Belvedere News and Announcements - April 5, 2024

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 04/05/2024 04:00 PM EDT

From the Administration

Dear Belvedere Family:

It was wonderful to see our students back in the building this week after Spring Break. Students jumped right back into their learning and reconnected with their classmates and teachers. We also had the pleasure of hosting two schools from Washington, DC, who visited us to observe how Belvedere implements the IB Primary Years Programme. We value collaboration with IB schools and continue to find ways to connect and grow together.

We have an exciting week ahead of us. On Monday, our students will have the extraordinary opportunity to view the solar eclipse. Our wonderful family liaison, Ms. Plazas has secured donations of glasses that will make this event safe for our students. Families of Kindergarten through 5th grade students received an email earlier this week with all the details. For your convenience, the message is also included below in this newsletter.

Additionally, on Wednesday, FCPS will honor Eid al-Fitr and schools and offices will be closed. Eid-al-Fitr is a three-day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. 

We hope everyone has a great weekend! Best regards,

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal

Tara Boone, Assistant Principal

Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal

☀️ Solar Eclipse on April 8 

A rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon is happening on April 8: a solar eclipse. Students will have a chance to view the eclipse while at school; however, this requires important safety practices.  Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. To ensure students can safely view the eclipse, we have approved eyewear (ISO 12312-2 approved glasses pictured below).

On April 8th, from 3:00 p.m. until 3:20 p.m., students and staff will view the eclipse from the school playground. If you would like to Opt-Out your child from this event, please email James Davis at jrdavis@fcps.edu or call 703-916-6800.

We need volunteers to support classes during this event.  If you are able to volunteer, please email Tara Boone at taboone@fcps.edu. 

Here are some important reminders:

  • Do not look at the sun without approved eyewear. We encourage you to reinforce this at home.
  • Regular sunglasses are not good enough. We will be providing eyewear that has been approved for viewing.
  • Eclipse  timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m., and ends around 4:32 p.m. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.

For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.

These are the approved glasses that have been generously donated to Belvedere:

glasses

Eid al-Fitr (Half-O Day, Holiday)

In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.

Tuesday, April 9, has been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. See the complete School Year Calendar.

Eid
autism acceptance

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

Belvedere Outdoor Club

Join Outdoor Club trip on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Seneca Regional Park! 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 last Outdoor Club trip is tentatively scheduled for 5/18. Please contact our Environmental Educator, Andrea Auerbach (asauerbach1@fcps.edu) with questions.

sol testing

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

Counselor Corner

Belvedere Career Day

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 letter 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!

Counselor Newsletter

Please read the latest newsletter from our school counselors here.

📖 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. 

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. 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!!

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, May 1st at 6:30 pm. 

Questions or concerns? Email bespta.va@gmail.com.

National Library Week: April 7-13

April is School Library Month and it's a great time to celebrate the essential role that school librarians play in the lives of students. School librarians ensure students have access to a wide variety of high-quality books and resources that connect them to the world and build a culture of literacy. Librarians develop lessons that are meaningful to students and help them develop critical thinking, inquiry, and information literacy skills. They support learning across all subject areas by teaching students the skills to be independent problem-solvers and creative thinkers. By creating a safe environment for all students to be engaged and curious learners, FCPS libraries are places where everyone belongs.

Take a moment to learn more about FCPS Library Programs and share your appreciation of our school librarian, Ms. Jopeck!

Save the Date for Belvedere Family Fun and Learning Festival!

May 16th - 5:30 - 7 p.m.

We welcome all students and families to join us on May 16th from 5:30 - 7 p.m. for Belvedere Family Fun and Learning Festival. There will be resources, games, and activities for all. The event will happen rain or shine! 

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: 

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.  

Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-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 theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

🎤 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.

🏫 Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction

Investing in excellence means putting our dollars where it matters most — schools and instruction. Nearly 93% of FCPS full-time staff work directly in our schools. And nearly 86% of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget is dedicated to instructional programs across all grade levels, including special education. 

Only 5% of the advertised budget is for general support and central administration. Central office administrators represent only 0.8% of total full-time positions.

For more details on FCPS’ advertised budget, view budget documents, including the FY 2025 Budget Book. 

Check out the Budget Calendar for important dates in the budget process as well as opportunities for the community to provide feedback.

🗳️ Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey. 

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1.  The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

Save the Date! Hope Expo - Saturday, April 13th

Hope Expo Info

Register Today for the Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet School Lottery

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open through Friday, April 12. Learn more 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

  • Wednesday April 10th - Eid al-Fitr (No School)
  • Wednesday, May 1st - PTA Meeting
  • Friday, May 3rd - Teacher Workday (No School)
  • Thursday, May 16th - Family Fun and Learning Festival (5:30-7:00 pm)

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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024