As we approach the time of giving, it is important to think of those who are less fortunate, and it is heartening to see this demonstrated by the generosity of our students, families and teachers as noted below in this month's newsletter. Have a wonderful holiday season, a relaxing winter recess, and a Happy New Year.

“It has always seemed strange to me that in our endless discussions about education so little stress is laid on the pleasure of becoming an educated person, the enormous interest it adds to life. To be able to be caught up into the world of thought—that is to be educated."
[Saturday Evening Post, September 27, 1958]” 
― Edith Hamilton

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

• We presented the proposed school calendar for 2017-2018 to the School Committee at the November 29 meeting. You can see Assistant Superintendent Janice Darias' memo here. The calendar follows the same pattern as this year with some minor operational changes suggested. The School Committee had a conversation about beginning school before or after Labor Day. We will present some updated options regarding this request at the School Committee meeting December 13.
• Visual and Performing arts presented their Plan of Action to the School Committee at the meeting on November 29. All departments do this as part of the seven-year Curriculum Cycle Review, which supports the BPS Strategic Plan and lays out an instructional improvement plan. Please see the documents under the School Committee section of the BPS website for more information. I would like to thank Visual and Performing Arts Director Arto Asadoorian and his staff for all their hard work and input.  

THE GIFT OF GIVING

We have a wonderful community of students, teachers, and parents who demonstrate volunteering and giving back on a regular basis. It is great to see this kind of caring effort that benefits the worldwide community as well as our own.

• Eighth graders at Chenery continued the tradition of volunteering on the first early release date of November. Seventeen of these students spent a half a day volunteering at Cradles to Crayons. December 5 begins the annual two-week CMS Food Drive for the Belmont Food Pantry, which last year saw 7,000 items donated to the pantry.
• Congratulations to the Butler PTA who exceeded their goal of $7,000 and collected more than $8,000 at the annual Book Fair held on November 17 and 18. The PTA donated 88 books to the classrooms libraries and many other books were donated by families.
• Burbank PTA reports a very successful UNICEF collection during the month of October. More than 150 students collected over $1,580 for the annual Trick-or-Treat drive, which provides enough money for 1,100 malnourished children for one day or measles protection to nearly 4,100 children.

SCHOOL NEWS

• After 27 years of service to Belmont Public Schools, Irene Sieberg, Secretary at the Wellington School, is retiring on December 15. The School Committee will read a resolution in honor of her dedicated years of service at the December 13 meeting. We thank her for her service, and wish her well in her retirement.
• We had our first introduction to snow this month. Please be advised the school department will utilize the news channels and emails to inform the district when school is closed. It will also be posted on the BPS website. For more on how to get this information, please see our website.
• At this time I want to remind those who would like to recognize the hard work of teachers and educators there are legal restrictions about gifts to public employees. Please see my Gift Giving Letter on the BPS website for more information about this.
• The Chenery modulars are looking great. I had a chance to tour the space on November 21 and to see the progress being made. We are awaiting final building inspections and furniture delivery. The expected occupancy will be after winter recess. People will be able to look at the modulars before the students occupy them; look out for a notice coming from Principal Michael McAllister for more information.
• Chenery/LABBB program was recognized by Best Buddies International as the "Outstanding Middle school Chapter", out of 313 middle school chapters worldwide, for the 2015-2016 school year. There was a formal presentation of the award plaque at the Chenery School on November 30. Congratulations to the Chenery students for participating as buddies, and the LABBB Collaborative on this honor. For more information, please see our website.
• Belmont High School students will compete this year in season eight of WBGH's High School Quiz Show, which begins taping in January. Belmont is one of 16 teams who qualified to compete out of more than 100 across Massachusetts. Congratulations to the team: Matthew Miller, Aaron Yao-Smith, Eva Hill, Aidan Carey, Cindy Zhang, and Cameron Anderson. For more information, please see our website.
• There were 110 High school students inducted into the National Honors Society at a ceremony held on November 30. Students must demonstrate excellence in scholarship, service, leadership and character along with a qualifying cumulative grade point average to be considered. Please see our website for the full list of students. Congratulations to our inductees.
• Chenery Principal Michael McAllister, formerly principal at Butler, presented the 2016 National Blue Ribbon awards to the Butler school at an assembly held on November 23. He represented  Butler at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. last month. Please see more on our website.
• Belmont High School honored the recipients of the 2016-2017 Model Marauder Awards for Excellence and Creativity at the BHS Pep Rally on November 23.  BHS students are eligible to be nominated for the Award in the areas of scholarship, art and citizenship (three finalists for each category).  Staff is eligible to be nominated in the areas of teaching, learning and meeting the needs of students and their families (three finalists).  Student and Staff nominations are reviewed by a committee of staff members who forward finalists to the school administration for evaluation. Students and staff are nominated on a quarterly basis. Congratulations to the awardees.
  
