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June 8, 2023
Good afternoon, Dolphin Families!
I am writing to share some important changes in our school’s administrative team for 2023-2024. Congratulations are in order for both Karyn Kayes and Dominic Williams, who are both transitioning to other FCPS schools effective this July. After serving Fort Belvoir since 2014 as a special education teacher, Dean of Students and Assistant Principal, Ms. Kayes is transitioning to Lorton Station Elementary as Assistant Principal. Ms. Kayes grew up and currently lives in Lorton, and is excited to support her dynamic community. After a very successful year at Fort Belvoir Upper, Mr. Williams also could not pass up the rare opportunity of serving as the Assistant Principal at his own neighborhood school, Union Mill Elementary, where he is already involved as a parent and community member. We know both of these outstanding leaders will continue to make an impact in their new positions while holding Fort Belvoir close to their hearts. We wish both Ms. Kayes and Mr. Williams all the best in their transitions, and thank them so very much for their support and dedication to Fort Belvoir Upper School!
At this time, I am also very excited to announce that Ms. Stephanie Payne will be joining the administrative team as an Assistant Principal at Fort Belvoir Upper for the 2023-2024 school year. Ms. Payne is a 15-year veteran educator with FCPS, working in a variety of grade levels and school communities. Through her time in education, Ms. Payne has gained specialized experience working in Advanced Academics, implementing Responsive Classroom, and focusing on Social and Emotional Learning. Ms. Payne first joined Fort Belvoir in 2013. After several years, she moved to Stratford Landing Elementary where her daughter attended school and where she simultaneously completed her Master’s Degree in Administration and Leadership at George Mason University. Ms. Payne returned to Fort Belvoir this past year and has been devoting her time to her 6th grade students as well as Administrative support, where she has directly supported staff, students, and families to promote a safe and collaborative learning environment for all. Ms. Payne believes that relationships are the foundation of a successful school community and are imperative for supporting students and staff to not only fulfill their potential, but thrive.
Ms. Payne is the daughter of an Army veteran and understands and is closely connected to the life of military families. She has been committed to the education and wellbeing of the students at Fort Belvoir and believes strongly that being a military connected youth is an asset and a strength to be built upon. She lives in Fairfax Station with her husband, also an FCPS employee, her daughter Delaney, and their dog Lola. Her mother also resides with her family. Ms. Payne spends her time away from school running, mountain biking, hiking with her family, walking Lola, and reading.
Ms. Payne is thrilled to officially join our new principal, Ms. Jennifer Laxton, at Fort Belvoir Upper School. The other Upper Assistant Principal will be hired later this summer. I am confident both Ms. Laxton and Ms. Payne will build upon the strong relationships already established here at Fort Belvoir, will continue to support the needs of our students and families, and will continue the work being done to build a strong and vibrant school community.
Congratulations to all, and thank you for your support!
Jamey Chianetta
Principal
Fort Belvoir Upper School
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