From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
I am thrilled to share some exciting news. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) evaluation report has arrived, and I am delighted to inform you that it is outstanding. The glowing feedback we received is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and the exceptional quality of education we provide here at Belvedere. This achievement is something we all can take pride in and will celebrate together during the Family Learning Festival in May.
Additionally, I am pleased to report that our school had the privilege of hosting leaders from Region 2 last week. They were deeply impressed by the high levels of learning evident throughout our school. In particular, they highlighted the remarkable student agency and engagement, as well as the differentiated support provided while maintaining rigorous standards for all students. This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of our entire school community.
On another note, I am happy to report that our kindergarten orientation was a resounding success. Last night, we welcomed rising kindergarteners and their parents to learn about the school year ahead. The students were brimming with excitement, especially when they had the chance to meet our beloved chickens!
As we move forward into the remainder of the school year, let's continue to work together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in this journey.
Best regards,
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
Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Work Day
Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.
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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!
PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE EVENT
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🖍️ 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. 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 Auction Fundraiser was a success!
Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in the PTA auction. We surpassed our goal of $10,000 raised and are thrilled to be able to support the school in the coming year!
123 Andrés Concert at Belvedere
Join us for a FREE concert on Tuesday, May 21 by the Spanish-English bilingual children’s band, 123 Andrés, Grammy and Latin Grammy winner for Best Children’s Album! All families and siblings welcome! They will give a concert for K-2nd graders from 6-7pm and for 3rd-5th graders from 7-8pm. Plan to bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic and the PTA will provide popsicles. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
Glasgow Theatre Hosts Character Meet and Greet
Join the Glasgow Theatre cast tomorrow, April 27th, for a Character Meet and Greet. Check out the time and details below:
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!
☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s important for students to stay engaged, attend school, and finish strong! Visit our 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.
⏰ 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.
🎤 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 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.
Nominate Someone Today for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Do you know of an outstanding person or group that has worked for equity in an FCPS school? There’s still time to nominate a candidate for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award.
This award recognizes staff, students, 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 may nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. Full details are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Summer Arts Camp
Don’t miss out on this summer’s most exciting arts enrichment program! At Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA), students take art, music, theater, and dance classes daily. E-IFTA is for current second through fifth grade students. Learn more on the E-IFTA webpage. Email EIFTA@fcps.edu with any questions.
🥁 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, May 1st - PTA Meeting
- Friday, May 3rd - Teacher Workday (No School)
- Thursday, May 16th - Family Fun and Learning Festival (5:30-7:00 pm)
- Monday, May 27th - No School (Memorial Day)
- Wednesday, June 12 - Last Day of School! Early Release
Keep in Touch
Visit the Belvedere website
Report student absences
Bus Delay Website
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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
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