Fort Belvoir Upper News
End of Semester:
February 16 - Holiday
February 17 - Teacher Work Day
February 25 - 1:00PM Early Dismissal
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Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we navigated freezing temperatures and delayed openings over the past several days. We appreciate your partnership and understanding, and we are grateful for the care you’ve taken to keep students safe during this time.
As students have returned to the building, our focus has been on re-establishing routines and ensuring a smooth transition back to school. Families are encouraged to communicate any concerns so we can provide timely support.
As the quarter nears its end, teachers have also been working on student progress and providing feedback. Progress reports will be coming home on February 12th with access to view grades in ParentVue.
Thank you again for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to finishing the quarter strong together.
Student Experience Survey
- Graphic
- Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Fort Belvoir Upper ES
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
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.
Have you ever wondered exactly how we teach reading in the classroom? We invite you to join us for a special "crash course" on our literacy curriculum!
Come hear from both Primary and Upper literacy coaches as they break down how we teach phonics, fluency, and comprehension. You will get a chance to see the curriculum materials up close and even watch parts of a literacy lesson in action.
Questions? For Primary, contact: malarson@fcps.edu For Upper, contact: kowakeley@fcps.edu
- Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at 571-982-1300.
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. 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.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
- 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.
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Spanish:Eventos de Vacunación para los Estudiantes de FCPS
FCPS, en asociación con la organización Inspire Health Alliance, estará ofreciendo sin costo alguno vacunas obligatorias para la escuela y vacunas opcionales contra la “flu” o influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS. Se realizan múltiples eventos en lugares determinados de FCPS. Se programarán fechas adicionales a lo largo del año escolar. Padres y tutores podrían revisar las fechas de los próximos eventos y programar citas para vacunar a sus estudiantes. La participación es completamente voluntaria.
Hay disponibles recursos adicionales para la vacunación.
- Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
Spirit wear is officially on sale NOW and will run through February 27th.
Check out this link to order yours now! : Fort Belvoir Spiritwear 2026 | Custom Sportswear | powered by OrderMyGear
February Newsletter: Sharing the Love at Fort Belvoir
Happy February, Fort Belvoir families! We are so grateful for our vibrant school community and have plenty of updates and events to share for the month ahead.
A Message from Our President
Thank you to everyone who joined us for January’s Bingo Night! It was a massive success with 187 people in attendance. It was wonderful to see everyone come together, and we want to send a huge congratulations to all of our bingo and raffle winners.
We also want to celebrate the participants and winners of the Reflections Program. Our award ceremony was a great success, and we couldn't have done it without your support. We look forward to more exciting events this month!.
Mark Your Calendars
School Schedule Changes:
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Feb 16th (Monday): Student Holiday (No School)
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Feb 17th (Tuesday): Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
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Feb 25th (Wednesday): 3-Hour Early Release
Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
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Feb 5th: Domino’s Spirit Night
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Feb 11th: PTA Meeting (5:45 pm @ Upper Cafe)
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Feb 12th: Food Market (12:00 pm – 3:30 pm @ Primary School)
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Feb 13th: Smencils Delivery (Pre-order from 2/2 to 2/11)
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Feb 18th: Blue Star Coffee (10:00 am @ Starbucks in the PX)
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Feb 20th: Ring Pop & Popcorn Palooza
Feb 27th: Last day to place Spirit Wear Orders!
PTA Membership Drive Contest
Help your student’s class win an Ice Cream Party! The first class in each school to reach 100% PTA parent membership wins.
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start is now accepting applications for School Year 2026-27!
We are High Quality Early Childhood Program for eligible families. PreK is a full day M-F program that prioritizes children 4-years-old by September 30 but also accept applications for children 3- years-old by September 30th. Spaces limited.
Come Learn About and Apply In-person – @ Fort Belvoir Primary
To Apply In-person please bring:
-Child’s birth certificate
-Address Verification Letter
Proof of Income (2025 taxes, W2 or 1-month paystubs)
For more information or to apply online after February 2 scan QR code
Visit our website – www.fcps.edu/PreK
Call PreK Office-English: 703-208-7900 Spanish: 703-208-7901
Email- fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu
Application
PreK & Early Headstart Overview
Did you know Fort Belvoir Elementary has dedicated Family Liaisons to help you and your family connect with the school?
Fort Belvoir Upper Volunteers
Beginning January 12th, all Upper volunteers will need to check-in on the visitor's kiosk and sign-in using the Volunteer Log Book located in the blue basket. We appreciate your support and time!
Blue Star Welcome Coffee
If you're a military family, join the Liaisons for a Blue Star Welcome Coffee! It's a relaxed way to meet new families, share your ideas, and discuss topics that matter to you. All families are invited!
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Where: PX Starbucks
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When: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
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Upcoming Dates: February 18, March 24, April 21, and May 19.
New Family Orientations
New to Fort Belvoir Elementary (FBES) or FCPS? We host monthly New Family orientations to help you learn the ropes. If you need help with school apps like ParentVue, Schoology, or MySchoolBucks, stop by or call!
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When: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
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Upcoming Dates: February 23, March 18, and April 28.
PCSing? We're Here for You!
If your family is moving or PCSing, the Liaisons can support you by:
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Providing new school district Points of Contact.
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Reaching out to the community for resources.
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Connecting you to Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs).
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Setting up a virtual meeting.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Dolores or Jeannette!
Apply for free & reduced meals at: https://www.fcps.edu/frm.
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Dear Parents,
Please be sure to make childcare arrangements on our early dismissal Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. each month! 😊
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