| The Vision Statement provided below describes the desired state of the Belmont Public Schools in the next three to five years. The Vision is an expression of possibility, yet based enough in reality to be plausible. Its purpose is to inspire those involved and interested individuals to help the Vision become a reality. The Vision provides the basis from which the school system determines priorities and establishes targets for performance.
Vision Statement
Upon entering the Belmont Public Schools, each student becomes a part of a vital learning community where he or she establishes connections with people of different backgrounds, is excited by new ideas and new ways of thinking, and develops a broad range of skills useful for living.
In the classroom students learn to ask questions, solve problems, obtain information, seek meaning and develop the self confidence to make sound decisions. As learners they explore the many ways in which people find meaning in their lives and in the world around them.
Belmont students find individual effort encouraged, excellence expected, and diverse accomplishments appreciated. They discover personal strengths, passionate interests, and deeply felt convictions through their work in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the arts, and in service to the community.
Students openly and responsibly express their ideas, feelings, and concerns. They listen respectfully to the ideas, feelings, and concerns of others; and they appreciate the need to cooperate and collaborate to advance learning. Students demonstrate a respect for diversity and for the contributions of others.
Upon graduating from Belmont High School, students are well prepared for the next stages of life. Students have a solid foundation in the study of literature, history, science, mathematics, languages, and the arts and have developed the thinking and communication skills on which all learning depends. Students have the resources and knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle, develop meaningful and constructive relations, and manage the constant changes they will face throughout life.
School staff are caring and compassionate individuals who provide a supportive and nurturing environment for learners. They understand the ways in which children grow as learners and can intervene strategically in that process. They hold high expectations for all students in their care and communicate closely with parents to ensure student success.
Belmont Public School teachers are highly qualified professionals who know the content they teach, understand the complexity of the classroom, and employ a wide variety of instructional strategies to meet the learning needs of their students.
Teachers and administrators are committed to continuous improvement and growth in their students, themselves, and their colleagues. They lead active professional lives and take time to reflect on their practice. They seek opportunities for professional growth and share with one another what they have learned.
The Belmont Public schools enjoy meaningful partnerships and make every effort to establish strong lines of communication with parents and the community. Parents participate in their children’s learning and extend the work of the classroom into the home. Parents contribute to the life of the school and collaborate with teachers and administrators to establish a climate where children value learning. The community provides input, becomes involved with the schools, and is knowledgeable about the successes and needs of the school system.
The Belmont School Committee as well as school administrators collaborate with town officials and town departments to utilize resources and information to benefit the entire community. The schools participate in town events, share facilities, and work cooperatively on funding issues. The schools also seek alternate sources of funding and creative solutions to providing resources. Funding for the Belmont Public Schools is adequate, sustainable, and predictable, and provides for program growth and development, meets the needs of all students, and fulfills the educational expectations of the community.
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