From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
We had another week full of learning at Belvedere!
Thank you to Casey Trees for planting 19 trees on Belvedere’s grounds. They look fabulous and we are fortunate to add trees to our wonderful green spaces!
Starting at the beginning of May, third through fifth graders will take their Standards of Learning (SOL) State Assessments. During this testing season, we ask that you please refrain from making appointments or planned trips on the day of your child’s assessment. The dates of the assessments are listed below. If your child will be absent on a day of the test, please let us know in advance so we can make alternate arrangements.
Second graders presented their research projects, focused on a topic of choice. The students were so proud to share their research, and classmates were very respectful with their comments and questions. Supporting this project was true team effort, including teachers from all core curricular disciplines.
WIDA testing for English Language Learners has finished! Thank you so much to our ESOL teachers, Ms. Sabol, Ms. Heend, Ms. McKiernan-Campbell and Ms. Perez for their hard work, and to our parents for making sure our students are at school each day.
We hope you have an amazing Spring Break! We will be excited to welcome students back to the building on Wednesday, April 3.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
 5th Grade SOL Schedule:
- Thursday, May 2nd - Reading
- Thursday, May 9th - Science
- Thursday, May 16th - Math
4th Grade SOL Schedule:
- Friday, May 10th - Reading
- Friday, May 17th - Math
3rd Grade SOL Schedule:
- Tuesday, May 7th - Reading
- Tuesday, May 14th - Math
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.
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!
📖 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools 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 a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 9, to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom to support student growth. Participants will also get tips for supporting their students at home. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.
🖍️ 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.
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!
We are collecting items for the grade wide baskets for the silent auction everyone should get a flyer home today that states what your grades theme is there are boxes placed in the classrooms to accept the donations all donations due by April 7th thanks so much!!
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
Thanks to everyone who made Belvedere Ballers such a success last night. The kids had a blast playing against all the teachers and parents! The only regret of the night was that there was not enough time!
Everyone have a wonderful Spring Break!
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.
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!
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.
⏰ Community Forums on Middle School Start Times
Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:
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Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association.
This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. More details will be available after spring break.
FCPS Budget
🏐🤼♀️ New sports, new opportunities for students! FCPS’ advertised budget for next school year expands high school athletics with boys volleyball and girls wrestling, giving students more ways to nurture their passion and enhance their well-being.
🗣️ FCPS is now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details: bit.ly/FCPSBudgetCalendar
✅ Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget: bit.ly/FCPS-AdvBudget-FY25
🤧 Updated COVID Recommendations
In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.
The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended.
New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved.
Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities.
Should I Send My Child to School?
Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school.
Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.
New Regulation on Meditation and Silent Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact the principal, family liaison, and/or their child’s teacher regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
☀️ 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.
🎤 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.
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.
⛱️ Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers
All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1, to Thursday, August 1 — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs.
Registration is open. VIP Camp costs $100 to attend. Reach out to your school's after-school specialist for scholarship availability due to financial hardship. This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, March 22 - End of Quarter
- March 25-29 - Spring Break
- April 1-2 - Student Holiday (Professional Workdays)
- April 3 - PTA Meeting
- April 10 - Eid al-Fitr (No School)
Keep in Touch
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Bus Delay Website
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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
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