June Newsletter
As of this writing, we are in the final stretches of the school year. Although we are all here busy and planning for next year, one can't help but reflect on the year that has passed. Bumps along the road were smoothed out with help from the Belmont community along with an extraordinary amount of work and giving to keep Belmont a top-notch school. As the end of my first year as Superintendent comes to a close, I am again humbled and thankful to be part of this community. Congratulations to all our elementary, middle, and high school graduates as we see them move on to Chenery, BHS, college and other adventures. Have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Quote of the Month: “Learning is an ornament in prosperity, a refuge in adversity, and a provision in old age.”
― Aristotle
GOOD NEWS
- Butler had their annual Color Day on June 5, which is a day full of games and friendly competition for all students. From relay races and tug-of-war to Mr. Trodden's famous obstacle course, students have a great time being active and cheering on their classmates.
- Butler families shared their native country heritage and traditions at the International Fair on May 29, sponsored by the PTA. Students received a passport to guide them on their "journey around the world."as they took part in traditional games and crafts as well as viewing pictures and learning facts about each country. Butler celebrated its rich diversity with a total of 16 countries represented including Argentina, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Serbia, and Spain. Later that evening, there were performances in the cafeteria along with a sampling of desserts from different nations.
- Jarrett K. Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novel series, came to Butler on June 9th, leading an all-school assembly for grades K-4 thanks to a generous grant from the FBE. Following his presentation, Krosoczka conducted a writing workshop on graphic novels with the third graders.
- Winn Brook fourth graders organized and led a fundraising campaign in response to the disaster in Nepal. Teachers shared some general information about the earthquake and its impact. Students generated ideas for raising funds and voted for an option that required them to give of themselves. Empowered and motivated, 4th graders went to work advertising and soliciting $1 sponsorship for their “Walk for Nepal.” Each sponsor signed a sneaker poster which was hung in the hallway. The children were so successful in their fundraising efforts, the line of sneakers reaches all the way around the school! On May 27, with the assistance of the Police Department, the fourth graders, teachers, and parent volunteers completed the three mile walk for Nepal, raising approximately $800.
- Burbank Students traveled across North America during Big Map night at Burbank on May 21. Parents and students were invited onto a map the size of a basketball court through the National Geographic Giant Traveling Maps program. Brought to Burbank by the PTA and the Foundation for Belmont Education, the floor maps promote geography and map reading skills. Parents were able to download questions to their smart phones or tablets, which acted as a scavenger hunt asking geographical questions to answer during their explorations. See the BPS website for photos of the event and the explorers.
- There was a garden party at the Burbank Garden Classroom and Organic Vegetable Garden Grand Opening celebration on June 5. Burbank students in sang “Inch by Inch” followed by a brief presentation and ribbon cutting ceremony. Mass Audubon/Habitat instructors were there to lead exploration in both gardens. So many people were involved in this project; please visit the BPS website for more information about the gardens and the implementation of this project.
- Looking good at Food Services! Wellington Elementary school got to taste test “Fruity Coleslaw”, which was featured in Chop Chop Magazine, published quarterly by the non-profit organization, Chop Chop, whose mission is to “inspire and teach kids to cook real food with their families”. BPS Food Service Director Dustin O’Brien and Katie Henry of Chop Chop offered the taste test on May 6 during lunchtime at Wellington. You can look at the Food Services website for this recipe and for information about food and nutrition in BPS.
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High school and middle school students completed numerous hours of community service by working in classrooms, hospitals, labs, shelters, as well as PTO events, tutoring, and other areas of need. Those students who did record amounts of volunteering were given the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national campaign to promote and recognize sustained service among Americans of all ages. See the BPS website for more information and the list of awardees. Good work by all!
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Two BHS juniors, Emma Pierce-Hoffman and Michelle Kornberg, were given the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Award in Writing. They are two of 141 outstanding high school writers to be honored nationally with this award. Five other Massachusetts students were honored, but no other district had more than one winner.
