Foundation For Belmont Education Name Outstanding Teachers, Farrell Award Winner

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Photo: Greg Bruce, (middle) the 2024 S. Warren Farrell Award for Educational Excellence honoree

The Foundation for Belmont Education has announced the recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Teacher Awards and the S. Warren Farrell Award for Educational Excellence. Sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, the recipients – selected among nominations submitted by students, parents, colleagues, and the community – will be honored at a public ceremony at the Chenery Upper Elementary School on Monday, April 29.

Greg Bruce, a Special Education teacher at Belmont High School and head coach of the current state champion Boy’s Rugby squad, is this year’s Farrell Excellence Award honoree, recognizes his long standing dedication and leadership both in the classroom and in the larger community. 

The Outstanding Teachers honorees are recognized for their excellence in the classroom and for consistently making a difference in the lives of Belmont’s students. 

 2024 Outstanding Teacher Award recipients are:

  • Joshua Streit, Belmont High School, Social Studies
  • Brenton Lussier, Belmont Middle School, Math
  • Sara Carson, Chenery Upper Elementary School, Music
  • Kendra Nnyanzi, Wellington Elementary School, Grade 1
  • Catherine Monnin, Winn Brook Elementary School, Grade 2
  • Molly Quinn, Butler Elementary School, Social Worker
  • Wendy Hurwitz, Burbank Elementary School, Grade K

The ceremony for this year’s recipients will be held on Monday, April 29, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chenery Upper Elementary School auditorium where cookies and light refreshments will be served. The award celebration, sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, is open to everyone.

Dress Up In Your Costume Best For FBE Halloween Apple Run 5K

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Photo: Scary run through Belmont on Oct. 29

With a new date and route all with a holiday theme, the Foundation for Belmont Education’s Apple Run 5K is not just about how fast you run but do you have the best costume?

The 2023 5K Apple Run will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, with the shorter 2K race starting at 10:45 a.m.

Now being held on the weekend before Halloween, the annual road race that benefits improving educational opportunities for students and teachers at the Belmont Public Schools is expecting its share of ghouls, ghosts, and Marvel superheroes racing through the streets of town.

There will be exciting and fun new prize categories for this year’s Halloween Apple Run, including awarding prizes for Best Individual Costume and Best Team Costume and the fastest runner in age groups and fastest team! A complete list of prizes can be found here. So get working on those costumes!

The first 400 registrants receive our limited edition 2023 Apple Run t-shirt! Register today to reserve one: they’re almost all gone!

Volunteers are needed! Is running not in the cards? We need lots of help to organize and run this amazing community race. Click here to sign up and help out.

The race sponsors are Cityside Subaru of Belmont (PLATINUM SPONSOR), Belmont Orthodontics (RESULTS SPONSOR), Belmont Youth Activities, and D.A.R.E. Inc. (BIB SPONSOR), and East Cambridge Savings Bank (WATER TABLE SPONSOR)

You can find more information about the FBE, and the FBE Apple Run 2023 at this website.

Foundation for Belmont Education’s Outstanding Teacher Awards Ceremony Set For Thurs., May 4 at Belmont High Auditorium

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Photo: You’re invited to the Foundation for Belmont Education’s Outstanding Teacher Awards Ceremony.

The annual Foundation for Belmont Education’s Outstanding Teacher Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 4, at 6 p.m. at the Belmont High School Auditorium.

Sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, the Outstanding Teacher Awards recognizes the extraordinary contributions made by teachers in the Belmont Public Schools. Community members, including high school and middle school students, nominate teachers they feel deserve this recognition. A sub-committee of the FBE then selects teachers from the nominations, one from each of the Belmont Public Schools, to be recognized as the Outstanding Teachers of the Year.

This year’s honorees are:

  • Kerry Lapon, Winn Brook Elementary, Kindergarten
  • Kate Ebdon, Wellington Elementary, Second Grade
  • Samantha Sacco, Butler Elementary, Third Grade
  • Nicole Pond, Burbank Elementary, Art Teacher
  • Brianne Panzarella, Chenery Middle, Sixth Grade Social Studies
  • Eileen White, Belmont High, Social Studies

In addition to the outstanding teachers award, the S. Warren Farrell Award for Educational Excellence recognizes one Belmont Public Schools educator for long-standing dedication and leadership in the classroom and the larger community. This award honors the legacy of S. Warren Farrell for his many years of dedicated volunteer work in Belmont and its schools.

