A Message from the Principals
Dear Fort Belvoir Primary Families,
Happy 100th Day of School! We hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with excitement as we celebrate this fantastic milestone in our academic journey.
As a primary elementary school, we take great joy in laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our students are not just learners, they are explorers, kind, and thinkers. Today marks the 100th day of their exploration, and we couldn’t be more proud of the progress they’ve made.
To commemorate this special occasion, our students have been engaged in a variety of fun and educational activities. From interactive lessons to creative projects, the classrooms have been buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. It’s heartwarming to witness the joy on their faces as they discover new things and make connections in their understanding of the world.
At our school, we firmly believe that learning is a continuous journey. The 100th day of school is not just a milestone; it’s a reminder that every day brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and be curious. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to creating an environment where curiosity is celebrated, questions are encouraged, and the joy of discovery is a daily occurrence.
We encourage you to take a moment to celebrate this achievement with your child. Reflect on the progress they have made, the knowledge they have gained, and the friendships they have formed. Your support at home is an integral part of their educational journey, and we are grateful for the partnership we share in shaping their future.
Together we are always and will be Fort Belvoir strong!
In partnership,
Dr. LaZedrick (Zed) Jemison, Principal
Ms. Norma Gordon, Assistant Principal
Ms. Mary Flint, Assistant Principal
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February 19: Holiday- School/Office Closed
March 5: Student Holiday- School Planning Day (Virtual)
March 25-29: Spring Break- School/Office Closed
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Read 100 Books Challenge!
We are exhilarated to announce our “Read 100 Books” initiative, an exciting challenge presented to students in grades 1-2 by our amazing librarian, Ms. Kalletta. Throughout the month of February, our young readers will embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, demonstrating their remarkable determination and dedication. We firmly believe in the capabilities of our students and their ability to achieve any set goal. Families are warmly encouraged to actively support their children by reading alongside them at home, fostering a love for literature and strengthening family bonds. Furthermore, we extend the invitation to parents to join this literary adventure, promoting a shared commitment to the joy of reading within our school community.
This week was National School
Counseling Week!
Join us as we highlight school counselors' tremendous impact in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
Our school counselors, Mrs. Brogan and Mr. Kamali, work with students in various capacities, whether through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling.
Please encourage your child(ren) to make them a card, write a thank you note, or just take a moment to let our school counselors know how much you appreciate them!
Fort Belvoir MP Appreciation
We express our sincere gratitude to the Fort Belvoir Military Police Department for generously dedicating their time to engage with our youngest learners. Their informative session shed light on the crucial role they play within our school community, creating a deeper understanding of the vital services they provide.
Establishing strong relationships with our community partners is a fundamental pillar of our mission, and the visit from the Military Police exemplifies the collaborative spirit that strengthens the bond between our school and the dedicated individuals who serve and protect our community.
Poetry Slam in Second Grade!
Ms. Mueller’s and Ms. Belenky’s language arts classes recently collaborated for an inspiring partner reading and poetry slam. Breaking away from the traditional applause, students snapped their fingers to express appreciation for their classmates’ poetic endeavors. Both classes successfully completed their poetry units, and the teachers along with myself are immensely proud of them.
The creative thinking displayed by these young minds is truly remarkable and has the power to captivate anyone. We want to encourage our second grade parents to review the poetry created by their student(s) crafted during this enriching experience.
Clothing Donations Needed at
Fort Belvoir Primary
Our school is currently facing a pressing need for new clothing to assist students who require replacements during the school day. Specifically, we are seeking donations of undergarments for both boys and girls. These items will greatly benefit students in maintaining a sense of comfort. For further information or to contribute to this essential cause, please reach out to our school Family Liaison, Mrs. Elliott. Your support is invaluable in ensuring the well-being and confidence of our students.
Boys long pants sizes 7-12
Girls long pants (non-leggings please) sizes 4 and 10/12
Undergarments for boys and girls in various sizes
We thank you in advance for your contribution to our school community.
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Attendance Incentive! |
 We are excited to announce our latest initiative aimed at enhancing student attendance. Recognizing the crucial link between consistent attendance and academic success, we’ve introduced a new system. After teachers take attendance in the mornings, they will place a sign on their door indicating that all students are present. At the end of each month, the class with the highest rate of perfect attendance per grade level will be awarded Flip, a charming stuffed dolphin. This fun incentive adds an element of friendly competition and encourages students to strive for regular attendance, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. Families are encouraged to review FCPS attendance policies.
