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 Preschoolers in Ms. Koch’s class trying to match the beat! Music is a fun and engaging way to learn about patterns.
February 9-13- Kindness Week
Thursday, February 12 - PTA Sponsored Movie Night: Zootopia 2
Monday, February 16 - Presidents' Day - Division Closed
Tuesday, February 17 - Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
Wednesday, February 25- 3 Hour Early Release Wednesday
Wednesday, February 25- Parent Coffee: Understanding IB-PYP at Belvedere
Thursday, February 26- International Family Culture Night
Wednesday, March 4- PTA Community Meeting
Thursday, March 12- Spring Picture Day
Thursday, March 19- PTA Sponsored Belvedere Ballers
Friday, March 20- Eid al-Fitr - Division Closed
Saturday, March 21- Special Education Family Conference @ Marshall High School
Tuesday, March 24- Family Language Night
Wednesday, March 25- 3 Hour Early Release Wednesday
Friday, March 27- 2 Hour Early Release and End of Quarter 3
Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3 - Spring Break (Belvedere Offices Closed)
Monday, April 6 - Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
Thursday, April 9- Kindergarten Open House
Friday, April 10 - School Planning Day - Student Holiday
Dear Belvedere Family,
Thank you for your patience during arrival and dismissal this week. We had many more cars and students in Kiss and Ride, and we truly appreciate everyone’s consideration in staying in line and following our procedures to keep all students safe.
We also experienced several late buses in both the morning and afternoon. We are grateful for your understanding as our school system worked through snow and delay challenges, and for your flexibility as we adjust to changing schedules.
We want to share an update on our school strategic priorities for this school year. The infographic below highlights the progress we have made at the midyear point and shows how we continue to focus on supporting each student’s growth and learning.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for partnering with us in your child’s education. Together, we are creating a strong, positive learning community for all of our students.
Warm regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Tara Boone, Kelly Cabezas
Belvedere Elem Admin Team
Our strategic priorities center on our focus on the IB-PYP to ensure a high quality and rigorous education for all students.
 Belvedere Strategic Priorities Midyear Progress
Differentiation and PAWS Time
Students receive daily PAWS time with 30 minutes of reading and 30 minutes of math. Instruction is targeted to student needs for support or enrichment.
Inquiry and Concept Based Learning
IB PYP units focus on big ideas and inquiry. Additional academic resources have been added to increase rigor and challenge.
Positive School Culture and SEL
Staff use the Positive School Culture Handbook and Second Step lessons to support social emotional learning, empathy, and self regulation.
Join Margot Hwang, our IB-PYP Coordinator, on Wednesday, February 25th from 10:00-11:00 AM in our Parent Center. We will be talking about Understanding IB-PYP program at Belvedere.
If you can't make it in person, join via Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99122013266?jst=1
For more information contact Iva Plazas, Family Liaison, at 703-916-6800.
A reminder that Wednesday, February 25th is a 3 hour early release day for grades K-5. Your student will be dismissed at the same time as the previous 3 hour release day. Students will dismiss at 1:05. Students that have opted-in to stay will dismiss at 4:05. Please notify the front office, 703-916-6800, no later than February 25th at 12 pm if you need to change your child’s dismissal for this day.
From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
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Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
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Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
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February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
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February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
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March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
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March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026
Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.
Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
Ms. Comstock was among the nominees for Outstanding Operational Employee at Belvedere. Not only did she win the award at our school, she went on to win Outstanding Operational Employee of the Justice Pyramid! Ms. Comstock has been a phenomenal Kindergarten Instructional Assistant. She makes students feel loved and welcomed and is an instrumental part of both their emotional and academic growth. She is deeply loved within the Belvedere community, and we are so proud of her.
Welcome Back, Bulldogs!
As we settle back into our routines after a long snow break, we want to emphasize how much we value your child's presence in the classroom and in our BES community. Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in school success, and we are eager to continue their learning journey together.
We know it can be hard to get back into the swing of things after a long snow break. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth transition:
- Re-establish school-night routines (bedtime, packing backpack) and expectations about attending school with your child.
- Check the school calendar for upcoming events and academic deadlines.
- Ensure your child is dressed for the weather to stay safe and comfortable, especially as our temperatures are below freezing.
If your child is struggling to come to school, please reach out to a member of our wellness team. We are here to help!
Paige Simpson ( Pesimpson1@fcps.edu) or Jeff Hewitt ( JBHewitt@fcps.edu)
Survey of Preschool Children
Please complete the Survey of Preschool Children form if you have a child who will be 5 years of age as of September 30, 2026. You can access the form in multiple languages at this link: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/it112.pdf
Please complete and return the form to your local elementary school by March 31, 2026.
