Our last day of school, Tuesday, June 17th, brings this school year to a close. I want to extend my appreciation to our students, staff, families, and community partners for the dedication, resilience, and care you have shown throughout the year. This has been a year marked by meaningful progress and important challenges—both of which have helped us grow stronger as a district. Together, we have remained focused on what matters most: ensuring that every student in Belmont is known, supported, and inspired to thrive.
This year, we continued to advance the priorities outlined in our district’s strategic plan: Academic excellence and equity; social-emotional well-being, belonging, and engagement; and strong communication with families and the community. These priorities are not stand-alone initiatives. They are the foundation of our collective vision for what a public education in Belmont should be–one that nurtures the different aspects of development for every student and prepares them to navigate a complex and changing world with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
This year, we continued to advance the priorities outlined in our district’s strategic plan. Key areas of progress include:
Academic Excellence and Equity
Social-Emotional Well-Being, Belonging, and Engagement
Family and Community Communication
These are not isolated initiatives—they are the foundation of our shared vision for public education in Belmont: one that nurtures every aspect of student development and prepares all learners to navigate a complex, changing world with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
One of our most significant efforts this year was navigating a difficult budget season. With the expiration of federal ARPA funding, we collaborated with the School Committee and Town leadership, gathered community input, and engaged with school and district leadership to make thoughtful decisions about allocating limited resources. Thanks to this collaboration and advocacy, we were able to retain the majority of positions that directly support our students—particularly in academics and social-emotional learning. These decisions reflect our unwavering commitment to putting students first, ensuring they continue to receive the support they need to succeed.
At our schools, the year was filled with moments of joy, discovery, and partnership. Across all levels, we celebrated growth and continued progress:
Elementary Schools - Deepened efforts to create warm, inclusive environments while implementing targeted supports for our youngest learners. Memorable examples include:
Burbank - a hands-on garden enrichment day, where students stepped outside the classroom to plant lettuce, spinach, and beets, and explore the natural world. With support from PTA and Burbank Gardens volunteers, students learned through digging, planting, and discovering garden creatures, fostering curiosity and a love of nature.
Butler - the annual Vocabulary Parade, where students and teachers from every grade brought language to life by dressing up as vocabulary words and parading through the hallways—a fun, creative, and engaging way to build literacy and school spirit.
Wellington - a schoolwide assembly on Curiosity brought students together to celebrate learning from mistakes through shared lessons from staff and student performances, highlighting belonging, resilience, and student voice.
Winn Brook - A powerful example was Race and Song: A Musical Conversation with Alastair Moock and Reggie Harris—an unforgettable experience that blended music, storytelling, and history, funded by the Foundation for Belmont. Students sang along, learned to sign a song, and engaged with meaningful conversations about race, community, and empathy, fostering connection and understanding through the arts.
Chenery Upper Elementary School - Advanced its transformation into a true upper elementary model, designed to meet the unique developmental needs of students in Grades 4–6.
A standout moment was the schoolwide Being Responsible assembly, where students took the lead—sharing skits, raps, poems, and videos that brought this core value to life.
Belmont Middle School - Built on a strong foundation in its second year, fostering a supportive learning environment for students in a pivotal stage of adolescence.
A memorable experience included Local Government Day, where 8th graders gained a hands-on look at civic engagement, thanks to PTO volunteers who organized the event and the local officials who generously shared their time and insights.
Belmont High School - Sustained a strong academic program while offering a diverse range of extracurriculars, including arts, athletics, and clubs. Students showcased their talents, dedication, and commitment to excellence across all areas.
One highlight was the Senior Project Exhibition, where students poured their creativity, research, and passion into projects ranging from art displays and original poetry to podcasts and even an adaptive cart.
As we turn our eyes toward the summer and beyond, the Belmont Public Schools will continue to move forward—guided by our goals, grounded in collaboration, and always centered on the needs of our students. We know the work of shaping vibrant, equitable, and joyful schools is never finished, and we are committed to that work with clarity and purpose.
It is a privilege to lead this district. As I reflect on the progress we have made and the shared values that guide our work, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your belief in the power of public education.
Wishing each of you a summer filled with rest, renewal, and time with loved ones. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.