|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Third graders enjoying a hands-on visit from NoVAquarium, exploring marine life up close and learning about starfish through this exciting, interactive experience.
June 8th-17- Spirit Weeks!
Tuesday, June 9th- Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Wednesday, June 10- PYPX Community View from 10:00-12:00
Wednesday, June 10- PTA Spirit Night- Jeni's Ice Cream
Wednesday, June 17- 5th Grade Promotion
Wednesday, June 17- Last Day of School-2 HR Early Release
Wednesday, June 17- PTA Popsicles on the Playground @ 2:05
Dear Belvedere Families,
Have you ever touched a sea urchin or a starfish?
This week, Belvedere students had the opportunity to do just that, thanks to the incredible work of our third grade team, our students, and our environmental educator, Ms. Auerbach. Earlier this year, third graders voted to use the proceeds from their grade-level seed sale to bring the NoVAquarium to Belvedere for a day of hands-on learning and exploration.
The aquarium transformed one of our school trailers into a living marine exhibit, complete with three touch tanks featuring a variety of sea creatures. Students were amazed to meet and gently interact with animals including sea urchins, starfish, and even two sharks: a brown-banded bamboo shark and a short-tailed nurse shark. Outside, a giant turtle spent the day greeting visitors from a special pen set up just for the occasion.
Throughout the day, every student in grades K-5 had the opportunity to visit the aquarium and experience these animals up close. It was a joy to watch the wonder, curiosity, and excitement in our students' eyes as they explored, asked questions, and made connections to their learning.
This experience is a wonderful example of what an IB education is all about. It reflects the power of teachers collaborating to create meaningful opportunities for inquiry and exploration, while also highlighting students as agents of change. By working together, making decisions, and taking action, our third graders created a learning experience that benefited our entire school community. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this memorable day possible.
Your Belvedere Admin Team
Cecilia Vanderhye, Kelly Cabezas, and Tara Boone
Click the photo to see the full post on our Instagram and view more moments from this week’s NoVAquarium experience at Belvedere!
Belvedere is so grateful for the time, care, and support our volunteers have shared with our school community this year. You make Belvedere a better place for our students, staff, and families!
If you have volunteered at Belvedere in any capacity this year, we hope you will join us for a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Tuesday, June 9, from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Please use the Google Form to let us know if you plan to attend. We look forward to celebrating you!
Get ready for our upcoming Spirit Weeks! 🎉✨
Families, please help your child join in the fun each day. Here is the full schedule:
Monday, June 8: Fun Day 🤩
Wear something fun!
Tuesday, June 9: BES Color Day 1 💙🤍
Wear BES colors, blue and white, or spirit wear.
Wednesday, June 10: BES Color Day 2 💙🤍
Wear BES colors, blue and white, or spirit wear.
Thursday, June 11: Twin(s) Day 👯
Dress like someone else or a group.
Friday, June 12: Camping Day 🏕️🔥
Dress to camp, go outside, or wear pajamas.
Monday, June 15: Green Day 🌎🌱
Do something environmentally friendly or wear something green.
Tuesday, June 16: Creativity Day 🎨✨
Wear something you made or something that shows your creative side.
Wednesday, June 17: Celebration Day 🎊🎉
Dress for a celebration!
Join us on Wednesday, June 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to celebrate our fifth graders and their amazing Exhibition projects!
The Exhibition is the culminating project of the IB Primary Years Programme. Fifth grade students apply what they have learned throughout their time at Belvedere by researching a local issue or problem, taking meaningful action, and sharing their hard work with our school community.
If you are not able to find a parking space, consider parking on Whispering Lane or there is overflow parking available at John Calvin Presbyterian Church across from BES on Columbia Pike.
 Calling all volunteers! All Belvedere 4th and 5th graders will use AVID binders in the 2026-27 school year! We have all the necessary materials, we just need YOUR help putting everything together! This volunteer opportunity is open to all members of our community!
When: August 11th
- Session 1: 9:00-12:00
- Session 2: 1:00-4:00
Where: Belvedere Cafeteria
Interested? Check out the sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BACA62DA4F58-64409778-august#/
If you have any questions, please reach out to our AVID coordinator, Margaret Summers: mvsummers@fcps.edu. Thank you!
Order Your Yearbook by June 11
Don’t miss out on the memories from the 2025-26 school year – order your yearbook today! Deadline to order is June 11. There will be NO extensions available this year so if you would like a yearbook please order by June 11.
🍨You Scream for Jeni’s Ice Cream on June 10
Join other Belvedere families and staff for a cone or bowl at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Shirlington -- 4150 Campbell Ave. in South Arlington – next Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. as part of the final BES Spirit Night of the year!