  Excellence and creativity in art - Andre Ramos (Senior)
  Andre is one of the most spirited and enthusiastic members of the BHS art community, serving as Assistant Director for Hamlet, an active member of the PAC and as a chamber singer. He has led scene work, coordinated technical aspects of shows and always demonstrates an infectious energy that lifts everyone around him.
  Excellence and creativity in scholarship - Noah Riley (Senior)
  
  Noah is another example of spirit and enthusiasm at BHS in addition to his outstanding academic achievement. He is an All American Model UN participant, varsity captain, SILS award winner, and  Middlesex League award winner. In all aspects of his life at BHS, most especially his academics, Noah brings his A game every day. 
  Excellence and creativity in citizenship - Tess Stromberg (Junior)
  Tess is an enthusiastic, passionate, and hardworking student who brings a wonderful energy to BHS every day. She cares deeply about her peers and teachers, and always finds a way to say something kind or encouraging. Recently she has worked with BHS staff members to explore mindfulness as a practice, including speaking publicly to over 70 adults in the community about her experiences with mindfulness on her own and at school. She is a role model for personal growth and commitment here at BHS.
  Excellence and creativity in education  - Mr. Bruno (Special Education) 
  
  Mr. Bruno is an integral member of the BHS community and works tirelessly to support his students and colleagues. He is a stable force in the lives of his students, serving as a teacher, mentor and advocate. Anyone who works with Mr. Bruno feels supported and respected, and appreciates the zeal with which he approaches solving today’s challenges in education. Mr. Bruno represents the best that we have to offer at BHS and we are proud to have his as our Model Marauder.  

NURSES NOTES ("A message from your school nurse")

Don’t forget to update  your child’s required health information

Dear Parents of students in Grades 1, 4, 7, 10 and families new to the Belmont Schools:

Please turn in a copy of your child’s 2016 physical exam. Health examinations are required of all students in Kindergarten, and grades 1, 4, 7 and 10, as well as students new to the school and those with health issues in other grades.   Because your family physician has a comprehensive knowledge of the health status of your child, it is desirable that he/she performs this examination. The physical exam should have been performed in the past year. Please be sure that the document includes the month, day, and year of each immunization.

Head lice are around...

There have been reported cases of head lice. This is VERY NORMAL, especially after a vacation, when families congregate more closely and relatives from far away come to visit. This is a reminder to all of us that head lice are always in the community, and routine inspection of children’s heads by parents is ESSENTIAL to combat the spread. Instructions for inspecting and treating head lice are available in your child’s school nurses office, or on the Belmont schools website, under Health Services.

When your child is sick

There are times when a student should remain at home for his/her own welfare and for the protection of other students. The following criteria may be used to determine when a child should remain at home:

1. Has a cold in the contagious stage (first few days)

2. Sore throat and swollen neck glands accompanied by a fever

3. Undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions

4. Earache, red eyes or drainage from eyes

5. Any communicable disease (see paragraph below)

6. Fever of 100 degrees or higher during the past 24 hours

7. Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

If your son/daughter develops a communicable disease, e.g., chicken pox, strep throat, scarlet fever or fifth disease, please notify the school nurse. This will enable us to monitor your child's progress and other student's exposure.

Students should remain at home a minimum of one day following the resolution of an acute illness. Please check your child’s temperature; a child should be "fever free" for twenty-four hours without taking a fever reducing medication such as Tylenol or Advil before returning to school. Remember that the essentials of good health are good nutrition, plentiful fluids, regular exercise and plenty of rest. 

For more health related information:

http://www.belmont.k12.ma.us/health/policies/

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Congratulations to the 51 students accepted to MMEA Northeast Senior Districts, and the three students accepted to NAfME All-Eastern Chorus. All of the 128 students from Belmont High School who auditioned for these ensembles worked very hard to get there as well as their teachers and parents who helped them achieve at this level. Please see our website for more information.

ATHLETICS

• Four BHS students were honored by the MIAA for helping a visually impaired Chenery runner compete in races this fall. Danielle Baiany, Reagan Haight, Jenna Magno, and Natalie Peterson were given the MIAA Educational Athletics Achievement Award for Community Service and Leadership at the BHS Pep Rally on November 23. The four made themselves available so the student could practice with peers, and helped the student navigate courses that were challenging for a runner with limited vision. Well deserved and congratulations. Read more about it on the BHS website.
• Congratulations to the recipients of the 2016 Fall Middlesex League All Stars:
  
