‘Backed Into A Corner’: Reluctant School Committee OKs High School Hybrid Plan

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Photo: Belmont High School

Saying they felt “backed into a corner,” the Belmont School Committee voted “reluctantly” for students at Belmont High School to enter into the approved hybrid learning phase.

The proposal which passed 5-1 with Evelyn Gomez voting no, will become operational on Thursday, Oct. 22.

“I just don’t think for high school that the hybrid model of this type is the way we should be going and I’m very, very reluctant to support it,” said Andrea Prestwich, school committee chair who led the effort to seek changes to the hybrid plan that would increase instructional time.

Under the current plan, teaching time for each student will decrease from 180 minutes in the current remote learning phase to 95 minutes in hybrid with 55 minutes in class, limiting educators to teaching the most significant areas of a subject – how to propose and defend an argument and not the proper usage of commas and articles – and leaving high schoolers in AP courses to seek classes outside the school to prepare for the important tests.

But Prestwich acknowledged while the proposed schedule created by High School Principal Isaac Taylor is “the wrong hybrid and the wrong time” and it may be advantageous to stay in the remote system, “we don’t have that choice, in fact.” In September, the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education singling out Belmont along with other districts that were considered “safe” to do so to place students in classrooms.

Several members also noted that Belmont is hampered in making quick changes to the model as it doesn’t have the resources in teaching personnel or staffing to set aside for such a project.

Saying she had received “many, many emails from people who have said, ‘How come Belmont can’t do it when Weston is doing this and Lexington is doing this,” Committee member Tara Donner commented that “I think its good to mention again that our amount of staffing compared to our student body” is far less than other communities. For example, Weston has a student/teacher ratio of 11.3 to 1, while Belmont stands at 16.5 to 1.

“I don’t think we have the staff capacity to start from scratch at this point,” said Donner. “I wish we did, I want to do it differently,” she said but the time for students to have “some kind of in person relationship established with teacher” for this school year is closing, so reiterating Prestwich’s statement, “I basically feel backed into a corner about it.”

While agreeing with the committee’s sentiment, School Superintendent John Phelan said it wasn’t feasible to attempt the changes suggested by the committee and many parents of high school students with the hybrid plan having just been implemented.

Phelan acknowledged that all districts statewide are “trying to maximize the instructional value” in their hybrid systems, he suggested the hybrid phase in Belmont continue as voted through the winter holiday break and into the New Year.

“The deserve to be implemented for a few weeks to a month to get a good handle on what’s work and what’s not … and really rehash where we are and make improvements where we can especially after the winter break and into terms three and four,” said Phelan.

“I honestly feel that when we give our educators a chance to be in a model for a period of time that the feed back we can recieve from family and students and from fellow educators, that creative idea will come from that,” said Phelan.

Student representative senior Alex Fick conducted a survey of the students and discovered that while 50 percent of his classmates would approve moving to a hybrid model in general, two-thirds would say “no” to the current hybrid system.

“They don’t think this hybrid model will suit our needs,” said Fick, who noted comments to the survey revealed that “remote is working well for students … and we should try to develop it more rather than ruining to a hybrid which seem to provide risk with no real benefit as we are losing instructional time.”

Committee member Kate Bowen felt that the approved hybrid system is “something to build on” as it’s like “any creative process and its difficult to go through it … “but I do think it’s important for student to meet their teachers in person to be in the building.”

As for those who worry on the reduction of teaching time, “take a little breather there and consider that those minutes may have a greater value than you can anticipate right now,” said Bowen, noting that a decade from now students will be surprised what they learned during this time and not “the precise minutes you spent in any one class.”

Gomez said if the committee is committed to building on something, it would make more sense to make those improvements while students remain in the remote phase “before we ask people to switch.”

And after hearing from Fick, Gomez believed the model was beyond repair “and I hate saying” that it made more sense to start over.

Member Amy Checkoway said she would also support making significant changes to the hybrid plan if it could be done within at most 10 days “but I don’t believe it’s possible.”

“I feel comfortable with moving forward because I think there’s some real mental health issues I know happening in some households with students that we haven’t probably talked about enough,” she said.

