October 3, 2022
Dear BPS Families,
The school year has begun and our children are back in routines, learning, having fun, and exploring all kinds of activities that enrich their lives.
Along with a year that feels more “normal” we are getting right to work on Phase 2 of the reconfiguration of the district. I am excited to work with families, students, faculty and staff on this work.
I’d like to introduce you to our new page on the BPS website devoted to the reconfiguration and transition information. Please click HERE to take a look. Notice that you can access regular updates, the BMHS building website as well as a live cam link to see live progress.
I have provided some information and updates below. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns. This is a very exciting time in our district and for our students.
Best Regards,
Karla B. Koza, Director, District Reconfiguration Transition
Phase 2 - The Plan
The seven year project to reconfigure the district started in 2018. You can see the original timeline that was put in place pre-Covid below. The building aspects of the reconfiguration are on track.
Fall 2023
- Grades 7 & 8 Belmont Middle School will open at 221 Concord Avenue. The wing devoted to the middle school is currently under construction. A new principal will be hired during the 22-23 school year
- Grades 5 & 6 will remain at the Chenery school which will be renamed to the Chenery Upper Elementary School. Nicolette Foundas, current Interim Principal at Chenery Middle School will serve as the principal of Chenery Upper Elementary.
Fall 2024
- Grade 4 will join Chenery Upper Elementary. The school will support grades 4, 5 and 6 going forward.
In June of 2022, district leaders presented a revised plan as well as the work needed to get the plan back on track from the two years interrupted by COVID. HERE is the presentation provided to the School Committee.
Grades 7 & 8 Educator Advisory Team
A BMS Advisory Team of educators are meeting on a monthly basis starting in September to
- assist with logistics planning.
- Provide feedback on any remaining FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) needs.
- Offer input on operationalizing the new schedule (when finalized).
- Idea exchange on our new school culture.
- Act as ambassadors to colleagues by providing information on the transition.
- Assist with tours of spaces to help acclimate colleagues.
Educator and Family Advisory Teams for Chenery Upper Elementary - Coming Soon!
Opportunities for Family Input
Please join us for school level specific virtual and in person meetings.These meetings are community opportunities to learn more about the reconfiguration and transition plans, ask questions, and provide your input. See our upcoming schedule below.
Belmont Middle High School Family Information Virtual Coffee
Friday, October 14 at 8:00-9:00 AM.
Hosts: Superintendent Phelan, Director of Transition Reconfiguration Karla Koza
Join Zoom Meeting HERE.
Chenery Upper Elementary School Family Information Virtual Coffee
Friday, October 21 at 9:30-10:30AM CHANGE
Hosts: Superintendent John Phelan, Director of Transition Reconfiguration Karla Koza, Principal Nicolette Foundas
Join Zoom Meeting HERE.
Belmont Middle High School Family Information Night (In Person)
Thursday, October 27, 6:30-7:30PM at Belmont High School
Hosts: Superintendent Phelan, Director of Transition Reconfiguration Karla Koza
Questions, Concerns or Ideas?
Google Form - What questions, concerns or ideas do you have? Please fill out THIS form. We will attempt to answer questions on a rolling basis on the website and in our monthly family updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click HERE to review our FAQs. These will be updated on a rolling basis as we receive additional questions and can provide new information.