Happy October!
Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff:
It is amazing that we are in the month of October already. Back to School nights will soon turn into the end of the first academic quarter and then to our parent/teacher conferences. Time goes quickly.
Belmont – Level One District – Well Done
There is good news for the Belmont Public Schools and the Town. The Belmont Public Schools has earned the designation of a Level One District by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This distinction is only held by a few school districts in our state. As we look at the data it is wonderful to see such strong student growth at the Chenery Middle School as well as continued strong scores across all six schools.
I would like to thank our students and teachers who work hard to engage in relevant and rigorous work each day. Also, a special thank you to our administrators and our parents/guardians, whose support and leadership is essential to our success. I know the Belmont community is proud that our town recognizes and values the importance of education and understands how supporting great schools and programs is one of the reasons that makes the Town of Belmont a great place to live.
Please see the link to a recent Channel Five Ranking of Best Public Schools for your Buck in Massachusetts – Belmont was #2!
(www.wcvb.com/money/best-school-districts-for-your-buck-in-massachusetts/28334788)
Even more important than the rankings, is the fact that our students are engaged in a positive, well-rounded educational experience that includes academics, the performing arts, and athletics. We must educate and engage every child in ways that bring out their greatest individual potential. With that said, let’s take a moment to enjoy this accomplishment as we continue our work, ensuring that all of our students have high quality experiences in all parts of their school day. The work continues.
HEALTH UPDATE
There has been much attention and discussion in the media about virus and illnesses, most particularly the Enterovirus D68 over the last few weeks. Various enteroviruses and other respiratory infections commonly circulate this time of year. While most infections cause mild or no symptoms, some can be severe.
As concerning as this can be, it is important to know that in our school community, student absenteeism at this time is negligible. School nursing staff track student attendance on a daily basis and communicate regularly with families. We do not have a significant amount of illness in our schools.
We will continue to remain vigilant and practice principles of the prevention of illness and disease transmission.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, particularly if someone is sick
Hand washing is the key to reducing the spread of illness.
Attached is the latest Enterovirus D68 fact sheet from the MA Department of Public Health. I hope you will find this helpful.
School Nurses have partnered with the Belmont Health Department and Osco Drug to offer flu vaccination to all school employees on October 28th and October 30th. Information about flu vaccine and flu prevention is readily available in each school building. Getting vaccinated every year is the best defense against flu virus. For more information related to flu vaccine, visit
www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/cdc/flu/the-flu-guide-for-parents.pdf
About the Students:
- It was the first home game of the Belmont High School football team last night at the newly constructed Harris Field. It was a wonderful night that began with honoring the Belmont High School Football team of 1964. Many BHS alumni came to the game to be recognized and see our 2014 team in action. I’d like to thank the players and Coach Yann Kumin for a great effort last night.
- I would like to recognize the great work of our Cheerleading Team. Coach Amanda Bonilla has over 40 participants and despite a tough score for our team on the field they did a wonderful job keeping the crowd positive and energetic.
- The half time show put on by our Belmont High School Marching Band was second to none – great work by our band members!! Well done to Arto Asadoorian, Director of Fine and Performing Arts and Paul Ketchen, Band Director.
CALENDAR ITEMS:
- October 1, 2014 – Activity Fair at Belmont High School @ 1:00 pm
- October 6, 2014 – Science Olympiad Meeting at Chenery @ 2:30 pm
- October 7, 2014 – School Committee Meeting at 7:30 pm
— This will include a reception for our teaching staff who has earned Professional Status – the receptions starts at 6:30 pm at the Chenery Community Room.
- October 8, 2014 – College Fair at Belmont High School @ 7:00 pm
- October 9, 2014 – Upper School Back to School Night at Chenery @ 7:00 pm
- October 11, 2014 – SAT Testing at Belmont High School
- October 15, 2014 – PTO Meeting at Belmont High School @ 7:30 pm
- October 22, 2014 – Best Buddies at Chenery Middle School @ 1:30 pm