This year’s honoree is Cindy Crowley, Butler Elementary, Special Education.

This year’s FBE hosts are Barbara Bulfoni and Nomita Ganguly. The awards will be presented by John Phelan, Belmont Public School superintendent, and Assistant Superintendent Janice Darias, who are retiring this summer. A special guest will be State Sen. Will Brownsberger.

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A Race That Makes A Difference: 10th FBE Apple Run 5K/2K; Sunday, Oct. 2

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Photo: And they are off in the 10th FBE Apple Run

This is a run that makes a difference.

Now in its 10th year, the Foundation for Belmont Education Apple Run 5K/2K will see hundreds of runners take to the streets of Belmont to support public education and innovation in the Belmont Public Schools. Since the inaugural event in 2013, the Apple Run has raised more than $200,000 for the Foundation for Belmont Education, a 501c3 non-profit organization that awards grants to the Belmont Public Schools to enrich the education provided to Belmont students.

FBE APPLE RUN takes place on SUNDAY, OCT. 2, on Harris Field at Belmont HIgh School. The 5K will start at 9:30 a.m.; the 2K at 10:45 a.m.

The FBE Apple Run 5K follows a scenic, 5-kilometer route through Belmont. Starting and ending at the Belmont High School track at Harris Field on Concord Avenue, the course passes by four of the town’s six public schools – Burbank, Chenery, Wellington, and the High School – and the historic Payson Park Reservoir. The course ends back at the track.

Go get your sneakers, your family, friends, neighbors, classmates, and teammates, and get out and run at this great Fall community event.

REGISTER HERE TO RUN

There are many great reasons to run:

  • You get to run with your community, family, and friends!
  • The first 400 runners get a very cool 10th anniversary dri-fit T-shirt!
  • Run to win! Prizes available for the fastest per age group (10-year increments), the largest team, the fastest team, and the most festive running outfit!
  • Get motivated to run by the great tunes from FBE Apple Run DJ Paul Madden!
  • This event is for everyone, any age and any pace!
  • Run because the money raised funds grants to educators in the Belmont Public Schools to implement innovative programs and advanced technology that result in richer and deeper learning experiences for our students!
  • Belmont has been running for education for 10 years now – let’s keep running to fund our students and educators!

Please visit our website to learn more about how the FBE makes a difference in the Belmont Public Schools.

CAN’T RUN? VOLUNTEER!

Please sign-up here and donate a little of your time. Thank you for your support.

Questions?

racedirector@fbe-belmont.org

The Foundation for Belmont Education is grateful for your support!

Registration Now Open for 10th FBE Apple Run With Chances To Race For Free

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Photo: Go Register, Go Run, Go Belmont! 

Sunday, Oct. 2 • 9:30 AM: Apple Run 5K • 10:45 AM: Apple Run 2K

Now in its tenth year (six years as the Dan Scharfman Memorial Run), the Foundation for Belmont Education Apple Run has brought thousands of  runners to the streets of Belmont to support public education and innovation in the Belmont Public  Schools. Since its inaugural event in 2013, the Apple Run has raised more than $200,000 for the Foundation. Please visit our website to see how these funds have been put to great work in the Belmont  Public Schools. 

We are excited to make our 10th FBE Apple Run the biggest and best yet! To help celebrate 10 lucky  registrants will run for free! A name will be drawn weekly from our pool of registrants to determine who the lucky winners are – sign up now to increase your chances of getting your registration fee back! 

As in past years, the first 400 registered runners in the 2022 run will receive a hi-tec short sleeve ‘quik-dri’ running shirt. Adult and youth sizes are offered. 

Our Couch to 5K Program is available online only this year: Visit the Run page to view and use the 2021  training articles. 

Compete in the team competition this year? Just enter your team name when you register on RaceWire. Visit our run page to see what the team awards are! 

REGISTER NOW FOR THE FBE APPLE RUN 2022

THANK YOU Cityside Subaru of Belmont – PLATINUM SPONSOR FOR 10YEARS!!!

Follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with run news and learn more about the race.

Questions? administrator@fbe-belmont.org

The FBE On-Line Auction Is Up And Running, Deadline March 18

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Photo: The on-line auction will continue March 18

How does getting a ride on a fire truck to school sound? Or taking a run with a world-class marathon athlete? Or a styling party at a top line hair salon?

These are just a few of the more than 100 fabulous items you can bid on during the Foundation for Belmont Education On-Line Auction which starts on Monday, March 7. The online auction runs until Friday, March 18.