Yet in voting to support the move from remote to hybrid, Prestwich continued to advocate for major changes to the hybrid plan sayiing her vote was based on “an effort over the next couple of weeks to figure out how to increase the instructional time within the model.

“I don’t mean January, I don’t mean December. I mean the next couple of weeks. We need to look at every single way possible, to increase the instructional time within the context of that of the model,” she said, which could include streaming classes on line, hiring more teachers “so that we can move the curriculum along much more efficiently than in the current model.”

The final motion read “Moved, that the school committee approves the current plan to move the high school to hybrid by Oct. 22 provided that efforts are made to impove with a model, especially wih regard to instructional time, going forward.”

Third COVID Case In Belmont Schools As A Chenery Staff/Student Tests Positive

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Photo: Chenery Middle School

A Chenery Middle School community member – either a student or staff – has tested positive with the coronavirus, according an email from Belmont School District Superintendent John Phelan.

The Belmont Health Department sent the district confirmation on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 11:45 a.m. This is the third person who either attended or worked in Belmont schools to come down with the COVID-19 virus in the past three weeks. Just last Friday, a positive case was reported at Belmont High School. In late September the first case in Belmont was reported at the Winn Brook Elementary School.

Unlike the earlier incidents, the person was present at school and in close contact with others during their infectious period which is two days prior to becoming symptomatic or, if asymptomatic, two days prior to testing, up until the time the student/staff/teacher is isolated.

Individuals who were in close contact with the community member have been notified privately and should be tested, said Phelan. Regardless of test results, those who were in close contact must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive.

To further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, the district has sanitized the school with a focus on the areas frequented by the community member that tested positive.

“Although we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if he/she/they shows any symptoms or is not feeling well,” said Phelan.

Letter To The Editor: Belmont Educators Disagree With Return To In-Person Learning

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To the editor:

The members of the Belmont Education Association have spent the past six months balancing the needs of our students- their health and safety needs, their academic needs and their social and emotional needs- against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic

On Oct. 7, the BEA was  made aware of numerous inconsistencies, errors, and omissions in the report completed by BALA, the contractor hired by the school district to assess air exchanges in school buildings.  

Based on the failings of the report, the BEA adamantly disagrees with the district’s decision to enter Phase 2, and educators feel obligated to share our concerns with parents.

BALA’s direct measurements show that most classrooms do not have sufficient air exchange (ACH 5) in line with the Harvard University recommended standard that Belmont would need to meet. Assumptions that open windows and air purifiers could raise classroom air exchange to an acceptable level may, in the end, prove correct. However, BALA’s current report has numerous instances which call into question the validity of the report. For example, multiple interior rooms, which have no windows are listed as having substantial improvements once windows are taken into account. 

Furthermore, there are spaces across the district where no data has been provided at all and are omitted from the report and there are other spaces that are mislabeled. The district is working to rectify this situation, and BALA returned to Belmont this week to reassess spaces to make corrections to their report.

Our community made a commitment not to send students into the buildings until spaces used by students and staff were safe. On Wednesday, the BEA requested that the district delay the start of Phase 2 until the community has  a complete report. The Belmont Public Schools  made the determination that schools were safe and began Phase 2 on Thursday. The short notice and concern for the social-emotional well-being of our students forced us to make a difficult decision to return to our classrooms without assurances that they are safe.

John Sullivan

President, Belmont Education Association

Positive COVID-19 Case At Belmont High, Second In District Since September

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Photo: Belmont High School

The Belmont Health Department reported on Friday, Oct. 9 that a Belmont High School community member – either a student or a staff member – has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Friday’s notice is the second positive individual in the district, joining a Winn Brook Elementary School community member who was diagnosed on Sept. 28.

In an email message sent to the community by Belmont Superintendent John Phelan, Belmont Public School’s director of nursing Beth Rumley, RN, determined that the positive school community member was not present at school during their infectious period. The infectious period used for determining close contacts for COVID-19 is two days prior to becoming symptomatic or, if asymptomatic, two days prior to testing, up until the time the student/staff/teacher is isolated. 

