September 5, 2025
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Joyful collaboration to start the year in third grade!
Opening Message
Building Bridges at Belmont Day
Brendan Largay, Head of School
Post Date: September 5, 2025
Welcome back, everyone!
On Wednesday (the first day of school!), Belmont Day was buzzing in all the best ways. Students reconnected with classmates after a long summer apart. Parents beamed with joy as their children shifted from the free form of summer to the schedule and promise of the school day. And faculty, fresh from the summer months of restoration, eagerly welcomed their students, ready to challenge and support each of them in the weeks and months ahead. It was everything we wanted it to be and more. It was a fantastic way to kick off the 2025-26 school year!
Last week, before students and parents arrived to start the year, the faculty returned to campus for opening meetings. I introduced our theme for the year: building bridges. As an English teacher, I love a good metaphor, and bridge building certainly does the trick. I asked the faculty what bridges signified to them, and the answers came back fast and furious. These are some of their responses.
Bridges…
- Provide access
- Are the product of collaboration, design, problem-solving, and engineering
- Bring people together across differences
- Require energy from both sides
- Are hard to build, but worth the effort
- Need to be structurally sound to work effectively
- Can be beautiful
And finally, “If they fall, the damage is far-reaching and lasting.”
The answers are all spot on, of course, and are significant when we consider the important and beautiful bridges we are building here at Belmont Day today. In this, our 99th year as an institution, we are building a bridge from our past to a future we’ll celebrate with our Centennial in 2027. We are building a programmatic bridge between the rigor and challenge of our program and the individualized care and understanding we promise. We are building a bridge between learning and joy, and as we do every year, we are building that critical bridge between school and home.
So, as we reach the end of our first week of the school year, let the construction begin. May this be a year filled with connection, collaboration, positive energy, and beauty. Welcome back, Belmont Day. We’ve missed you.
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendar
Parent Forum
Meet Divya Muralidhara, Assistant Head of School
Tuesday, September 9, 6 p.m.
Coolidge Hall
Parents are invited to attend an informal gathering next week to meet Divya Muralidhara, our new assistant head of school.
Divya will make a brief presentation to introduce herself, share her professional and personal backgrounds, and outline the vision for her work ahead at Belmont Day.
After the presentation, the floor will be open for questions and discussion on what makes Belmont Day an effective school today, and the challenges to ensure its successful future.
We hope you can attend to help us welcome Divya to the community and to lend your experience and perspective as she learns about Belmont Day School.
Please RSVP to let us know if you plan to attend.
Curriculum Nights
Please join us for our annual back-to-school curriculum nights.
Middle School Curriculum Night
Thursday, September 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
Lower School Curriculum Night
Thursday, September 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Both events will start in the Palandjian Arts Center before moving to classrooms.
New Parent Welcome Coffees
Wednesday, September 10
and Tuesday, September 16
8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
Outdoor Patio at 37 Day School Lane
We’re delighted to invite all new families to join us for a special welcome coffee hosted by Head of School Brendan Largay. This event is designed specifically for parents and guardians new to Belmont Day School, offering a valuable opportunity to begin building connections within the community. You’ll have the chance to meet fellow new families, get to know key members of the board of trustees, parents’ association, and strategic leadership team, and gain helpful insights as you begin your first year at BDS. Hope to see you at one of the coffees!
Please RSVP to let us know if you will attend.
Lunch & Snack Menu
September 8 to September 12
Monday
Snack: fruit cups/applesauce; Fritos
Lunch: spaghetti and meat sauce; spaghetti with marinara; gluten-free spaghetti with meat sauce; breadsticks; seasoned broccoli; arugula with parmesan cheese and BDS garden tomatoes
Tuesday
Snack: bananas; Pita Chips
Lunch: grilled Greek chicken; falafel; harissa roasted potatoes; roasted Mediterranean vegetables; Greek salad with Romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta
Wednesday
Snack: apple slices; Goldfish
Lunch: beef hot dogs; vegan hot dogs; beef hot dogs with gluten-free buns; sweet potato fries; seasoned green beans; vegan creamy coleslaw
Thursday
Snack: clementines; Pop Corners
Lunch: turkey BLT subs; vegan cheese subs; gluten-free BLT subs; honey carrot coins with parsley; Caesar salad
Friday
Snack: craisins; chocolate chip oatmeal bars
Faculty Lunch
Please click the button below for a more detailed and updated weekly menu.
