Belmont Public Schools News

Superintendent's Letter - Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 - Friday, March 5, 2021

I write to inform you about new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in our school community.  We received confirmation from the Belmont Department of Health today, 3/5/2021, regarding these cases. This is what we know for certain at this time: The Department of Health received confirmation of a laboratory testing report indicating that two school community members (i.e., student or staff) -- at the Winn Brook Elementary School and at Belmont High School -- have been diagnosed with positive cases of COVID-19.

Message from Superintendent Phelan - Return to In Person Learning Working Group Update

I am writing with our weekly update on the Return to In-Person Learning Working Group, and to share some thoughts on this very challenging year. I want to recognize that this has been a difficult year for students, as well as for parents and families. It has also been the most significant challenge our educators have ever faced. There are no easy answers as we battle COVID-19. I want to personally thank Belmont Public School educators for their tireless and extraordinary work on behalf of our children. I also want to thank the families of Belmont for the grace they have shown--and continue to show--as we work through this devastating public health crisis.

Superintendent's Letter - Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 - Wednesday, March 3, 2021

I write to inform you about new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in our school community.  We received confirmation from the Belmont Department of Health today, 3/3/2021, regarding these cases. This is what we know for certain at this time: The Department of Health received confirmation of a laboratory testing report indicating that 4 school community members (i.e., student or staff) -- at the Roger Wellington Elementary School (2) and at Belmont High School (2) -- have been diagnosed with positive cases of COVID-19.

Better Through Books - BPL March Events

The Belmont Public Library presents a dual focus which will cover a few different books and multiple programming opportunities that span 2 months, rather than the traditional one-month program. In this unique time, the One Book, One Belmont committee has decided that the theme for our community read must be healing – healing from a devastating year that we will never forget. The library and our community organization cosponsors invite Belmont residents to read across a variety of titles and participate in all of the exciting programs throughout March and April.

Trivia Night 2021 - ONLINE

The Performing Arts Company and Patrons (Parents of Performing Arts Students) are hosting an online version of our popular Trivia Night Fundraiser on Friday, March 12 from 7-9pm. Open to all adults in the community, Trivia Night is a fundraiser, social event and games night all in one. Participants form teams of 4-8 (or we’ll help you join a team) and will play trivia hosted by MCO Productions, a professional Pub Trivia Company.

Superintendent's Letter - Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 - Friday, February 26, 2021

I write to inform you about new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in our school community.  We received confirmation from the Belmont Department of Health today, 2/26/2021, regarding these cases. This is what we know for certain at this time: The Department of Health received confirmation of a laboratory testing report indicating that 6 school community members (i.e., student or staff) -- at the Roger Wellington Elementary School (2) and at Belmont High School (4) -- have been diagnosed with positive cases of COVID-19.

Superintendent's Update - Friday, February 26, 2021

I write to update you on the recent announcement by DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley regarding the full return of elementary students across the Commonwealth and how it will impact students and families in Belmont. On Tuesday, 2/23/2021 Commissioner Riley requested permission from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to require elementary students to have an in-person, full-time option, starting on April 5.

Superintendent's Letter - Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 - Tuesday, February 23, 2021

I write to inform you about new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in our school community.  We received confirmation from the Belmont Department of Health late yesterday, 2/22/2021, regarding these cases. This is what we know for certain at this time: The Department of Health received confirmation of a laboratory testing report indicating that 6 school community members (i.e., student or staff) -- at the Roger Wellington Elementary School (2), W.L. Chenery Middle School (1), Belmont High School (2), and District-wide (1) -- have been diagnosed with positive cases of COVID-19.

Superintendent Update - Friday, February 19, 2021

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff, I hope you had a restful time over the February break with family. I write to provide you an update on several important issues from the School Committee and school department.

