"The Belle View Beat"-Belle View ES's Weekly Newsletter-May 15 , 2026

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A Message from the Principal

summer camp

 

Dear Belle View Families,

It has been an incredibly productive week as our third, fourth, and fifth graders completed their mathematics SOL testing. Our sixth-grade students are set to round out the testing season this coming Monday, followed by a brief window for makeups and retakes. I have been deeply impressed by our students' dedication; they have spent countless hours reviewing complex concepts alongside their classroom teachers and our high-impact math tutors. I am optimistic about the results of this hard work and look forward to sharing positive data during our next PTA meeting, as we truly have much to be proud of this year.

As we look ahead, we have one final full week of instruction before the extended Memorial Day and Eid holiday weekend begins. The coming weeks will be vibrant and fast-paced, filled with end-of-year activities, field day, and grade-level celebrations. While these milestones are meant to be joyful, I want to remind our families to continue discussing the importance of making positive behavioral choices and completing all pending assignments. Participation in these year-end festivities is a privilege earned through the successful completion of academic work and the consistent display of "Bobcat behavior." Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring our students finish the school year on a high note.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I will look forward to seeing you around the View! 🐾

Principal Pluntke



picnic

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.


Substitutes Wanted: Belle View and the entire West Potomac Pyramid is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher and/or substitute 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 West Potomac pyramid posting.


Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update

On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget. 

Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.


bb camp

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

  • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
  • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
  • To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
    •  As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.


New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.


A message from our Family Liaison, Mrs. Bartolome

Twice Exceptional Series Part 3 - Beyond High School: Preparing Twice- exceptional Students for College, Career, and Adult Life Through Executive Functioning and Essential Life Skills
Friday, May 15th from 10-11:30 a.m. 
Where: Virtual
Who: All Families
Families will learn strategies to support 2e students in developing executive functioning skills and essential life skills while empowering them to navigate college, career, and independent life successfully.
Register Here

Candy Crushers: DIY Confectionary - Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Friday, May 15th from 4:30-5:15 p.m. 
Where: Sherwood Regional Library
Who: Ages 6-18
From the popular Japanese candy-making series, Popin' Cookin' brings you a fun and interactive experience crafting miniature, edible treats.
Popin' Cookin' Foods:

Bento
Cakes
Donuts
Gummies
Hamburger
Ramen
Sushi
Waffles

Choice of a candy-making kit is first come, first served, while supplies last. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Each registered guest will receive one candy-making kit. Please register each child/teen separately (no need to register adults). A limited number of walk-in seats might be available; please ask the presenter the day-of. Registered guests who arrive late may forfeit their seat to a walk-in.
Registration Required

TECHSTRAVAGANZA 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. 
Where: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312
Who: All Families
From hands-on activities to mind-blowing demonstrations, Techstravaganza inspires students to explore their passion for STEM. Past Techstravaganza exhibitors include NASA, Robotics for Youth, and the American Society for Naval Engineers. This is a self-paced event, so students are free to visit whichever booths interest them! Students can look forward to raffles, merchandise, and goodie bags.
Register Here

Mother’s Day Event
Saturday, May 16th from 3-5:0 p.m. 
Where: Hybla Valley Community Center
Who: All Families
Join us as we celebrate and honor the amazing mothers and mother figures in our community. Enjoy a special time filled with appreciation, fun activities, and meaningful connections. Let us come together to recognize all that you do!

Maintaining Routines Outside of School
Wednesday, May 20th from 7-8:30 p.m. 
Where: Virtual
Who: Parents and Caregivers
This training covers the benefits of maintaining routines at home and how to maintain structure after school ends. If you need an interpreter for any of these ABA trainings, please contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at sawatkins@fcps.edu.   
Meeting Link Here

Doodles & Discussions: MANGA!
Wednesday, May 20th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Where: Sherwood Regional Library
Who: Ages 8+
Sketch and chat about your favorite manga! Bring your favorite manga from home or borrow some from Sherwood. For ages 8+. Registration required.
Register Here

Decoration Day
Sunday, May 24th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. 
Where: Sherwood Regional Library
Who: All ages
Create Memorial Day decor to honor fallen United States military personnel.  All ages welcome. No registration required.

Craft A Terrarium
Sunday, May 30th from 2:00-3:00 p.m. 
Where: Sherwood Regional Library
Who: All ages
Create your own mini terrarium using mason jars, moss, soil, and rocks. Finish it up with a special decoration! For children ages 6 to 12 years old. Registration Required.
Register Here (Opens May 16, 2026)

First Saturday Book Sale
Saturday, June 6th from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 
Where: Sherwood Regional Library
Who: All Families
Stop by the Friends of Sherwood Regional Library First Saturday Book Sale. Choose from a wide variety of gently used books and media for all ages. Sale purchases support library programs for all ages.

Juneteenth Picnic
Thursday, June 18th from 12:30-1:30 p.m. 
Where: Sherwood Regional Library
Who: All Families
Celebrate Juneteenth with a storytime and picnic! Bring a blanket and lunch for this outdoor event.  All ages welcome. No registration required. This event will be moved indoors in case of inclement weather.

Sibshops/SibTeen Summer Camp
Monday, June 22nd and Tuesday, June 23rd
Where: Fairfax Villa Elementary
10900 Santa Clara Dr, Fairfax, VA
Sibshops and SibTeen will hold a two-day summer camp for children in FCPS schools who have a sibling with a disability.  Camp will be held on Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23 from 9:00am-2:30pm at Fairfax Villa Elementary (10900 Santa Clara Dr, Fairfax, VA). Each day participants will engage in a variety of fun recreation and art-based community building activities and discussion related to their shared experience and access peer support. Lunch will be provided each day. Sibshops is open to children in grades 2nd through 5th. SibTeen is offered to children in grades 6 through 9.  Contact FCPSSibshops@fcps.edu with questions.
Register here


Weekly Student Success Update


Just a few more days of the SOL tests. Our students have made so much growth this year, especially in some of our subgroups.  Our teachers and students have a lot to celebrate.  Score reports will be available in sis parentvue in early June; however some scores are populating in parentvue faster. 

Grade 6:

Math-May 18th

Retakes:

May 19 and 21


Have a question?  Want to share your students' success? Click Here


PTA

Parents, Families, and Teachers can join today!!

$11 for Individuals/$20 for a Family

Join Today!


calendar reminder graphic

 

May 20th-3-hour Early Release-Dismissal at 12:55

May 25-Memorial Day Holiday-No School

May26-No School-Teacher Work Day

May 27-No School-Eid Holiday


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