“She brings passion, drive and a new perspective to our school.”
~ Bellesini Chair of the School Board of Trustees Don Bulens

 

Methuen resident Aliali Silverio Belkus has embarked on a new academic journey: She became head of school at Bellesini Academy in Lawrence starting June 23.

“It’s an honor to lead Bellesini Academy. The school is a hidden gem. It’s an incredibly successful school where 100 percent of the students go on to attend private or independent high schools,” she said.

School officials are also happy about Belkus joining the school, said Bellesini Chair of the School Board of Trustees Don Bulens.

“She brings passion, drive and a new perspective to our school. Our students, faculty and staff will thrive under her leadership,” Bulens said.

Belkus comes with a slew of experience. Prior to Bellesini, she was assistant principal of community and belonging at her alma mater, Central Catholic High School, from which she graduated in 1997.

Belkus has also been a teacher at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School, Lawrence High, Northern Essex Community College, Shawsheen Technical High School and Central Catholic High.

Belkus said she fell into teaching while looking for a job after college.

“It’s the most challenging and rewarding experience I’ve had,” said Belkus.

Belkus said she is looking forward to working at Bellesini Academy, a private co-ed middle school for Lawrence children. There are 120 students in the school which has enrichment programs built into the school day as well as student tutoring and support. While co-ed, classes are single gender.

“What excites me the most is working at a school dedicated to helping close the achievement gap. I’m also excited to be the leader of a school where I’m also representing of the student body,” Belkus said, adding she never had a Latino teacher growing up.

“This is profound for me too,” Belkus said about her appointment.

One of her goals is to make Bellesini more visible in the community. Currently the school is enrolling fifth-graders.

“Within the school, I’ll look at gifts and talents students have and build upon them,” she said.

Belkus was born and raised in Lawrence. She went to St. Mary High School and was in the last class before the all-girls school closed in 1996, then was part of the first co-ed class at Central Catholic High School.

She received a degree in media studies and communication from Sacred Heart University, where she also ran track. She has a master’s degree in English with a concentration in composition from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and a master’s in educational leadership and management from Fitchburg State University.

Belkus said her passion for education comes from her late maternal grandmother, Mamasa.

“Although she had a second-grade education, she was a huge supporter of education for her family. I do believe I’ve remained in the field partly because of her,” she said.

Belkus married her high school sweetheart, Jason Belkus, a lieutenant in the Lawrence Fire Department, where he has worked for 20 years. The couple has five children.