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Our 4th and 5th grade strings students delivered two fantastic performances this past week, first sharing a preview for fellow 3rd to 5th graders at school, and then performing for families at the community concert. They showcased their growing skills with both pizzicato and arco techniques and sounded outstanding. A special thank you to Ms. Hoffman and Mr. Mondoloka for their dedication and hard work in helping these young musicians succeed.
Wednesday, May 6- PTA Community Meeting
Thursday, May 7- Family Fun & Learning Festival
Thursday-Friday, May 7-8- PTA Jewelry Shop
Tuesday, May 12- PTA Spirit Night- Safe Truck
Wednesday, May 13-123 Andrés & Belvedere's 70th Anniversary
Wednesday, May 20- 3hr Early Release Wednesday
Monday, May 25- Memorial Day- Division Closed- No School
Tuesday, May 26- Teacher Workday- No School for Students
Wednesday, May 27- Eid-al-Adha- Division Closed- No School
Friday, May 29 - PTA Volunteer Breakfast
Wednesday, June 3- PTA Community Meeting
Thursday, June 4- Band Concert
Friday, June 5- Field Day
Wednesday, June 10- PYPX Community View from 10:00-12:00
Thursday, June 11- PTA Spirit Night- Jeni's Ice Cream
Wednesday, June 17- Last Day of School
Dear Belvedere Families,
It’s been a busy week here at Belvedere! Tuesday night’s strings concert brought our gym to life with a packed audience of families and friends. Our students delivered an outstanding performance, and we are so grateful to Erin Hoffman and Abner Mondoloka for guiding this talented group of musicians and making the evening such a success.
Wednesday’s Bingo Night was another highlight, with strong attendance and lots of fun for everyone who joined. Thank you to our fifth grade team and the 5th grade parents for organizing this fundraiser in support of the fifth grade end-of-year celebration.
Last Saturday, our Science Olympiad students competed in 13 different science challenges. We are proud to share that four Belvedere teams earned first place rankings—an impressive accomplishment! A special thank you to Adrienne Davis for her leadership and dedication to our Science Olympiad program.
This week also included celebrations for Bus Driver Appreciation and Cafeteria Appreciation. We are thankful for the incredible individuals who support our students each day behind the scenes, helping keep our school running smoothly.
It has truly been a wonderful and busy week for our school community!
Looking ahead, SOL testing begins next week. Please take a moment to review the updated lunch schedule posted below and help reinforce with your child the importance of following school expectations during the day.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our school such a special place for students to learn and grow.
SOL testing begins next week, and we want all students to feel confident and ready to do their best. You can help your child prepare by making sure they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time each day. Encouraging a positive mindset and reminding them to take their time and do their best can also make a big difference.
For more information about SOL testing, including what to expect and how results are used, please visit the SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools page.
You can find our SOL Testing schedule below:
- Tuesday, May 5th- 5th Grade Reading
- Wednesday, May 6th- 4th Grade Reading
- Thursday, May 7th- 3rd Grade Reading
- Tuesday, May 12th- 5th Grade Math
- Wednesday, May 13th- 4th Grade Math
- Thursday, May 14th- 3rd Grade Math
- Monday, May 18th- 5th Grade Science
Updated Lunch Schedule for SOL Testing:
To accommodate SOL testing on Tuesday, May 5, lunch schedules will be adjusted: 4th grade will have lunch from 12:25–12:55, and 5th grade from 1:35–2:05.
We are excited for our annual festival night focused on literacy, mathematics & play! Join us for delicious snacks and games hosted by our creative staff and free books to enjoy at home!
What? Belvedere families will get to choose between many fun math and literacy experiences from a number of offerings by our staff. Students will have the option to take home, math books, independent reading books, and enter into a raffle for a fun prize! Free food will be provided to our families!
Who? All Belvedere students and families are invited.
Where? Belvedere Elementary School (Entry at Front Parking Lot )
When? Thursday, May 7 (Rain or Shine)
Time? 5:30-7:00 pm
Please note: Limited parking will be available at Belvedere Elementary School. Please consider parking at John Calvin Presbyterian Church across the street, parking on Whispering Lane, carpooling or walking!
Last Saturday, our Science Olympiad students competed in 13 different science challenges, and four teams earned first place finishes, an incredible accomplishment that reflects their hard work, teamwork, and dedication. We are so proud of their success and grateful to Ms. Davis for her leadership and support in guiding these students to such an outstanding achievement.
In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
Our 3rd grade students recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to the Natural History Museum. They explored fascinating exhibits, discovered more about the natural world, and brought their classroom learning to life. From towering dinosaur fossils to incredible gems and minerals, the trip sparked curiosity and wonder throughout the day.
Help Needed for Next Week’s Jewelry Shop - May 7&8
The annual BES Jewelry Shop will be open May 7-8! All BES students will get an opportunity to select a piece for someone special in their lives. Volunteers are needed during the “shopping days” to help students select their gift and get it wrapped to take home. Help is also needed to set up the displays before the shop opens and to pack things up post-event. Many volunteers are required for each shift to quickly move students along.
If you've never volunteered for a PTA event before, this is a great one to try. No special skills are required except a willingness to help. The volunteer shifts are short, so feel free to sign up for more than one if you're available. Dads, grandparents and other caregivers are all welcome to volunteer!
Sign up online. Questions? Contact Abby Bullock at 703-795-4110 or abby.bullock@gmail.com
Jewelry (costume jewelry, etc), boxes, bags and tissue paper donations can be accepted in the front office until May 7.
Celebrate BES Staff Next Week: Join the Potluck
May 4-8 is Teacher Appreciation Week across the nation and the PTA is excited to show our community’s support for Belvedere staff! PTA funds will support popcorn treats, Taco Tuesday on Cinco de Mayo (from Taco Zocalo!) and helpful gifts that show how much we care. You can contribute! Thursday, May 7, will be a potluck lunch. Bring a family favorite recipe or a store-bought treat. Please drop off these main dishes, appetizers, desserts and drinks in the main office by 10 a.m. and indicate any allergens. Sign-up today!
Grab a Picnic and Groove with 1 2 3 Andres
Andrés and Christina from 123 Andrés are returning to Belvedere on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. for a free concert on the field! Bring the family, a blanket, a picnic dinner and be ready to dance along with this Grammy-award winning duo!
Upcoming PTA Events
May:
4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
6- PTA May Community Meeting, BES
7-8 - PTA Jewelry Shop, BES. Sign up online.
12 - Spirit Restaurant Night - Sate Truck @ BES
13 - 123 Andrés Concert at BES!
29 - Volunteer Breakfast, BES
Andrés and Christina are very excited to visit our community on Wednesday, May 13th at 5:30 PM. They are so excited that they made a little video for us! Click on their picture to watch the video!
Our incredible 5th grade team, alongside the PTA, hosted a fantastic BINGO Night for our community. 5th grade students took on leadership roles in running the event, helping everything go smoothly and adding to the fun. The evening was filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of memorable jokes from Mrs. Heath.
Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.
Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
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.
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students 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 get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Summer Learning
- Mental Health Resources
- Thank You, Bus Drivers and Food Service Workers
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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