All sales benefit PTA programs, events and grants for BES teachers for the 2026-27 school year. For a special treat, order the custom Belvedere Bowl – Brambleberry Crisp and Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flake ice cream scoops in a Buttercrisp Waffle Cone bowl. Jeni’s has several non-dairy flavors too, including Banana Cream Pudding, Snow Cone
Congratulations to the 2026-27 PTA Board
At the June 3 PTA Community Meeting, the volunteer leadership slate was presented to the BES PTA voting membership and ratified. Here is the new Board leadership for the 2026-27 school year, effective June 30, 2026:
President - Lauren Geres
Vice President - Natalie Cronin
Treasurer - Maddie Greiner
Secretary - Lauren Cate
Volunteer Coordinator - Laura Nunneker
The Belvedere PTA – as with all local PTAs – is led by volunteers. Board members work year-round planning programs, creating the budget, developing fundraisers and working with school leaders and staff to further connect BES families to the school community and empower them to advocate for Belvedere and all students.
Your membership will expire on June 30! Don’t forget to renew for the new school year on July 1. Want to get more involved? We always need leaders for events like the school auction, spirit wear, restaurant Spirit Nights, Movie Nights and more. Email bespta.va@gmail.com if you’re interested in getting involved when things kick off in August.
BTS Supply Kits Are Ready to Order
The 2026 school supply kits are now available! Skip the store lines and start next year stress-free with the exact supplies teachers have requested for 2026-27. Ordering now ensures your student will be ready for back-to-school, no guesswork and no last-minute shopping. Order today and cross one thing off your list!
NEW: BES Boundary Meeting on June 15
FCPS is hosting an additional boundary meeting – specifically addressing potential changes at Glasgow MS related to Beech Tree and Belvedere elementary schools – on Monday, June 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in Glasgow’s cafeteria (enter through Door 1). FCPS will review information shared at a meeting held in April on this issue, present scenarios related to changes for Glasgow that will impact where elementary schools feed into and gather community feedback to help inform next steps in the boundary study process.
Please register to attend in person or virtual based on how you can participate.
The boundary study feedback form introduced at the April 28 meeting remains open. If you have not already done so, share your thoughts at your convenience. Changes to BES were flagged for additional community review and input as part of the comprehensive boundary review earlier this year. The FCPS Board will vote again on this issue in January 2027 and your input is key!
Summer Volunteering Opportunity: Binder Prep
Calling all volunteers: All Belvedere 4th and 5th graders will use AVID binders in the 2026-27 school year. Staff already has all the necessary materials, they just need YOUR help putting everything together. This volunteer opportunity is open to all members of our community on Aug 11! Interested? Check out the sign up here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our AVID coordinator Margaret Summers at mvsummers@fcps.edu.
Upcoming PTA Events
June:
9 - Volunteer Breakfast, Part 2, BES
10 - Spirit Night @ Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Shirlington, 4150 Campbell Ave., Arlington
11 - Yearbook order deadline
17 - End of Year, Popsicles on the Playground, 2:05 p.m., BES playground
Our halls were filled with excitement this week as former Belvedere students returned to walk the halls as Justice High School graduates. They visited former teachers, reflected on special memories, and enjoyed a moment of nostalgia while being cheered on by our current students. It was a wonderful opportunity for our younger Bulldogs to see what they can achieve in the years ahead!
Be sure to click on the photo below to check out our full Insta Reel of this celebratory event. You might even see graduates participating in a read aloud.
Families who would like to check out a laptop for their child to use over the summer must complete this form. Please submit one form for each child who needs a device. Laptops can only be used for educational purposes. All responses must be completed by June 14th to receive a device for the summer.
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.
Hello Families,
We know that summer is just around the corner, and many families are looking for opportunities to keep their children active, engaged, socializing, and continuing their learning and growth during the break.
Here, you will find a variety of summer programs, camps, activities, and learning opportunities available to students of different ages and interests.
We encourage you to explore the options and find the opportunities that best fit your family's needs and interests. Summer can be a wonderful time for children to learn new skills, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration or enrollment, please do not hesitate to contact your Family Liaison at the school.
Wishing you a safe, fun, and enriching summer!
Ivanova Plazas
Family Liaison
Belvedere Elementary School
Phone# 703-9166824 or viaTalking Points.
