From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
We are a little more than a week away from ending this most unusual school year. Your commitment to your child’s learning and to our school is impressive. We could not have done this without you. Thank you!
As you know, the School Board unanimously approved a budget for FY 2022. It places the well-being of all students, staff, and families at its core, during a time when the county's finances have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. The budget prioritizes and funds resources that support our students’ academic and social-emotional needs. A total of 86% of the $3.4 billion budget will go directly to instruction and instructional support. It also recognizes the sacrifices and commitment of FCPS teachers and staff during the pandemic with a 2% Market Scale Adjustment (MSA) for all employees. Learn more about the FCPS budget here.
This week, 5th-graders are sharing their PYP Exhibition projects. If you are a parent of a fifth grader, you already know how thoughtful and reflective our students are about what matters to them. Their topics are varied and touch on the many issues that affect our world and our society today. They are champions for justice and inclusion of all people, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and the rights of LGBTQ+ people; they care about protecting the flora and fauna of our planet; and they have a unique perspective on COVID-19 as young children who are living through this pandemic. Their bravery and commitment to making the world a better place makes us proud.
We wish you a wonderful week and weekend ahead.
Best Regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal and Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Family Literacy Night on Monday, June 7
The much-loved Family Literacy Night (formerly known as Partners in Print) is back. We want all our families to attend!
This year, there will be two parts:
- From 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., visit Belvedere or Barcroft View Apartments playground. Your child will pick a brand-new book plus a grab bag of books to grow your home library. (Additional goodies may be available, too!)
- From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., families will be invited to attend a virtual workshop with our wonderful Belvedere staff. BBCU links will be sent the day of the event.
We would like to estimate how many children/families will attend. Please RSVP by filling out this google form.
Contact Alexa McKenrick at akmckenrick@fcps.edu with any further questions.
Calendar Reminder: All Students to Be Virtual on Tuesday, June 8
Tuesday, June 8, is the Democratic Primary Election. Because the Fairfax County Electoral Board and City of Fairfax Electoral Board will be using 165 school facilities as polling locations, June 8 will be a virtual synchronous learning day (no in-person classes) for students.
Get more information about the primary elections.
Beware of Ticks
With our students spending time in our outdoor classroom spaces, we wanted to remind parents to be on the lookout for ticks, which can carry disease. For more information, click here.
 
Please Send your Child to School with a Water Bottle!
With the return of hotter weather this week, we wanted to remind parents to send children to school with a water bottle. Water fountains are not available due to COVID restrictions, but students can refill water bottles at classroom sinks.
Thank you!
End-of-Year Return of School Supplies
We are looking for your child to find and return these items to school before the end of the school year:
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Technology Items: Laptop, charger, carrying case (if given), and MiFi device (if given)
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Language Arts Items: Bags of Books that had the Return to BES Teddy bear sticker on it
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Math Items: Any dice, counters, Unix cubes, base ten blocks, 100s charts
- You do not need to return: any notebooks, folders, or art supplies.
For In-Person students, please bring items to school with you and give to your teacher.
For Virtual students, please return all items during one of these times:
- Friday, June 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.;
- Monday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or
- Tuesday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you are moving or leaving before the last day of school, please drop your items off beforehand!
Medication Pick-Up
If you left medications for your child at Belvedere, they must be picked up no later that 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 11. Any medications remaining at Belvedere after that date will need to be destroyed, in accordance with FCPS regulations.
5th Grade Graduation
We are planning a fun virtual graduation celebration for our fifth-graders on the last day of school, Friday, June 11. Click here for more details!
Glasgow JumpStart for Rising 6th Graders
Glasgow Middle School Rising 6th grade JumpStart Program: August 2 & 3 or August 4 & 5
Help your student get a JumpStart on middle school! Students take a tour of the school and engage in a series of group activities and learning experiences to prepare for in-person sixth-grade in the fall. All rising sixth-graders registered for Glasgow Middle School in the fall of 2021 are eligible to register. Space is limited, so please register soon.
See this flyer for details. For more information please email: Melinda Hedenberg, Rushel Grillo or Emily Wasserman.
Summer Reading Program
The Fairfax County Public Library has a wonderful summer reading program this year that begins on June 11. Click here to read more. Students also have access to e-books all summer long. We hope you’ll keep your Belvedere Bulldog reading all summer!
Order your School Supply Kits Now!
School supply kits for next school year are now available for purchase through the Belvedere PTA! School supply kits allow you to do your back to school shopping risk free from the comfort and safety of your own home. Get the exact supplies your teacher requested without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at big box retailers. To purchase next year's supplies, Click here!
Free Summer Soccer Camp
The Culmore Soccer Camp is a county-sponsored program that is free for all participants in the Bailey’s community. This soccer camp is a place where young athletes, ages 6 to 16, can continue to develop their skills and participate in a team setting during the summer months.