Successful Lockdown Drill at Fort Belvoir Primary
This past Tuesday marked the successful completion of our final lockdown drill, a testament to the commendable behavior of our students. We take pride in their ability to remain calm and diligently follow their teachers’ instructions throughout the entire exercise. Despite being situated on a military installation, where safety is of utmost importance, our staff consistently reinforces safety protocols during all drills. It is imperative that we prioritize preparedness, and the disciplined response of our students during these drills reflects the effectiveness of our collective commitment to ensuring a secure learning environment.
We invite families to learn more about the FCPS lockdown drills using the link HERE. Additionally, families can learn about other FCPS safety drills using the link HERE.
Fairfax County Public School 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
We are encouraging families to review the FCPS 2024-2025 School Year Calendar linked HERE.
Dismissal Procedure Reminder for Families
We want to take a moment to reinforce the importance of adhering to our dismissal procedures for the well-being and security of all our students.
In our ongoing commitment to providing a safe environment, we kindly ask that any modifications to your child’s transportation arrangement be communicated in writing to the school. You can accomplish this by sending an email to fbesprimaryofficestaff@fcps.edu or by providing a written letter to the front office. It is imperative that any changes to a student’s dismissal plan are conveyed before 3:30pm on the respective day.
The safety of our students is our utmost priority. In the event that a student is unaccounted for during dismissal, our safety plan will be activated. This involves contacting FCPS transportation services and conducting thorough checks on all buses assigned to Fort Belvoir in the hope of locating the student. This process may affect other families waiting at the bus stops. Additionally, we initiate contact with FCPS Safety and Security, as well as relevant authorities, to assist in locating the student. We take the safety of all students seriously and consider this protocol crucial.
We appreciate your cooperation and adhering to these dismissal procedures. Your support is integral to maintaining a safe and secure school environment for all of our students.
Gratitude for Snack Donation
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Catholic Women of the Chapel on Fort Belvoir for their generous donation of snacks to the students at both Fort Belvoir Elementary School(s). Ms. Escobar, a dedicated parent of an Upper student, and Mrs. D’Avignon, both devoted members, exemplify the spirit of compassion and kindness. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates the power of community support, and we are truly appreciative of the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our students.
Dentists Educate Second Graders
 Our second graders gained valuable insights into the importance of good dental hygiene during a special visit from Dr. Kim and Dr. Obeck. These dedicated dentists generously took two days away from their busy practice to share their knowledge with our students. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, our young learners not only learned about the significance of proper oral care but also had the opportunity to ask questions and actively participate in promoting their own dental well-being. Dr. Kim and Dr. Obeck’s commitment to educating our students reflects their passion for community health and contributes to fostering a lifelong understanding of the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene habits.
Working at Fort Belvoir Primary!
 We are excited to announce the commencement of our hiring process for the 2024-2025 school year at Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary School. We are actively looking for dedicated and passionate teachers and instructional assistants who share a strong commitment to making a positive impact on our students’ lives. If you or someone you know possesses the enthusiasm and qualifications for this rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
In addition, Fairfax County Public Schools offers an alternative teacher learning program, making it accessible for candidates with a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college to join our team as a teacher. Embrace the chance to contribute to the growth and development of young minds at Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary School.
Please click on the link https://careers.fcps.edu/vl/vacancy.htm and select Fort Belvoir Primary for available positions that either you or someone you know is interested in applying for. We pride ourselves in saying we are a fun and loving school community.
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start is now accepting applications for School Year 2024-25!
We are an income eligible program that prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accept applications for children 3- years-old by September 30th.
Apply for FCPS PreK and EHS Now
Email: fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu
Visit our PreK office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22042
For more information call our main line: 703-208-7900
A message from our Family Liaison, Ms. Elliott
 
Tutor.com Teacher-Referred Tutoring
Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com.
A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.
Caregivers can guide students to access expert tutoring, homework help, and writing support by clicking on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal—anytime, anywhere.
Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.
Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools to use as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support, and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.Attend an information night on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m., at Thoreau Middle School. Parents/caregivers will learn more about Lexia, and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom and supporting student growth in reading. Attendees will also get tips for supporting their students at home.
Register to attend or submit a question in advance. Unable to attend in person? Join on Zoom.
Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.
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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