From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
We had an exciting week at Belvedere. Through their actions, our students are committed to supporting the environment.
This week, we made Belvedere a little greener and our local streams a little cleaner with the Revitalize, Restore, Replant! (R3) program. On Monday, more than 1,000 Virginia native plants were delivered. First grade unloaded and carried plants to their planting sites. Over the next two days, fourth and fifth grades planted around the storm drains with the help of county ecologists. We can’t wait to see the flowers in bloom! Please contact our Environmental Educator, Andrea Auerbach, at asauerbach1@fcps.edu if you’re interested in helping to care for these plants over the summer.
 Thanks to the generosity of the National Park Trust, first graders in Ms. Gump’s classroom took a trip to the Shenandoah Mountains to release 42 healthy brook trout. After receiving 200 brook trout eggs in October, the students nursed them from egg to fry by feeding them, cleaning their water, and testing their water to make sure they were in a healthy environment. Raising the brook trout contributes to strengthening the dwindling population of the Virginia state fish. It also helps the Chesapeake Bay Project since the creek where the trout were released eventually feeds into the Bay.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal, & Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Math and Literacy Carnival - Wednesday, May 24
Join us for our annual Math and Literacy Carnival at Belvedere Elementary School! All Belvedere students and families are invited to participate in this exciting event.
What can you expect? Families will have the opportunity to choose at least two engaging math and literacy experiences from a variety of options offered by our talented staff. In addition, students will have the chance to select a math book and new independent reading books to take home.
Don't worry about dinner plans because we've got you covered! Free food will be provided for all attending families.
Make sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 24th from 6:00-7:30pm. In case of rain, we have a rain date scheduled for Thursday, May 25th. The event will take place in the parking lot and blacktop areas of the school.
Come join us for a night of fun, learning, and community at the Math and Literacy Carnival! We can't wait to see you there!
Parking is available along Whispering Lane and across the street at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
Late Day Learners Program Ends on May 26th
Don't miss out on the final week of the Late Day Learners Program! The program comes to an end on Friday, May 26th.
Please note that our soccer program will be meeting for one more session on Wednesday, May 31st. This makeup day will allow your little athletes to enjoy one final practice. Mark your calendars and ensure they don't miss out!
2nd Annual Belvedere Field Day
The 2nd Annual Belvedere Field Day is back Friday, June 2nd!
We need your help to make this event more amazing each year. If you are able, please sign-up on the sign-up genius to volunteer for the morning field day (3rd- 5th grade) or the afternoon field day (K- 2nd grade).
Please click on the sign-up genius here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4AA9AD2DA0FB6-belvedere
If you have any questions, please email PE teachers Abby Novak, anovak@fpcs.edu or Dan Bowles dbowles@fcps.edu
Making the Transition to Middle School
Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and child. In a recent episode of FCPS multilingual podcast, En Pocas Palabras, learn ways to ease the transition including:
- Understanding the developmental changes in your child.
- Getting to know middle school culture.
- Encouraging independence, but remaining available.
- Offering emotional support to your child.
- Reiterating your family values and expectations.
- Staying involved in your child’s school.
Tutoring Grants Available for Families
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is now accepting applications from parents for tutoring microgrants for their children through the K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants program.
The program was created to help Virginia families address the impact of the pandemic on student learning. It provides $1,500 grants to parents of school-age children for tutoring in specific subjects. Children from homes with family incomes at 300% or less of the federal poverty level may qualify for $3,000 grants.
Available services include in-person, online, and hybrid tutoring provided one-on-one or in small group or large group settings. The first step in the process is to visit VDOE’s K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants page and create an application account.
Updates on Online Student Registration
FCPS plans to have online registration in place at all schools across the district starting June 30, ensuring a simple and efficient new student registration application process for the upcoming school year. Learn more about registration.
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child ASAP!
Social Emotional Learning Screener Reports
Twice a year, students in grades 3-12 share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed through the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success.
Spring 2023 SEL Screener results will be mailed to families in mid-May. The Social Emotional Learning Screener Parent/Guardian Report and Guide has been updated to better reflect how SEL Screener results are used to support school and districtwide planning, in addition to supports for individual students. Visit the FCPS SEL Screener webpage for information in multiple languages, including tips for talking with your student about the report and strategies for strengthening SEL at home.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? If so, reach out to the Office of the Ombuds, an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and the community. Ombuds staff members are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, at ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button on their webpage. The team looks forward to serving you!
Elementary Institute for The Arts
Students in all FCPS schools can enroll in the Elementary Institute for the Arts (EIFTA). EIFTA is a weekly arts enrichment program for students in rising 3rd through 6th grades and will be held during the month of July. Students take classes in art, music, theatre, and dance every day. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the website for more information or email eifta@fcps.edu.
CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp
Chantilly Academy will host an AFA CyberCamp Monday, June 26, to Friday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. This camp is recommended for rising fifth through eighth graders of all skill levels interested in learning more about the importance of cybersecurity and gaining skill to protect themselves and others from cyber threats. Discounts are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Visit the camp website to learn more about registration, curriculum, and schedule.
Other Summer Camp Opportunities
Registration is still available for Institute for the Arts (IFTA) and Elementary-IFTA arts camps, Credit Recovery Academy, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI).
Join the PAC!
Fairfax County Park Authority Rec-Pac registration is open for summer 2023. Program runs from June 26 - August 3 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. for students in grades 1-6. Read the flier for more details!
Annandale Summer Sports Camps
Looking for fun activities for your child this summer? Annandale High School is offering a variety of summer camps this year for current elementary and middle school students led by our own Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors!
Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.
Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp, and they should bring a snack and a water bottle each day. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters”. Payment is due on the first day of camp.
If you have any questions, please email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities, at basutphin@fcps.edu.
Camp Information
Multi-Sport Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 20-23 ($120): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win prizes! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. Register Here.
Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 26-29 ($120): This exciting camp features team activities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, touch football, and relay races. Campers will also get a chance to compete and earn medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. Register Here.
For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at cabagot@fcps.edu.
Basketball - Rising 4th-9th Graders - July 10-14 ($250): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a report card on their basketball abilities, a t-shirt, and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. Register Here.
For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at jjmcavoy@fcps.edu.
Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse - Rising K-9th Grade - July 10-14, July 17-21, & July 24-28 ($120/week): For new athletes and those who have been playing for years, camp will be a fun-filled day of training, group competition, and surprise activities. Campers should bring their lunch each day except Friday when lunch will be provided. Hours are 8:00am-3:00pm. Register Here.
For questions about Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse Camp please reach out to Janan Gokturk, Camp Director and Assistant Varsity Coach, at jahawthorne@fcps.edu.
Our annual Inova Cares Clinic Free Health Fair is here!
Inova Cares Clinic for Children (ICCC) and Inova Partnership for Healthier Communities (PHC) are now scheduling appointments to provide children ages 5 and up with FREE School Physicals and Immunizations to begin the 2023-24 School Year. This will take place at Inova Cares Clinic for Children in Herndon, Manassas and Falls Church.
PHC will be onsite to screen and enroll qualifying families in Medicaid/FAMIS and connect them to an appropriate and affordable source of quality health care providers.
Check out these flyers for more details:
Volunteers Needed
Free School Physicals
Physicals for Medicaid and Insured Patients
Belvedere is on Facebook!
We are thrilled to announce that we have officially launched our Facebook page! This is an exciting step for us as we look to strengthen our connection with families and the wider community.
Our Facebook page will be a hub for all the latest news, events, and activities happening at our school. We will keep you informed about everything from upcoming events to amazing things happening in our classrooms. We'll also be sharing helpful tips and resources to support your child's learning and development.
We're looking forward to engaging with you all on Facebook and keeping you updated on everything that's happening at our school. So be sure to follow our page, and keep an eye out for our upcoming posts. We can't wait to connect with you!
Thank you for your continued support!
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
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
Order Your Yearbook Today!
Belvedere's Yearbook is always a BIG HIT! With 48 pages of student and staff portraits and plenty of candid photos. Yearbooks cost $13 each and will be delivered to your student during the last week of school. Please also consider donating a yearbook.
Visit our website to order today!
Questions? Email: bespta.va@gmail.com
It's Never Too Late to Donate!
Help Belvedere’s PTA start strong next year with a full range of activities like fall field trip planning and funding, after school programs, spirit wear, Teacher Welcome Back Breakfast, New Teacher Training, and Popsicles on the Playground.
Visit our website to make a donation today!
Next PTA Meeting
Mark your calendar for our last PTA membership meeting of the year on Wednesday, June 7 at 6:30 on Zoom. Spanish translation provided. We will be holding elections and currently have candidates for all 5 positions. We’ll email you the link a few days ahead of time.
We Need Volunteers!
Salad Bar: Excited about the new salad bar at Belvedere? Tired of boring work lunches? Use your lunch break to help Belvedere students get excited about the new healthy options. Sign up here for an inspiring lunch No experience or skills required
Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/RFjEdhP
Join the PTA!
To purchase a membership or make a direct donation, please go to https://www.belvederepta.org/membership 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!
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.
Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA!
Questions or concerns? Email bespta.va@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday, May 24 - Math and Literacy Carnival
- Monday, May 29 - No School (Memorial Day)
- Friday, June 2 - Field Day
- Friday, June 16 - Last Day of School!
Keep in Touch
Visit the Belvedere website
Report student absences
Bus Delay Website
Follow Belvedere on Twitter
Change your email preferences
FCPS Calendar: 2022-2023
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