to 7:30 p.m. – program
Location: Coolidge Hall
Please RSVP here by Tuesday, October 18 at Noon
Please join us for an introductory reception and program with the new equity, inclusion, and belonging team—Connie Yepez, director, and Mike Marroquin-Castillo, assistant director, and Brendan Largay, head of school, to hear about our collective vision for EIB at Belmont Day. All parents and guardians are invited.
Though we are not able to provide childcare for this event, we hope this list of babysitters (compiled this summer) will be helpful to those needing to secure caretakers for their children at home.
If you have any questions, please contact Connie Yepez at cyepez@belmontday.org.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join Us for Trunk or Treat
Belmont Day Auxiliary Programs will host a Trunk or Treat event on campus on Saturday, October 22, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All school and summer camp families are invited. Deck out your car trunks with Halloween or other themed decorations and hand out treats, or come sporting your costumes and participate in a scavenger hunt and other fun activities.
If you are interested in reserving a spot for your car, please fill out this sign-up form and reach out to Denali Kikuchi at dkikuchi@belmontday.org with any questions. Car spots are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible. If you will not be decorating your car and just wish to attend as a trick-or-treater, no need to RSVP.
PARENT CONFERENCE DAYS
Sign-ups & Childcare Available
The fall parent conference days will be held Monday, October 31, and Tuesday, November 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The school will be closed on those days except for conference visits. Families will receive an email from their child’s homeroom teacher or advisor today, Friday, October 14, with a link for reserving a conference time. Childcare will be available during the time that families are visiting for the conference. Details below regarding childcare on conference days:
- Sign-up is not required for childcare
- The location will be in the Barn gym and lobby
- Childcare will be available ONLY during the time parents/guardians are meeting in their conferences–do not to drop off earlier or pick up later than the end of your conference
- Childcare is open to any BDS family member’s children who are of school age
- Children attending childcare should bring with them a book and/or activity (some simple activities will be provided)
- Children attending childcare should not bring electronics to childcare (including iPads, phones, etc.)
- No food provided
All-Day Activities Offered
The parents’ association will offer two options for students to participate in during parent conference days.
- Pre-kindergarten to Grade 1 – Monday, October 31, and Tuesday, November 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Drumlin Farm in Lincoln
- Grades 2-6 – Tuesday, November 1 only, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Einstein’s Workshop in Burlington
Children must bring lunch, snacks, and a water bottle.
An email will be sent out early next week with details about pricing and how to sign up.
Lunch & Snack Menu
October 17 to October 21
Monday
Snack: apple sauce; Sun Chips
Lunch: bowtie pasta with chicken, broccoli, and alfredo sauce; gluten-free bowtie pasta with chicken, broccoli, and alfredo sauce; penne with marinara; broccoli; greens with balsamic; crusty rolls; Romano cheese; mixed fruit; canned fruit; yogurt; milk and water
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; Popcorners
Lunch: chicken tenders; gluten-free chicken tenders; vegan nuggets; roasted green beans; roasted potatoes; spinach salad with goat cheese and cranberries; fresh fruit; canned fruit; yogurt; milk and water
Wednesday
Snack: clementines; banana oatmeal rounds
Lunch: herb roasted salmon; herb roasted tofu; Basmati rice; peas; garden salad; fresh fruit; canned fruit; yogurt; milk and water
Thursday
Snack: pears; pretzel twists
Lunch: cheese pizza; pepperoni pizza; gluten-free cheese pizza; roasted butternut squash; Caesar salad; fresh fruit; canned fruit; yogurt; milk, water, and cider
Friday
Snack: apple slices; tortilla scoops and rounds
Faculty Lunch
Dining In Coolidge Hall
Along with the main menu, students have access to a hot bar with the “hot veg of the day,” as well as a salad bar with fresh vegetables, fruit, deli meats and cheese, roasted tofu, hummus, organic yogurt, greens and a salad of the day. They also have access to cereal, bread, bagels, cream cheese, Wowbutter, and jellies. 1% milk and soy milk are available.
Each table is set with the entrée of the day. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for those who follow a specialized diet. We also ask that any children with allergies introduce themselves to the kitchen team so that we can make sure that everyone enjoys a safe meal.
