Belmont

Three Belmont Band musicians have earned seats in an international honor band festival in Seattle, Washington, from November 22-25, 2024! Congratulations to tubist Eva Cohen, saxophonist William Sun, and flutist Yolanda Yu, who will join over 600 honor band musicians from around the world for this prestigious event. Auditioning via recording in October, they were selected from approximately 1,000 students representing 220 high schools, including participants from Canada and Australia. During the festival, they will perform under the batons of renowned band conductors and composers, including Randall Standridge, Brian Balmages, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Robert Sheldon, Kevin Day, and Robert Ponto. A highlight of the event will be a performance with the multiple-GRAMMY-winning ensemble Mariachi Sol de Mexico. This festival offers one of the most rewarding musical experiences for high school band musicians, celebrating risk-taking, collaboration, and the power of music to bring people together for a common goal. Best wishes to Eva, William, and Yolanda for a meaningful WIBC experience—Belmont is proud of you!

At Burbank's PTA meeting this morning, parents met with Superintendent Dr. Jill Geiser to discuss the district's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. Parents engaged in meaningful conversation, asking thoughtful questions about the curriculum and the district's goals. In the coming weeks, Supt. Geiser will continue attending PTA /O meetings to share more details of the Strategic Plan and connect directly with families. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand about the district's vision and to join the conversation shaping the future of our schools.

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Yesterday, students at Burbank and Butler Elementary Schools honored local veterans with poems and patriotic musical performances. Veterans were greeted with thunderous applause and deep appreciation from students, teachers, and parents. The assemblies strengthened the community spirit, providing an important opportunity to pay tribute to the veterans and inspiring a shared sense of pride throughout the schools.

At this morning's Veterans Day Assembly at Chenery Upper Elementary School, the 5th-grade chorus honored local veterans with a moving performance of patriotic songs. Veterans entered the auditorium to enthusiastic applause and heartfelt appreciation from students, teachers, and families in attendance. Each veteran took a moment to introduce themselves and share the branch in which they served. A special highlight was an address by Mr. Schmitt, a Chief Boatswain's Mate in the Coast Guard and CUE's own physical education teacher, who spoke about his motivation for joining the military, bringing an inspiring and personal message to the ceremony.

Staff and Student Vaccine Clinic https://belmontpsma.edurooms.com/engage/health-and-nursing-services/newsletters/bps-staff-and-student-vaccine-clinic]

Sixth-grade engineers in Ms. Javedan's class at Chenery Upper Elementary School are designing and building "tiny houses" to scale. This past week, students put the finishing touches on their houses, preparing them for display for parents and visitors.

Last week, the Butler School hosted its annual Vocabulary Parade! Led by Principal Babson, students and teachers from each grade showcased their words and creative costumes as they paraded through the hallways. A fun and engaging way to learn new vocabulary!

What a fantastic day last week at Butler School's Fun Run! With enthusiastic support from parents and teachers, and led by their energetic unicorn, Principal Julie Babson, students ran and walked around the school. The event raised over $15,000, which will help fund enrichment programs, field trips, and resources to enhance student learning.

Today is International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day (iWalk)! It was a beautiful morning for parents and students to walk or roll their way to school! At Winn Brook, PTA volunteers greeted families with smiles, stamps, and stickers on their arrival. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect while emphasizing the importance of active and safe transportation to school. Held annually in October, iWalk involves communities from more than 40 countries. Let's continue to Walk & Roll!

From Superintendent Dr. Jill Geiser: We have investigated a possible bomb threat that was posted to Snapchat and brought to our attention by students Thursday am, 10/3. Based on the investigation by administration and the local police, in consultation with the state police, it is our conclusion that this was not posted by a BHS or BMS student. The Mass State police have indicated that the threat fits the profile of generic threats that they have been receiving across Massachusetts. There is no threat, and staff and students are safe to be in school. As a precautionary measure, the Belmont police will be walking the building with the custodial staff, and will maintain a presence throughout the day.