A sample of the auction items include:

• Belmont Fire Department: A ride a firetruck to school
• Black Earth Composting Service: Help yourself and the environment
• Haven and Hair Salon: Styling party
• Becca Pizzi: Run and fun with friends and Becca
• Running Brook Camp: One week of camp
• Tiffany White Photography: A family portrait
• Cheeky Monkey: Textile creation by Holly Johnson
• Inspired Bath (Watertown): $500 gift certificate

Every bid helps make a difference in the Belmont public schools.

Foundation For Belmont Education Thanks Record Number Of Runners, Supports For Successful 2021 Apple Run

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Photo:

For the first time in two years, the Foundation for Belmont Education’s Apple Run returned to its five kilometer tour of Belmont schools on the first Sunday of October.

With close to 800 runners – 689 pre-registered and 109 day-of registrations – the support of 60-plus event volunteers, the race committee, multiple sponsors, many in-kind donors and the Partners in Education made the annual community event a unmitigated success.

“We truly love this annual community-wide event and would like to thank the following community members for their generous support: Triogo owner Donna Ognibene, who expertly got everyone warmed-up and ready to race; DJ Paul Madden for keeping the motivation and excitement going all morning with his music; and Belmont High School senior Emily Kaiser for her amazing rendition of the National Anthem. Thank you to Belmont Center Business Association and Moozy’s Ice Cream & Yoghurt Emporium for their incredible generosity with prize donations,” said the statement,” said the FBE in a statement.

The FBE also thanked the Belmont Police Department, Belmont Department of Public Works, and Belmont High Volleyball Team for their tremendous support.

Platinum sponsor: Cityside Subaru of Belmont

Results sponsor: Belmont Orthodontics

Bib sponsor: Didriks and Local Root

Water table sponsor: East Cambridge Savings Bank

T-shirt sponsors: Anne Mahon, Shant Banosian and Rogaris Law

FBE Investors in Education: Belmont Orthodontics, Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, Cityside Subaru of Belmont, and People’s United Bank.

5K MALE WINNERS:

Russell Leino, 39 – 16:41
Jackson Coelho, 17 – 17:12
William Ronchetti, 25 – 17:59

5K FEMALE WINNERS:

Francesca Kitch, 17 – 20:42*
Meredith Mikell, 39 – 20:57*
Heidi Kimberly, 46 – 21:10*
* The top 3 women broke the previous course record!

FASTEST 5K PER AGE GROUP:

U12 M – Fridolin Meichsner, 20:07
U12 F – Sasha Romig, 25:58
13-19M – Giulio Valfre Zaydenman, 20:56
13-19F – Sarah Yu, 22:50
20-29M – Sam Belcher, 19:29
20-29F – Olivia Sedita, 21:46
30-39M – Yuxiao Wang, 21:24
30-39F – Menfru Li, 21:35
40-49M – Lixin Qin, 18:57
40-49F – Becca Pizzi, 22:00
50-59M – Kevin Hettenbach, 21:29
50-59F – Lili Zhang, 23:30
60+M – Roger Tobin, 25:42
60+F – Mary Ciampa, 30:10

2K WINNERS (U12):

Fastest F – Elise Tandy, 10, 8:38
Fastest M – Will Olmstead, 11, 7:59

TEAM WINNERS:

Largest team – Belmont Public Library Road Warriors
Fastest M team – BCAA (Belmont Chinese American Association)
Fastest F team – Belmont High School Field Hockey
Fastest mixed team – Trombone Gang

MOST FESTIVE RUNNING OUTFIT:

Kara and Campbell Sassone

One Week To Run The Apple 5K/2K: Tour Belmont Schools In Race To Help Enrich Education

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Photo:The start of the 2019 FBE Apple 5K.

There’s one week to go before the running of the Apple 5K/2K this Sunday, Oct. 2, the annual road race that lets runners take part in Belmont’s first in the fall favorite event while supporting the Foundation for Belmont Education and the Belmont Public Schools.

The money raised funds grants to educators in the Belmont Public Schools to implement innovative programs and advanced technology that result in richer and deeper learning experiences for Belmont students. Visit the FBE website to learn more about how the FBE makes a difference in the Belmont Public Schools www.fbe-belmont.org/impact

Register here for the race.

