Community & Diversity
The Office of Community and Diversity at Belmont Hill provides a deep sense of belonging by supporting the School's mission of developing young men of character. The Diversity Action Plan calls for a comprehensive approach to this work and touches every constituent in our community in some way. We seek to notice, support, and leverage the enriching forms of difference in our community while also emphasizing all that binds us. The School's foundational idea of Working Together articulates our focus on collaboration and conversation among everyone. Finally, Belmont Hill offers a unique opportunity to do this work specifically within the context of a boys school. As is the case in many areas of learning within a boys school, we have a unique environment in which one can explore new ideas and grow.
Our motto of “Working Together,” is meaningful only if every boy on this campus feels a genuine sense of belonging: that he is loved, cared for, cherished. In order to fulfill our mission of developing men of good character, we must foster an environment in which empathy, compassion, and understanding thrive so that all voices are welcomed, listened to, and respected. We must be willing to walk in our brother’s shoes. This is how we best learn and grow here on the Hill.
-Caleb Collins '93 Director of Community and Diversity
-Gregory J. Schneider
Ronald M. Druker '62 Head of School
Sextant Divider
Community & Diversity on Campus
Our focus on community and our dedication to diversity are clear. Our students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to share their voices, experiences, and ideas as openly and authentically as possible. This encouragement helps our boys develop a sense of confidence and integrity that makes them active participants in their dynamic worlds.
Below are descriptions of programs and groups offered within the Belmont Hill Community:
Multicultural Alumni Partnership Speaker Program
Founded in the fall of 2008, Belmont Hill’s Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) strengthens relations among all of Belmont Hill’s alumni to enhance the diversity, openness and climate of the greater school community. MAP realizes these objectives through targeted programs, networking events and community outreach, all in collaboration with past and present students, parents, faculty, staff and trustees.
MAP Speaker Series - Alumni in Medicine
Community & Diversity Office
Caleb Collins
Mr. Collins is an alumnus of Belmont Hill (Class of '93) and has been teaching at the school since 2002. He teaches Geometry and Pre-Calculus. In addition, he is the director of Community and Diversity. Mr. Collins is a coach of the Third Basketball and Third Football teams.
Stephen George
Mr. George joined Belmont Hill in 2010. He teaches AP Statistics, Geometry, and other courses in the Math Department. He coaches Fourth Soccer and Varsity Crew and also oversees Community Service programming.
Lawrence Lopez-Menzies
Mr. Lopez-Menzies is the assistant director of Community and Diversity, assists in the Admission Office, works with student affinity groups, coaches basketball and crew, serves as a faculty advisor to students. A graduate of Yale University with a BA in political science, Mr. Lopez-Menzies is currently completing an MA in clinical psychology from Columbia University Teachers College. He is the co-founder and president of Crew Haven, an organization committed to removing barriers to access and opportunity in rowing.
Nancy O'Connor
Mrs. O'Connor teaches Science 1, Chemistry, and Biology. She is also a Form V Advisor and coaches Middle School track. Mrs. O'Connor returns to Belmont Hill School (where she also taught Upper and Middle School science from 2002-2006) after teaching at The Rivers School, Gann Academy, Park School, and Dedham Country Day School. Mrs. O'Connor holds a B.A. in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience from Williams College.
Belmont Hill School
Principles of Inclusive Teaching Practices
- Our relationships with our boys form the foundation of the Belmont Hill experience.
- We craft multiple pathways for students to engage in and participate in their coursework, and we strive to foster a classroom culture that values each member’s contributions.
- We seek to engage students in open dialogue and challenging conversations, acknowledging each member’s potential barriers to engagement.
- We respond productively to and learn from moments that run counter to the school’s inclusivity standards.
- We set clear expectations for all students. Recognizing that every student is different, we strive to help each work to his fullest potential.
- We reflect on, share, and challenge our own perspectives, biases, and gaps in understanding to improve our craft, and we recognize the role that self-awareness plays in fostering an equitable and inclusive school environment.
- We model and promote the importance of curiosity and life-long learning.
- We work to ensure that our students see themselves valued in our curriculum and our community.
As a school, we invest fully in achieving the goals of this aspirational statement on inclusive teaching practices to foster student achievement and develop young men of good character.