From the School Administration
Dear Belvedere Families,
As we head into Spring Break, we want to thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. It has been a wonderful and engaging week at Belvedere, filled with moments that truly reflect the spirit and talent of our students.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Freeman and Ms. Scarboro for hosting a fantastic chorus concert this week! Our students shined on stage, and it was such a joy to see their hard work and talent come together in a beautiful performance.
We also want to recognize Ms. Walsh for organizing a thoughtful and informative AAP Orientation Night. We were so glad to see so many families attend and learn more about the Advanced Academic Program and the exciting opportunities ahead.
Now it is time to rest, relax, and recharge. We hope your Spring Break is filled with joy, peace, and time together with loved ones.
When we return, please note that Monday, April 21 is a three-hour early release day, with dismissal at 1:05 p.m. If you plan to change how or when your child goes home that day, please email belvedereoffice@fcps.edu as soon as possible so we can ensure a smooth and safe dismissal.
Additionally, Spring Picture Day will take place on Tuesday, April 22.
Thank you again for being such an important part of the Belvedere family. We wish you a safe and happy Spring Break!
Warm Regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Kiss and Ride Courtesy Reminder
We kindly ask all families using Kiss and Ride—both in the morning and afternoon—to be respectful of our neighboring community. Please do not block driveways while waiting in line. Thank you for helping us maintain a positive relationship with those who live near our school!
Spring Picture Day is Coming!
Spring Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22 for all students in preschool through 5th grade. Order forms have been sent home with your student—please check their backpack if you haven’t seen it yet! If you would like to purchase pictures, your child should bring the completed form and payment with them on Picture Day to give directly to the photographer. Please note: late payments cannot be accepted, and there will be no re-take day for Spring Pictures. We can’t wait to see all those bright smiles!
April Workshops from the Family Resource Center
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Math Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities- In this session participants will learn about evidence-based practices in teaching students with significant cognitive disabilities and how they apply to math instruction. Specific early numeracy objectives will be discussed, along with related activities to support these objectives using items easily found within the home. A participant guide will be provided, containing a variety of tools and resources.
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Empowering Twice-exceptional Students to Understand the Role of Accommodations in Accessing Learning - Supporting families to understand what accommodations are and how they support twice exceptional (2e) students in accessing learning, learn strategies to empower their 2e child to understand and request to use their 504/IEP accommodations, explore ways to collaborate with educators to ensure effective accommodation use and to gain resources to support ongoing conversations with your child about accommodations and their learning needs.
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The Role of Boundaries in Teen Development - Join Dr. Jain, as she supporting families to understand the importance of Boundaries, model healthy boundaries, and navigate social and digital boundaries.
Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) Testing Schedule
Below is the schedule for Virginia Standards of Learning for grades 3 through 5. Please strive to ensure that your child is present on the days that they will be testing.
Thank you!
 
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.
🌿Final Week to Order Plants, Flowers + Veggies🌼
Support Belvedere PTA and add beauty to your surroundings. Order locally sourced plants for your home or garden with all proceeds to benefit PTA programs for the BES community.
ORDER DATES: Now until Friday, April 18
ORDER: https://app.givebacks.gives/plantsale2025/
PICK UP: Saturday, May 39 a.m.-noonBelvedere Elementary School (sidewalk in front of school, just pull on in!), 6540 Columbia Pike Falls Church, VA ** No deliveries or holds **
Flowers + Hanging Baskets: Impatiens, Begonias, Geraniums, Gerbera Daisy + More Herbs: Basil, (Mojito) Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Dill + More Vegetables: Tomatoes, Belle Pepper, Jalapenos, Cucumbers + More
Want to help distribute plants on May 3 or have questions? Contact Plant Sale coordinator Bart Stewart at bart.stewart@gmail.com
Have an Hour To Help Research Kid’s Bands?
The PTA needs help gathering information on bands to play our end-of-year community concert. We have a list (you can add more), we just need a few details and pricing information.
If you can help with this quick task -- can be a project over Spring Break -- please email bespta.va@gmail.com and we’ll share the names of the bands we’re looking to target.
B-I-N-G-O is B-A-C-K on May 1
Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some amazing prizes at this fun-filled family evening. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds support BES 5th grade graduation events later this school year.
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Belvedere ES Cafeteria
We are seeking adult volunteers to manage our student support on May 1. Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D44AFAB29A13-56190706-5thgrade
We also need refreshment donations! If you're headed to the store, we are looking for drinks, chips and cookies. Those items can be brought into school and dropped in the front office until
May 1.
