A Message from the Principal, Dr. Jemison
When our school community rallies together, we do so with unparalleled enthusiasm and unity! This past Wednesday, April 17, we came together to commemorate Purple Up! Day, an occasion dedicated to honoring our Month of the Military Child. With over half of our student body hailing from military families, this day holds profound significance for us as a school.
The event saw a remarkable turnout, with an overwhelming number of families joining in the festivities. Welcoming esteemed guests such as Garrison Command Sergeant Major, CSM Garth Newell and other distinguished Fort Belvoir leaders added to the sense of importance and recognition. It’s moments like these that allow us to express our gratitude and admiration for the resilience and adaptability displayed by our military children. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this celebration a memorable one, showing our students the appreciation they truly deserve.
Please check out this phenomenal presentation highlighting some of our amazing military connected students linked HERE.
Together, we are and will continue to be Fort Belvoir strong!
In partnership,
Dr. LaZedrick (Zed) Jemison, Principal
  
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May 3: Student Holiday
May 27: Holiday- Memorial Day: School/Office Closed
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Highlights from Purple Up! Day
 
Parents Leaving Encouraging Words for Students
Earth Day Preparations at Fort Belvoir Primary
Earth Day, occurring on Monday, April 22nd, is a crucial reminder of our responsibility to nurture and protect our planet. At our school, we’ve been instilling in our students the significance of environmental stewardship. As productive citizens, it’s vital that we prioritize sustainability and take action to preserve our Earth.
To commemorate Earth Day, students are encouraged to wear earth tones, symbolizing their commitment to the cause. Throughout the day, various classes will engage in activities like planting seeds in our school garden and learning about the benefits of composting, fostering a deeper understanding of how small actions can make a BIG difference in caring for our planet.
Families are encouraged to use the resources linked HERE with aiding conversations with students about Earth.
Round Table Talk with Dr. Jemison about Responsive Classroom
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who took part in our recent round table discussion on implementing a Responsive Classroom approach within our school community. Your engagement and insights are invaluable as we strive to create an environment that fosters the holistic development of our students.
For those who may not be familiar, a Responsive Classroom is more than just an educational philosophy; it’s a commitment to prioritizing the social and emotional well-being of our students alongside their academic growth. This is a means of enhancing our morning meetings, creating common language throughout the school, and establishing clear expectations in all classrooms. Through evidence-based practices, we aim to cultivate an extra layer of safety within classrooms that are safe, joyful and highly engaging for both students and teachers.
As the principal, I deeply value the input of all stakeholders in shaping our school’s culture and practices. Your perspectives as Fort Belvoir Primary parents is crucial in ensuring that our efforts are aligned with the needs as aspirations of our community. Additionally, your involvement reflects a shared commitment to the success and well-being of our students, both academically and emotionally.
I would like to encourage families to complete the survey and sign up for our upcoming focus group discussion using the links below by Friday, May 3rd. Your voices are instrumental in guiding our ongoing efforts towards maintaining a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment where every child thrives.
Family Survey for Fort Belvoir Primary Families
Registration for Military Families
Fairfax County Public Schools extends a warm welcome to military families considering enrollment in any of its top-notch schools such as Fort Belvoir Primary. The district recognizes the frequent relocations that are often part of military life, and aims to make the transition to a new school as smooth as possible.
It’s crucial for military families to know that the district has tailored policies to address their unique needs and facilitate a seamless adjustment process. Please take a moment to review the information linked HERE to explore the specific policies crafted to support military families during their transition to Fort Belvoir Primary as well as other schools within FCPS.
We encourage families to contact our front office at (703)781-2700 to learn more about our registration process specifically for Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary.
Celebrating MOMC at Fort Belvoir Primary
As part of our Month of the Military Child celebration, our local fire department demonstrated their commitment to community engagement by visiting some first-grade classrooms to read stories. The students were utterly captivated as they listened intently, some of them sharing a special connection as former service members themselves, now serving in a different capacity. To top it off, the firefighters generously took the classes outside for an up-close look at their impressive fire engine, leaving a lasting impression on the young minds and hearts they touched.
Sea Magic Concert Success!
Our second graders truly shone at their recent musical concert, dazzling a room packed with proud parents. Their enchanting theme, exploring the magic of the sea, captivated hearts and minds alike. A heartfelt appreciation goes out to our dedicated music teachers, Ms. Amanda Maguire and Ms. Hailey Schmitt, whose guidance and expertise made this event possible. We’re also immensely grateful to Ms. Simmons and Ms. Fox, our talented art teachers, whose stunning decorations brought the theme to life visually. Thank you all for making this event truly magical!
Community Recognition for FBES
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Fort Belvoir Elementary School(s) was recently recognized by Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc., lauding our commitment to the community’s welfare. Our dedication extends beyond academic excellence; we prioritize the holistic well-being of our school community.
Monthly, we organize a free food market, ensuring families have access to essential resources. Collaborating with local partners, we address clothing needs by supplying coats and hats to students in need. Moreover, during the festive season, we host a toy drive, spreading joy and support to our students.
Grounded in kindness, our school serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all who enter its doors!
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Check for Lost Items - Fort Belvoir Primary
Attention all families, we kindly request that you check the lost and found for any missing items. After the month of April, any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity. We are kindly asking families to retrieve any belongings before they are donated. Thank you for your cooperation.
Kindergarten Orientation for Future Dolphins
 We’re excited to welcome our newest Dolphins to Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year!
On May 3rd we are hosting two sessions of kindergarten orientations from 9:30 - 10:30 am and 2:00 - 3:00 pm. This event is intended for the rising kindergarten student(s) and their parents/guardians. This year we are trying something new! Rising kindergarten students and their families will get a glimpse of our exceptional kindergarten program. Families will preview the curriculum and the day life of a kindergarten student. Additionally, we are providing tours of our building. At the conclusion of the tour, we are hosting Popcorn on the Playground. This is an excellent opportunity for families to connect with other kindergarten families. If you know of a family that has a rising kindergarten but does not receive our letters, please inform them of our orientation.
Due to limited space, we ask that only rising kindergarten students and their parents/guardians attend.
Please click here to RSVP to the event.
A Message from Our Family Liaison, Ms. Elliott
Community Forums on Middle School Start Times
FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
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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
A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon.
While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion
The FCPS Family Summit 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 raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
FCPS Cares!
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Fort Belvoir Primary ES. We love our Primary staff members, let's tell them how we feel!
Fairfax County Public School 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
We are encouraging families to review the FCPS 2024-2025 School Year Calendar linked HERE.
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