From the School Administration
Dear Belvedere Families,
What a week it has been! We started with a taste of fake spring, only to be quickly reminded by the wind and cooler temperatures that winter is not quite ready to leave. Despite the changing weather, we have wrapped up another full and productive week, and we are looking forward to a relaxing and sunny weekend ahead!
A quick reminder—Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, so please remember to set your clocks forward an hour.
We are also excited for the PTA to host Ready, Tech, Go on Wednesday evening, March 12, a workshop focused on phone readiness. The PTA will provide dinner from 5:45-6:30 PM, followed by the workshop from 6:30-7:30 PM. Children are welcome, as childcare will be provided. We hope you can join us for this important discussion!
For families with students in grades 3-5, we are attaching the SOL assessment calendar so you can plan ahead for upcoming testing dates.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Best,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Get Outside with Belvedere
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Seed Sale Corrected Date!
Get ready for the annual 3rd Grade Seed Sale! Stop by the school lobby on Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12 to purchase flower, herb, fruit, and veggie seeds. Prices are $0.75 to $2.50 (cash only) and quantities are limited. Everyone is welcome!
*Students are limited to a $5 purchase without an order form, to be sent home in the Friday folder and available here.
Hours: Tuesday, March 11, 1:45 pm - 3:30 pm | Wednesday, March 12, 9:25 am - 11:30 am and 1:45 pm - 3:30 pm
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Spring Garden Kickoff
Join us on Saturday, March 15, from 9 am. to 1 pm to get the gardens ready for spring! We need your help to build new raised garden beds, set up compost bins, pull invasive plants, move mulch, and more. Students are welcome with an adult. You can sign up now or just show up; we'll be working behind the school.
Belvedere Outdoor Club Save the date for the next Outdoor Club trip on Saturday, March 22.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Andrea Auerbach (environmental educator) at asauerbach1@fcps.edu.
Information from the Registrar
If your student is not returning to Belvedere ES for the 2025-26 school year, please be sure to contact our Registrar, Mandy Belcher at abelcher@fcps.edu or at (703) 916-6804.
 Families of rising kindergarten students, please note our Kinder Orientation will be held on Thursday, April 24 from 6pm-7:30pm in the cafeteria.
We encourage you to get your registration paperwork in before this date to receive communications from the school.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-26 School Year is Now Open!
If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 30, they are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the upcoming year.
Registration paperwork can be downloaded at https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/Enroll_Pre-Kindergarten_Experience.pdf. Once you have completed the paperwork and gathered the required documents, please come into the front office to meet with our registrar, Mrs. Mandy Belcher (abelcher@fcps.edu).
Alternatively, you can now choose to use our online registration tool https://www.fcps.edu/online-registration. If you choose the online option, you will then have to come into the office with the child’s original birth certificate, your proof of residence (deed/lease) and your ID.
Please note the Commonwealth of VA medical form (showing immunizations and physical exam) can be submitted at a later date, as long as we have this by August 15, 2025 at the latest.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Belcher.
Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Registration Closing! Family Dinner + Phone Readiness Conversation March 12
Belvedere PTA is excited to offer families the PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! workshop on Wednesday, March 12, from 5:45-7:30 p.m. in the Belvedere cafeteria and online (if requested).
There will be an in-person meal from 5:45-6:30 p.m. and the active workshop time will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Child care and activities will be provided for the in-person portion of this event.
Registration is required to attend the in-person portion of this event so we can be sure to secure the right amount of food, chairs and child care by March 10. If you have any questions or problems with signing up, please send a note to jstrelitz@gmail.com. Please register today so we can make sure we have plenty of food for our community.
We still need volunteers to help make our event a success. Please sign up by March 5 if you’re interested in volunteering.
The Spring Spirit Wear sale closes Monday, March 10. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts and long sleeves -- in both adult and children's styles -- in blue, tie-dye and hot pink.
All sales benefit PTA's efforts to support year-round student and teacher needs. Allow approximately 3-4 weeks after orders close on March 10 for delivery.
Hoop it Up on March 20
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Join us March 20 from 6-8 p.m. for our annual Belvedere Ballers game at Glasgow Middle School (4101 Fairfax Pkwy), located very close to Belvedere Elementary School! The basketball game will be Parents + Teachers vs. BES 3-5 Graders. Register today!
There will be concessions for sale, including pizza, snacks and drinks. Please indicate if you would like to purchase a game shirt for $10 or email bespta.va@gmail.com. T-shirt purchase is not necessary to play.
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Can you Donate to the Spring Auction?
We are preparing for the Belvedere PTA Spring Auction - one of our biggest events of the year. Proceeds from this fundraiser help fund field trip buses, teacher appreciation support and community events like next week's Movie Night.
Do you have a donation you can contribute to the auction? Let us know by emailing BelvederePTAauction@gmail.com.
Donations can range from
-- Tickets for events, shows, movies or experiences
-- Complimentary lessons or discounts on lessons
-- Unique gift baskets
-- Restaurant and business gift cards
-- Services for fitness, beauty, health and wellness
-- Art
-- Sports memorabilia
-- And more! We love creative ideas
Want to help? We need volunteers NOW who can spare **60 minutes** to e-mail local businesses for donations. We'll give you the template and the contacts. If you can help, please us know by emailing BelvederePTAauction@gmail.com.
Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning
The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.
A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.
💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget
The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:
- Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
- Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
- Stay patient and reserve judgment.
- Check in with your child early and often.
Visit our website for more information on how to Become Unskippable with your teens.
Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County.
Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
For more information, see the Summer Learning page.
2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)
Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.
This event will feature:
- Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
- Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
- Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.
Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.
Learn more about this event and register today! Contact FamilySummit@fcps.edu for more information.
🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu
Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department.
The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:
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Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
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Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
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Clean frequently touched surfaces.
According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.
🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.
✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28
Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
If you need further assistance please contact either Jeffrey Hewitt, Social Worker, or Belvedere's Family Liaison, Iva Plazas.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- A Strong Academic Foundation
- 70th Annual Regional Science Fair
- New Breakfast Options
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)
Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.
If you need assistance with the Free and Reduced-Meal application, please visit Belvedere's Family Liaison, Mrs. Plazas in the Parent Center or you may call her office at (703) 916-6824
FCPS CARES Program
The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.
Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:
- A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s).
- All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
- Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
- Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word, and then paste it into the text box provided.
For questions, please email employeeawards@fcps.edu.
Read more and Submit an FCPS CARES today!
Belvedere is on Instagram
Welcome back, Belvedere families! 🎉 New school year, new Instagram account! 📸 We’re thrilled to share all the incredible moments ahead. Stay tuned and follow along!
https://www.instagram.com/belvedereelem/
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
Upcoming Dates
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Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)
Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.
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Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday
Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students.
All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
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