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 🍀The mischievous leprechaun came this week and messed up a few classrooms! First graders in Mrs. Bolton’s class had to put their writing skills to work and edit the note left behind.
Friday, March 20- Eid al-Fitr - Division Closed
Monday, March 23- Yearbook Cover Art Contest Deadline
Tuesday, March 24- PTA Sponsored Belvedere Ballers @ Justice High School
Wednesday, March 25- 3 Hour Early Release Wednesday
Thursday, March 26- PTA Spirit Night 2Fifty BBQ Pickup Orders
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 Orientation
Friday, April 10 - School Planning Day - Student Holiday
Wednesday, April 15- Full-Time AAP Services Orientation
Saturday, April 18- Special Education Family Conference @ Marshall High School
Tuesday, April 21- Special Election- Student Holiday
Wednesday, April 22- Chorus Concert
Tuesday, April 28- Strings Concert
Dear Belvedere Family,
It’s been a busy spring week! Thank you to everyone who was flexible with Monday’s early dismissal due to the weather, we hope all of our families stayed safe during the storms.
School will be closed tomorrow, March 20, in observance of Eid. Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!
Next week is full as we head into Spring Break:
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Tuesday, March 24: The PTA will host Belvedere Ballers, our annual adult vs. students basketball game. Join us at Justice High School from 6:00-8:00 and don’t forget your basketball shoes!
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Wednesday, March 25: We will have our monthly 3-hour early release. If you need to change your child’s dismissal plan, please call the front office.
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Friday, March 27: There will be a 2-hour early release to mark the end of the quarter.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an exciting week ahead!
Warm regards,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Tara Boone, Kelly Cabezas
Belvedere Elem Admin Team
A reminder that Wednesday, March 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 March 25th at 11 AM if you need to change your
child’s dismissal for this day.
The week before Spring break is Spirit Week here at Belvedere! Check out the days below:
Monday, March 23: Color Day
- Wear your favorite color or an outfit that celebrates color
Tuesday, March 24: Appreciate a Teacher
- Show teachers you appreciate them with a note, a sign, or by copying their look.
Wednesday, March 25: BES Color Day
- Wear blue, white, or Belvedere Spirit wear!
Thursday, March 26: Favorite Outfit Day
Friday, March 27: Comfy Day
- Wear something comfy or bring a comfort item.
The next parent coffee will be Wednesday, March 25th from 10-11 AM in Belvedere’s Parent Center. Join Cait Fiocchi, Jess Potter, and Shea Hopkins as we talk about Supporting your Child with SOL Testing.
If you can't make it in person, join via Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/96679706338?jst=1
For more information contact Iva Plazas, Family Liaison, at 703-916-6800.
Hello families. We wanted to remind you that next Friday, March 27th is the end of Quarter 3 and a two-hour early release. Once dismissed, students cannot remain at school.
- Grades K-5 and PAC students will be dismissed at 2:05 pm.
- AM Preschool will dismiss at approximately 11:00 am, and PM Preschool is canceled.
Please contact your child’s teacher or the front office with any questions. Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy your spring break!
Belvedere Ballers hits the court next Tuesday, March 24. Students in grades 3-5 and all teachers and parents are eligible to play (alumni too!).
Games will be played from 6-8 p.m. in the Justice High School gym at 3301 Peace Valley Ln., Falls Church. If you ordered t-shirts, you will pay and pick up on site (please bring cash if possible, small bills are great!). Pizza, snacks and drinks will be on sale and we will have a limited number of extra t-shirts for sale on site as well. Sign up today and see you next week!
Special Education Family Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.
Special Education Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the 2026 Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Awards, which recognize educators, staff, volunteers, and community members who go above and beyond to support students receiving special education services. The annual program celebrates individuals across Fairfax County Public Schools who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, support, and student success.
Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and other community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Nominations are open through Friday, March 27, and can be submitted online.
Award recipients will be recognized at the SEPTA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, where families, educators, and community members will gather to celebrate those helping build more inclusive and supportive school communities. Registration details for the ceremony will be announced at a later date.
🖍️Monday Deadline for the Yearbook Cover Art Contest
Calling all BES students! The annual yearbook cover art contest is open for all Belvedere students. All entries must include:
- The words “Belvedere Elementary”
- The year “2025-2026”
- Your name in the bottom corner
- All entries must on 8.5x11 inch PLAIN paper
- Artwork must be in PORTRAIT (vertical)
- All artwork must be original (no AI!)!
Submit your entry to Ms. Guzman by Monday, March 23, for an opportunity to have your art be on the cover of the 2025-26 yearbook.