From Superintendent Dr. Geiser: Tuesday, October 1st, the Belmont Police Department received a report from the Veterans Hotline about a caller claiming to be in a bathroom with a firearm at Winn Brook School. Police officers responded immediately, and the Principal initiated a shelter-in-place protocol. All students and staff are safe, and there is no credible threat of a firearm at the Winn Brook school. The Police Department did a full search and determined that no one with a firearm was in the building. The incident was identified as a "swatting" call—a false report intended to provoke a heavy police response - which has also occurred in other communities. The safety of our staff and students remains our top priority, and we continue to rely on our established safety protocols in situations like this. There is no threat at the school, and all activities have returned to normal.

We join the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration from September 15th - October 15th in honoring the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities. This is a time to recognize the diverse histories, arts, and achievements of those whose roots stem from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We celebrate the people in our METCO family who continue to inspire growth, understanding, and unity. Enjoy these Boston events in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month: ➡️𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓 – 𝟐𝟗. Showcasing films from Latin American filmmakers at various venues across Boston, including Coolidge Corner Theatre and Emerson’s Paramount Theatre. Cost varies by screening. ➡️𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐱 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔, 𝟓-𝟏𝟎𝐩𝐦, Museum of Fine Arts Boston. An evening celebrating Latinx heritage and culture, presented in partnership with Amplify Latinx and Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción. Catch live music, dance performances, and talks in the galleries; see works of art by Latinx artists; and network with friends and family. Cost: $5 after 5PM. ➡️𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐱 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟒-𝟕𝐩𝐦, City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Downtown. The Office of Cultural Affairs and Latinx Employee Resource Group will co-host a Latinx Heritage Month celebration with food, music, and dancing. Cost: Free!

Friendly Reminder: Safety Tips for Traveling to and from School As we settle into the new school year, it’s important to keep student safety a priority during arrival and dismissal times. We are sharing the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) guidelines with our community to promote safe practices for walking, biking, driving, or taking the bus. By following these safety tips, we can all do our part to create a safe and stress-free environment around our school.

To Belmont Public Schools Families from Superintendent Jill Geiser This morning, Monday, 09/23/2024 the BPS leadership became aware of a bomb threat to at Belmont Middle-High School. It is with great relief to report everyone is safe. Administration immediately notified both the Belmont Police Department and Superintendent's Office per BPS protocols. In an abundance of caution the entire BMHS building was evacuated and an early dismissal for both Belmont High School and Belmont Middle School occurred. No other schools were impacted. Sincere appreciation to the Belmont Police and Fire Departments for their support in keeping all students and staff safe. Evening activities will resume and school will be in regular session tomorrow with additional police presence.

We hope the school year is off to a great start! To stay up-to-date with the latest news from Belmont Public Schools, MA, download our app. It’s your one-stop resource for all things school-related—right in your pocket!

Community members enjoying conversation and snacks this afternoon with Supt. Jill Geiser and Asst. Supt. Lucia Sullivan. Please feel free to stop by to say hello until 5:30p.

Happy 1st Day of School! Burbank Elementary Principal Lisa Williams and teachers welcomed students and families with open arms. Also, greeting students along the school path with smiles and wags were Officer Brian Conneely and Officer Bingo. Hope everyone has a great first day!

What's for lunch this month? Check out the menu for each school in the Belmont Schools app! If you haven't already, just a reminder to download the app and be in the know! Download for Android https://aptg.co/gm47ff Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/Lf-7Yk

This morning Belmont educators and staff kicked-off the 2024-25 school year! District speakers included Supt. Jill Geiser, School Comm. Chair Meg Moriarty, and BEA President John Sullivan gave opening remarks welcoming all and showcasing each school. Featured keynote, Matthew Rodriguez from The Equity Imperative, emphasized the importance of teachers being their own students and evaluating what's working or not and to continue to "bend the arc" towards justice and equity for all students.