Fort Belvoir Upper News
April 10: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day
April 21: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day
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Hello Families,
April is a meaningful month in our school community as we recognize and celebrate both the Month of the Military Child and Autism Awareness Month. We are proud to honor our military-connected students and families for their strength, resilience, and service, as well as raise awareness and promote understanding, inclusion, and acceptance for individuals with autism. These recognitions reflect our continued commitment to building a supportive and inclusive school community where every student feels valued and respected.
As we move further into the fourth quarter, we are also preparing for upcoming SOL (Standards of Learning) testing. In order to ensure all student devices are ready for testing and receive necessary updates, all student computers will remain at school beginning April 20. Students will no longer be able to take devices home during this time so that we can properly prepare for testing.
Additionally, consistent attendance is especially important as we approach SOL testing. Students are engaging in review and reinforcement of learning from all four quarters, and being present each day ensures they are fully prepared and confident. We ask for your support in making sure students attend school daily, arrive on time, and are ready to learn.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we celebrate our students and prepare for a strong finish to the school year.
Sincerely,
Jessica Peterson
Kick Off Purple Up Week with a FREE bag of popcorn on Monday, April 13th. Sponsored by the Fort Belvoir PTA. If you would like to purchase additional popcorn, Money is due Monday, April 13th by 10 AM. The cost is $1 for each additional bag. Information needed is Teacher, Grade, Student and Bag amount!
💜 Save the Date: Purple Up! Clap-In
April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and celebrate the resilience and sacrifices of our youngest heroes. To show our support, we are hosting a special Purple Up! Clap-in event, and we want you to be a part of it!
Please join us as we line the entrance to cheer and celebrate our students as they arrive for the school day.
📅 Event Details
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When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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Time: 8:55 am – 9:20 am
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Who: All families are invited to attend!
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What to Wear: Your favorite purple attire to show your support.
🎒 Why We "Purple Up"
Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is a combination of Army green, Marine red, and Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard blue. By wearing purple and joining our "Clap-in," we let our military-connected students know that their community stands behind them.
Honoring Our Youngest Heroes: Help us start their day with a round of applause and a lot of heart!
In celebration of the Month of the Military Child, we invite all our military families to a fun-filled afternoon of community, connection, and play! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families in the area and celebrate the incredible military children in our community.
🏅 Event Highlights
Get ready for an afternoon packed with excitement, including:
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Field Day Activities: Classic games and outdoor fun for all ages.
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Fun Crafts: Get creative at our dedicated craft stations.
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Concessions: Tasty snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
📍 When & Where
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Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
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Time: Noon – 2:00 pm
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Location: Annandale H.S. Stadium
📝 How to Join
To ensure we have enough supplies for everyone, please register in advance!
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Deadline: Please register by March 27, 2026.
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Register: You can scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the registration link provided by the school.
- Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April
- Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.
Students will have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.
This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days.Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.
FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety
At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks.
FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.
It is that time of year to buy a yearbook! The link and access code are below. The deadline to order is April 15th
The Fort Belvoir Upper yearbook link:
https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/store/event_login/
Access code: 0043757YB
Parents: Your feedback helps us understand what is going well in your child's school and where we can improve. Take 10 minutes to complete the Family Engagement Survey today. It is available in many languages. Your responses are confidential: https://bit.ly/FESURVEY2026
🗣️Padres: Su feedback nos ayuda a entender lo que está bien en la escuela de su hijo y en qué podemos mejorar. Tómense 10 minutos hoy para contestar la Encuesta sobre la Participación de la Familia. Está disponible en muchos idiomas. Sus respuestas son confidenciales: https://bit.ly/3Nn8fIb
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New Visitor Management System We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry.
For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check-in at the front office.
But now there is also an app, which can make check-in’s even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school.
If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders
As required by the Code of VA, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend at a Virginia public school.
In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older;
- Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;
- A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.
Additional Immunization Resources are also available.
Registration is open for the 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools.
Participants will receive valuable information, connect with helpful resources, meet other families, and take part in engaging sessions. Childcare, accommodations, and language interpretation are available.
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Date:Saturday, April 18, 2026
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Time:8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Location:Marshall High School
- It’s PCS season! We want to help you prepare for your move, so your child’s transition to their next school is a little easier. FCPS Family & School Partnerships staff and Fort Belvoir School Liaison Officers (SLOs) will explain:
- How to withdraw from FCPS
- How to obtain unofficial student records from your current school
- How to connect with the SLO at your next duty station
Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 6:00-7:00 PM Register at https://shorturl.at/4Kx41
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-year-old by September 30 but also accept applications for children 3- year-old by September 30th. Spaces are limited.
Learn More and Apply
March 24 (11am-2pm) at 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 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
We are excited to share information about our Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) — a dynamic summer enrichment program serving students currently in grades K–5. Students currently in grade 6 are eligible for our secondary program, Institute for the Arts (IFTA).
Our programs offer students daily experiences in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance in a fun, supportive environment designed to nurture creativity and confidence. To ensure access for all families, we provide:
- Tuition assistance
- Transportation
- After care options
We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with families in your school community. Flyers for all programs — including translated versions — are available here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qX_RLDLyI5_U81c3kF34ZbR87G98KG3O?usp=drive_link
Please feel free to print, post, include in newsletters, send home in folders, or share digitally with families.
Thank you for helping us expand access to high-quality arts experiences for our elementary students. We are grateful for your partnership!
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!
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: 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.
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.
- 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.
- Discover What’s New on the Menu
FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.
Here’s what students can look forward to:
- New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
- Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
- Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
- Vegetarian options, like the meatless Philly melt, which are available alongside classic favorites.
Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.
Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available.
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!
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!
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 Jenn!
- 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. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it 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 CARES Program
The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition. To recognize an employee with an FCPS CARES, please view the submission page
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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