Superintendent's Blog
Welcome, please come and browse the newsletters
In every entry you will find news from the schools as well as entries that will be staples in each edition, such as School Committee Updates and School News. We hope to highlight our staff, students, and this amazing community we are all part of. There is a tremendous amount of activity in every school in Belmont, and we are proud to share it through this newsletter and the BPS website.
Dr. Jill Geiser,
Superintendent of Schools
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - December 20, 2024
With the winter holiday upon us, I want to extend a warm thank you to our Belmont community. During these first few months of the school year, we have seen many rewards for our students with your constant support being an important part of our successes. This season gives us a chance to reflect on our shared achievements and to take a well-earned break to relax and spend time with friends and family.
This year, the District has prioritized an important initiative - curriculum development. Curriculum is the foundation of teaching and learning as it shapes students’ educational experiences. It supports instruction, providing teachers with essential materials and content with which to design lessons. Curriculum influences all levels of instruction, making it a key element of our strategic plan to enhance the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) with high-quality curriculum.
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - November 22, 2024
I am delighted to share an update on the progress being made on one of the 3-year goals in our BPS Strategic Plan 2024-2027 —our Vision of a Graduate/Learner. This effort reflects our commitment to defining the essential competencies we want for every student by the time they graduate. These conversations began several years ago when the BMHS building project was underway. The initiative was put on hiatus during COVID and has now resumed this year with the intention of bringing forward a Vision of a Graduate/Learner to the Belmont community. Built collaboratively with a design team that includes voices from all corners of our community - BPS staff, parents and guardians, community members, and students - we are engaging in meaningful discussions about the skills and knowledge our students need to succeed in their future careers, educational pursuits, and as contributing members of society.
Striving for Academic Excellence and Equity for All Students
The Vision of a Graduate/Learner serves as a framework for our instructional practice, guiding the focus of teaching and learning toward key competencies that matter....
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - October 18, 2024
In my last blog post, I talked about the strategic planning process this past year, which started with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values. At the September 24th School Committee meeting, I presented our full strategic plan, comprising our priorities and goals for the next three years. The development of the strategic plan began with a thorough analysis of the data to identify key areas for district improvement. That analysis led to the development of 3-year goals, along with annual goals, and action steps for each of the strategic priorities.
BPS strategic priorities:
Academic Excellence and Equity for all Students
Social Emotional Well-Being, Belonging, and Engagement
Family and Community Communication to Support Student Learning
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - September 20, 2024
Hello Belmont Community! We began the school year with much enthusiasm, welcoming staff on September 3 and students on September 4. I extend my gratitude to our families and staff for their positive energy and excitement as we opened our school and classroom doors once again. It was uplifting to experience the vibrant energy of learning return, with students filling the hallways and classrooms, eager for a year full of growth and discovery.
This year marks the final phase of our grade reconfiguration, as we proudly open the Chenery Upper Elementary (CUE) School, now home to all students in grades 4 through 6. This is a pivotal moment for the school with the leadership and staff working diligently to create an environment specifically designed to meet the needs of students at this developmental stage.....
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - August 23, 2024
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!
Here at BPS, we are all looking forward to welcoming students and families back to school on September 4 for grades 1 - 12, September 5 and 6 for Kindergarten, and September 9 for Preschool.
I hope you have had an opportunity to view the mid-summer video update sent out in early August. Here is a link to the update just in case you missed it:
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - June 14, 2024
As we wave goodbye to another school year, I write to celebrate the remarkable journey we have had this year. This year has presented challenges and opportunities, which we have navigated together with a spirit of collaboration. Our students have impressed us all, not only by excelling in academics, but also by shining on stages, in art studios, and on sports fields. They have shown talent in leadership, civic engagement, and community service, demonstrating a well-rounded spirit and drive to contribute and impact the Belmont community. See full blog post for June 14, 2024
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - April 12, 2024
Last week, the Belmont community graciously endorsed the fiscal override, ushering in essential funds for the Town. This decision was not made lightly: The override brings much-needed revenue to sustain Belmont’s services, at the same time it imposes a financial impact on residents. In light of this, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the community for providing the opportunity to invest in our schools in order for us to continue delivering exceptional education for our children. See full blog post for April 12, 2024
Belmont Superintendent's Blog March 8th, 2024
During my update at a recent School Committee meeting, I spoke about the work students in the Global Leadership class are doing at BHS. In this class, students study issues such as health care, fair trade, and social entrepreneurship to gain an understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. There is a wide array of classes, like this one, that provide students opportunities to learn disciplines in new and unique ways. For example, Social Justice by the Numbers is an interdisciplinary cou... See full blog post for March 8, 2024
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - February 16, 2024
Hello Belmont Community! I recently had the opportunity to attend two important events in our community. The first was the Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast on January 15, hosted by Belmont Against Racism (BAR) and Belmont Human Rights Commission in support of the METCO Program and Support Fund. I was also honored to attend the Chinese Cultural Festival hosted by the Belmont Chinese American Association on February 11. I continue to be in awe of the rich diversity of our community - it is t... See full blog post for February 16, 2024
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - December 22, 2023
As we approach the end of another year, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation for your support and dedication to the growth and development of our students. This holiday season is an opportunity to reflect on our challenges, celebrate our successes, and to look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - 11.9.2023
This weekend brings Veterans Day, when we honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces with their dedication and courage. I had the honor this past week of commemorating this day with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Belmont Chapter at Butler, Burbank, and BMS, including a luncheon where we came together in appreciation of our veterans. I would like to express my gratitude to the VFW for the opportunity to share in that event and to our veterans for their service ...
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - 10.13.2023
We are over a month into the school year with teaching and learning well under way. Over the past weeks, I have been visiting schools and going to curriculum nights and athletic events where I have been able to see our staff and students in action. I am continuously reminded of how much talent and dedication we have in our community!
Belmont Superintendent's Blog - 9.15.2023
We opened the school year last week with our Opening Day for staff on September 5 and for students starting September 6. Thank you to families and staff for helping to make those first days go as smoothly as possible. It was great to see students return to school buildings filling the hallways and classrooms with the sounds of learning.
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I am excited for our school doors to officially open on September 6 for grades 1 - 12, September 7 and 8 for Kindergarten, and September 11 for preschool, and am looking forward to seeing students filling our hallways, ready to learn. I hope you have had a chance to view the video updates from our central office team this summer Here are the links in case you missed them:
Belmont Summer Update Video Message: Superintendent, DEI DIrector, Technology Director
We invite you to watch the latest video message for the summer from Superintendent Geiser. In this message, you will hear from Chon'tel Washington, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Matt Kuzmeskas, Director of Technology, who talk about what they have been doing to prepare for the 2023-2024 school year.
A Message from incoming Superintendent Jill Geiser
Dear Belmont Community, I am writing to introduce myself as Belmont’s next superintendent of schools. I am honored to join this vibrant community, with its strong academic tradition, as its next educational leader and excited about the opportunity to serve the students and families of Belmont. I have been in the field of education for about 30 years as a teacher as well as school and district leader. I have a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities and I a...