Therefore, no close contacts were identified among the school community in this situation. 

Phelan said the district is taking the following steps:

  • The Health Department and Nursing Director Rumley immediately began case investigations.
  • The district has been planning for this scenario during the reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place.  All of those protocols have been implemented.
  • The student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols, including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. 

“We are grateful to our families for their continued efforts to keep students at home at the first sign of symptoms. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission,” said Phelan.

In Person Early Voting: Saturday, Oct. 17 To Friday, Oct. 30 At Town Hall

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According to the Town Clerks webite, In-Person Early Voting begins in Belmont on Saturday, Oct. 17, and lasts until Friday, Oct. 30. Registered voters can come to Town Hall to cast their ballots; it is the only location where early voting for the 2020 Presidential election will take place.

The schedule for Early In-Person Voting is:

  • Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to noon.
  • Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 26, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to noon.

Early In-Person voting ends at Noon on Friday, Oct. 30.

This Year, Belmont Serves Is Closer To Home Then Ever Before

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Photo: This year’s Belmont Serves poster

This year, Belmont Serves – the town’s day of community service held on the Columbus Day holiday – will be staying close to home.

The organizers of the annual event – the Belmont Religious Council – is asking that people chose one or several service projects (see below) to do on your own, with your family, pod, neighborhood or service group. Take a picture or a quick video and share with the community the good that is happening in Belmont.

Here are some recommended service projects for you to chose from:

  • Print out a Belmont Serves Bingo Card and plan out a few service ideas with the kids! (A completed card could get you an ice cream! Details on the card)
  • Clean up trash on your street, at your park
  • Ask neighbors what you can do to help-yard work, change light bulbs etc..
  • Plant some flower bulbs for your family or neighbor
  • Go on a walk/run in your neighborhood and say hello to all those who cross your path
  • Hold a car wash and give proceeds to the Belmont Food Pantry
  • Support a local business
  • Painting Kindness Rocks/Hope Rocks and place them near your sidewalk
  • Clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons
  • Thank you notes for front-line workers
  • Book Exchange – donate in your neighborhood
  • Belmont Helps will have a Free Mask table in Belmont Center on Monday, Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

High School Service Hours

Belmont High School students have community service requirement and this weekend is a great time to dedicate to getting some hours banked. In order to get credit, send your filled out form and a picture of your post or service to belmontserves@gmail.com and we will verify your service and endorse your form!

Post and Share your service

By sharing your service to your networks, you share the good feelings of humanity with those near and far and fill feeds with kindliness and love.

Instagram: Tag your share with @belmontserves (we will reshare to our followers!) and #belmontserves2020

Facebook: tag your share #belmontserves2020

Email: send your picture or short video to belmontserves@gmail.com and we will share it on Instagram and you may even get in the local paper!

What’s Open, Closed On Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day In Belmont

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Photo: “Portrait of a Man, Said to be Christopher Columbus” by
Sebastiano del Piombo (1519) credit: Wikimedia Commons

Columbus Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Monday of October, is a federal and state holiday that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. It is also a day to honor the contributions of Italian-Americans to the American experience.

Increasingly, communities are honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday celebrating Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures in opposition to the celebration of Columbus Day.

Curb side trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day due to the holiday.

What’s Closed:

  • Belmont Town offices and Belmont Light are closed.
  • US Postal Service will not deliver mail and post offices are closed.
  • Most banks; although some branches will be open in some supermarkets.

What’s Opened:

  • Retail stores
  • Coffee shops
  • Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts
  • Supermarkets and convenience stores
  • Establishments that sell beer and wine are also allowed to be open.

MBTA: Operating on a Sunday schedule. See www.mbta.com for details.

Halloween Is Coming … And Belmont Wants You To Be Safe Trick Or Treating

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Photo: Don’t be too scared about Halloween this year

On a night filled with spooks and horrors roaming the streets, who could have thought the most terrifying act of Halloween 2020 would be sticking your hand into a bag of candy?

With a truly scary coronavirus pandemic continuing to stalk the global community, Belmontians are asking if tricks or treats should even be held this year. It turns out if they follow a few bits of sage advice, the undead, witches and ghouls can still have fun on Halloween.

