Fort Belvoir Upper News
End of Semester:
February 25 - 1:00PM Early Dismissal
March 20 - Holiday (Eid)
March 30-April 6 - Spring Break
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This past week during Kindness Week, many acts of kindness were noticed throughout our school community. From thoughtful words between classmates to helpful gestures and inclusive actions, students demonstrated how small moments can make a big difference. It has been encouraging to see kindness in action, reinforcing the importance of empathy, respect, and care for one another. Thank you for continuing to nurture these values at home.
February also provides an important opportunity to honor Black History Month. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month’s origins, first established as Negro History Week in 1926 by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Over the past century, this observance has grown into a nationwide recognition of the achievements, contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black Americans throughout history and in our present day.
In classrooms, students are engaging in meaningful learning experiences that highlight influential leaders, innovators, artists, scientists, and change-makers who have shaped our nation and continue to impact our world. These experiences help students recognize and appreciate the rich diversity in America and the many contributions that strengthen our nation.
We are grateful for our families’ partnership as we continue to promote kindness, celebrate history, and support every student’s growth and success.
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.
Families are invited to join an informative Family Cafe focused on exploring Career Pathways available to FCPS students.
During this session, families will learn about Career Pathways, Academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications offered in Fairfax County Public Schools. We will highlight the various career and technical education opportunities available to middle and high school students, including specialized programs and career academy options.
Event Details
Topic: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students Date: February 26, 2026 Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Location: Lorton Community Center 9520 Richmond Highway Lorton, VA 22079
Interpreters and childcare will be available.
👉 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFRuXgsfpNPlJlhak0wYQCqGR18DrtrJVWqmhk4dOhdsrgbw/viewform?utm_campaign+=
For more information, please contact the Family and School Partnerships Office: 📞 703-204-4300 📧 FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu
We look forward to seeing you there!
Empowerment Starts Here: Girls on the Run
***Registration will close on 2/23 and late registration opens on 2/26 with an increased price. PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE!!****
Registration is now open for Girls on the Run! This positive youth development program is for elementary students starting in grade 3. Participants will have fun, make friends, and increase their physical activity.
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Registration Period: February 2nd – 23rd
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Season Dates: March 2nd – May 17th
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Program Fees: $22 – $210 (based on a sliding scale for household income)
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Season Finale: A celebratory 5K event open to friends and family
For more information, visit www.gotrnova.org or call 703-273-3153.
Scholastic Book Fair is coming February 27 – March 6! This will be a CASHLESS Book Fair. Please create an eWallet for your child or come shop during our family shop nights 4:30pm – 6:30pm:
Friday February 27 at Primary
Tuesday March 3 at Primary
Thursday March 5 at Upper
To create an eWallet, visit our Book Fair homepage:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/fortbelvoirupperelementary
**VOLUNTEERS NEEDED**
Book Fair is one of the most anticipated events of the school year, but we need volunteers to make it happen. Your help is crucial in making the Fair a truly unforgettable experience for our students. We hope you’ll consider offering your time and talents to get it running.
Upper sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49A4A629A5F4CF8-62447685-fort
Spark Your Future at the CTE Summer Academy!
Is your student ready to build, create, and explore this summer? Registration is now officially OPEN for the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) CTE Summer Academy!
This enrichment program is a fantastic way for students to dive into Career and Technical Education through hands-on learning. Whether they want to program a robot, cook a gourmet meal, or learn the basics of medical science, there is something for everyone.
📅 The Essentials
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Who: Current 6th to 11th graders.
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When: Weekly sessions from July 6 to July 31.
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Time: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (Early drop-off and After Care available!).
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Where: Robinson Secondary School.
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Cost: $300 per week (Tuition assistance is available—check the website for details).
🛠️ What Can Students Do?
Students get to be the architects of their own summer! Each week, they create a unique schedule by selecting 4 classes from a wide variety of program areas, including:
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Business + Information Technology
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Health + Medical Sciences
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Technology + Engineering Education
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Family + Consumer Sciences
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Trade + Industrial Education
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Marketing
Note: Classes repeat each week, so students attending multiple weeks can choose different subjects every time!
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Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
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The F.B.E.S. Family Food Market’s new location is at F.B.E.S. Upper School! Starting March 12 from *Noon-3:00 PM you can get fresh fruits and vegetables, a protein, and non-perishables at no cost to Primary and Upper families and Ft. Belvoir Homeschoolers. Mark your calendar for market dates: March 12, April 9, May 14, and June 11 from Noon-3:00 PM. The opening time may change due to our protein temperature requirement.
We desperately need volunteers to help unload the truck (arrival time between 8:00-10:00 AM) and with help takes about 15-20 minutes. A parent suggested we call volunteers when the truck arrives, so you don’t have to commit to two hours of waiting. I’m happy to do so! Please contact Dolores Elliott DElliott@fcps.edu or call 571-982-1419 for more info.
- Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students
On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)
Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:
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Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.
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Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
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Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.
The survey will be open until Friday, February 20. Survey materials are available online
Fort Belvoir Upper Parents,
We are in need of volunteers for our growing Chess Club!
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
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.
It is time to scoop up some school spirit! Our PTA Membership Drive Contest is in full swing, and the competition is heating up.
Who is in the Lead?
Currently, we have two classes leading the pack toward that delicious prize:
How to Win
The first class in each school to reach 100% PTA parent membership will earn an Ice Cream Party! There will be two winners in total—one for each school.
Don’t Wait—Sign Up Today!
The contest ends on February 27th, so be sure to register soon to help your student's class win.
Would you like me to draft a quick reminder email or a social media post to help boost sign-ups for your specific class?
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
PTA NEWS:
Mark Your Calendars
School Schedule Changes:
Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
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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