"The Belle View Beat"-Belle View ES's Weekly Newsletter-December 5, 2025

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A Message from the Principal


Dear Belle View Families, 

Happy December and happy snowy Friday!

This has been a busy week!  Teachers, staff, and students have been "decking our halls" this week with all sorts of holiday decor, highlighting holiday books, traditions, and celebrations, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas!

Today is an amazing day as well.  We have The Science Wizard here today for an all-student assembly.  The Science Wizard was featured on America's Got Talent and is a perfect way to kick off our STEAM night next week.  Thank you to the PTA for generously funding this amazing opportunity. 

Be sure to check out all our events coming up over the next two weeks.  We have a lot of fun activities and a lot of curriculum to cover before winter break. 

Thank you for your continued support!

Have a great weekend, and I will see you around the View! 🐾

Principal Pluntke

december


Save the Date-STEAM NIGHT 12/11


steam

Join us for STEAM Night on Thursday, December 11, from 5:30-7pm for an evening of hands-on learning and family fun! We’ll explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through interactive stations — from navigating robots to building the tallest tower, solving math puzzles and conducting experiments. Every student gets a STEAM Passport at check-in. Visit at least 10 stations to earn stamps and trade a completed passport for a prize. Grab a slice of pizza, purchase a baked good from the SCA, and participate in some fun STEAM activities!

 

We need volunteers! We are looking for some volunteers to lead a station. This is a great opportunity for middle or high school students looking for volunteer hours, or a family member who wants to donate a bit of time to support all our students. All materials and directions will be provided. Sign up to lead a station and reach out to Charity Risko (cmrisko@fcps.edu) with any questions.

 

We can’t wait to see you for a night of creativity, curiosity, and community learning!


bake

 

PTA sponsored Staff Appreciation Cookie and Treats Table!  

Please donate some sweet treats (homemade or store-bought) to send our staff off to Winter Break with a box of yummy treats. 

The event is on December 12th. 

Cookie Table Sign Up


🙋‍♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources


🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.



Full Time AAP Referrals Due 12/15


Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15

Parents and guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Abby Betz @mabetz@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2025.

Each year, families can submit a referral for full-time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. No late referrals for full-time AAP services will be accepted.

Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services. 

Next Steps for Parents

Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing Abby Betz at mabetz@fcps.edu.

At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by the school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year. 

At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.  


CSMS

*Early Release Wednesdays*

Early Release Wednesdays for the 2025-2026 school year.   Belle View students will be dismissed at 12:55. Students will go home their usual way.  SACC is open for those registered for afternoon SACC.  Please contact the administration if you have a childcare hardship.

  • December 17
  • February 25
  • March 25
  • April 29
  • May 20

A message from our Family Liaison, Mrs. Bartolome

The FCPS Family Resource Center offers in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs. Below is a list of upcoming sessions along with local events. For those unable to attend FCPS webinars on the scheduled date, please feel free to register for access to the recordings.

Recognizing, Understanding, and Responding to Impact Traumatic Stress Friday, December 5th from 10-11:30 a.m.  Where: Virtual Come learn how trauma impacts the brain and gather valuable information to help you recognize what is happening, why it is happening, and how to effectively respond in ways that promote safety and support. Registration will also grant access to the webinar recording if you are unable to attend. Register Here

Concert: The Mount Vernon Varsity Singers Thursday, December 11th from 4-5:00 p.m.  Where: Sherwood Regional Library Join us for a special holiday performance by The Mount Vernon Varsity Singers! Concert will include full choir pieces, as well as solos and small ensemble pieces. All ages. No registration.

Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for All Learners Friday, December 12th from 10-11:30 a.m.  Where: Virtual This presentation explores how trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) support student well-being and academic success. We discuss the impact of stress and trauma on children, how it can manifest in their behavior, and the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments. We will highlight protective factors that foster student resilience and growth. Additionally, we will showcase helpful practices at school that teach and reinforce essential skills such as self-awareness, self-management, and relationship building. Finally, we will explore practical strategies families can use at home to strengthen these skills and nurture resilience in their children. Register Here

Cozy Café: Hot Chocolate, Crafts, and More! Saturday, December 13th from 2-3:00 p.m.  Where: Sherwood Regional Library Visit our hot chocolate bar, work on a winter craft, and snap a pic with our winter photobooth. While you're here, sign up for FCPL's Winter Reading Adventure! Register Here

Pinecone Critters Monday, December 29th from 2-3:00 p.m.  Where: Martha Washington Library Who: Pre-k to 6th Grade Create a favorite woodland creature or invent something all your own using pinecones and other craft supplies. Register Here (opens 12/15/2025)

Snow Globe Jars Saturday, January 3rd from 2-3:00 p.m.  Where: Martha Washington Library Who: K to 6th Grade Kids and families can make a wintery scene in a jar to take home and enjoy.  Register Here (Opens 12/20/2025) The

Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together Thursday, January 22nd from 6:30-8 p.m.  Where: West Potomac High School Who: All Families Technology connects us like never before, but it’s important to know how to stay safe while using it. This family workshop provides hands-on learning about internet safety to inform families of:

  • Today’s popular social sites and apps used by students
  • Effective strategies to engage youth in discussions regarding internet safety
  • 7 primary topics to discuss with youth that will remain important from kindergarten through adulthood

Join FCPS Intervention and Prevention Services to learn how your family can build healthy, secure, and positive habits online together. Interpreters and Childcare available. Register Here

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) 2025-26 School Year: October to May - Open Now! Where: In-person Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) partners with parents to prepare their children for success in school. Adult family members of 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds meet with their instructor for 1 hour each week to learn more about instructing their children at home.

For more information, please complete the interest form.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) colabora con los padres para preparar a sus hijos para que tengan éxito en la escuela. Los padres o tutores de niños de 2, 3 y 4 años se reúnen con una instructora durante 1 hora cada semana para aprender más sobre cómo instruir a sus hijos en casa.  Año escolar 2025-26: octubre-mayo – ¡INSCRIPCION ABIERTA

Para más información, complete la forma de interes.

Inova Cares for Families Who: All Ages Providing primary care for all ages, including Medicaid, FAMIS, financial assistance, and uninsured patients. Please call the clinic to schedule an initial well-adult or well-child visit. Locations:

  • Mount Vernon 8101 Hinson Farm Rd., Suite 415 Alexandria, VA 22306 Phone: 703.664.7005 Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Alexandria 4700 King Street, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 571.665-6599 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.

⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.


A message from our PTA

PTA

Parents, Families, and Teachers can join today!!

$11 for Individuals/$20 for a Family

Join Today!



Weekly Student Academic Update


📚 Finishing Up Learning about Government and Citizenship In Language Arts 📚

Benchmark Unit 3 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about government and citizenship. 

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

  • Question: Why are rules important?
  • Activity: Have your child make a poster for an imaginary election — what would they promise as a leader?

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.


Have a question?  Want to share your students' success? Click Here


calendar reminder graphic

Dec. 11-STEAM Night 5:30-7pm in the cafe and gym

Dec. 12-PTA Cookie Table for Staff 11-1 pm

Dec. 17- Winter Concert 6pm in the gym

Dec. 19-Winter Sing Along 2:30-3:30 in the gym

Dec. 22-Jan. 2-No School-Winter Break


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