A Message from Dr. Jemison, Fort Belvoir Primary Principal
I hope this letter finds you well and is filled with joy of the holiday season. As we approach the end of our first semester, I am thrilled to reflect on the incredible achievements and milestones we have accomplished together as a school community at Fort Belvoir Primary.
Our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am delighted to share some of the highlights with you. Not once, but twice, we have been honored by the Fairfax County Public Schools board for our exceptional contributions to education. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, students, and parents that Fort Belvoir Primary has received this outstanding recognition.
Additionally, I am pleased to announce that our school has earned a prestigious award from the Virginia Board of Education. This recognition is a reflection of the commitment to excellence that permeates every aspect of our institution. It is a collective achievement that we can all take pride in.
One of the most heartwarming accomplishments of this semester has been the overwhelmingly participation of nearly four hundred families in our food market initiative. In addition to partnering to provide nearly three hundred turkeys to families in need. Your support has not only nourished our school community but it has also strengthened the bonds that make Fort Belvoir Elementary Schools a special place. We also raised $22k during our annual Fun Run event. This is the most the school has raised in awhile.
Equally inspiring is the substantial academic growth we are continuing to witness in the areas of literacy and math. Our students are excelling and their achievements are a testament to the high standards we uphold at Fort Belvoir Primary. This is just the beginning of our academic journey, and we are committed to going above and beyond to ensure the success of every student in our care.
I want to express my gratitude to each member of our school community for your unwavering support, enthusiasm, and commitment. It is through our collective efforts that we have achieved so much in such a brief period. We look forward to continuing this amazing journey with all of you and building on the success of this remarkable first semester.
Please note that our office will be closed during the winter break and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd at normal hours. I want to encourage everyone to review the video capturing our first semester linked HERE.
Wishing you and your families a joyous holiday season and a restful break.
Together we are Fort Belvoir strong!
In partnership,
Dr. LaZedrick (Zed) Jemison, Principal
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December 18 - January 1: Winter Break
Office/School Closed
Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
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Winter Break Learning
 Winter break has arrived, bringing with it a well-deserved opportunity to unwind and reconnect with loved ones. While the break is a time for relaxation, it’s crucial for students to maintain a balance by dedicating at least 20 minutes each day to reading and honing their math skills. Something as uncomplicated as sharing a bedtime story with your child can ignite a passion for learning. Additionally, incorporating a few minutes of daily math practice, be it in addition or subtraction, can stimulate critical thinking, with the option to further challenge them through mental math exercises. This simple routine ensures that the break is not only enjoyable but also contributes to continuous academic growth.
Fort Belvoir Elementary Schools
Toy Swap Success
The recent toy swap for families was a resounding success, drawing a substantial turnout of families eager to acquire free toys for the holidays. The event’s triumph can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the PenFed Foundation, FBES PTO, and our dedicated family ambassadors. A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Dolores Elliott, our dedicated family liaison, for skillfully coordinating this initiative. The task is not a small feat, but her commitment ensures its success year after year, bringing joy to children. We had a total of 72 families to visit for items.
A special recognition is due to the PenFed Foundation for generously donating numerous toys and making a substantial monetary contribution to support this meaningful cause. Their contributions have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the success of the event.
Fun Moments at Fort Belvoir Primary!
Outstanding Fort Belvoir Primary Employees
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We take immense pride in recognizing the exceptional contributions of our Fort Belvoir Primary employees. In the photo above, we celebrate Norma Gordon, Assistant Principal, Soli Rose, Administrative Assistant, Elan Fenderson, Special Education Teacher, Meredith Adair, First Grade Teacher, and Kyle Maziarski, Psychologist. These outstanding individuals were chosen by their peers to represent our school, and their names will be submitted to the regional team for potential selection to represent the entire region. Should they be chosen at the regional level, they will then have the opportunity to move forward to represent Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) on a broader scale. While we commend these five individuals, we want to express our pride in our entire staff, acknowledging the many unsung heroes who contribute significantly to the well-being and education of the children in our school. Though we couldn’t highlight everyone, we appreciate the collective efforts that make our school community thrive.
Interims Reports Coming Home in January
We would like to inform families that Interim reports will be sent home next month. Each student will receive a personalized report highlighting their areas of progress and growth. We believe in fostering a collaborative relationship with families to effectively address both academic and emotional needs of our students. Your involvement is imperative in ensuring the success and well-being of our students. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in nurturing a positive learning environment.
Winter Wonderland Hallways!
Our hallways have undergone a magical transformation into a Winter Wonderland, brimming with joy and creativity! Each grade level took the initiative to convert their respective hallways into enchanting winter themes, showcasing their artistic flair and festive spirit. Today marked an exciting moment as students eagerly voted for the best-decorated hallway. The anticipation is high as we await the announcement of the winning grade level when we return after the break. The effort and dedication put forth by everyone involved are truly commendable, and we are immensely proud of the festive ambiance that now grows in our school’s halls.
The Importance of Breathing Slowly
Research indicates that incorporating emotional support practices from school into home environments can significantly benefit students. One such practice is the incorporation of mindful breathing techniques. As part of our daily routine for social-emotional learning and when watching the school news, students are taught to take three calming breaths, promoting self-regulation.
Extending this practice to home life, we encourage families to utilize this simple yet effective strategy to de-escalate situations. The importance of breathing as a tool for emotional well-being is well- documented, and by fostering its use at home, we aim to create a consistent and supportive environment for the holistic development of students.
We Caught The Gingerbread Man at
Fort Belvoir Primary!
 Look who we caught, everyone! The Gingerbread Man made a surprise appearance at Fort Belvoir Primary, thanks to our amazing PTO. To spread holiday cheer, members of the PTO dressed up as festive characters, bringing smiles to the faces of children. The joyous reactions captured in the pictures above highlight the magic that small gestures can bring. At both Fort Belvoir Elementary Schools, it’s these delightful moments that make the school environment fun and festive.
We extend a kind request to everyone to support our dedicated PTO, as they play a crucial role in enhancing the experience of our children and staff.
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Notes from the Advance Academic Resource Teacher
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Full-Time (Level IV) AAP Services
Some advanced learners need a full-time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science). Students eligible for full-time AAP services are cluster grouped on a full-time basis and receive:
- Full-time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and
- Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.
Full-time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Full-Time (Level IV) AAP Referral and Deadline
Parent referrals to be considered for Full Time AAP (Level IV) services for the 2023-2024 school year for current students in grades 2-6 are due no later than December 15.
Link to Full-Time (Level IV) AAP Referral: https://www.fcps.edu/system/files/forms/2023-08/aap-fulltimeservicesreferralform-english.pdf
Referrals will not be accepted after the deadline. Referral forms must be submitted as an attachment via email to:
Dorothy Stafford
Fort Belvoir Primary
dlstafford@fcps.edu
Message from our Family Liaison, Ms. Elliott
Winter Resources
Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit our winter resources webpage for links to academic support; mental health support; and food, clothing, housing, and other county resources.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
Promoting Mental Wellness During Winter BreakAlthough mental health indicators have improved over the past year, Fairfax County Youth Survey (FCYS) data suggest that more than 25% of students in 8th to 12th grade feel sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more in a row. The holidays can be a time to reduce stress, but they can also contribute to it. Here are some tips for making winter break a positive time for the young people in your life.
FCPS Cares!
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Fort Belvoir Primary ES. We love our Primary staff members, let's tell them how we feel!
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