A Message From The Principal
Great things are happening at Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary School! We are proud to continue excelling as a school community, inspiring our students daily and defying the odds. Our unique S.T.E.A.M program offers students the opportunity to explore our beautiful campus grounds, where they engage in hands-on learning experiences that connect science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in meaningful and innovative ways. Each day brings new discoveries, and our students are growing not only in academic skills but also in their enthusiasm and love for learning.
To keep this momentum going and ensure our students are receiving the best possible foundation, it is essential that they attend school daily. Consistent attendance plays a significant role in their academic progress and helps build lasting routines that support lifelong learning. With the combined efforts of our dedicated staff, supportive families, and enthusiastic students, Fort Belvoir Primary is achieving exceptional outcomes. We look forward to another successful year, celebrating each student's growth and achievement as they reach new heights together!
Together we are and will continue to be Fort Belvoir strong!
Dr. LaZedrick (Zed) Jemison, Principal
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Upcoming Dates
October 14: Student Holiday
October 21: Early Release Monday
October 25: Book Character Day
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Action item: Updated Survey Form for Fort Belvoir Primary next Early Release (10/21)
Please complete this UPDATED SURVEY before October 11 to indicate how your child will be going home for our next early release Monday on 10/21/24. *If you have multiple children, please complete a form for each student.
Our proud principal, Dr. Jemison, recently hosted a parent coffee at the Starbucks located in the Exchange, creating a welcoming space to discuss key topics impacting our school community. He addressed the following topics with families:
Student Attendance
He, along with other staff members, emphasized the importance of consistent school attendance for students’ academic success. Currently, our chronic absenteeism rate is approximately 15%, which marks an increase from our end-of-year rate of 13.8%. We are striving to lower this rate to 12% or less and are reaching out to families for their support in achieving this goal. He highlighted that regular attendance is crucial for a productive learning experience and is asking families to help prioritize school attendance.
School Buses
Dr. Jemison also shared the measures in place to support Primary students who ride the bus, underscoring our commitment to their safety and well-being. Ensuring students feel safe and behave appropriately on the bus is essential, so he has been actively involved in riding some of the school buses. Additionally, he takes time to speak with students before the buses leave the school’s parking lot.
This commitment reflects our dedication to fostering a positive and secure school environment. We are committed to collaborating with families to address any concerns and work towards a safe, successful school year for all.
❤️Spreading Kindness against Bullying!
This month, our students have been actively spreading kindness throughout the school, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Last Monday, they wore orange shirts as a powerful visual statement against bullying, showing our school community’s commitment to respect and unity. Teachers also led valuable lessons on preventative strategies, helping students understand how to recognize and prevent bullying. Through these activities, our students are learning the importance of compassion, respect, and empathy, which they can carry forward both inside and outside of our school.
Please join us as we continue to spread kindness throughout our school and the world!
🚨 Attendance is Important for Students
Here are a few ways parents can support consistent attendance for their students at Fort Belvoir Primary:
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Establish a Routine: Set regular bedtimes and morning routines to help ensure children are well-rested and ready for school each day.
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Plan Appointments Strategically: Schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours whenever possible, and plan family vacations during school breaks.
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Prepare the Night Before: Pack backpacks, prepare lunches, and set out clothes in the evening to minimize morning stress and make it easier to get out the door on time.
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Stay Informed About Attendance Policies: Familiarize yourself with the school's attendance policies to understand the importance of being present each day and how absences can impact learning.
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Talk About the Importance of School: Emphasize the value of attending school regularly by discussing how it helps students learn and grow, build friendships, and develop a strong foundation for future success.
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Communicate with the School: If challenges arise that may impact attendance, reach out to teachers or staff for support and guidance. We are here to help!
With these proactive steps, parents can play a key role in fostering their child's success and consistency in school
Gearing Up for Veterans Day at Fort Belvoir Primary
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Veterans Day celebration! Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary School will be honoring our Veterans on Friday, November 8th. This day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of our Veterans. Families are invited to participate in our celebration!
We are currently putting together a heartfelt presentation to share with the community. If you would like to participate by having a Veteran honored in this tribute, please click on the link HERE to submit their information.
Fire Prevention Week at Fort Belvoir Primary
"Families, next week we will be celebrating Fire Prevention Week at our school! We encourage you to have conversations with your student(s) about fire safety and preventative measures, such as never using a stove without adult supervision, regularly checking smoke detectors, and planning an evacuation route in case of a fire.
The Fort Belvoir Fire Department will be joining us, bringing their fire truck for the students to explore, and leading discussions on fire prevention. Let’s work together to ensure that our students know how to stay safe!"
The Family Market is back! Fort Belvoir Elementary School is proud to serve as a cornerstone of support within our base community. We are dedicated not only to educating our students but also to supporting our families. On Friday, October 25th, we will be hosting our Family Market, open to all families, free of charge! This year, we are thrilled to offer a variety of items, including meat, fruit, and nonperishable goods.
Volunteers are welcome to help with unloading the truck, and we appreciate all hands on deck to make this event a success!
Please save future market dates on your calendar:
Friday, November 22, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024
Friday, January 24, 2025
Friday, February 21, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Friday, June 6, 2025
Book Character Day: October 25th
On Friday, October 25th, Fort Belvoir Primary will have our 2nd Annual Book Character Day! Students are invited to find a great book and dress up like their favorite character. Book Character Day is a fun, voluntary activity for both students and staff that promotes a love of reading, specifically favorite book characters. We are looking forward to seeing which characters inspire our students!
Dressing up is optional. If students choose to do so, please adhere to the following so that our students have a safe and productive day.
- Costumes should not be scary nor have words, graphics, or toy weapons that are inappropriate for school
- No costume face masks
- No painted faces
Whether your child is wearing a costume or not, please remind them to bring their favorite book.
Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m
- Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
Elementary School Clinics
The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
Next 3-Hour Early Release: Monday, October 21 at 1:00pm
Please complete the updated survey linked HERE (one survey form for each child) before October 11.
❤️Follow Fort Belvoir Primary on Facebook and Instagram
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Facebook at this link HERE
Instagram at this link HERE
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Please see the FCPS 2024 - 2025 calendar linked HERE.
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