From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible treats and gestures the PTA provided during Staff Appreciation Week. It has truly been a delightful week filled with celebration and warmth. Each day brought a special treat, including lunch, cookies, sweets, and treats from the Kona Ice truck. Thank you for brightening our days!
We thank all the parent and grandparent volunteers who made our Jewelry Shop such a memorable event. Their warmth and support as they helped each child select a special piece of jewelry for someone dear to them created unforgettable moments of joy. It was a hugely successful event!
Additionally, we want to extend our gratitude for your cooperation and support during our second week of testing. Everything ran smoothly. We thank parents who volunteered to help us keep hallways quiet so that students could test without interruptions. We also thank all parents who made sure the children came ready to test.
Thank you once again for everything you do to make our school community a vibrant and nurturing environment for all. We are truly grateful for your continued partnership.
Warm regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
 5th Grade SOL Schedule:
- Thursday, May 2nd - Reading - DONE
- Thursday, May 9th - Science - DONE
- Thursday, May 16th - Math
4th Grade SOL Schedule:
- Friday, May 10th - Reading - DONE
- Friday, May 17th - Math
3rd Grade SOL Schedule:
- Tuesday, May 7th - Reading - DONE
- 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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Outdoor Club
Join the last Outdoor Club trip of the school year on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Winkler Botanical Preserve in Alexandria! 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. Please contact our Environmental Educator, Andrea Auerbach, with questions.
Calling All Plant Heroes!
Be a plant hero by keeping Belvedere's gardens and trees growing over summer break! You can “adopt” an area (for any amount of time) and work at your convenience or join us in the gardens for scheduled workdays. We need help watering, weeding, mulching, and harvesting (you can keep or donate any produce). No experience is necessary and students are welcome with an adult. Instructions, tools, and support will be provided. Please contact our Environmental Educator, Andrea Auerbach, if you are interested in volunteering or you have questions.
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
Teacher Appreciation Week
We hope you have enjoyed celebrating and showing gratitude to your child’s teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week! The PTA has been hard at work making sure our teachers feel loved and appreciated - from snacks and sweet treats galore to balloons, yummy lunch, and a Kona Ice Truck. Our Belvedere teachers deserve that and much more!
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 June 6th!
Wednesday May 15th at 6:30pm we will be hosting an info zoom meeting about the 5th grade celebration. Please join and sign up at to volunteer:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054BA9AA2EA4F49-49057205-5thgrade#/
You must be volunteering to come to the celebration on June 6th (this is not the graduation just the celebration party). Please join the google meeting via the following link:
https://calendar.app.google/nJCfhta46i9yXESM8
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.
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.
FCPS 2025 Budget — What’s Happening Next
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Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the budget. Register to speak by 6:30 p.m., on Monday, May 13.
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Wednesday, May 15: Second day of School Board public hearings, if needed.
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Tuesday, May 21: School Board budget work session.
Thursday, May 23: School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.
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!
Register Today for FCPS Summer Camps
Registration for FCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps closes on Friday, June 7. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Bus transportation is available from select FCPS high schools and middle schools. Learn more about Summer Learning and Fun for Students.
⛱️ 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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Bus Delay Website
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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
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