Wesley Chin, director of Belmont’s Health Department, told the Belmont Select Board Monday, Oct. 5 as it’s getting closer to Oct. 31, there has been “more and more requests for guidance with respect to how to safely participate in Halloween.”

Chin first noted that Halloween is not an “official” town sanctioned event so his department is reluctant to ask the Select Board to either cancel or approve of Halloween taking place.

Rather, the Health Department is making some common sense recommendations for residents of all ages to follow which will minimize the safety risk. The step to take to ensure a safer holiday:

  • Continue to social distance and avoid traveling in large groups or parties (A casualty of prohibiting large gatherings is the cancellation of the annual Halloween Party at Town Hall.)
  • Wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth.
  • Practice good hygiene such as using hand sanitizer often.
  • Rather than give out candy, put them in small bags on a table for tricks and treaters.
  • Residents can also decide not to participate this year. Just keep your porch and indoor lights off during prime tricks or treats time, advice Chin received from Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac.

Chin has released a chart showing those and other ways to have a fun time being spooked.

“I guess that every resident will have to decide for themselves how to approach this with any guidance you can offer,” said Select Board Chair Roy Epstein. “It’s tricky.”

And treaty.

Letter To The Editor: Parents Appreciate The Work Of Teachers In Age Of Pandemic

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Photo: Thanks

Dear teachers, administrators, and staff of the Belmont Public Schools:

There has been a lot of talk and hand-wringing about the various plans for education in this age of pandemic. We would like to acknowledge that you are caught in the crossfire and that you are nevertheless performing an exceptional service in unprecedented times.

Many of us chose to live in Belmont because of its schools. Over the years, we have been impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and perseverance that you demonstrate every day. The move to remote schooling has also shown us that you have great resilience and
flexibility. We have been enjoying hearing our kids engaged during this time at home thanks to your efforts.

Many of us have chosen to keep our children remote during Phase 2 to help protect their health and yours. This choice was difficult and each family approached it differently, but whatever our decisions on the matter it is no reflection of our confidence in you. Some of us are transitioning to hybrid, but appreciate this remote time as a rewarding experience for our kids. This is a time of learning for all of us, thanks to our amazing teachers.

We recognize that many of you are struggling with the same decisions regarding your own health and safety. We know that these are very difficult choices to make, and we support your decisions. We hope that the schools will be able to make appropriate accommodations where needed.

We would like you to know that parents support and appreciate you and your work. We are glad to have our children in your care. We look forward to the day that the schools can safely open to all children, but we are very much aware that this will not happen soon. Until then please know that we feel you are doing an admirable job and that our children’s needs are being met.

Charles and Patsy Bandes, Butler grades K and 2
Amy & Dan Kirsch, Winn Brook grade 4 and Belmont High grade 9
Amy Frasco, two students, Wellington
Angela & Elshad Kasumov, Wellington grade 1
Diane & David Gold, Burbank Kindergarten
Claus and Barbara Becker Belmont HS and Butler grade 3
Kim and Chris Foster, Burbank grade 4 and Chenery, grade 6
Katy and Rob Yang, Winn Brook grade 1
Vikram and Parul Khemka, Winn Brook grade 1 and grade 4
Kimberly Blinn
Aaron Pikcilingis & Laura Burnes, Wellington grade 3 and Chenery grade 6
Lisa and Mark Murakami, grades 2 and 4 Burbank
Carolyn Stella, Belmont HS parent

Belmont Under High Wind Warning Wednesday

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Photo: Belmont is under the weather today

The National Weather Service has placed Belmont under a High Wind Warning effective from 2 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, Oct 7 until 2 a.m. Thursday morning.

Residents can expect steady west winds between 20 to 30 mph with gusts between 50 to 60 mph which could result in trees or large branches coming down causing scattered power outages. Travel will be difficult especially for high profile vehicle such as trucks and buses.

People should also avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. And use caution if you must drive.

Belmont Light’s number to report power outages is 617-993-2800. Do not call 911 for a non-emergency call.