- Renowned young adult author Kekla Magoon visited Chenery on June 2 to discuss her work with 7th grade English classes. She shared the genesis of some of her best known books, Camo Girl (a book choice in the 7th grade curriculum) and The Rock and the River, and conducted a reader’s theater with student volunteers. We hear students say she is warm, approachable, interesting—and they learned something new about an era in U.S. History. Thanks to the Chenery PTO for providing this enriching opportunity.
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The NPR series, "This I Believe", inspired BHS juniors to record video podcasts of their original "This I Believe" essays at the Belmont Media Center (BMC). The students wrote the essays, rehearsed them in front of their peers, and visited “Public Speaking Consultant” teachers to practice and fine-tune their delivery before recording at BMC in May. With BMC Executive Director Jeff Hansel’s help, the students assumed roles as performer, camera operator, director, audio technician, chyron operator, and teleprompter to create their original video podcasts. These students learned 21 century media skills along with collaboration skills by coordinating and communicating as a team all the moving parts that goes into a filmed production. A great experience for these students thanks to the BHS faculty and the staff at Belmont Media Center.
- Model Marauder Awards: Belmont High School honored the fourth and final group for this school year who received the Model Marauder Awards for Excellence and Creativity. The students and staff are nominated on a quarterly basis. BHS students are eligible to be nominated for the Award in the areas of scholarship, art and citizenship (three finalists for each category). Staff is eligible to be nominated in the areas of teaching, learning and meeting the needs of students and their families (three finalists). Student and Staff nominations are reviewed by a committee of staff members who forward finalists to the school administration for evaluation. The fourth group is:
Scholarship: Shadi Mahjoum is being recognized for her academic curiosity, creativity, and dedicated work in the areas of History and English Language Arts. She is independent, mature, self-motivated, and an inquisitive student. Shadi is a new face at BHS, proving herself to be a highly motivated student striving to take advantage of educational opportunities. She recently wrote an extensive paper for her history class examining changes in the diplomatic relationship between the US and Iran after the Iran-Contra Affair. For this major assignment she collaborated with History and English teachers to craft a paper full of rich history content and possessing excellent language structure.
Citizenship: Margaret O’Brien and Olivia Cronin are being recognized for their commitment to the needs of others, particularly those struggling with food scarcity, and their creative and engaging approach to helping those in need within their community. Maggie and Olivia stand out due to their maturity and sensitivity to others’ needs. Both individuals are natural leaders, doing so quietly and by example, and with great care. They impressed many at the Nicholas Kristoff event, during which Margaret and Olivia described the work they and their peers are doing to support local food banks in the Belmont area, as well as food access to those in need. As a part of this work, these remarkable students have been able to involve the greater BHS community in growing and distributing food to those who need it, all while also raising awareness of food scarcity.
Art: Benton is being recognized for his commitment to the Fine and Performing Arts at Belmont High, and the creative approach he has utilized in order to create his own roles in many areas of the department. Ben is very active in the Fine Arts Department. Ben is a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Collective, Marching Band, as well as a key member in many of our productions. For example, Ben has co-led and been one of the student music directors of the onstage band for Twelfth Night (and part of set construction crew). He took initiative volunteering to work on music in the spring, essentially creating his own role in the production. He selected songs, worked with his co-director to create arrangements, recruit musicians and ran music rehearsals, almost entirely without adult assistance. In rehearsals he showed patience, positive attitude, collaboration and perseverance in teaching the music. He took on a huge responsibility and executed it with outstanding results (the band was one of the Fall Play highlights).
