Belvedere News and Announcements - June 15, 2023

Ms. Gump's Party

Ms. Gump's 1st grade class went all out decorating the library to celebrate an incredible year with their beloved teacher. Congratulations on your retirement, Ms. Gump!


From the Administration

Dear Belvedere Family:

It’s hard to believe this is the last week of school, and tomorrow is the last day of the 2022-2023 school year.  So much has happened this year, yet time has just flown by. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout this year.  We couldn’t have made it without you.

As happens every year, some staff members will be leaving Belvedere, and we are sad to say good-bye. 

  • Lisa Gump – first grade teacher retiring and moving to Florida
  • Brenda Kinne – kindergarten instructional assistant retiring and moving to Georgia
  • Preshion Lynch – advanced academics resource teacher moving to Florida
  • Shuba Ray – special education instructional assistant moving to Canada
  • Amanda Rutherford – preschool special education teacher moving to Nashville
  • Tahmina Khatoon – preschool instructional assistant transferring to another FCPS school
  • Jazmine Davis – enhanced autism teacher transferring to another FCPS school
  • Jeff Leloup – fifth grade teacher transferring to another FCPS school
  • Sabrina Shabman – part time art teacher transferring to another FCPS school
  • Rachel Tan – ESOL teacher transferring to another FCPS school

Additionally, Brittney Nadratowski, fourth grade teacher, will be taking a leave of absence to spend time with her growing family.

We are almost fully staffed for the coming school and will send information about new staff members as we approach the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Tomorrow is a two-hour early release day. Please note that school ends at 2:05 p.m. 

We wish everyone a wonderful summer break.

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal, & Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal


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 will be donated!


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 at 2:05 pm!

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.


Message from Dr. Fabio E Zuluaga / R2 Assistant Superintendent 

It is with bittersweet emotions that I am announcing my retirement from Fairfax County Public Schools effective July 1; my last day with the school division will be June 30.  I have been in education for 35 years: 10 years in Kansas City, MO, 11 years in Lexington, KY, and now 14 years in Fairfax. I feel like it is the right time for me to start a new chapter in my life. When I first came to the United States, I started out as a secondary science teacher in Kansas City, MO. I culminated my professional journey by being appointed an assistant superintendent in the best school district in the country: Fairfax. I have had incredible opportunities and gifts during my career, for which I am very grateful. Some of the most amazing gifts I have been given over the years have been the relationships I have been blessed to have with our faculty/staff, students, and families.


Register for Kindergarten!

Our dedicated team of educators can't wait to meet your little ones and nurture their curiosity, creativity, and love for learning!

https://belvederees.fcps.edu/resources-parents/student-registration

kinder registration

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.


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. 

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)
  • Monday, August 21 - First Day of 2023-2024 School Year!

Keep in Touch

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Bus Delay Website

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FCPS Calendar: 2022-2023