The FBE Apple Run sponsors are:
Platinum Sponsor 2021: Cityside Subaru of Belmont
Results Sponsor 2021: Belmont Orthodontics
Bib Sponsor 2021: Didriks & Local Roots

About The Race  
The FBE Apple 5K and 2K races are events that are a celebration of education in Belmont. Passing four of Belmont’s schools (Burbank, Chenery, Wellington, and the High School), the race funds the FBE’s Education Innovation Fund that works with residents and businesses to raise private funds that are used to enrich the education provided by the Belmont Public Schools. 

Race Day Schedule: Sunday, Oct. 3

  • 8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.: 5K and 2k bib pickup & race day registration 
  • 9:30 a.m.: The Apple 5K 
  • 10:15 a.m.: 5K Awards Ceremony 
  • 10:45 a.m.: The Apple 2K
  • 11:15 a.m.: 2K Awards Ceremony 

The Course  
Starting and ending at the Belmont High School Harris Field track on Concord Avenue, the 5k course winds uphill for the first half of the race, passing the Burbank Elementary school and the Payson Park Reservoir. The course turns downhill just past the midway mark and then passes both the Chenery Middle School and Wellington Elementary. It finishes on the Belmont High School track. 

The 2K is a timed race suitable for runners of all ages and abilities. It follows a flat, loop course starting on the Belmont track and going over by Clay Pit Pond ending back at the track.

Awards & Post-Race Events  
An awards ceremony will follow the running of both the 5K and the 2K race. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers of the 5K and 2K races. 

Race T-Shirts  
T-Shirts will be available for both the 5K and 2K races. 

Parking  
The Belmont High School’s Harris Field is located on Concord Avenue, adjacent to Belmont High School. The track can be easily reached by car and public transportation and there is ample parking available for runners on the surrounding streets (Please obey parking signs). 

About the Foundation  
The Foundation for Belmont Education engages the community in supporting the excellence and enrichment of the Belmont Public School System. Through the generous support of private donors, the FBE ensures that all Belmont schools have the resources to inspire and prepare students for success. 

Since 1993, the FBE has awarded more than $2.8 million in grants to finance over 614 projects initiated and organized by principals, teachers, and staff. Resources are distributed through Learning Excellence Grants, which provide up to $1,000 for small projects and up to $5,000 for those benefiting a wider group of students. The Special Initiatives program funds large-scale projects that enhance the educational experience for the entire student body. The Foundation is also committed to supporting teachers and staff through ongoing Professional Development programs.

Back On The Roads Again: Well Known Belmont Road Races Return To Live Running

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Photo: Road racers will be back on Belmont streets real soon.

After being forced to have their events run virtually in 2020, a pair of well-known “5K” road races will be back on the streets of Belmont after the Select Board approved the races that raise funds for scholarships.

The sixth annual Becca Pizzi Family Fun 5K is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 8 with the familiar start/finish line at Harris Field off of Concord Avenue. Pizzi, who came from Logan after running a marathon in Montana the day before, said the race has raised $30,000 in student scholarships at Belmont High School.

On Sunday, Oct. 3, the Friends of Belmont Education 5K/1M Apple Run will kick off from Harris Field. Now in its ninth edition, the race has raised $175,000 to support education in Belmont by helping the Foundation provide grants to teachers and for events that supplement student learning in all of Belmont schools.

FBE Virtual Spelling Bee & Trivia – Saturday, February 6, 2021

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Photo: The bee and trivia event will be held virtually

The upcoming Foundation for Belmont Education Spelling Bee & Trivia event promises to be an afternoon and evening of fun from the comfort of your own home on Saturday, Feb. 6.

The Bee & Trivia format will utilize both Zoom and Kahoot! and will be divided into two fun-filled segments: a Family Bee from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a Teen and Adult Bee from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. While there will still be spelling, both Bees will now include trivia questions too, with surprise hosts, half-time entertainment, and both segments will be eligible for an assortment of fun prizes!

Registration opens on Jan. 19-29, at www.fbe-belmont.org/bee

One member of your team should register the entire team – you will need all the names of the team members and your team name upon registration. We ask that teams be limited to four or the size of your family. The fee per team is $40. Scholarships are available, please contact The Bee Keeper at beekeeper@fbe-belmont.org for information.

For additional information about the FBE Virtual Spelling Bee & Trivia and the FBE, please visit www.fbe-belmont.org. Thank you for your continued support of the Foundation for Belmont Education. Together, we are making a difference in the Belmont Public Schools.

Questions? Email beekeeper@fbe-belmont.org