UPDATED: Belvedere News and Announcements - March 8, 2024

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/08/2024 04:06 PM EST

Due to a previous error, this is the corrected version of the Weekly News You Choose. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

From the Administration

Dear Belvedere Family:

As we reach the end of another bustling week, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for our wonderful community.

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to the 5th-grade chorus for their magnificent performance. Your dedication and hard work truly shone through, and we couldn't be prouder of each and every chorus member. Your performance was a testament to your talent and commitment. We are excited to hear the orchestra next Thursday, March 14.

We also want to extend our deepest appreciation to our entire school community. Your unwavering support and involvement enrich the fabric of Belvedere in countless ways. Whether it's volunteering your time, sharing your skills, or simply offering a kind word, your contributions make our school the exceptional place it is.Warm regards,

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal

Tara Boone, Assistant Principal

Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

spring forward

Get Outside! Seed Sale, Workday, and Outdoor Club

Seed Sale

Third grade will be holding a Seed Sale! Flower, herb, fruit, and vegetable seeds will cost $0.75 - $2.50, cash only. Quantities are limited. Students are limited to a $5 purchase unless they have an order form, which were sent home in Friday folders (also available here). The public is welcome to attend the sale. When: Tuesday, March 12, 1:15 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. and  Wednesday, March 13, 9:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. (closed 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.). Where: Belvedere Elementary lobby

Outdoor Workday - Volunteers Needed

Help us prepare our outdoor learning areas on Saturday, March 16, 1- 4pm. Tasks may include weeding/cleaning up gardens, repairing garden beds, adding mulch to the pollinator meadows, and removing invasives from the back meadow. Students are welcome with an adult. Sign up now or drop by! We will be working behind the school.  

Belvedere Outdoor Club

Join Outdoor Club trip on Saturday, March 16, at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve! Outdoor Club meets on select Saturday mornings to explore local parks with students and their families. Bus transportation is available from Belvedere and Barcroft View apartments. More information and permission slips were sent home in Friday folders (also available here). Space is limited and participation is first come, first served, as forms are received.  This year’s remaining Outdoor Club trips are tentatively scheduled for 4/13 and 5/18.

Please contact our Environmental Educator, Andrea Auerbach (asauerbach1@fcps.edu) with questions.

From our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Ms. Walsh

Please read the latest newsletter from the AAP office. 

Equity in Education Month

FCPS — in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association — observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. 

Ramadan

This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. March 11 is an O day. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar. Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their student’s principal regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

🖍️ 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.

✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey!

FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open. Survey partner K12 Insight emailed a link to families on March 3 and again on March 6. Please participate! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS practices to best support our students.

The survey is available in 10 languages. Parents/caregivers may stop by the front office to fill out a paper survey or complete the survey online. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage.

Supporting the Learning and Recreational Needs of 2e Learners During the Summer

Learn about how summer can be a time for twice exceptional students to encourage the love of learning, develop talent, socialize, and reflect. Find out about inclusive summer camps both in our local community and nationally that serve students of all abilities. 

Webinar Highlights:

  • Learn about the benefits of summer enrichment for twice-exceptional students.
  • Learn about what families can do at home to continue to encourage talent and skills development for their twice-exceptional child.
  • List of FCPS summer opportunities and resources.  
  • Presenter: Dr. Nonye Oladimeji, FCPS Specialist for Twice Exceptional (2e) Children
  • Date: April 12, 2024 Add to your Calendar
  • Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Format: Virtual

Register for this event

Bipartisan Study Finds Virginia Public School Divisions Receive Less Funding per Student Than Other States

The School Board recently adopted FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Meeting budget needs becomes more of a challenge with underfunding by the state, using staffing formulas that continue to result in school districts not receiving the actual support needed for excellent public education. A staffing formula is the method for calculating the number of positions that need to be assigned to meet program needs. 

Did You Know?

In July 2023, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) released a study of Virginia’s K-12 funding formulas. The report found that Virginia school divisions receive less funding per student than the 50-state average, the regional average, and many of Virginia’s neighboring states including West Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky. Learn more about the JLARC study. View FCPS’ budget development timeline. 

Contact your state officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

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.

☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.

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.

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.

💜 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.

purple up

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!

🎤 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:

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.

🥁 Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

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 

Belvedere PTA Spring Auction - Online and in-person! 

The Belvedere PTA Spring Auction will be held online (April 7-14) and in-person on April 14 (4:00-7:00pm) at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Rd.). Tickets include a drink, snacks and live music - take advantage of the early bird rate before April 1! If you have a donation you can contribute to the auction or are able to volunteer, please email us at belvedereptaauction@gmail.com. 

Download the flyer for all the details!

Belvedere Ballers March 21

Belvedere Ballers, the basketball game between students, parents, and teachers will be held Thursday, March 21 at Glasgow Middle School. We look forward to seeing you on the court! Please email bespta.va@gmail.com with any questions.

Join the 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 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

  • 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)

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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024