Ordering for 2Fifty BBQ Open Wednesday, March 25
Getting ready for Spring Break next week? Don't cook! Order some of the best BBQ in DC to be delivered right to BES. All orders support the Belvedere PTA. The March Restaurant Spirit Night is a meal drop from 2FIfty BBQ! Pick-up will be from 4:20 - 4:50 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 by Door 1 at Belvedere ES on Thursday, March 26.
Pre-orders open Wednesday, March 25 at 11am and close Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m.
** Be sure to put "BELVEDERE ES" in the NOTES section of your order so it will be included in the delivery on March 26 **
Look at the menu now: https://order.toasttab.com/online/2fifty-bbq-washington-dc
Questions? Message Jessica Strelitz jstrelitz@gmail.com. Note: Don't be concerned that the confirmation will say the order will be for pick-up at the DC location -- as long as you put BELVEDERE ES in the notes section, your order will be included in the delivery to Belvedere ES on March 26!
Grade-Level Basket Help Needed for Spring Auction
We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to coordinate grade-level baskets for the spring auction. If you – or you and some friends – would like to gather themed items for your student’s grade for the auction, these baskets are very popular with bidders! We can share ideas for you to choose from (like gardening, books, fitness, etc) or you can create your own theme.
Do you have donations you can contribute? Let us know by emailing BelvederePTAauction@gmail.com.
We also need volunteers NOW who can spare an hour to e-mail local businesses for donations. We have a template and contacts. If you can help, please let us BelvederePTAauction@gmail.com.
Help Hang Belvedere Art!
Have a few hours to spare? Want to make Belvedere look even more beautiful? Come hang artwork at school! Contact Tania Guzman at tguzman@fcps.edu if you can volunteer any time during the school day.
Upcoming PTA Events
March:
23- Yearbook Cover Art Contest Deadline
24 - Belvedere Ballers, 6-8pm, Justice High School. Sign up today!
26 - Spirit Night, 2fifty BBQ (School drop - pre-orders start March 25 at 11am)
April:
13-25 - Silent Auction
30 - Spirit Night, TBD
FCPS Students are Invited to Get2Green's First Student Action Summit
Join fellow FCPS students in grades K-12 for an evening of learning and connecting about environmental action at schools. The Student Action Summit will take place Thursday, May 14 from 5:30-7pm in the FCPS Welcome Center at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA. This event is open to all students in Fairfax County Public Schools. Elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult. Register for the FCPS Get2Green Student Action Summit by May 8, 2026. Questions? Email Get2Green@fcps.edu.
Supporting a Smooth Transition
Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link.
Kindergarten Registration
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).
Read more about the registration process.
Belvedere Kindergarten Orientation
We are so excited to welcome your child to Belvedere Elementary! We hope to see parents and rising kindergarten students at our Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00pm-7:30pm in the Cafeteria. Registration is open and we encourage you to register your child prior to April 9th.
Please contact Mandy Belcher at 703-916-6804 or at abelcher@fcps.eduIf you have any questions.
Date: Thursday, April 9th 2026
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: Belvedere ES Cafeteria.
Do you know a Belvedere Elementary School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
On March 14th, the Outdoor Club visited Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Students and families had an amazing time exploring the pond and being in nature. A huge thank you to Andrea Auerbach, our environmental ed teacher, for organizing this experience for our students.
   
 Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Children, Youth, and Families Division, is offering a free parenting group for fathers. This program is designed to support dads in building strong relationships with their children and connecting with other fathers.
Program Overview
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Meet and connect with other dads
- Talk about fatherhood experiences
- Gain parenting support and skills
Fathers play an important role in their children’s lives. Positive involvement contributes to children’s safety, stability, and overall well-being.
Session Options
Virtual Sessions
- Tuesdays
- February 10, 2026 through April 28, 2026
In-Person Sessions
- Wednesdays
- March 11, 2026 through May 27, 2026
- Location: To be determined in the South County area
Registration is required for all sessions.
Program Includes
- 24/7 Dad® Parenting Class
- Meals (for in-person sessions)
- Access to Fairfax County resources
- Father-child-friendly community activities
Topics Covered
The program focuses on building key parenting skills, including:
- Self-awareness
- Caring for self
- Fathering skills
- Parenting skills
- Relationship skills
Registration and Contact Information
To learn more or register:
- Phone: 703-324-7720
- Email: buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov
- Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/FamilyServices (search “Dads”)
Accessibility and Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.For TTY services, dial 711 (Virginia Relay) or call 703-324-7800.
Family Engagement Survey Open
FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open through Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment.
- Communication.
- Student success.
- Advocacy.
- Family and school partnerships.
- Community partnerships.
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Family Engagement Survey
- Student Honors
- No School on April 21
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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