From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
This week, we'd like to give a big shoutout to our amazing 5th graders who completed their reading SOL on Thursday! The full SOL testing schedule is included in this newsletter. To ensure your child performs their best, please avoid scheduling conflicts on testing days. Encourage them to get a good night's sleep and approach the tests with confidence!
May is here, and we have a calendar packed with exciting events! First, next week is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. It's time to show our incredible teachers and staff how much we appreciate their dedication! Later in the month, we look forward to our Family Fun and Learning Festival on Thursday, May 16th, a free 123 Andrés concert on Tuesday, May 21st sponsored by the PTA, and Field Day for our students on Friday, May 31st.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are grateful for our families and the entire Belvedere community. Take care!
Best regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week: May 6-10
Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day began in 1953 when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt proposed that Congress set aside a day to acknowledge the work of educators. Since 1985, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. FCPS follows the NEA and National PTA dates of scheduling Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the first full week of May.
 5th Grade SOL Schedule:
- Thursday, May 2nd - Reading - DONE
- 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
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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Field Day
Join us for Field Day on Friday, May 31, 2024! Don't forget your essentials: bring a water bottle, wear clothing that can get wet, and apply sunscreen. We're also in need of parent volunteers to oversee each station. Sign up via our SignUpGenius link or reach out to our PE teachers, Abby Novak (anovak@fcps.edu) or Dan Bowles (dbowles@fcps.edu), for any inquiries. Check out the grade-level schedule: 3rd – 5th grade activities run from 9:40am to 12:10pm, while K-2nd grade events take place from 1:30pm to 3:20pm. Save the date for our "Rain Date" on Friday, June 7th!
Download the flyer for all the details!
Apply for Early Learning for Children Six Weeks to Four Years Old
The FCPS PreK and Early Head Start program is accepting applications for SY 2024-25. FCPS PreK and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying income-eligible children ages six weeks to four years living in Fairfax County. Watch this video to learn more (also available in Spanish).
- Pre-K prioritizes children who turn 4-years-old by September 30 and also accepts applications for 3-year-old children.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools - Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood - and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and based on income and educational risk factors, not first come, first served. Applications are accepted online, by email (fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu), or in person at FCPS’ Leis Center location in Falls Church. For questions about your application or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Resources for Newly Registered Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible!
Register Your Children Online
Online registration is available for new and returning (re-enrolling) FCPS families! Apply today to help us plan for the 2024-25 school year.
PTA News
Mother’s Day “Jewelry Shop for a Loved One”
The annual “Jewelry Shop for a Loved One” will be held at school May 9 -10. Every Belvedere student will be receiving a ticket to “shop” for a free piece of costume jewelry for their mother, stepmother, grandmother, or other special person in their life. We’re collecting donations of gently used necklaces, bracelets, pins, and pierced or clip earrings as well as supplies such as tissue paper, gift bags and card tags. We need about 1,000 pieces of jewelry to give the students a wide selection to choose from so please consider donating (by May 3rd)! There’s a donation box in the Belvedere front office or you can contact Paola Long at 571-242-9220 or psiles51@hotmail.com to arrange a pickup.
Also we need volunteers for the shopping days to help the students select their gift, wrap it in tissue paper, sign a gift tag, and secure the jewelry in a bag. Please sign up for a shift online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F4FAAA722A5FA7-49275026-jewelry#/
Download the flyer for all the details!
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 all students and their families from 6-7pm in the field right by the school! Plan to bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic and the PTA will provide popsicles. We look forward to seeing you there!
Fifth Grade Celebration
The fifth-grade celebration event will be held June 6th and we need volunteers! If you have a graduating fifth grader and want to join the fun, please sign up to volunteer by contacting bespta.va@gmail.com.
Become a Member of the PTA and/or Support Belvedere with a donation
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 date for our final PTA meeting: Wednesday, June 5, 6:30 pm.
Questions or concerns? Email bespta.va@gmail.com.
☀️ Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza
Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza!
Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth.
Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!
Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.
💪 Let's Finish the School Year Strong!
Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:
- Check your child’s attendance record.
- Help your student stay engaged at school.
- Report future absences.
- Understand the FCPS school calendar.
Learn more about attendance resources.
📞 FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, offer options to resolve concerns and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, visit their webpage, or submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
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
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:
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:
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.
SoCo Summer Strings
Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 8-19, 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day. You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1-June 9, so reserve your student’s spot soon!
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
- Thursday, May 16th - Family Fun and Learning Festival (5:30-7:00 pm)
- Tuesday, May 21st - 123 Andres Concert
- Monday, May 27th - No School (Memorial Day)
- Friday, May 31st - Field Day
- Wednesday, June 12 - Last Day of School! Early Release
Keep in Touch
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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
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