BDS News
COMMUNITY NEWS
New Plan, Support, and Location for Lost & Found
It’s that time of the school year already–we have a lot of items in our lost and found. Please come look through the collection of all those items in the lost and found’s new location in the entranceway to Coolidge Hall. This school year, there is also a Google Photos album posted on the parent portal, so you can review photos of the items there as well.
With the growing abundance of found items, we have decided that this year will be clearing out and donating the lost and found items every other month. This will ensure that we are not overwhelmed at the end of the school year–last year alone generated over 500 items of clothing! Don’t worry–we will send out reminders each time we are preparing to clear out the lost and found.
The best way to help reduce the number of lost items is to label your children’s clothing, lunch boxes, water bottles, boots, and bags. That way we can quickly return them when they are left behind. Mabel’s Labels is a terrific option and if you enter Belmont Day School under the “Support a Fundraiser” tab, some of the proceeds will go to the parents’ association. Recently The New York Times recommended a few places for labels, as well.
BUSINESS OFFICE
New Invoices Available for Sixth and Seventh Grade Families
The business office has issued invoices to families of students in grade 6 who attended the field trip to Thompson Island Outward Bound and grade 7 who attended the field trip to Appalachian Mountain Club Cardigan Lodge. 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 to review your account.
Payments are due by November 1, 2022. For those who participate in the auto pay feature, auto pay payments will be processed on Friday, October 28, 2022. Regular monthly tuition payments will be processed via auto pay on November 1, 2022.
Please contact the business office with any questions.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Student & Faculty Name Recording Resource Updated
We’re happy to announce that our collection of student and faculty name videos has been updated for 2022-23 and is now available on the parent portal. The name videos will help all of us to better recognize each other, to know preferred names to use, and how to properly pronounce them.
The videos are linked on the parent portal under “Directories & Handbooks” in the top navigation bar. Click “Video Name Directory 2022-23” in the dropdown options. The link goes to a page with folders for each grade. From there, you can find the grade(s) and student(s) you are interested in seeing and hearing.
AUXILIARY PROGRAMS
Special Guest Teaches New (Circus) Tricks to After School
Earlier this month, Friday after school students learned tumbling, tricks, and flips from special guest, Mr. Walker. Mr. Walker is a professional acrobat, circus arts teacher, and after school teacher Mr. Staples’ twin brother! Our class started with stretching and warm-ups. We also learned about a special circus term, “hup!”, which circus artists use to tell each other that they are ready to perform a trick. After school students practiced jumps, and forward and backward rolls, and worked on refining their cartwheel skills. By the end of our class with Mr. Walker, we learned some new tricks and had fun moving our bodies in this unique way!
– Denali Kikuchi, auxiliary programs coordinator
CLUBS NEWS
Model UN Members Represent BDS at Greater Boston Conference
On Saturday, October 3, eight intrepid middle school students took part in the Greater Boston Model UN Conference sponsored by the United Nations Association of Greater Boston. They participated with about 150 other middle school students from around Massachusetts, who came together to discuss the topic of finding durable solutions for refugees.
Students represented various countries and took part in debates over how to craft solutions. What should the priorities be with our global solutions? Model UN conferences around the globe are dealing with this topic this year, invited by the UN High Commission on Refugees to have a say in solution-oriented plans and policies.
Our students were active and engaged, and they gained a solid foundation for other conferences that will come up later this year.
Participants were seventh graders Quinn Clark, Duncan Beirne, Madoka Hubbard, Sam Leviton, Gideon Borisy, Clive Sutton, Tadhg O’Sullivan, and eighth grader Kesariya Nallari-Jhala.
– Jen Friborg, French teacher, Capstone coordinator, and Model UN club advisor
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
EIB Book Club Plans Next Meeting for November 3
Join us each month for an informal, parent-led Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) book group, focusing on books written from the perspectives of marginalized communities. All BDS parents/caregivers and faculty are welcome!
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 3 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The link is available on the parent portal.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the next book we will be discussing is Crazy Brave: A Memoir by Joy Harjo.
Please contact Danielle England or Christina Cosman if you have any questions.