Superintendent's Letter - Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 - Friday, February 12, 2021

I write to inform you about new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in our school community.  We received confirmation from the Belmont Department of Health today, 2/12/2021, regarding these cases. This is what we know for certain at this time: The Department of Health received confirmation of a laboratory testing report indicating that five school community members (i.e., student or staff) -- at the Roger Wellington Elementary School (1)  and at Belmont High School (4) have been diagnosed with positive cases of COVID-19.

FBE Rapid Response Grant Awards and New Grant Applications

The Foundation for Belmont Education (FBE) is pleased to announce two new Rapid Response Grants awarded to Belmont Public Schools on February 5, 2021 totaling $2,608.  To date, the FBE has awarded seven Rapid Response Grants totaling $12,217, and we continue to encourage and accept applications for projects that address needs that arise from Covid-19 pandemic impacts in our schools. 

Thank You Belmont!

Thank you so much to everyone who made our Virtual Spelling Bee & Trivia event such a success! This year’s format and all our fun participants created an exciting and unforgettable event!

Return to In-Person Learning Working Group

Understanding the urgency of students needing more time in person, and the challenges we have in Belmont with space and enrollment, we are starting a Return to In-Person Learning working group to identify these challenges and provide guidance to move the work forward. This working group will provide information for review by the Superintendent and the public on a rolling basis, looking at the remainder of this school year and towards September.

Update on Testing, Vaccines, and Return to In-Person Learning Working Group

As the year progresses, and in an effort to look forward, we are providing you an update today as it relates to testing and vaccinations. In addition, we are also providing you with update on the Return to In-Person Learning Working Group, which will provide community feedback and input on the challenges and opportunities that face all districts at this time. We understand our students need more direct instruction and in-person learning. We are optimistic that with health initiatives combined with this working group in place, we will be prepared for acting on any shifts in guidance and health metrics so we may look to enjoy more live instruction and/or in-person learning.

Belmont Public Schools Update

Since Monday, 1/11/2021 we have been engaging in negotiations with the Belmont Education Association (BEA) to consider two important documents that will impact both the elementary and middle school hybrid schedules:

Belmont Public Schools Online Registration for School Year 2021-2022 opens January 29, 2021

We are pleased to announce BPS offers free tuition for kindergarten. Important registration information for current BPS families: You do not need to register a grade 1-12 existing Belmont Public Schools student again. You do need to register your incoming kindergartner even if you are a current Belmont Public Schools family. To ensure placement of your incoming kindergartner at the same elementary school as your grade 1-4 child, please submit all required documents to complete registration for your incoming kindergartner by April 9.

Town and School Budget Updates and Presentations

The budgeting process for the Town of Belmont has been underway for several months, including numerous public meetings of the School Committee, Select Board, and Financial Task Force II, as well as public forums sponsored by the Warrant Committee. I want to share with you an update on this process and invite you to participate in the continuing discussions.

Superintendent's Letter - Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 - Thursday, January 28, 2021

I write to inform you about new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in our school community.  We received confirmation from the Belmont Department of Health late yesterday, 1/27/2021, regarding these cases. This is what we know for certain at this time: The Department of Health received confirmation of a laboratory testing report indicating that 6 school community members (i.e., student or staff) -- at the Roger Wellington Elementary School (3), W.L. Chenery Middle School (2), and Belmont High School (1) have been diagnosed with positive cases of COVID-19.

Update on COVID Testing - School Opening 2020-2021

As you know, last Friday Governor Baker announced pool testing will be available for all schools and districts in the state by February. Director of BPS Nursing Beth Rumley and I attended the state-provided webinar today regarding this initiative.

Superintendent's Letter - Confirmed Case of COVID-19 - Wednesday 23, 2020

Dear Members of the Belmont Public Schools Community, I write to inform you about a new case of confirmed COVID-19 in our school community.  We received confirmation from the Belmont Department of Health today, 12/23/2020, regarding this case. This is what we know for certain at this time: The Department of Health received confirmation of a laboratory testing report indicating that a school community member (i.e., student or staff) at Belmont High School has been diagnosed with a positive case of COVID-19.