From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
This week we had so many parents at school. Dads at Belvedere (DAB) began last week, and to date we have had four fathers spend the entire school day at Belvedere. As a DAB volunteer, dads get to experience the flow of the school day while visiting various classrooms and by supporting during kiss and ride, cafeteria, and recess. We are so grateful to the PTA for spearheading this initiative and to the fathers who volunteer to come and support our school.
This past Tuesday evening was Partners in Print. Thanks to the PTA, families had a chance to enjoy a free spaghetti dinner before attending the Partners in Print sessions. Belvedere staff facilitated sessions for all ages, focused on fun activities around family stories and story elements; word games; rhymes and songs in English and Spanish; and creating graphic novels to solve conflicts together. All students attending received a free book. Also, our counselors distributed winter coats to keep students warm this winter.
Belvedere is going through policy reviews this year as an International Baccalaureate school. The Primary Years Programme is required to have four policies: Inclusion, Assessment, Academic Integrity, and Language. We are hoping to gather a small panel of guardians who are interested in reading over the revisions of the policies and providing feedback.
The first policy being revised and in need of review is the Inclusion Policy. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that our school supports all students to reach their full potential. This policy describes the interventions for students who need language support and learning support. (ESOL, Sped, and AAP) We are hoping to gather the panel together for a meeting before Winter Break.
If you are interested in participating in the Inclusion Policy Review Panel please contact Ellen Rogers, PYP Coordinator: efrogers@fcps.edu or Cecilia Vanderhye, principal: CVanderhey@fcps.edu with the policy you are interested in and times you might be available.
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal, & Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Author, Tracy Kyle, Visits Belvedere
On Wednesday we had an author visit. Tracy Kyle spent the day in the library meeting with all classes in grades kindergarten through five. The students enjoyed listening to her read her books and had a chance to ask many questions. We thank our librarian, Ms. Jopeck, for organizing various author visits throughout the school year.
Dads @ Belvedere
Dads at Belvedere (formerly Watch D.O.G.S.) is a program to help our school be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student’s life. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role-model. Dads this is your chance to get involved in a fun atmosphere at school!
Dads will volunteer at the school for one full day. School will provide the schedule to include activities such as: recess, lunch, specials, classroom time, etc.
Our kids love seeing the grown-ups in their life at school! Additionally, Dads are demonstrating through their presence that education is important.
Sign up for a day on our calendar using the Signup Genius below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090449A4A722A64-dads
AAP Screening and Identification for Full-Time (Level IV) Services for Grades 2-7
The Full-Time (Level IV) center services of the Advanced Academic Program in Fairfax County are designed for students who are highly motivated and who demonstrate an exceptional ability to apply knowledge and exceptional creative/productive thinking. In Fairfax County, there is a central-selection screening committee which reviews information on each student in grades 2-7 being considered for participation in the Full-Time Advanced Academic Program. This is the time of year to start thinking about whether or not to refer your child in grades 2-7 for Full-Time Services screening. All students need to be referred in order to be screened for services. The window closes on Thursday, December 15, 2022 to submit a referral for Full-Time Services.
Academic Matters
At the last School Board meeting, a new feature was introduced called Academic Matters. During this portion of the Board meeting, updates will be provided on important academic topics. At the November 3 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid talked about some common misconceptions concerning the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment. Watch the presentation on YouTube.
FCPS Calendar Survey
In an annual planning process, FCPS uses input from the community to help develop the school year calendar for the following year. The Calendar Survey was sent to parents/caregivers, FCPS employees, and students in grades 7-12 this week.
Our framework for creating the calendar is available online to ensure transparency, as we work to build a calendar that is inclusive and equitable.
Post-Thanksgiving COVID Diagnostic Testing
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county November 28-30 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
Counselor's Corner
Click here to read the November Counselor's Newsletter!
Tutor.com
Does your child need homework help or feedback on their writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? Tutor.com is open to FCPS students in all grades, on-demand, 24/7, at no cost to families. Learn more.
Staying Healthy this Cold/Flu Season
Although the community level of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is currently low, cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses are on the rise. It continues to be important to wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, monitor your health daily, and stay home if you are sick. For more tips, visit our Return to School website.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Please save the date for a very special event! Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent, will host a Community Conversation at Justice High School on November 21st, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event will be a unique opportunity to help Dr. Reid get to know our school community and learn more about her vision for our district.
Language interpretation will be provided, as available, as well as child care and light refreshments. Please register to attend.
Thanksgiving (Holiday)
As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed November 23-25. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 28.
How Can You Help Your Child Have Good Attendance?
Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and put your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.
- Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day, make that the expectation.
- Help your child maintain routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Find out if your child feels engaged by his classes and feels safe at school. Make sure he or she is not missing class because of behavioral issues and school discipline policies. If any of these are problems, work with your school.
- Stay on top of academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors if necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.
- Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.
- Encourage meaningful afterschool activities, including sports and clubs.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, talk to your children’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. But remember, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that goes on in the classroom.
Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Strategic Planning
Opportunities to Participate in the Strategic Planning Process
FCPS is offering a number of opportunities for parents/caregivers to be involved in the Strategic Planning process! Check out two immediate options below:
Nominate Yourself or Someone Else for the Family Team
We are currently seeking nominations for parents/caregivers who are interested in contributing to Strategic Plan development as part of the Family Team. This team will represent the rich diversity of families that make up FCPS’ community, and will focus on identifying engagement and outreach practices that will improve our partnerships with families.
If you are interested in being part of the Family Team or would like to nominate someone else, please fill out this form by Tuesday, November 22.
Be a Key Communicator!
If you are a member of a community organization or group, consider signing up to be a key communicator during the strategic planning process. FCPS key communicators are active members of the community who people turn to for information, and have an interest in sharing information about the school division and encouraging involvement. If this describes you or someone you know, please get the details and complete this form by Monday, November 28.
Buses and Delays
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Use code 28982 when registering for Here Comes the Bus.
PTA News
Join the PTA!
The QR Code in last week's PTA Membership / Direct Donation Flyer is no longer working. Please do not use the QR code. In order to purchase a membership or make a direct donation, please go to belvederepta.memberhub.com/store and choose your membership type (Staff $5 or Parent $10) and/or select Direct Donation to make a one-time or recurring donation. Thank you again for supporting the Belvedere PTA!
Questions or concerns? Email bespta.va@gmail.com.
Support the Belvedere PTA
Our PTA supports Belvedere in myriad ways: organizing school events, enrichment and outreach activities; providing funding for field trips, library books, and technology in the classroom; and building a school community outside the classroom.
There are several ways to support the PTA:
Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday-Friday, November 23-25: No School (Thanksgiving)
- December 19-January 2: Winter Break
- Monday, January 16: No School (MLK Jr.'s Birthday)
- Wednesday, January 25: Early Release (End of Semester)
- Thurs-Fri, Jan. 26-27: No School (Staff Dev. and Teacher Workday)
Keep in Touch
Daily Health Screening Questionnaire
Health and Safety Guidance Webpage
Visit the Belvedere website
Report student absences
Bus Delay Website
Follow Belvedere on Twitter
Follow our PTA on Facebook
Change your email preferences
FCPS Calendar: 2022-2023
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