🌸🏕️ Join Girl Scouts Capital Nation for Camp Mariposa! 🏕️🌸
Get ready for a fun-filled week with outdoor adventures, crafts, STEM activities, and new friendships as you learn what it means to be a Girl Scout! 💚✨
📅 Camp Dates: Tuesday, June 23 – Friday, June 26, 2026
⏰Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Place: Springfield, Virginia
👧 Who can participate: K–5 girls who are not currently Girl Scouts
💲 Cost: $10
🚌 Bus transportation and snacks included!
⚠️ Space is limited — register today!
📝 Register here: Camp Spring Registration
❓ Questions? Contacted Cheryl Osborne 📧 cosborne@gscnc.org 📞 (703) 372-4341
These materials are not sponsored or endorsed by the Fairfax County Board of Education, the superintendent of schools, or this school.
|
Train, Play & Connect: FREE ⚽️ Youth Soccer Camp
|
FREE Youth Soccer Camp (Ages 6–16)! ⚽️
Join Culmore Soccer Camp and develop your skills, stay active, and make new friends all summer long! ☀️🙌
📅 DATES: June 22 – August 14, 2026
❌ Closed: 3 July
🕐 HOURS: Monday to Friday | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 LOCATION: Bailey's Elementary
💰 COST: ¡FREE! 🎉
📝 ENROLL TODAY! Early registration is encouraged, but there will also be on-site registration during camp hours.
📄 Registration forms are available at the Minnie H. Peyton at Bailey's Community Center or online at: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity for your child to learn, play, and grow through soccer this summer! ⚽️🌟
|
VIP Camp in Glasgow
|
Attention 5th grade families! 📣
Do you have a student moving on to 6th, 7th, or 8th grade? Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and enriching way for them to take advantage of the summer? ☀️🎒
We are pleased to announce that the VIP Camp (Value in Prevention) will be held this summer at Glasgow Middle School! 🎉
📅 Dates: July 1, 2026 – July 30, 2026
🕗 Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
🚌 Transportation included
🍳 Breakfast and lunch included
💵 Cost: $100 for the whole month
👉 Complete the online registration form to secure your spot.
Don't miss this great opportunity for your student to learn, grow, and have fun this summer! 🌟
|
🎭✨ FCPS Institute of Performing Arts
|
Elementary Arts Camp is back! 🎨🌟
Get ready for an unforgettable summer full of creativity, artistic expression, and fun! Students will explore the world of the arts through hands-on experiences designed to inspire imagination and strengthen confidence. 🎤💃🎭
📍 Camp location: • Robinson Secondary School 5035 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032
📅 Weekly sessions: • July 6–10 • July 13–17 • July 20–24 • July 27–31
👧🧒 Who can participate: • Students currently in K–5 • Open to FCPS, private school, homeschool, and non-Fairfax County students
🕒 Opening hours: • 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Early arrival from 7:30 a.m. 🌟 • NEW THIS YEAR: After-School Care until 5:00 p.m.
🚌 Transportation: Available from select FCPS schools
💲 Cost: • $300 per week* • *Financial assistance is available (see website for details)
📝 Registration: • Open from February 2 to June 5 ⚠️ • Spots are limited—register early to secure your spot!
🎨 More information: • https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning-programs/camps-and-institutes-elementary-institute-arts-e-ifta#tuition
📩 Questions? Contact the program director, Maeve Nash, at mnash@fcps.edu
✨ Don't miss this opportunity for your child to shine on stage, develop new skills, and enjoy a summer full of creativity and joy! 🌈
|
Reading Camp at Marymount University
|
Camp Santos: Rec n' Read is a dynamic and welcoming summer experience, designed especially for elementary students, including those who need additional support in reading and writing. What makes this camp unique is its combination of reading instruction in English and Spanish, cultural exploration, and fun recreation. 🌎✏️🎨
Each day, students participate in three hours of focused reading activities, followed by games, hands-on enrichment, and opportunities to celebrate their identity, creativity, and connection with others. It's the perfect balance of learning and summer fun! 🎉🤸♀️
📅 Dates: June 22 – July 17, 2026
📍 Location: Marymount University (Arlington)
👧🧒 Ages: K-5
⏰Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
💲 Cost: $375 per week (scholarships and reduced rates are available!)
Whether your child speaks English, Spanish, or is learning both languages, Camp Santos is here to help you grow as a reader, writer, and member of your community. 💬❤️
👉 More information or registration: www.marymountrecnread.com 📞 Questions? Contact Dr. Megan Mahowald at (703) 284-6532 or recnread@marymount.edu
Spaces are limited—don't miss a summer filled with learning, joy, and growth! 🌟
|
🌞 Camp Fairfax is back!
🎉 Get ready for a summer full of fun, creativity, and adventure! Camp Fairfax, part of the SACC program, provides a safe and nurturing environment for your child during school breaks, no registration is required during the school year.