Staff: Anne Mullany is being recognized for her dedication to and passion for teaching, deep involvement in the Marauder community, and the positive impact she has had on so many Marauders! Ms. Mullany is the epitome of a Model Marauder, with dedication to and passion for teaching that makes her a role model for all of us at BHS. As one of the most experienced members of our Math faculty, she has helped all of her colleagues develop both professionally and personally. She is extensively involved in all aspects of the Marauder community, from teaching and learning to athletics, committees, and student activities. She is one of the first people in the building and one of the last to leave, always working on improving her lessons, activities and student learning outcomes, her dedication, day in and day out, is an asset to the staff at BHS! Anne’s energy, positive outlook, caring nature and deep investment in both students and colleagues has made her one of the “go to” resources for thousands of Marauders over the years.
Congratulations to all for your hard work.
- The Belmont Special Education Advisory Council (BSEAC) held its 11th annual awards ceremony at the Butler School on May 27. Fifty-five Individual awards and three Team awards were given to educators, van drivers, community members, and a student who gave to those who need a helping hand during the school year. See more information and a list of he award winners on the BPS website.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Eight Belmont School employees are retiring this year. They were honored at the June 9 School Committee meeting. Collectively they have more than 200 years of service given to the BPS! We wish them well in their retirement. The retirees are: Susan Blanchard, Butler Grade One; Mary Dominguez, Elementary Science Facilitator; Roseanne Mili, Butler Music Teacher; Anne Mullany, BHS Math Teacher; Georgia Patterson, Student Services Secretary; Ellen Payne, Butler Special Education Teacher; Rosemary Peterson, Nurse Coordinator; Colleen Ryder, Butler Kindergarten Teacher.
ARTS
The Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) held their annual award ceremony Monday, June 15, honoring outstanding work in Musical Theater productions. Belmont High School’s production of Anything Goes was awarded “Best Stage Management” in the High School Division. The award is recognition not just of our strong team of student Stage Managers, but also the level of cohesion in all elements of the production: Scenery & Set Changes, Lighting, Props, Costumes, Sound, Actors and Musicians. In addition to the Stage Management Award, Belmont received nominations (which go to the top five schools in each category) for Best Dance Ensemble, Best Specialty Ensemble (Sailors) and Best Supporting Actor (Henry Dalby as Moonface Martin). This year, over 70 Middle & High School productions were adjudicated by professional theater artists and educators and awards were given in a number of technical and performance categories. Congratulations to all of the students involved in the BHS Theater program, and to their director Ezra Flam, for their outstanding work this year!
ATHLETICS
Many items to report for Athletics; please see all below and congratulations to all.
2015 Spring Athletic Awards:
Boys Varsity Outdoor Track
Sportsmanship Award: Daniel Rizzo
Coaches Award: Luke Peterson
Boys Junior Varsity Outdoor Track
Sportsmanship Award: Josh Ryan
Coaches Award: Jason Berger
Girls Varsity Outdoor Track
Sportsmanship Award: Rachel Berets
Coaches Award: Meggie MacAulay
Girls Junior Varsity Outdoor Track
Sportsmanship Award: Emily Duffy
Coaches Award: Sarah Tymm
Boys Varsity Tennis
Sportsmanship Award: Grant Stievater
Coaches Award: Ben Lazenby
Girls Varsity Tennis
Sportsmanship Award: Emma Pejko
Coaches Award: Margaret O’Brien
Boys Varsity Lacrosse
Sportsmanship Award: Vrej Ashjian
Coaches Award: Jeremy Luke Polcari
Boys Junior Varsity Lacrosse
Sportsmanship Award: Peter Stoesser
Coaches Award: Brian O’Neil
Girls Varsity Lacrosse
Sportsmanship Award: Alexis Bowman
Coaches Award: Bridget Treanor
Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse
Sportsmanship Award: Teresa Frick
Coaches Award: Natalie Marusiak
Boys Varsity Baseball
Sportsmanship Award: Brian Webber
Coaches Award: Robert Montanaro
Boys Junior Varsity Baseball
Sportsmanship Award: Ryan Noone
Coaches Award: Paul Ramsey
Boys Freshman Baseball
Sportsmanship Award: Jake Cunningham
Coaches Award: Benjamin Brody
Girls Varsity Softball
Sportsmanship Award: Meghan Ferraro
Coaches Award: Kate Lester
Girls Junior Varsity Softball
Sportsmanship Award: Colleen McDonough
Coaches Award: Molly Goldberg
The following BHS teams were in the MIAA Post Season Tournament play:
Girls Outdoor Track
Boys Outdoor Track
Baseball
Girls Tennis
Girls Outdoor track were Middlesex League Champions for the Liberty Division with a perfect 5-0 record in league meets
Girls Tennis regular season record was 12-4 heading into the State Tournament
Baseball finished the regular season with a record of 11-9
Boys Track Notable Performances
-Freshman/Sophomore Meet ...Freshman/Sophomores placed in the top six in a total of eleven events.