Learning Updates
Sixth Grade Science Heads Into the Woods
The sixth grade science curriculum challenges students to develop an understanding of how Earth’s natural forces shape the ecology of New England. We’ve kicked off the year exploring how complex natural systems are driven by the interplay of living and non-living components, and this week’s beautiful fall weather gave us a chance to broaden our understanding of what defines a “community” by exploring, identifying, and documenting the ways in communities of organisms are directly influenced by the non-living conditions that surround them. Along the way, students made keen observations as budding naturalists and are on their way to better identifying several of the tree species native to the New England landscape.
– Bill Hamilton, sixth grade science teacher
Athletics Update: JV Soccer Shuts Out Carroll
After a winless 2021 campaign and a tight one-goal loss in their season opener, the JV soccer team finally broke through this week with a commanding 2-0 win on the road against Carroll. The outcome was never in question with the Blue & Gold controlling both ends of the field all afternoon. Sixth grader Adam Ahmed secured the shutout between the pipes, receiving stellar defensive play from eighth grade defender Natalie Jean. Classmates Mylo Rosenfeld and Copeland Maier tallied goals for an offense that created multiple chances in each half. Other highlights included Genevieve von Rekowsky’s strong clears, Duncan Beirne’s well-rounded play, Sahana Miduturu’s runs to goal, and Penny Gottesman’s accurate passing. Collectively, it was a great team effort from the Blue & Gold. Players and coaches have been working hard to come together as a team and the hard work is clearly paying off.
– John O’Neill, director of athletics
Athletics News
- The cross country team improved to 3-1 on the season with a win over Carroll this week. Sam Leviton, Kaden Flummerfelt, and Quinn Clark finished 1-2-3. Simon Wright and Clive Sutton ran well.
- The boys’ varsity soccer team toppled Carroll 5-1. The tandem of seventh grade classmates Luke Brenneman on defense and Louis Cantor in net shut down the opposition all day.
- Varsity football rolled over Carroll 46-26. Liam Brodeur threw a program record 7 touchdown passes. Anurag Mujumdar and Kesariya Nallari-Jhala each scored for the home team.
- The girls’ varsity soccer team lost a heartbreaker (2-1) to Carroll. Lila Green scored on a beautiful cross from McKenna Daley, but Carroll popped one in the final minute to steal the W.
- JV football lost to Carroll 36-18 this week. Highlights included Zach Cash’s multiple pass deflections on D, Yaseen Saeed’s strong running, and Wyatt Baker’s impressive pass catching.
- Christian Atem and Jordan Levine teamed up to find all objects during Outdoor Adventure’s orienteering race this week. Lucy Walther’s map-reading skills made her a valuable asset on the trails.
- Despite a rained out game, Kali Owens-Schwartz, Isla Smith, and Melisa Adhikari all put in a great week of practice for the field hockey team and really improved their stickwork.
Arts Update: Be Handy
Grades 7 and 8 students in the Be Handy elective arts this term are working on their first major challenge: to tell a story using finger puppets! Working independently or in small groups, students decided on the story they wanted to tell and then created a storyboard and individual character sketches. This week, students began to work on creating their felt finger puppets; hand-sewing, knot-tying, and deciding the stitch to use for a particular effect are key elements for each piece. We hope to share the completed finger puppets–and the stories–soon!
– Anne Armstrong, visual arts teacher and arts coordinator
PE Update: Pre-K Hops to the Challenge
The October weather has been a gift, allowing our physical education classes to soak in the sunshine with outdoor activities. Our pre-kindergarten students did their best bunny, kangaroo, and frog impressions during a “hopstacle course” on Claflin Field.
After bounding over our hurdles there were a variety of hopping implements to try. The pre-kindergartners rose, or leaped, to the challenge, bouncing their way across the grass to an area full of gold coins that they could return to the bank at the start of the course. Then they were off to the races again, achieving great heights, and proving that no ‘hopstacle’ is too large for our energetic friends.
– Alex Tzelnic, physical education teacher, coach, and mindfulness director
Parents’ Association News
Any questions about parents’ association related activities? Please reach out to us anytime on the PA email, bdspa@belmontday.org. We would love to hear your ideas, too!