  Golf
  Steve Rizzuto
  Michael Pergamo, MVP-Bob Doran Award in Golf
  Robert Malcolm
  David Pergamo
  Swim
  Molly Thomas
  Dervla Moore-Frederick
  Angela Li
  Nicoletta Kalavantis
  Julia Bozkurtian
  Sophie Butte
  Soccer
  Natalie Marucs-Bauer, Girls 
  Carey Allard, Girls 
  Rachel Berets, Girls 
  Ed Stafford, Boys 
  Daron Hamparian, Boys 
  Nate Espelin, Boys 
  Luckson Dambo, Boys 
  Field Hockey
  Molly Goldberg
  Morgan Chase
  Ann Marie Habelow, MVP Field Hockey
  Julia Chase
  Volleyball
  Su Jing Chen
  Sophia Estok
  Cross Country
  Audrey Christo, Girls
  Zach Tseng, Boys
  Football
  Jake Pollock
  Ryan Noone
  Kevin Martin
  Ben Jones
  Adam Deese
  Cal Christofori
• Congratulations to the recipients of the BHS 2016 Fall Athletic Awards:
  
  Varsity Boys Cross Country
  Sportsmanship Award:  Calvin Perkins
  Coaches Award:  Zach Tseng
  Junior Varsity Boys Cross Country
  Sportsmanship Award:  Eric Shen
  Coaches Award:  Tyler Hafen
  Varsity Girls Cross Country
  Sportsmanship Award: Camilla Carere
  Coaches Award:  Kate Lester
  Junior Varsity Girls Cross Country
  Sportsmanship Award: Micaela Curtin
  Coaches Award:  Izzy Lazenby
  Varsity Field Hockey
  Sportsmanship Award:  Molly Goldberg
  Coaches Award:  Julia Chase
  Junior Varsity Field Hockey
  Sportsmanship Award:  Lou Lou Baghdady
  Coaches Award: Meaghan Noone
  Freshmen Field Hockey 
  Sportsmanship Award: Nuritza Diarbakerly
  Coaches Award: Molly Calkins
  Varsity Football
  Sportsmanship Award: Dylan Ferdinand
  Coaches Award: Ben Jones 
  Junior Varsity Football
  Sportsmanship Award: Sam Harris
  Coaches Award: Kilian O’Connell
  Freshman Football
  Sportsmanship Award: Ryan Santoro
  Coaches Award: Joe Hurley
  Varsity Swim Team
  Sportsmanship Award: Dervla Moore-Frederick
  Coaches Award: Katarena Nalbandian
  Varsity Volleyball
  Sportsmanship Award: Adina Ornstein
  Coaches Award: Olga Katayenko
  Junior Varsity Volleyball
  Sportsmanship Award: Sambridhi Subedi
  Coaches Award: Isha Singh
  Freshman Volleyball
  Sportsmanship Award: Maya Logan
  Coaches Award: Gabby Federico
  Varsity Golf
  Sportsmanship Award: Michael Pergamo
  Coaches Award: Bobby Malcolm
  Varsity Cheerleading
  Sportsmanship Award: Juliette Saint-Ourens
  Coaches Award: Aaliyah Dunstan
  Junior Varsity Cheerleading
  Sportsmanship Award: Nicolette Sergeant
  Coaches Award: Veronica Reyes
  Varsity Boys Soccer
  Sportsmanship Award: Edward Stafford
  Coaches Award: Daron Hamparian
  Junior Varsity Boys Soccer
  Sportsmanship Award: Josh Grassia
  Coaches Award: Alex Rokosz
  Freshman Boys Soccer
  Sportsmanship Award: Tyler Shapazian
  Coaches Award: Aristotelis Chaniotakis
  Varsity Girls Soccer
  Sportsmanship Award: Julia Chase
  Coaches Award: Anna Alibrandi
  Junior Varsity Girls Soccer
  Sportsmanship Award: Alexander Keefe
  Coaches Award: Grace Christensen
  Freshman Girls Soccer
  Sportsmanship Award: Libby Cahoon
  Coaches Award: Sam Widdison

BELMONT LIBRARY NEWS

Belmont is fortunate to have a town library that has so much going on. Please see the library newsletter for their news and updates.

CALENDAR

December 8 -7:00 p.m. -  CMS Auditorium - Grade 6-8 Chorus Concert

December 9 - BHS Marching Band Banquet

December 10 - ACT Testing at BHS

December 13 - 7:00 p.m. - CMS Community Room - School Committee Meeting

December 14 - 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Library - Butler PTA Meeting with a presentation by Superintendent John Phelan

December 14 and 21 - 7:00 p.m. - BHS Auditorium - Winter Concert Series #1

December 16 - 6:00 p.m. - BHS Cafeteria- PAC Coffeehouse Fundraiser

December 17 - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - BHS Clay Pit Pond - Belmont Against Racism is hold Hands Across the Pond to demonstrate Belmont's commitment to a safe and civil community". See their flyer here.

December 22 - 9:20 a.m. - Gym - Winn Brook Winter Concert

December 23 - 9:00 a.m. - Burbank Winter Concert

December 26 to January 2 - Winter Recess - All Schools Closed