Upper News 5/15/26

Fort Belvoir Upper News


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Important Dates

May 20 - 3 Hour Early Release

May 26 - Memorial Day - Holiday

May 27 - Teacher Workday

May 28 - Eid al-Adha - Holiday


A Message from Principal Peterson

Dear Families,

Strong family-school partnerships are essential to student success, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support, communication, and encouragement you provide each day. When families and schools work together, students benefit academically, socially, and emotionally. Your involvement, whether through reinforcing routines at home, encouraging perseverance, supporting attendance, or staying connected with teachers, plays a powerful role in helping our students grow and thrive.

We want to recognize the incredible effort our students are demonstrating during testing season. Our students have remained focused, determined, and committed to giving their very best each day. Teachers and staff continue to encourage and support students as they work hard and show perseverance throughout the testing process.

We are also excited for our upcoming Miles for Heroes whole-school field trip experience on May 20th, with the official ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. This meaningful opportunity will allow students to honor and recognize our nation’s service members while building understanding, gratitude, and community connection. Additional information can be found here: Miles for Heroes: A Memorial Day Ceremony

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students academically, socially, and emotionally as we work together to finish the school year strong.


Kids Lab

Hi Fort Belvoir Families!

We are so excited to announce that it’s time to Save the Date for our upcoming Summer STEAM Kids Lab! Thanks to a generous grant, we are able to offer this incredible hands-on experience to our students this June.

Whether your child is an aspiring engineer, a mini-scientist, or a tech wizard, this is the place to be. Here are the early details you need to know:

Quick Lab Facts

  • Dates: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 2026

  • Time: Approximately 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Final times TBD)

  • Who: All current Grade K-5 students are invited to apply!

  • Where: Fort Belvoir Elementary

What’s Next?

Keep a close eye on your inbox! We will be sending out more information and registration details very soon. This program is designed to propel student learning through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a fun, collaborative environment.

Sign Up: https://forms.gle/ah3zLRb7WLHwbPT86

We can’t wait to see our young innovators in action!


📢 Field Day 📢

Date: May 22, 2026

🗓️ Event Schedule

  • 5th & 6th Grades:

    • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Activity Stations

    • 12:30 PM: Rain Down

  • 3rd & 4th Grades:

    • 12:00 PM: Rain Down

    • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Activity Stations

  • EAC: 12:00 PM: Stations (or join their Gen Ed class if preferred)


👕 Show Your Colors!

Make sure to wear your grade-level color:

  • 3rd Grade: Orange

  • 4th Grade: Blue

  • 5th Grade: Green

  • 6th Grade: Red


🎒 What to Bring

To stay comfortable and safe, please remember to pack:

  • Water bottle

  • Towel

  • Change of clothes

  • Sunscreen


🍴 Lunch Information

Students have two options for lunch:

  1. Bring your own lunch from home.

  2. Purchase a grab-and-go lunch from the cafeteria.


🤝 Volunteers

We can't do this without your help! A Volunteer Sign-Up link will be coming soon. Keep an eye out for updates!

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Techstravaganza

Get ready for a day of innovation and discovery! TJ TWIST is proud to present Techstravaganza 2026, an exciting hands-on STEM event for students and families. A school bus is being provided to shuttle a limited number of FBES families to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology to attend the 2026 Techstravaganza. The bus will leave the Fort Belvoir Elementary School bus loop on Saturday May 16th at 11:30 AM. It will arrive at TJHSST at 12:00 PM then depart at 2:00 PM to arrive back at FBES at 2:30 PM. If you would like to reserve a spot on the bus, please fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/VVdRocW8UZZ5dfEP7  Also, please make sure you register for your spot at the Techstravaganza through the link on the flyer. There is no charge for the program or the bus. Come and join the fun!

Event Details


  • Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: 6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312

How to Join


Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore the world of STEM! You can register for the event by visiting the link below:

Sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/Techstravaganza26


Rising 7th Grade Immunizations

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. 


🚀 Walt Whitman Middle School Presents: Jump Start!


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We are excited to invite our rising students to Jump Start, a fantastic opportunity to get a head start on the 2026-2027 school year! This event is designed to help students familiarize themselves with Whitman staff, explore the building, and learn more about our school's expectations and programs.

📅 Event Details

  • Thursday, August 6, 2026
  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • This is a FREE event!
  • Transportation and light snacks will be provided.

✨ Why Attend?

Jump Start helps students make positive connections within the Whitman community, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for the first day of school.


📝 Registration is Required

To secure your spot, please register by scanning the QR code below:


📧 Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out to our counseling team at whitmancounselors@fcps.edu.


PreK and Early Head Start

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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.

 

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


Summer Learning

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.


Substitutes Needed!

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Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants for the 2026–2027 School Year for Fort Belvoir Upper | Apply Now

Fort Belvoir Upper School is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher and/or instructional assistant. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers:

✔ Flexible schedule ✔ Make a difference in your local community ✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students

Join our team and support student learning!

Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the Mount Vernon pyramid posting.


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

  • Who: Current 6th to 11th graders.

  • When: Weekly sessions from July 6 to July 31.

  • Time: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (Early drop-off and After Care available!).

  • Where: Robinson Secondary School.

  • 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:

  • Business + Information Technology

  • Health + Medical Sciences

  • Technology + Engineering Education

  • Family + Consumer Sciences

  • Trade + Industrial Education

  • Marketing

Note: Classes repeat each week, so students attending multiple weeks can choose different subjects every time!


FBES Family Food Market

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: 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.


Attendance and Illness

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 Accomodations

  • 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. 

 


Connect with Your Family Liaisons!

Did you know Fort Belvoir Elementary has dedicated Family Liaisons to help you and your family connect with the school?

  • Dolores Elliott handles the Upper School and can be reached at DElliott@fcps.edu.

  • Jenn Lindsey handles the Primary School and can be reached at jrlindsey@fcps.edu.

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!

Principal Talk Coffee

If you're a military family, join the Liaisons for the Principal Talk Coffee! It's a relaxed way to meet new families, share your ideas, and discuss topics that matter to you. All families are invited! 

  • Where: Fort Belvoir Primary School

  • When: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

  • Upcoming Dates: April 28, and May 19.

PCSing? We're Here for You!

If your family is moving or PCSing, the Liaisons can support you by:

  • Providing new school district Points of Contact.

  • Reaching out to the community for resources.

  • Connecting you to Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs).

  • Setting up a virtual meeting.

Don't hesitate to reach out to Dolores or Jenn!


FCPS Cares

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


Free & Reduced Lunch Application

Apply for free & reduced meals at: https://www.fcps.edu/frm


Early Release Wednesday Info

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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! 😊