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. One percent milk and soy milk are also 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
IN MEMORIAM
Honoring the Legacy of Sheila Palandjian
From time to time, students will ask me, "What does PAC stand for?" You might think that the acronym stands for Performing Arts Center, as it does at many other schools.
But not at Belmont Day. Our PAC stands for the Palandjian Arts Center, a space dedicated to honoring the matriarch of a family with a long history and deep connection with Belmont Day. Sadly, Sheila Laurianna Palandjian passed away last month at her home in Belmont, surrounded by her loving family—including her sons and grandchildren who are BDS alumni.
Since my arrival at Belmont Day, I have heard many stories of this joyful, caring, and powerful woman. Her passion for education and the arts, in particular, carries a legacy of its own. So, it seems fitting, as we outfit the Palandjian Arts Center with a new lighting system this year, to dedicate each of our grade-level productions to Sheila. I can imagine no better way to honor her legacy than to celebrate it alongside a community of students discovering their love for the arts and finding their voices on the stage.
– Brendan Largay, head of school
OPERATIONS NEWS
Ensuring the Safety of Our Community
As we start a new school year, we want to remind the adults in our community that we all share in the responsibility of keeping each other safe. Campus safety is an ongoing process that is most effective when everyone participates. During our opening meetings, our faculty received extensive training on our updated safety procedures. To start the school year, we have already practiced an all-school fire drill with the students and discussed our safety protocols and expectations at age-appropriate levels.
For our parents and guardians, we are asking for a commitment to another level of vigilance in keeping us all safe. Specifically, we ask the following:
- Enter the Schoolhouse only through the front entrance and always check in with staff at the front desk.
- Exit through the main entrance of the Schoolhouse and let the staff at the front desk know that you are leaving.
- Please note that middle school students receive a door code for their use during the school day, and it is not intended for parents to access the building.
- Do not ask faculty or students to use any entrances other than the main entrance of the Schoolhouse.
We understand the convenience in accessing the school quickly, but it is vitally important to everyone's safety, including your own, that we know who is in our buildings and when.
Thank you for doing your part in creating a safe place for learning and community. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at hberkman@belmontday.org.
– Hilary Berkman, chief financial officer
COMMUNITY EVENT
Fall Fest is Almost Here!
Saturday, September 20, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Claflin Field
Autumn is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome the season—and the new school year—at our annual Fall Fest celebration!
Join us for an afternoon of autumn fun featuring festive treats, hands-on arts and crafts, live music, relay races, and more. It’s the perfect way to enjoy family and friends while connecting with our amazing community.
New to BDS? Fall Fest is a wonderful way to get to know fellow families and experience the spirit that makes our community so special. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Please RSVP so we can best plan for this event. Thank you!
Want to Get Involved?
Fall Fest Volunteers Needed!
Help us make Fall Fest unforgettable! We’re looking for volunteers to support a variety of roles—from setting up and breaking down, to helping with crafts, games, and bouncy house supervision.
Volunteering is a great way to meet others and feel connected, especially for new families. Whether you have 30 minutes or a few hours to give, your time and energy truly make a difference in creating a safe, joyful event for all.
Sign up to volunteer and be part of the magic. Email development@belmontday.org to volunteer. Thank you.
STAFFING NEWS
Role Change
Abbey Nyland, Physical Education Teacher and Admissions Liaison
Now in her eighth year at Belmont Day, Abbey will be using her coaching and leadership skills in new ways to bring home the Ws for the Blue & Gold.
"For the past couple of years, our athletics department has been active in seeking out ways to connect with prospective families to ensure they understand our athletics program and to answer any questions they may have. We are extremely proud of our student-athletes and our coaches' hard work, and we want to make sure families know the quality of the program that their students will be a part of and speak to the growth that they can achieve while at Belmont Day.
As I transition away from coaching, I am excited to take on this liaison role with the admissions team to continue to share what the athletics program is all about. I look forward to reaching out to prospective families, assisting at admissions events, and creating opportunities for parents and students to check out our awesome program in person.
