The curriculum at Chenery School includes courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, Technology and Health Education, reading and English Language development (for students for whom English is not the native language). The Belmont Public Schools curricula are aligned with state standards and designed to develop students’ skills and understanding from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Each discipline is led by a curriculum director, who can be contacted with questions or comments.

Family Guides

These guides to the Massachusetts learning standards help families understand what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of each grade. Designed to help families and teachers work together to support learning, the guides are available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese. Click here for information on learning standards for each grade. 

Curriculum Directors & Coordinators

• Laura Smith - ELA & Social Studies Coordinator

• Lindsey Rinder - English Language Learner (ELL) Education Director

• Courtney Philbin - Math & Science Coordinator

• Arto Asadoorian- Visual and Performing Arts Director

• Adam Pritchard - Physical Education, Athletics, Student Activities Director.

Homework Guidelines

At the Chenery School we believe that homework is important. It helps students learn responsible work habits. Developing a regular routine of doing homework is also important to prepare students for success at Belmont Middle School. That does not mean, however, that more homework is necessarily better. The important question to ask when considering homework is not “How much homework should be given?” but "What is the right type of homework to give?" 

Effective homework assignment possesses three qualities: 

• It is meaningful 

• It is closely connected to the curriculum 

• It helps further a student's learning 

If homework does not fulfill these three qualities it can become a rote task that is completed without enthusiasm or engagement, and can become a major source of frustration for students and their parents/guardians. If, however, homework is carefully selected according to these three qualities, it can be an important source of learning. 

PortalPlus
Chenery uses an online classroom portal which allows teachers to post class materials, worksheets, handouts, and SMARTBoard files. Staff, students, and parents will receive activation codes which will allow them to create their own accounts. Report cards and progress reports are also posted online.

Chenery PortalPlus

Make-up Work 
Students absent from school are expected to make up all work assigned or completed during their absence. It is the student’s responsibility to ask teachers about work that needs to be made up. In the event of a student’s multiple day absence due to illness, parents may request homework assignments through the guidance office. In extenuating circumstances, teachers may grant additional time for making up work. Work not completed and turned in within the allotted time may not be accepted for full credit.

Extra Help 
We encourage students to ask their teacher for extra help when needed. Teachers are available to provide additional help after school at least once a week.