From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
We hope you've been enjoying the beautiful spring weather this week! It's wonderful to see our students soaking up the sunshine during recess and exploring our outdoor learning spaces.
We're thrilled to celebrate some amazing student achievements! A big round of applause goes to our 3rd graders for hosting a fantastic annual Seed Sale. Their hard work and dedication made the event a big success. Additionally, our talented Strings students delivered an impressive performance at their Spring concert on Thursday. Their commitment and practice truly paid off!
Just a friendly reminder that next week is the last full week of school before Spring Break. We appreciate your continued efforts in ensuring your child attends school regularly. Consistent attendance is crucial for academic success.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Spirit Week: March 18-22
Our dedicated student leaders from SCA planned a fun Spirit Week for our school next week as we head into Spring Break. Check out each day's theme below:
Get Outside! Workday and Outdoor Club
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.
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. You can reach out to our school counselor, Ms. Ballard (tmballard@fcps.edu) if you have questions or would like to volunteer. Thanks!
Spring Break🌷
March 25-29 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
🖍️ 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 Today!
If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!
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.
Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget
The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from fiscal years (FY) 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in FY 2024. The County’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements.
If the county were to return to transferring 52.6% to FCPS for the upcoming year, that would equate to $63 million more to invest in excellence.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Give your feedback on the County budget.
🏅 Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.
Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
☀️ 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.
🩹 Measles Is Preventable
Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
Join a Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation on the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. (Please enter through Door #14). Attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services 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 will be suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Language interpretation will be 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.
Sesame Street for Military Families Photo Shoot
Sesame Street For Military Families (SS4MF) has been supporting military families for 17 years by celebrating military children and supporting families with age-appropriate strategies to develop strong and resilient military children.
SS4MF is seeking military families with children no older than 7 years of age to participate in a photography shoot to interact with the Muppets Elmo and Rosita. The photos and videos are intended to support SS4MF programming and marketing across global platforms.
The photography sessions will take place May 13-15, 2024, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), Fort Belvoir, and Myer Henderson. Families interested must submit the registration form by the extended deadline: March 21, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any enrichment opportunity they may use before participating.
To connect with more FCPS resources, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
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!
Spring Plant Sale is here!
Get a jumpstart on spring gardening! You can buy assorted vegetables, herbs, and beautiful plants and flowers. Orders will be taken until April 5th at 5pm and plants will be delivered to Belvedere on April 20th where you can pick them up. Please use the following link to place your order:
https://app.memberhub.gives/ee991f/Campaign/Details
Belvedere Ballers March 21
Don’t forget to come and play or cheer on your friends who have signed up to play against teachers and parents! Belvedere Ballers will be held Thursday, March 21 (6-8pm) at the Glasgow middle school hook gym. Use the bus parking lot entrance and please plan to arrive be by 5:45 if you signed up to play. Pizza and concessions will be sold. We look forward to seeing you on the court!
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, April 3rd at 6:30 pm.
Questions or concerns? Email bespta.va@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates
- 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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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
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