I am very excited to join the amazing admissions team and contribute in any way that I can as we start the new school year!" – Abbey Nyland
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A Summer Filled With Exploration and Learning
At Belmont Day, learning doesn’t pause when the school year ends. This summer, our faculty engaged in a wide range of professional development opportunities that sparked inspiration, deepened expertise, and strengthened connections. From exploring play in early childhood to considering the role of artificial intelligence in education, our educators brought back fresh ideas and renewed energy for the year ahead. Below are brief descriptions of and reflections on these valuable learning opportunities.
– Annie Fuerst, director of innovation
Newtowne Learning Exchange: Play in Early Childhood Classrooms
Pre-kindergarten teachers Nicole Siverls and Kim Edwards kicked off the summer by exploring the importance of play as a driver of learning in early childhood. Through hands-on activities and discussions, they considered how playful approaches can create meaningful, reciprocal learning experiences. One quote particularly stood out to them, shared by the director of Newtown, “Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.”
Landmark School: Building a Stronger Rope
Fourth grade teachers Lana Holman and Emily Crawford spent two days on Cape Cod participating in this workshop focused on strategies to support reading comprehension. In addition to the academic takeaways, the experience underscored the value of shared learning. Lana shared, “Participating in off-campus PD with colleagues is a great way to get to know each other better, bond as a team, and have time to discuss things in depth.”
Responsive Classroom Advanced Course
Second grade teacher Katie O’Brien, fifth grade teacher Patrick Murray, and fourth grade teacher Emily Crawford deepened their practice with the Responsive Classroom approach, reflecting on classroom management strategies and student engagement techniques. Katie shared, “I appreciated how the sessions built upon the knowledge I gained last summer; this PD gave me the time to reflect upon the changes in my teaching that I implemented over the past year and consider what I want to roll out and build upon this year.”
MassCUE AI Palooza
Program Leaders Annie Fuerst, Divya Muralidhara, Betty Chu Pryor, and Liz Gray road tripped out to Western Massachusetts this summer to join colleagues from across the state for a mini-conference on artificial intelligence in education. The day sparked thoughtful dialogue about opportunities and challenges of AI in schools. Divya noted, “I appreciated the chance to dig into questions I have about AI and related implications for our own practice and approach at BDS.”
Dan Nott Comics Workshop
By popular demand, cartoonist and educator Dan Nott returned to BDS this summer to lead a two-day comics workshop. On day one, a wide range of faculty came together to explore the history of comics and learn practical strategies for bringing comics into education. Chief of staff and registrar Jen James reflected, “I think any opportunity to learn and be creative is worthwhile for every faculty member here at BDS.”
On day two, Dan worked with visual arts teachers Anne Armstrong and Kathy Jo Solomon to develop a new middle school arts elective. Kathy Jo shared, “I now have so many resources and direct exercises for my students from this PD that I am excited to incorporate into my class curriculum.”
Broadway Teachers
Theater arts teacher Chris Parsons traveled to New York City to join a vibrant community of theater teachers. They exchanged ideas, learned new approaches, and reconnected with the joy of performance. As Chris put it, “The chance to connect with like-minded colleagues is both affirming and motivating. It’s a rare opportunity to feel seen, supported, and recharged as an arts educator.”
ADMISSIONS NEWS
School Tour Guides Needed!
Do you enjoy meeting new people and sharing what makes Belmont Day so special? The Admissions Office is looking for parent volunteers to help welcome prospective families by leading weekly campus tours.
We ask for a commitment of at least one 45–60 minute tour per week from October through December break (no tours on Fridays, holidays, or school breaks). New to BDS? We’d love to have you join the team—no experience needed!
Tour guides receive full training, and the Admissions team will work with your schedule and arrange for substitutes when conflicts arise. It’s a fun, rewarding way to connect with families and represent our community.
Please fill out this survey today if you are interested in learning more! Thank you!
– Judy Bright, admissions and outreach program manager
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
Let's All Help With Recycling
At Belmont Day, we are committed to supporting a sustainable campus and promoting stewardship with our students and staff. We compost and recycle on campus and get students involved in maintaining our commitment to the environment. At school, we have a single-stream recycling system, and each grade collects items that can be recycled. Our middle schoolers help empty the recycling bins throughout the school and encourage everyone to recycle responsibly by including the appropriate items that can be recycled. Knowing what and how to recycle properly can sometimes be a bit confusing, so let's all check out this helpful explainer video starring three of our current eighth grade students. Thank you, Reema, Annika, and Colby!