-Coaches Invitational State Meet at New Bedford, MA the following won medals which were presented for the following performances:
4 x 100 meter relay for freshmen only...3d place in State
4x800 meter relay Varsity 5th place in State
Open 800 Meter race Ari Silverfine 4th place in State
4x400 meter relay 3d place in State
Outstanding performance in that meet was Ari Siverfine who ran his fastest 800 meter time of the year at 1:58 then 45 minutes later ran another 800 meters in exactly the same time for the team medal in the 4 x 800 meters then 30 minutes later ran his fastest 400 time ever at 51.6 to anchor the 4 x 400 meter team to their 3d place medals.
- State Relay Meet at Burlington
-Sprint Medley Relay 800-200-200-400 Ari Silverfine 800, Max Jones 200, Ben Jones 200, Owen Madden 400.
Second place medals but broke the State Record for our Division ( as did the first place team) Qualified for Nationals with 4 seconds to spare and set new Belmont High School Record for Sprint Medley. Time= 3:31.62
Other relay medals presented to Belmont that day included:
-4 x 800 relay..(without Ari Silverfine,) 5th place medals
-4x 400 meter relay 5th place medals
-Long Jump Relay, 2nd place medals
Outstanding performer for dual meets- Owen Madden set a new School Record for the 400 Hurdles Race in a time of 58.60 then broke his own new record at the League Championships by winning the 400 Meter Hurdle event with the New School Record Time of 58.39
National Qualified Team for Sprint Medley Relay: Ari Siverfine, Owen Madden, Ben Jones (soph) and Max Jones
Boys Lacrosse Notable Performances
Avery Pullman and Richard Butler both exceeded 50 pts in a season.
Trey Butler finished with 103 pts – of which 73 were goals
Girls Lacrosse Notable Performances
Senior, Sophia Eschenbach-Smith, reached her 200th varsity point on Tuesday 5/26 vs. Newton South High School .She finished her high school career with exactly 200 total points (combination of goals and assists).
The Middlesex League All Stars for Spring Sports are:
Boys Tennis:
Enrique Massidda
Girls Tennis:
Amanda Jung
Haley Sawyer
Sarah Paolillo
Boys Lacrosse
Richard Butler
Softball
Julia Rifkin
Meghan Ferraro
Baseball
Cal Christofori
Cole Bartels
Girls Lacrosse
Elena Bragg
Sophia Eschenbach-Smith
Elisabeth Frick
Boys Track
Ari Silverfine
Owen Madden
Calvin Perkins
Bryan Huang
Luke Peterson
Max Jones
Guy Parsons
Girls Track
Claudia Tenner
Kayla Magno
Anoush Krafian
Rachel Berets
Marley Williams
Meggie MacAulay
Julia Cella
Karina Rokosz
CALENDAR
Below are events for the remainder of June:
6/22 - 9:20 a.m. - Winn Brook Gym - Spring Concert
6/22 - 7:00 p.m. - Chenery Community Room - School Committee Meeting
6/23 - 9:00 a.m. - Chenery Gym - Eighth Grade Moving On Ceremony
6/23 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Early Release all Schools: Staff full day - HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!