From the Administration
Dear Families,
As our school year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. It has been a fantastic year, filled with students growing, learning, collaborating, exploring, and having fun applying their skills.
A major highlight this week was our fifth graders' culminating projects, the PYP Exhibition, showcasing their incredible learning journey. The sophistication and depth of understanding displayed were truly impressive. The projects covered a wide range of important topics, including protecting animals and the environment, bullying and discrimination prevention, and community safety, among others. We were thrilled to welcome over two hundred visitors who came to engage with our students and witness their presentations. The success of these projects would not have been possible without the dedication and guidance of our teachers and mentors.
Career Day for fourth and fifth graders was a huge success, engaging students and introducing them to a variety of job opportunities. A big thank you to Ms. Simpson and Ms. Ballard for organizing this fantastic annual event.
Additionally, our fifth-grade families, with the help of the PTA, hosted a carnival yesterday. The 5th graders enjoyed participating in various activities and enjoyed snow cones. The dunk tank was particularly popular, with many staff members taking a refreshing plunge as students hit the target.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for making this year a tremendous success. This week was filled with fun and numerous events that showcased our team's spirit and dedication. Let us continue to carry this momentum as we wrap up the year and head into our final short week.
Thank you once again for your support and partnership.
Warm regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Last Day of School (Early Dismissal)
The last day of the 2023-24 school year is Wednesday, June 12, and students will be dismissed 2 hours early at 2:05 pm.
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📈 SOL Scores Posted in SIS ParentVUE
Families can find Standards of Learning (SOL) reports for spring testing in the SIS ParentVUE Documents section on or before the last day of school. Log in to your ParentVUE account to access the following:
- For all students, the official SOL Score Report with overall and reporting category performance for all spring tests.
- For grade 3-8 students, the SOL Growth Parent Report shows performance over time for state reading and math tests completed this school year.
Visit the FCPS website for additional information about spring assessment reporting practices and timelines.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Career Day Success!
A big thank you to all of the members of our community who presented for our annual career day! It was a huge success and our 4th and 5th graders enjoyed learning about different career paths.
Shoutout to our school counselors, Ms. Ballard and Ms. Simpson, for organizing and coordinating this event – it was a fantastic experience for our students!
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.
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Shining a Light on Our Volunteers!
We at Belvedere want to express our deepest gratitude to all of our incredible volunteers! Throughout the year, you've dedicated your time, energy, and talents to supporting our students, staff, and school community. Your contributions make a world of difference, and Belvedere wouldn't be the same without you.
Thank you for everything you do!
Updates from our Health Room
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian.
Please review this letter for more information. Thanks!
Senior Clap Out
On Tuesday afternoon, our halls buzzed with excitement as we welcomed back a special group of visitors – former Belvedere students who are graduating from high school this year! It was a heartwarming afternoon filled with nostalgia as our former students reconnected with teachers, reminisced about their time at Belvedere, and walked down memory lane.
Our current students lined the hallways, cheering them on and feeling inspired by their journeys. It was a powerful reminder of the strong community we build here at Belvedere, and the exciting paths that lie ahead for all our students.
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.
INOVA Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs
Inova Cares Clinic (ICC) will provide children ages 5+ with free school entrance physicals and immunizations at summer health fairs for children on Medicaid or who are uninsured. The clinics will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates:
- Saturday, June 29, at ICC for Children - Manassas
- Saturday, July 20, at ICC for Children - Herndon
- Saturday, August 17, at ICC for Children - Falls Church
Appointments are required. No walk-ins will be allowed. Call 703-698-2550 for an appointment.
PTA News
Order School Supplies!
Please checkout this flyer from our wonderful PTA with information about purchasing school supplies for the upcoming school year!
 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.
Questions or concerns? Email bespta.va@gmail.com.
🥗 Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance!
It’s a busy time of year, and we know there are many priorities on families’ plates. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to remember to check your students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Families that earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2024-25 school year will be available this summer.
If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2023-24 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price lunch.
Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations
This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 2. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or social worker by phone or videoconference.
Parents of students in any grade level can request a consultation to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
Middle or high school students can request a consultation to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.
We encourage all families to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation or call and leave a message at 703-503-2520.
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.
Summer Fun for All! Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation
The Family Resource Center (FRC) has a list of dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel.
They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities.
Learn more by calling 703-204-3941, emailing FRC@fcps.edu, or visiting the FRC webpage.
Justice High School Volleyball Camp
Justice HS is hosting an end of school volleyball camp June 10th-14th for grades 4 to 9! Please read details and register using the link below:
Justice High School Volleyball Camp Registration (google.com)
Summer Camps
Online Campus Summer Registration Closing Soon!
Registration for summer classes with FCPS' Online Campus will close on Friday, June 7. Online campus courses are for students in grades 7-12. Email OnlineCampus@fcps.edu or call 703-503-7781 with any questions.
Other Summer Learning Opportunities
Chantilly Academy will host an AFA CyberCamp from Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. This camp would be a great fit for rising fifth through eighth graders of all skill levels interested in learning more about the importance of cybersecurity and gaining skills to protect themselves and others from cyber threats. Discounts are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Visit the camp website for more information.
Registration is also still available for the Institute for the Arts (IFTA) and Elementary-IFTA (E-IFTA) arts camps, and Credit Recovery Academy.
Download the flyers to learn more about IFTA and E-IFTA!
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 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, June 12 - Last Day of School! Early Release
Keep in Touch
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FCPS Calendar: 2023-2024
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