 Former Belvedere Students Visit During Graduation Week
From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
It has been a truly wonderful week at Belvedere, with the highlight being the 5th-grade Exhibition. Over the past ten weeks, our 5th-grade students have been hard at work, collaborating in teams and diving deep into research. Their task was to explore a topic of their choice under the theme of "Who We Are." I am delighted to inform you that their dedication and effort have paid off tremendously.
The range of topics chosen by the students was impressive, covering a wide array of important issues. From ocean pollution to the overpopulation of wild horses, from combating racism to exploring environmental sustainability, the depth of their research was truly commendable. Each group not only gained valuable knowledge about their chosen topic, but they also focused on the crucial aspect of taking responsible action.
Throughout the process, the students have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. They have shown a deep understanding of the significance of their topics and the impact they can have on the world around them. It is incredibly heartening to see young minds actively engaged in making a difference.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this journey. Your encouragement and involvement have played a vital role in nurturing our students' growth and empowering them to excel. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated community of families at Belvedere.
Furthermore, I would like to extend our appreciation to all those who attended the Exhibition. Your presence and enthusiasm made it an even more remarkable event. The students were thrilled to share their findings and insights with you, and your presence served as a testament to their hard work.
The Exhibition was undoubtedly a huge success. It not only showcased our students' knowledge and understanding but also highlighted their passion and commitment to creating positive change in our world. We are immensely proud of each and every student who participated and commend them for their outstanding accomplishments.
Once again, thank you for being an integral part of our Belvedere community. We look forward to continued collaboration and growth as we strive to provide our students with the best possible education and opportunities.
Warm regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal, & Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Congratulations to Ms. Gump and Ms. Kinne on their Retirement
Belvedere School is bidding farewell to two beloved educators, Ms. Gump and Ms. Kinne, who have decided to retire after dedicating their careers to the education and growth of countless students.
Ms. Gump has been an integral part of the Belvedere community throughout her entire educational career. Her impact on students who have been fortunate enough to be in her classes cannot be overstated. Ms. Gump's exceptional ability to build strong relationships with parents has kept them informed and reassured, knowing that their children were in capable hands. She has consistently demonstrated the utmost care for her students, fostering an environment where they feel supported and valued. Ms. Gump's commitment to teaching critical thinking skills and empowering students as agents of their own learning has left an indelible mark on the Belvedere community. Her retirement will undoubtedly leave a void that will be deeply felt by students, parents, and fellow educators alike.
Similarly, Ms. Kinne's retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey at Belvedere School. Since joining the school in 2007, Ms. Kinne has touched the lives of hundreds of kindergarten students, leaving a lasting impression on each one. Working as a kindergarten instructional assistant, Ms. Kinne has collaborated with multiple teachers over the years, adapting to their unique needs and building strong partnerships to benefit the children. Ms. Kinne's caring and kind nature has been a source of comfort and support for both students and colleagues. Her dedication and genuine concern for the well-being of her students have made a significant difference in their lives. As Ms. Kinne embarks on the next chapter of her life, her absence will be deeply felt by everyone at Belvedere School who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
Both Ms. Gump and Ms. Kinne have been pillars of the Belvedere community, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and excellence in education. Their retirement will undoubtedly be bittersweet, as their absence will be sorely missed by students, parents, and fellow educators alike. Belvedere School is forever grateful for their contributions and wishes them a fulfilling and joyful retirement.
Lost and Found
We have a large amount of clothing that was found at Belvedere this school year. There are tables setup outside the cafeteria. Please stop by the school to look through the piles and see if you find any missing clothing! All clothes not picked up by Thursday June 15 will be donated.
Parent Input Form for Class Placements 2023-24
Today, your child will be bringing home the "Parent Input Form for Class Placements 2023-24." We value your input and believe that it plays an important role in creating balanced and supportive classroom environments for our students.
If you would like to provide any input that could help us in the placement process, we kindly ask you to complete the form and return it to us no later than Friday, June 16. Your insights and knowledge about your child's learning style, social dynamics, and educational preferences can assist us in making informed decisions.
Please remember that while we consider your input, final class placements are determined through a comprehensive process that takes into account various factors, including academic abilities, social dynamics, and the need for a balanced classroom. We appreciate your understanding in this regard.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can create a positive learning experience for all our students.
Last Day of School (early dismissal) - Friday, June 16
The last day of the 2022-23 school year is Friday, June 16, and students will be dismissed early.
Monday, August 21, is the first day of school for the 2023-24 school year.
From the Desk of the Health Room
Parents, don’t forget to pick up your students Medication by June 16, 2023
If not picked up by 10:30 AM, your student’s medication will be disposed of.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance!
It’s a busy time of year, and we know there are many priorities on families’ plates. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important for families to remember to check their students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Families who earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2023-24 school year will be available near the end of August.
If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2022-23 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price lunch.
If you are interested in helping to relieve lunch debt for families currently going through the FRM application process, please donate to Educate Fairfax.
Mental Wellness Summer Supports
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from June 26 to August 4. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference. Consultations will be offered in two ways:
- Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
- Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.
All parents and secondary students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Consultations can be requested online or by calling 703-503-2520 and leaving a message.
Strategic Plan to Be Voted on at Next School Board Meeting
Superintendent Reid recently presented FCPS’ new Strategic Plan to the School Board. The School Board will vote on the plan at their meeting on Thursday, June 15. Find out how to view the Board meeting.
Take Tutor.com on the Road!
Tutor.com continues to be available to all students, at no cost, to continue summer learning. Visit the Summer Access Tutor.com webpage for more information on how to access the online service throughout the summer.
Math Corner from the Desk of our Math Coaches
Resources for the Summer: We cannot believe that we are beginning to think of summer break and celebrating all that we have accomplished this year as mathematicians! We wanted to share a few resources and ideas to help encourage mathematics all summer long!
ST Math: Yes, you can still play Jiji at home this summer! Login through Schoology and Clever.
 Estimation: You can create your own opportunities to estimate or check out one of these resources Estimation K-2 or Estimation180. You might ask, “What would be a number that is too big? Too small? How do you know we will have enough?”
Count: Create your own Counting Collection with found materials in your home or outside (Counting Collections- English; Counting Collections- Spanish)
Maths at Home: Check out ways you can incorporate mathematics using materials or activities you already do as a family!
Games, puzzles and books from the library are also ways to encourage problem-solving and mathematical thinking.
We cannot wait to hear all the ways you continue to grow as mathematicians this summer! Please tweet your Summer Math to @mbdillane
If there is any way we can support you and your child in Math, please reach out to the Math Coaches here at Belvedere!
MaryBeth Dillane medillane@fcps.edu
Jessica Mundy jmmundy@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.
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.
Summer Fun for All! Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation
The Family Resource Center has recently published a list with dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel. They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities.
The Family Resource Center (FRC) provides resources and support for all families and school staff. They offer a free library, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. For more information, call 703-204-3941, email frc@fcps.edu or visit their website.
Elementary Institute for The Arts
There are still many spots left for this program with tuition assistance! Please reach out to our art teacher, Ms. Guzman, with questions!
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!
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
- Friday, June 16 - Last Day of School! (Early Release)
Keep in Touch
Visit the Belvedere website
Report student absences
Bus Delay Website
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FCPS Calendar: 2022-2023
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