Each Belvedere student will receive 2 free bingo cards, but please bring cash on May 1 to purchase refreshments – including pizza – and extra BINGO cards.
Questions? Want to help or donate refreshments? Contact Jessica Schulken at jessica1045@yahoo.com or 202-492-1058.
Outdoor Club Earth Day Clean-up: April 26
All Belvedere families are welcome to mark Earth Day with a Outdoor Club hike and litter clean-up in nearby Mason District Park. Students in grades 2-5 are free to attend without a caregiver; a caregiver must accompany any student in grades K-1. Please either take the bus, which will stop at Belvedere and Barcroft View Apartments (6001 Columbia Pike) before heading to Mason District Park, or park at Belvedere ES and walk the short distance to the park. Parking at Mason District Park can be very crowded on the weekends. Sign up today!
Date: Saturday, April 26Schedule: 9am meet bus at school, 9:15 pick-up at Barcroft View, 9:30 a.m. drop at Mason District
9:30-10:15 a.m. - hike + explore (meet at the park amphitheater) 10:15-11 - litter clean-up11am - bus returns to Belvedere and Barcroft View Apartments
Sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMxCHl1j3_-aYg43vBLSMWQYpUh411P3qkxvvBCR7YAQz9pg/viewform?usp=sharing
The PTA will provide contractor bags, but please bring smaller bags and caregivers should bring gloves to gather litter. The Outdoor Club will have gloves for students. This event will be led by Belvedere’s environmental educator Andrea Auerbach. Message her or the PTA with any questions at asauerbach1@fcps.edu or bespta.va@gmail.com.
Bring us your Costume Jewelry by April 30
In honor of Spring, the Belvedere PTA will be hosting a “Jewelry Shop for a Loved One” May 8-9. Every Belvedere student will be receiving a ticket to “shop” for a free piece of costume jewelry for their mother, stepmother, grandmother, aunt or other special person in their life.
If you have any costume jewelry you no longer wear, we’d be grateful to have it. The jewelry doesn’t have to be fancy – just something in good condition that might make a student and their loved one smile.
We need about 1,000 pieces of jewelry to give the students a wide selection to choose from. We’re also accepting supplies such as tissue paper, gift bags and card tags.
There’s a donation box in the Belvedere front office. If you have any questions, please contact Paola Long at 571-243-9220 or psiles51@hotmail.com.
Please submit all donations by April 30.
Excellence Is at a Crossroads
Excellent teachers are the heart of FCPS! They inspire our kids, go the extra mile, and make a real difference. But the current Fairfax County Board of Supervisors advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million for next year.
Being fully funded helps keep class sizes down and the number of highly-qualified teachers up at FCPS. Keeping the best teachers includes compensation that allows them to live and work in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County budget priorities survey is open until Thursday, April 24. Take a moment to share your thoughts. Now is the time. Learn more about how excellence is at a Crossroads.
🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Drivers have begun to receive warnings. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction, unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped. They should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving.
We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with FCPS to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more about the stop arm cameras and other ways FCPS works with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to 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:
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School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
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FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
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FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child's education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed.
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Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may reach our wonderful family liaison, Ivanova Plazas, at implazas@fcps.edu.
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!
Military-Connected Family Support
FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district.
Visit the FCPS Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. Follow FCPS Military Families accounts on Facebook and Instagram for support and resources throughout the year. If you have any questions, please email the FCPS Family and School Partnerships team.
Help and Resources for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families
Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child's development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas:
- communication,
- fine and/or gross motor skills,
- self-help skills,
- problem solving
- attention skills
Learn more about typical developmental milestones.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. ITC provides evaluations and services for children who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.
Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).
FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to contact 571-423-4121 with questions or to make a referral.
✨ Helping students meet the criteria for kindergarten readiness is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan.
🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Wednesday, April 23 at Mason Crest Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.
Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
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.
🏫 Helping Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten
We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Explore the resources on FCPS’ School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage for ways to help ensure your child starts kindergarten with confidence.
☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza
Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
🍲 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:
- Celebrating Our Successes
- FCPS Resources for Families
- Budget Update
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/
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
School Library Month
In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth.
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
Upcoming Dates
April 14-18: Spring Break
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April 12 - Passover |
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April 13 - Theravada New Year |
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