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Dear Belle View Families,
Thank you to all who made STEAM night such a success! It was a fantastic night filled with experiments, extended thinking, and so much fun! Thank you to Mrs. Risko and her team for creating such a memorable and science-focused event!
Also, thank you to our amazing PTA, who put together an incredible spread of cookies and sweet treats for staff to box up and take home for the weekend. Such an awesome tradition that our staff appreciates.
This week, the Virginia Department of Education released a new framework and criteria for measuring success. You should have received a letter from me yesterday explaining in more detail, but essentially, because more than one student group is involved, we are now considered "off track". Please see the details below. I assure you that our teachers and staff are working hard to ensure that all of our students receive the support they need to make progress.
Next week will be full of fun! We have spirit week, our winter concert, and our annual sing-along.
Monday-Holiday Headwear/Socks
Tuesday-Holiday Sweaters
Wednesday-Cozy By the Fire/Sweatsuit Day
Thursday-Pajama Day
Friday-Holiday Best
Have a great weekend, and I will see you around the View! 🐾
Principal Pluntke
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 Our young scholars had an awesome experience at the Thinkabit Stem Lab located at Bucknell Elementary
The New Way Virginia Measures School Success
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing our community with transparent information about changes impacting our schools. Recently, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) developed a new School Performance and Support Framework to measure school performance, replacing aspects of the previous accreditation system.
What changed?
The new framework introduces four performance categories: Distinguished, On Track, Off Track, and Needs Intensive Support.
Accreditation is now separate from the school performance category. You may be familiar with the previous accreditation model in which schools are rated Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Accreditation Denied. In the new framework, schools will continue to receive this accreditation status, however accreditation does not reflect academic performance. Instead, schools will be accredited by meeting basic requirements such as having qualified teachers and certain safety requirements. For additional details including school performance components and indicators visit our information page New Evaluation System for Virginia Schools.
Potential impacts:
The new framework places a greater emphasis on standardized test results, alongside student growth and readiness measures that vary by school level. For high schools, graduation rates are also a key component.
This new system may lead to schools with diverse student populations, including those with higher percentages of multilingual learner students and economically disadvantaged students, being labeled as underperforming due to the increased weight on standardized tests and the shortened adjustment period for multilingual learner students to acquire academic language.
The "Off Track" category is broad and may not clearly indicate specific areas of struggle. It's important to remember that a school's label is not the only measure of success.
What FCPS is doing:
FCPS is actively working to understand the full implications of this new framework. We are advocating for a fair and equitable system that accounts for the diverse needs of all our students. We are also monitoring and reporting our own internal metrics as part of our FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan to provide a more comprehensive picture of school success.
The FCPS Future Ready Index highlights our commitment to preparing every learner for future opportunity and long-term success. FCPS will work to provide you clear and timely communication about state accountability and keep the community informed about school and division performance.
What you can do:
Stay informed about the new framework through FCPS communications. Continue to support your local schools and engage with school leaders to understand their efforts. Advocate for adequate resources and policies that support all students in achieving their full potential.
Share your opinions with the Virginia Board of Education. Your voice in the community is vital to ensuring our schools remain strong.
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.
Reporting Student Absences
We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Whenever your child is unable to attend school, please let us know. Reporting absences helps our staff support students and connect them with resources they may need.
Parents can report absences by calling our school attendance line at 703-660-8300 or emailing your child's teacher. If a student is absent, and we have not been notified, our staff will reach out to parents.
Parents may monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home.
For instance, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing;
 Rising 7th grade parents can learn about all of the exciting course offering at Carl Sandburg Middle School on 1/8/2026.
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
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.
Museums for All Program!
This program offers families receiving EBT benefits to attend museums for a discounted rate ranging from zero to $5.00.
https://museums4all.org/
Fire Safety with the Fairfax Fire Department Saturday, December 13th from 2-2:30 p.m. Where: Martha Washington Library Who: All Ages Did you know that December has the highest rate of home fires each year in the United States? Staff from the Life Safety Education office of the Fairfax County Fire Department will join us for a fire safety program for families with children. Learn about the dangers of matches, lighters, home escape plans and holiday fire safety tips to keep your home safe! The presentation is aimed at teaching children safety take-aways without using frightening imagery or language. We use visuals, songs, and motor activities to support knowledge acquisition.
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
Sleigh the Dance Floor Thursday, December 18th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22306 Who: All Ages The Hybla Valley Community Center will have a Christmas Line Dance Party! Families and friends are invited to enjoy holiday music, learn easy dance steps, and celebrate the season together.
Toy Drive Friday, December 19th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22306 The Hybla Valley Community Center will have a Holiday Toy Giveaway! They will be handing out free gifts to children and families in our community. Stop by the community center to pick up toys and enjoy the holiday spirit. Supplies are limited, and gifts will be given out while they last.
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)
Futures Planning in Unique Circumstances: What Resources are Available and What Plans Do I Need to Put in Place for my Special Needs Child? (Session 1) Friday, January 9th from 10-11:30 a.m. Where: Virtual Who: Parents/Caregivers Participants will examine essential steps in the caregivers’ financial plan, with an emphasis on estate planning, retirement considerations, and long-term care needs. This will help families establish a strong financial foundation to effectively support their children's well-being. Register Here 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 Futures Planning Workshop-Creating the Framework for Futures Planning (Session 2) Friday, January 23rd from 10-12:00 p.m. Where: In-Person Who: Parents/Caregivers In this in person session, participants will have access to a hands-on, thought-provoking workshop geared to get them started with effectively taking long term care of their children with special needs. 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:
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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.
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Alexandria 4700 King Street, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 571.665-6599 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Parents, Families, and Teachers can join today!!
$11 for Individuals/$20 for a Family
Join Today!
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Winter Break Literacy Adventures
Engaging in literacy activities over winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure they return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. Enjoy these literacy adventures as a family!
Have a question? Want to share your students' success? Click Here
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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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Quick Links
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