From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
What an exciting week we had at Belvedere! The IB evaluation visit took place on Wednesday and Thursday. The visiting team met with staff, students, and parents. They were so impressed with all of the wonderful things that are happening at Belvedere. In particular they highlighted the strong collaboration among staff, students’ engagement and understanding of action, as well as the many ways in which parents are connected to the school. We are so grateful for your support and extend a special thank you to the parents who met with the evaluation team. We look forward to our next PTA meeting on Wednesday, March 13th.
Warm regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
March 5 Presidential Primary
The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.
Therefore, March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based Administrators in order to devote time to school improvement efforts, including collaboration around data, common assessments, responsive instruction, etc.
Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as on other professional work days.
Need Help with Food, Financial Assistance, or Medical Assistance?
You may qualify for federal benefits, such as Medicaid, Food Assistance (SNAP), TANF (Temporary Financial Assistance for Families), Energy Assistance (Fuel, Cooling), and more. Visit https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/ or call 1-833-522-5582 to apply. Call 703-324-7500 or visit Fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/financial-and-medical if you need help applying.
Children who do not qualify for Medicaid may qualify for the Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP), a reduced-cost healthcare program for children under 18 from low-income families. Call 703-324-7315 for more information.
Please click here for more information about food, financial and medical assistance available to students and families. If you need support or have questions, please contact the Belvedere parent liaison, Ivanova Plazas, at 703-916-6824 or at implazas@fcps.edu. We are here to support you and want to support all who may qualify to access this assistance.
Student Intention for Next Year Form
We are sending home Student Intention Forms today in your child's Friday folder. These forms are important for us to plan for the upcoming school year at Belvedere ES.
Please complete and return the form by Friday, March 8th.
This form is for:
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All students: Even if your child is not returning to Belvedere ES next year, completing the form helps us understand our enrollment for next year.
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5th graders: Completing the form helps us inform middle school registrars if your child will not be attending their assigned school.
Returning the form:
- Please find the form pre-filled with your child's name in your child's Friday folder.
- Complete the form and return it to your child's teacher by Friday, March 8th.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Thank you for your cooperation.
🖍️ It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring during March or April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.
Glasgow Middle School Boundary Study Timeline Updates
The Fairfax County School Board is considering boundary study scope recommendations to address capacity challenges at Glasgow Middle School.
The following schools are included in the recommended boundary scope presented to the School Board February 22:
- Glasgow Middle School and AAP Center
- Holmes Middle School
- Poe Middle School
- Frost Middle School AAP Center
- Belvedere Elementary School AAP Center
- Canterbury Woods Elementary School AAP Center
The boundary scope is currently under review by the School Board. Next steps and updates on the process will be shared via email and on the Glasgow Middle School Capacity Challenges webpage. Two community meetings scheduled for March 6 and March 13 have been postponed to allow for additional scoping and School Board review.
Keep informed and engaged by visiting the Glasgow Middle School Capacity Challenges webpage. While there, sign up for the mailing list. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your school board representative, Dr. Ricardy Anderson.
Opportunities for Military-Connected Families
Virtual Gathering for Military-Connected Families
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) values the unique experiences and perspectives of our military-connected families and students.
Family and School Partnerships invites military-connected parents and guardians to attend a special virtual gathering to connect directly with FCPS staff and community members, learn about valuable resources, and share their experiences within FCPS.
This interactive session will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 7-8 p.m. Please register for this event to receive the Zoom link and meeting invitation.
For more information about the gathering and/or military-connected resources, please email Meredith Ayala, Family Partnerships Specialist, Military-Connected Youth & Families, at mlayala1@fcps.edu or militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
Learn About Pathways and Opportunities at Virtual Military Night
FCPS School Counseling Services is hosting a Virtual Military Night on Wednesday, March 20, 6-8 p.m. This event is designed for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the military pathways and opportunities. Enlistment, service academies, and ROTC pathways will be represented.
💜 Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families
Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.
Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3rd - 5th during the week of March 4th . Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link:
https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Paige Simpson, at Pesimpson1@fcps.edu or 703-916-6829.