Textile Recycling Available
We also host a textile recycling collection bin on campus, courtesy of Bay State Textiles. The collection bin is located next to the Barn and can be used by everyone in the community, including faculty, staff, students, and families. Since January, BDS has recycled over 2400 pounds of textiles. According to Bay State Textiles, “the average person throws away 81 pounds of clothing, shoes, and linens per year, which adds up to about 28 billion pounds of unnecessary waste in landfills.” Furthermore, “45% of these textiles can be reused, 30% can be turned into wiping cloths, and 20% recycled into new products.” Feel free to bring in textiles from home. The program accepts all clothing, footwear, accessories, linens, stuffed animals, and more. All donations need to be put into a bag. Please visit the Bay State Textiles website for more information about what can be included for textile recycling.
– Kathy Jo Solomon, visual arts teacher and sustainability coordinator
Learning Updates
Athletics Update: Stellar Performances at State Track Meet
In June, five Belmont Day middle school athletes competed in the 13th Annual Massachusetts Middle School Track and Field Championships. Despite challenging weather, including heavy rain and a postponed schedule, our students delivered outstanding performances.
Of note from that day's results were:
- Eighth grader Violet Hancock achieved a personal best in the long jump, reaching an impressive 13 feet, 6 inches.
- Seventh grader Simon Bays also set a new personal record in the 800-meter run, finishing in 2 minutes and 29 seconds.
- Eighth grader Zoe Bantham-Livermore brought home a medal, placing 4th in the 1-mile run with a time of 5 minutes and 38 seconds.
Congratulations to all our athletes for their dedication and incredible achievements!
– Brittany Ryan, head coach of track & field
Parents' Association News
Welcome Back!
It was wonderful to connect with so many of you at the Opening Day Coffee on Wednesday, and we hope the school year is off to a happy and healthy start for all.
As parents and guardians of BDS students, you are all members of the parents’ association (PA). The PA is a vibrant, parent-led volunteer group that helps foster community within our school and support our outstanding faculty. We are excited to work together with you to nurture our community.
Guiding the PA this year is a team of four parents’ association ambassadors. We are here to support you, offer a platform for your ideas, address any questions you may have, and enhance the overall parent experience at BDS. We will communicate information about upcoming events through the Scoop, and we also encourage you to join your grade-level WhatsApp chat group. At any time, feel free to reach out directly to any member of the PA Ambassador team or to email us at bdspa@belmontday.org
- President – Shanying Zhang
- Vice President – Megan Akkina
- Treasurer – Manish Patel
- Clerk – Jeff Wang
First PA Meeting
Our first PA meeting will be held on Friday, September 19, at 8:30 a.m. in Coolidge Hall. Our featured guest speakers will be Brendan Largay, head of school, Divya Muralidhara, assistant head of school, and Josh Sussman, school counselor. We hope you will join us to learn about upcoming PA events and initiatives. All parents are invited, and coffee and light refreshments will be served.
Seeking Coolidge Flower Volunteers
One of the highlights of the day for our children is having lunch in Coolidge Hall. Beyond the amazing food prepared by the talented and dedicated dining staff, the dining experience is enhanced by small plants placed as centerpieces on the lunchroom tables.
We are seeking volunteers to donate 12 small potted plants at the beginning of a month of their choosing (these plants will be displayed for that entire month). The plants should be no taller than 11” with a maximum pot diameter of 4.5”. Please sign up here to donate plants, and feel free to reach out to Karla Bays with any questions. Thank you!
BDS Connections Walk
Our first BDS Connections Walk of the school year will take place next Friday, September 12, starting at 8:30 a.m. Join fellow parents and school administrators for a fun, casual walk through the woods surrounding campus after morning drop-off. We’ll meet at the exterior entrance to Coolidge Hall to start the walk. This is a great opportunity to get to know parents in other grades as well as school administrators.
Beyond BDS
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Help Needed to Stop Invasives on Lone Tree Hill
The Belmont Conservation Volunteers are looking for a few more helpful hands as they address the spread of invasive plants along Lone Tree Hill. The Lone Tree Hill conservation area, located near the Belmont Day School campus, is a valuable natural resource for both residents and visitors. In recent years, volunteers have helped keep garlic mustard and other invasive plants at bay. A more recent bloom of the invasive Akebia quinata has prompted the organization to seek additional assistance.
Please email belmontconservationvolunteers@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about this important volunteer opportunity. Thank you!
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