Flower Bulb Fundraiser
LAST DAYS! Sale ends at midnight on Saturday, October 15!
Don’t have a garden? Not much of a gardener? No problem! You can still buy daffodils to add beautiful spring flowers to the BDS campus, for the whole community to enjoy! To donate daffodils for the BDS grounds, simply order as many as you like, and enter the shipping address as Belmont Day School, Attn: Anderson Santos, 55 Day School Lane, Belmont, MA 02478. Click here to order, or go to http://BDSflowers.fpfundraising.com. If you have any questions, contact Lia Meisinger or Mamie Cantor.
Spirit Day and Friday Night Lights
Get ready for this spirited day! First, in the morning on Friday, November 4, we will have the first-ever Spirit Day Parade, with apple cider doughnuts and hot apple cider for parents, provided by the PA. Wear your Blue & Gold! (Plenty of great options are always available at the school store website.) We will also be selling cute, warm hats for fun spirit, and warmth all winter!
Then, in the evening, Friday Night Lights–our varsity soccer teams play against The Meadowbrook School under the lights at Harvard’s Jordan Field. Girls’ varsity soccer plays at 6:15 p.m. and boys’ varsity soccer plays at 7:30 p.m. The parents’ association will be serving pizza, and we’ll need volunteers to help out! Please sign-up for a shift here, and spend a little time building our community warmth and cheer.
Parent Book Club
The Parent Book Club will meet on Thursday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinktisch in Belmont Center to discuss The Candy House by Jennifer Egan. We always love to welcome new members and hope you will join us! The book is episodic so you can join the discussion even if you aren’t able to read to the end before the book club meets. If you would like to attend or be on our mailing list, please reach out to Karla Bays.
Book Fair
This fall, the parents’ association will partner again with Belmont Books for our annual Book Fair. The Book Fair will be held virtually from November 11 through November 18, with an in-store shopping event at Belmont Books on the afternoon of Friday, November 18. Reading lists will be available by grade level and wish lists will be available for contributions to the Erskine Library. Please stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!
PA Dues
Please consider paying PA dues! The PA helps bring guest speakers and performers to school, supports the parent community, helps support the teachers, and so much more. PA dues are entirely optional but are a great way to help our community. We ask you to consider paying $50 per family, but we are happy to accept any amount that works for your family. You can make payment conveniently online with a credit card, debit card, or eCheck (ACH) via the secure BDS PA Payment Portal. Any questions, contact PA treasurer, Jeana Colangelo. Thank you!
Calling All Book Shelving Volunteers
Do you love organizing? Does being among books give you a sense of well-being? Or would you simply like to make a big difference by volunteering a small amount of your time? Please consider shelving books in the Erskine Library one afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Contact Susie Kim to get started.
Weekly Friendraiser Walks
The parents’ association friendraiser committee hosts a walk every Thursday morning after drop-off, starting at 8:15 a.m. Come discover the trails around BDS, reconnect with friends, and meet new friends. Gather by the benches at the front of the Schoolhouse and then journey through the woodland trails. The duration is about 40 minutes. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
Beyond BDS
THEATER PERFORMANCE
Shakespeare at the Cambridge Library
The Frances Addelson Shakespeare Players will present William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Main Library Lecture Hall on November 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., on November 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and November 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Widely considered Shakespeare’s best comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is also, of all his plays, most accessible to youngsters. To better accommodate families, November 6 and 12 will be weekend matinée performances. For more information and to register, click here.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Portraits of Pride Photo Series on Display in Boston
Visit the Boston Common to see Portraits of Pride–this exhibition is on display now through October 29 in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month.
The exhibit features 8-foot-tall portraits of local LGBTQ leaders from a variety of backgrounds and industries (public service, entrepreneurship, business, law, and more), shot by world-renowned photographer John Huet. Accompanying each portrait is a statement of what pride means to the photo’s subject. This one-of-a-kind exhibit honors the rich history of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community and the many contributions the area’s LGBTQ+ leaders have made to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in Massachusetts and beyond.
The exhibit is free and open to all. For more information, click here.
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