Belvedere News and Announcements - May 26, 2023

carnival

From the Administration

Dear Belvedere Family:

Thank you to all who attended the Math and Literacy Carnival this week. It was so exciting to see families enjoy the evening together. Our teachers organized fun games for students to enjoy while practicing math and reading skills. Since teachers stayed until late at school, the PTA bought everyone pizza for dinner. At the carnival, they also had popcorn and drinks for everyone. Additionally, SevaTruck (sevatruck.org) provided free food for all. Children and adults enjoyed burritos, Doritos, fruit, and sweet snacks. We are grateful to all who made this event such a success. Thank you!

tara boone

We are thrilled to announce the new (and second) assistant principal who will be joining the admin team next year. Tara Boone is coming from Hayfield Secondary School where she has been an instructional coach this school year. Prior to this year, Ms. Boone was instructional coach and math resource teacher at Rose Hill and Woodlawn elementary schools. She was also a classroom teacher in 2nd, 4th and 5th grade.  Aside from her understanding of instruction and student development, Ms. Boone values building and sustaining a strong school community. Ms. Boone will begin working at Belvedere in July.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal, & Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal


Memorial Day Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 30. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.

mem day

Late Day Learners Program Ends

Today is the last day of our Late Day Learners Program! Many thanks to the PTA, Ms. Davis, and our community partners. 

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


Help Our Gardens Grow This Summer!

Can you help care for Belvedere’s gardens this summer? We need volunteers to water, weed, and harvest (you can keep or donate) in the front or back gardens. Sign up to “adopt” a garden area for a week or more! During your week(s), we'll ask you to stop by at least twice to water at your convenience as needed. No experience is necessary and kids are welcome. Instructions, tools, and support will be provided. Please contact Andrea Auerbach with questions.


June 3rd Splash into Health and Wellness this Summer

There will be a  MCCP Dental Van is planning to be there on June 3 with 3 Dental Hygienists to see children for dental screenings. With 2 dental chairs for 2 hygienists to work at the same time, and we can set up a room in the community center for the third hygienist to see children. The van will arrive at 11:30 am and will start seeing children from 12 noon- 2 pm.


Student Testing Results Coming Soon

Starting in late May, caregivers will receive reports for assessments their students completed this spring. Not sure what assessments your student took this year? A list of tests by grade level is available. Scores will be delivered in SIS ParentVUE, by mail, or from the school or testing organization. Learn what to expect regarding assessment reporting practices and timelines

Some families will also receive a Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS) Student Assessment Summary report with historical Standards of Learning (SOL) test results from 2015-2022. 

Go online or contact your student's school for additional information about student assessments

How to Support Your Child’s Success

If you do not already have a SIS ParentVUE account, sign up now to monitor and support your child’s academic success! Through ParentVUE, you are able to view your student’s attendance, grades, and assignments at any time. You can also access special reports for your student like progress reports and assessment score reports. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVue account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.


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.


Podcast on Family Resource Center

In the latest episode of En Pocas Palabras, hear how the Family Resource Center (FRC) provides supports for all families and school staff in FCPS. Meet Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, manager of the FRC, and Amal Elsayed, FRC liaison. 

The Family Resource Center provides free library resources, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. Contact the Family Resource Center at 703-204-3941 or frc@fcps.edu.   

En Pocas Palabras is available in Arabic, English, Korean, and Spanish. Listen and subscribe.


Let's Finish the School Year Strong! 

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

  • Check your child’s attendance record.
  • Help your student stay engaged at school.
  • Report future absences.
  • Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources.


The Military-Connected Senior Clap-Out

During graduation season, it has become tradition for seniors to visit their elementary schools in their caps and gowns to celebrate and be recognized for their impending graduation. We understand that military-connected students move, on average, 6 - 9 times during their K-12 school years and may not have a local elementary school to return to. 

Fort Belvoir Upper School invites ALL FCPS military-connected seniors to come in their caps and gowns on June 8 at 3:00 p.m. to participate in their Senior Clap-Out! We want these seniors to know that their elementary schools around the world are cheering them on from afar, just as we are doing here, and for military-connected elementary school students to have the opportunity to honor students just like them! Please join us to honor our military kids. 


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.


2023 Culmore Soccer Camp

Free summer camp for you ages 6-16!

Monday-Friday 1-4 p.m.

June 19-August 11

Bailey's Elementary School

Download the flyer for more details. 


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

  • Monday, May 29 - No School (Memorial Day)
  • Friday, June 2 - Field Day
  • Friday, June 16 - Last Day of School!

Keep in Touch

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Bus Delay Website

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FCPS Calendar: 2022-2023