This will allow for FCPS to estimate the number of incoming kindergartners to plan for staffing and resource needs.
🧸Learn About Kindergarten at Belvedere
Our kindergarten open house is being held on Thursday, April 9 from 6pm to 7:30pm to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at our school.
We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten.
There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process outlined for registering your child for kindergarten. Register your child today!
Contact our registrar, Mandy Belcher at abelcher@fcps.edu or 703-916-6800 with any questions.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Mason District Health Fair
Save the date for the upcoming Mason District Health Fair on Saturday, February 7th from 10am-12 pm at the James Lee Community Center. A variety of community groups, organizations, and county departments will provide valuable health-related information, services, and resources:
- Vaccine appointment registration and information
- Medicaid enrollment assistance
- Hearing and vision screenings
- Substance abuse prevention training and resources
- Child development screenings and information
- Breast cancer awareness information
- HIV screening and prevention information
- Information on the importance of healthy eating
- And more!
The Fair is for all ages and is free entry for all.
📵Help Keep Belvedere Phone-Free!
Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.
FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-916-6800
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. Families will have the opportunity to hear from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore, connect to resources and other families, and participate in afternoon sessions.
FCPS families are invited to register to attend this year’s conference. Childcare, accommodations, and language interpretation are available.
Families are also invited to register to serve as event volunteers by Friday, February 20. Volunteer hours will be awarded to student volunteers.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for updates and more details.
 5th graders working with Ms. Walsh. Ms. Walsh is an expert at using different types of thinking routines to engage students and expand their learning.
 A Chance for Luxury! Enter the Handbag Raffle
Looking for the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift or a little luxury for yourself? Support Belvedere PTA and enter for a chance to win a stunning Gucci clutch valued at $2,200.
Tickets: $10 each (check out package discounts!)
Sales End: February 12, 2026, at 6:55 PM
Drawing Date: February 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM
All proceeds benefit Belvedere PTA initiatives, including classroom support for teachers and upcoming community events like the upcoming Family Culture Night, Movie Night and the annual and very popular VIP & Me breakfasts.
Buy your tickets now!
Questions? Contact us at fundraiser.bespta@gmail.com
Join us for Zootopia 2 Next Thursday
Grab a blanket and pillows and join the BES Community next week for our second Movie Night of 2025-26 School Year! We will be showing Zootopia 2 – the 2025 blockbuster film that is still in theaters! (rated PG): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26443597/
Location: BES Cafeteria
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12
Time: Movie runs 6-7:50 pm -- doors open at 5:45 p.m.
All BES families are welcome at this FREE event, including siblings. ** Parents/caregivers must stay with children at all times -- this is not a drop-off event. **
Free popcorn for all! Light concessions will also be offered for sale, with proceeds to benefit PTA activities and events. You can also bring your own dinner/snacks!
Upcoming PTA Events
February:
2-12 - Handbag Fundraiser
12 - Movie Night @ BES (Zootopia 2)
26- Family Culture Night @ BES
International Night Date Change - Now Saturday, February 14 - Tickets on Sale!
Please note we've moved International Night to Saturday, February 14 to accommodate for lost school days and practice time.
Justice HS Presents The Quest for the Diamond in the Rough!
Join us for International Night on February 14! Join our school as we explore and travel across the world, visiting every country represented by our multi-cultural diversity, all in the search of the legendary Diamond in the Rough.
To purchase tickets, please visit here.
Showtimes: 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Tickets: Adults - $10, Students and Children under 18 - $5
Cultural Food Experience
- 1st Show - 4:30 - 5:30 pm (for patrons of the 2:00 pm show)
- 2nd Show - 5:30 - 6:30 pm (for patrons of the 7:00 pm show)
*Prices for food varies
🐺Wolves at the Lodge
Join Justice for the 4th annual PTSA fundraiser, Wolves at the Lodge on Saturday, February 28. Enjoy a night of fun, food, dancing, casino games, prizes, silent auction items and student art raffle. This is sure to be their biggest and best yet.
- Open to all parents, teachers, administrators, friends of Justice High School age 21+.
- Get your tickets now for as little as a $35 donation for parents/friends, $10 for teachers/administrators. https://sholink.to/watl2026
- If you and your significant other are planning on coming, why not join the Host Committee as Aces Sponsors for a few dollars more? Have something to donate to the silent auction or for a prize? Amazing! Contact us at watljusticeptsa@gmail.com.
🌞🌴Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.
FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- How to Get Weather Updates ASAP
- Celebrating Students and Staff
- Kindergarten Open Houses
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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