From the Administration
Dear Belvedere Family:
This week at Belvedere was a whirlwind of excitement!
Our 3rd-5th grade students tackled their SOL tests with focus and determination, and we're incredibly proud of their hard work!
A huge thank you goes out to all the families who joined us for the Family Fun and Learning Festival! The beautiful weather created the perfect backdrop for students to enjoy math and literacy activities with their teachers. It was a true joy to see families connecting, sharing resources, and celebrating learning together.
Looking ahead, next week promises another fun-filled event! On Tuesday evening, we'll be hosting a free 123 Andrés concert sponsored by our amazing PTA from 6-7 pm on the field next to the school. We highly encourage you to join us for this special event!
Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!
Warm regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
 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!
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.
|
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
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!
Please remember that to attend the celebration on June 6th (this is not the graduation just the celebration party), you must sign up to volunteer! Use the sign-up genius link below and we look forward to celebrating our graduating 5th graders!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054BA9AA2EA4F49-49057205-5thgrade#/
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.
Buy Your Yearbook now before they sell out!
The yearbook is still for sale until May 25th. Purchase your 2023-24 Belvedere Yearbook online for just $11 or return order form with cash or check.
Order here:
https://app.memberhub.gives/fce11e/Campaign/Details
There will be a buy yearbook button, then list amount under "donation", in the next steps you will list your child's name and teacher.
We will distribute them before the end of the school year.
|
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!
In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at the school—a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
🎓 Calling All Alumni and Friends!
Educate Fairfax is proud to introduce FCPS Alumni & Friends, an online network of alumni, teachers, parents/caregivers, and community members with ties to Fairfax County Public Schools. Whether you are a recent FCPS graduate or you’ve returned to Fairfax to work or raise your own family, this network will celebrate our alumni and friends of FCPS through stories, news and events, reunions, homecoming, and other activities. It’s also a great way to rekindle old friendships and build new ones. Join FCPS Alumni & Friends today!
☀️ 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.
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
- 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
Visit the Belvedere website
Report student absences
Bus Delay Website
Follow Belvedere on X
Change your email preferences
FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
|