Ramadan
Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their school regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
Belvedere Career Day 2024
Our 4th and 5th grade students will attend Career Day on Tuesday, June 4, from 9:40 a.m.-11:40 a.m. Career Day consists of students rotating to four different 20-minute sessions.
Please download this flyer for more information on ways you can help or sign up to be a presenter. Thanks!
✅ Look for the FCPS Family Engagement Survey This Sunday
Parents/caregivers will receive the FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey Sunday, March 3, from independent research firm K12 Insight. Please participate — your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve practices to best support our students.Taking this survey will also help strengthen the partnership between your family and our school. When that partnership is strong, students can experience a range of benefits including improved school readiness, higher student achievement, better social skills and behavior, and an increased likelihood of graduating high school. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will be available in 10 languages. Please visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information. Your voice matters!
Do You Know Where FCPS Funding Comes From?
The majority of FCPS funding is requested from the Fairfax County government, which generates its revenue from real estate and personal property taxes. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the next largest source of revenue to FCPS through state aid and sales tax. The rest of the funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal aid and tuition for non-county residents. (The numbers above represent the FY 2025 proposed school operating fund in millions.)
FCPS does not have the authority to impose taxes and may only charge fees where the Commonwealth of Virginia has granted specific authority. Learn more about FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget.
Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge
The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 10:45 a.m., at Hayfield Secondary School. The event features a public tasting of student dishes and demonstrations from two local celebrated chefs.
The student challenge at the heart of this event is to create healthy, delicious, and culturally diverse school menu items that meet USDA guidelines. Entries will be judged by a panel including celebrity chefs, school food professionals, and local food producers. The public is invited to vote for their favorite dish.
Chefs Najmieh Batmanglij and Chris Morgan of Joon will offer a demonstration at 11:15 a.m. Public tasting of student dishes will get underway at noon.
Student-created dishes from this annual event have been featured on school menus throughout the Greater Washington Region. It is free to attend, but registration is required.
National School Social Work Week
March 3-9 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
🎤 Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Wednesday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14.
All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6-12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too-often fatal substances.
Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
- Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
- Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair Open House
Members of the general public are invited to attend the science fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17, 1-3 p.m.
Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts.
If you are interested in sending your student to an elementary magnet school program, consider attending a school-based information night at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Bailey’s Primary Elementary School, or Bailey’s Upper Elementary School.
Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.
Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12. Get more information about the schools, their programs, and locations.
Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.
Tech Adventure Camp is available for current grade K-5 students to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for elementary students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.
Dads at Belvedere (DAB)
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-dads1#/
Download the flyer!
PTA News
Save the Date!
The Belvedere auction fundraiser will take place on Sunday, April 14, from 4-7pm at Caboose Commons in the Mosaic District (https://caboosebrewing.com/restaurant-brewpub-fairfax-va/). Watch for more information coming soon!
Volunteers needed! Belvedere Auction Fundraiser in April
We are still looking for volunteers to help with the auction. We can use several people to help with soliciting, classroom basket, help setting up the website, etc. If you are able to volunteer in any way, please email us at belvedereptaauction@gmail.com.
Belvedere Ballers in March
Belvedere Ballers is coming back Thursday, March 21! Look out for more information coming next week. Also if you or your child is interested in playing, please let us know by March 1 (bespta.va@gmail.com).
Become a Member of the PTA and/or Support Belvedere with a donation
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 through events like movie night, teacher appreciation, international night, read-a-thon, and more.
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!
Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA or to make a donation.
Please note the revised date for our next PTA meeting: Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 pm.
Questions or concerns? Email bespta.va@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates
- Tuesday, March 5 - Election Day (No School)
- Wednesday, March 6 - 5th Grade Parent Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, March 6 - Chorus Concert at 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, March 13 - PTA Meeting
- Thursday, March 14 - Strings Concert at 6:30 PM
- Thursday, March 21 - Belvedere Ballers
- Friday, March 22 - Parent Coffee (Topic: PYP)
- Friday, March 22 - End of Quarter
- March 25-29 - Spring Break
- April 1-2 - Student Holiday (Professional Workdays)
Keep in Touch
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Bus Delay Website
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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
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