I’m writing this column after attending an inspiring SPARC National Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. SPARC (Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative) is an organization dedicated to advancing independent schools through auxiliary program excellence and supporting the professional growth of auxiliary leaders in the process. This focused conference made me think about the future of the programs we offer at Belmont Day and reflect on the impact we’ve had on generations of students beyond the normal school day.
Several years ago, we asked each graduating eighth grader to make a video for someone at BDS who had impacted their life. I was honored when a student chose me and shared a gift I have carried with me ever since. Her message began, “When I think of my childhood, Ms. Fross, I think of you and the After School program.” What struck me most was the responsibility and boundless opportunity that come with holding a small piece of a child’s journey in their life and education.
I always return to this Belmont Day graduate and her comments when I reflect on what auxiliary programs mean to this community. For some students, the After School program, summer camp, or other auxiliary programs are part of their entire BDS career. Our programs offer space to practice: igniting a love of learning beyond the academic day, emphasizing social-emotional proficiency, and building resilience in service of learning, all in a safe, rigorous environment with educators who coach, mentor, and nurture these key skills.
As we look to the future, we must cultivate global citizenship in our students, preparing them to graduate confident and ready to navigate the complexities they will inherit. Learning discoveries beyond the school day are fundamental to a holistic educational practice. Spaces of social-emotional learning proficiency where students are seen, heard, and valued are cardinal pillars of the work that we do in our auxiliary programs—After School, enrichment classes, and summer and vacation camps.
At the conference, I had the joy of running into some summer camp and auxiliary program staff alumni who readers may remember: Joe Jean-Mary, Denali Kikuchi, MaryBeth McMahon, and Sophie Rothman ’13. Seeing them as emerging leaders in this field, cultivating programmatic excellence beyond BDS, resonated with me deeply. At its core, auxiliary programs create communities that nurture, support, and protect childhood, something students, campers, and staff carry into the world. When I look at the impact of Belmont Day’s first 100 years, I keep coming back to the footprint these programs have had, and continue to have, in our local communities and beyond.
I believe education’s transformative power plays the greatest role in the future we create. Working with youth communities is an intrinsic part of that power. Auxiliary programs make creating the kind of world I want to live in feel especially accessible.
As I close out this column, I would be remiss not to invite everyone to our annual Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 17, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., a moment to stand in community together and celebrate some autumnal joy. Please join us for spooky, silly fun!