A Message From The Principals
We are thrilled to welcome so many new faces to Fort Belvoir Primary this past week! The sight of smiling faces entering the building for the first time brought immense joy to our hearts. From the moment students stepped into their classrooms, teachers ensured they were engaged and excited to learn. This week is a pivotal one for students and families, as we focus on establishing strong, supportive relationships that will guide us throughout the year. We are committed to building connections grounded in trust and love, fostering an environment where every student feels valued.
In addition to the warm welcome of our new students, we were honored to have FCPS Region 3 leaders visit our school. Mr. Ray Lonnett, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Jesse Kraft, Executive Principal, and Dr. Ingrid Bynum, Executive Principal, took the time to show their appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our staff. Their visit was a reminder of the strong support we have from our leadership, and it reinforced our commitment to providing the best education and experience for our students.
To further commemorate their visit, they presented our school with a map of the Region, symbolizing the collective effort and shared vision we all have for the success of our students. This gesture is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines Fort Belvoir Primary, and we are excited to continue building on this foundation as we move forward together.
Together we are and will continue to be Fort Belvoir strong!
Dr. Jemison, Principal
Ms. Flint, Assistant Principal
Ms. Gordon, Assistant Principal
The American Red Cross at Fort Belvoir Primary
We are thrilled to announce that three brand-new bicycles have been generously donated to our school by the American Red Cross. Shawn Bell, the Regional Program Manager, personally presented these bikes to us in a wonderful show of community support. Our Family Ambassadors, along with Dolores Elliott, joined Dr. Jemison in expressing a heartfelt gratitude for this generous contribution.
As a school, we are now excitedly brainstorming ways to reward one of our deserving students with one of these bikes. It is important for our students to see that hard work, dedication, and perseverance are recognized and celebrated. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this donation will have on our school community.
Spirit Day Kickoff!
We are thrilled to kick off our first Spirit Day of the school year on Thursday, August 29th, and Friday, September 6th! To celebrate the start of college football and the NFL season, we invite all students to show their team spirit by wearing their favorite college or NFL team apparel.
Let’s come together in school pride and NFL excitement—whether you're cheering for your hometown heroes or supporting a team from afar, it’s time to gear up and represent!
Making a BIG Difference at the Fort
PENFED, an organization dedicated to supporting military families, has generously collected back-to-school supplies for both Fort Belvoir Primary and Upper Elementary Schools. We are deeply appreciative of their donations, which will greatly benefit our students and their families as they prepare for a successful school year. Their support makes a tangible difference in our community, easing the burden on families and ensuring our students have the resources they need to thrive.
We are especially proud of our Family Ambassadors, who were there to accept the donations on behalf of our families. Their presence underscores the strong connections between our school and the military community we serve. PENFED, with its mission of being a beacon of support for military families, continues to stand by our side, offering help in many facets of life. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and dedication to our military families.
Emergency Drill Procedures
Ensuring the safety of students and staff is a top priority for FCPS. Each school is equipped with an emergency preparedness plan designed to respond to incidents such as fires, tornadoes, and other emergencies. In accordance with state law, schools are required to conduct regular safety drills, including fire drills and lockdown drills, throughout the school year. As part of this requirement, schools must notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a lockdown drill is conducted, although the specific date and time do not need to be disclosed in advance.
For the safety and well-being of all students, the first lockdown drill of the school year must occur within the first 20 school days. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from participating in the initial drill. It’s possible that your child may come home and share their experience during a drill. We encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the importance of emergency preparedness. To help guide these discussions, please review the frequently asked questions that can support your student before and after the lockdown drills.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Available
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), eating breakfast at school is linked to better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and improved test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals can receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families in FCPS earning less than 185% of the poverty level can apply for these meal benefits. It’s important to complete the application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
To avoid paying full price for lunch after October 1, 2024, we strongly encourage families to apply for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program as soon as possible.
Visit the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage linked HERE to apply now!
Early Release Mondays
The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:
- September 16
- October 21
- November 18
- February 10, 2024
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/EzQR87KfdMWgD8m29 for each of your children who are enrolled at Fort Belvoir Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
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