Please visit their website here for more information. For a registration form in English, click here. For a registration form in Spanish, click here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Available to Children 12-15
Good news! Vaccine providers in Virginia began vaccinating teens between 12-15 years old, following federal approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine last week. Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu and FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand sent a joint letter to parents stressing the important role that vaccinating young people plays in keeping our schools a healthy place to learn. Check out FCPS teens from Justice High School who are sharing why they are getting vaccinated.
Vaccines are widely available now:
- To learn how to get a vaccine at a Health Department clinic site, including the Fairfax County Government Center, George Mason University, and the Tysons Community Vaccination Center, go to the Fairfax County COVID-19 Vaccine webpage or call the Fairfax County Health Department vaccine call center at 703-324-7404. You can schedule directly, and you don’t need to pre-register.
- Walk-in appointments are also being offered at the Tysons Community Vaccination Center Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This center is in the former Lord & Taylor site at Tysons Center at 7950 Tysons Corner Center in McLean.
- To schedule an appointment at Inova’s Stonebridge site at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria, go to the Inova COVID-19 scheduling webpage.
Register for Kindergarten Now!
Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is underway. If you have a child who will be 5 years old on September 30, 2021, they will be eligible for Kindergarten this fall! Please contact the Belvedere office (703-916-6800) for additional information on registering your incoming Kindergarten student.
PreK and Early Head Start for SY 2021-22
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start is now accepting applications for School Year 2021-22! Please watch this video to see if your 3 or 4 year old may qualify for PreK.
Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care (SACC) Coming Soon
Fairfax County’s School Age Child Care (SACC) program will be open to provide before- and after-school services for the 2021-22 school year. The SACC program is currently assessing Center capacities based on health and safety protocols. More information for the 2021-22 school year program will be available by June 15 on the SACC website. Families who were previously enrolled will be contacted to determine their need for services.
Library Books Overdue!
If your child has library books at home, please return them to the tubs at Door 1 as soon as possible. We still have hundreds of books out. If your child is learning virtually, please bring them to the school. Contact Mrs. Atkins with questions at: mfatkins@fcps.edu.
Want to find out what books your child needs to return to the library? Watch this short video.
Meal Kit Distribution Dates
Dear Belvedere Family:
The end of the school year is coming quickly, and we have a few meal distribution days left. We want to share the days and times with you so you can take full advantage of the remaining days:
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Monday, June 7: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (7 day meal kit-Breakfast and lunch)
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Thursday, June 10: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (7 day meal kit-Breakfast and lunch)
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Monday, June 14: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (7 day meal kit-Breakfast and lunch)
Best,
Gloria Acosta, Food Services Manager
Rec-PAC is Back!
Rec-PAC is a structured recreation program operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority for elementary school children. Six one-week sessions will be offered this summer, from June 28 to August 5. Rec-PAC locations near Belvedere include Parklawn, Bailey's Primary, and Bren Mar Park Elementary Schools
Participants enjoy activities such as fitness, indoor and outdoor games, team sports, nature, crafts, special events, talent shows, and play sessions. Fees are designed to be affordable, and scholarships are available.
For more information, click here.
Book Fair!
The Bookworm Central Book Fair is open now through the last day of school. It’s a great way to support the library, a local business, and keep your student reading! Belvedere’s Book Fair site is here. You can also see more specific directions here.
New Meal Distribution Bus Routes Begin May 17
On Monday, May 17, many of the bus routes used for meals distribution will change. Please see the bus route schedule to check if yours has been affected.
Don't miss out! Most of the Grab & Go locations have switched to a Fairfax Meal Kits site. Fairfax Meal Kits contain seven days of breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper items packed in bulk. The kits will be available for pick up every Monday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or until supplies run out. Please see the Return to School food webpage for locations.
From the PTA
In Case You Missed It
FREE COVID-19 Testing at George Mason Regional Library
Click here for information about a new FREE COVID-19 testing site at George Mason Regional Library.
Individuals who exhibit any symptoms, or who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, should get tested. Fairfax County has an incredible array of services and supports to help individuals who test positive!
Information about additional COVID-19 testing sites in Fairfax and surrounding jurisdictions is available here.
Upcoming Dates
- Tuesday, 6/8: Synchronous Learning Day - No In-Person Classes (Primary Voting Day)
- Tuesday, 6/8: PTA Meeting (6:30 p.m.)
- Friday, 6/11: Last Day of School, 5th Grade Promotion Celebration, and 2-hour Early Release
Keep in Touch
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FCPS Calendar: 2020-2021 (Current Year)
FCPS Calendar: 2021-2022 (Next Year)
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