✨ What to expect: 🏀 • Sports such as basketball and football 🎨 • Creative arts: painting, theatre and dance 🔬 • Hands-on STEAM and science experiments 🌿 • Nature Exploration and Community Connection 🚌 • Exciting excursions and special events
🕒 Opening hours: • Standard: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Core: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
👧🧒 Who can participate: • Students in grades 1-7 (soon-to-be) from Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax
🍎 Meals included: • Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack (weekly menu available!)
📅 Weekly sessions: • Community Centers: June 22 – August 21 • FCPS Schools: June 29 – August 7 ❗ • Closed on July 3
💡 Important information: • Adjustable fee scale available for eligible families
Find information here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/camp-fairfax/summer
Spaces fill up quickly, don't miss out on a summer your child will enjoy! 🌈
Summer Resources Help Students Stay Curious, Healthy, and Busy
The FCPS Summer Resource Guide has activities and tips on a variety of subjects and interests, from camps and activities to health and safety resources.
Be sure to check back over the summer, as more resources may be added.
Learning Doesn’t Take a Vacation and Neither Does Fun!
The FCPS Summer Learning webpage offers ideas and strategies for families to keep students curious until August. Summer is the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged!
Summer Meals for Students
Starting Monday, June 22, no-cost meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on-site while eating their meals.
This year, thanks to generous support from Educate Fairfax, families may also receive one no-cost breakfast and lunch per adult at the following elementary schools: Braddock, Dogwood, Glen Forest, Hutchison, Hybla Valley, and London Towne.
Summer sites will continue to be added, so check the Summer Food webpage regularly for updates.
Summer Immunization Events for All FCPS Students
Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, will be providing school-required immunizations this summer. Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families. Registering families will be required to provide insurance information, if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate.
Visit the FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events webpage for dates, times, and locations. Additional event dates will be made available and shared four to five weeks prior to the event on the webpage. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Violin Camp
|
🎻☀️ Looking for a fun and enriching activity for this summer? StringTime's Summer Music Camps are back for summer 2026! Students ages 7 to 12 can learn violin, viola, or cello in a fun and welcoming environment — no previous experience is necessary!
✨ Camp Highlights:
🎶 Learn violin, viola, or cello
👧🧒 For students ages 7-12
🎻 Instruments provided!
🌟 No previous experience required
🎵 Family concerts every Friday
💙 Scholarships available based on financial need
📍 Locations & Dates:
Alexandria: July 13–24
McLean: July 27–August 7
Burke: August 10–21
🕘 Camp Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM 🎼 Concerts: Fridays at 5:00 PM
Families can enroll in one or several weeks! For more information, visit stringtimemusic.org
|
Falls Church Academy Summer Camp
|
🌟 Health 🧬 Sciences Exploration Camp
📅 June 22–26, 2026
👩 ⚕️ For students entering grades 6–10 (Fall 2026)
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of health sciences through hands-on experiences that spark creativity and develop real-world skills! 🧪✨ Students will participate in interactive activities and learn directly from professionals, exploring potential future careers in the healthcare area.
🔑 Important details: • Single session: $90 • Both sessions: $160
🗓️ • Registration deadline: June 1 (or until space is filled)
⚠️ • Limited places
Students who register for one session will participate in two programs, while those who enroll in both sessions will participate in all four programs. Students attending both sessions will remain on campus and must bring their lunch 🥪. Please note that transportation is not provided.
📝 Registration is now open through MySchoolBucks—search for "Falls Church Academy Summer Camp" to register.
Give your student the opportunity to explore, learn, and be inspired by the world of health 💙 sciences
For questions, please contact our Academic Counselor: Emarinn Oundee, EAOUNDEE@fcps.edu
|
Fairfax County Summer Reading Program
|
Get ready for a summer filled with reading, learning, and adventure with the Fairfax County Public Library's Summer Reading Adventure 2026 program! Students of all ages are encouraged to keep their minds active this summer by reading, completing activities, and winning fun prizes in the process.
✨ Program Highlights:
📖 • Reading or listening to books all summer long
⏰ • Read for 20 to 30 minutes a day or complete learning activities
🏅 • Earn virtual badges and prizes for participating
👨 👩 👧 • Open to children, teens and adults
🗓️ Important Dates:
• Registration opens: June 10, 2026
• Paper Read Records Available: June 17, 2026
• Program ends: August 19, 2026
🎁 Special Opportunity: Families who pre-register with Beanstack by June 10 will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 e-gift card to Scrawl Books!
📱 How to Enter:
• Register through Fairfax County's Beanstack portal
• Pick up a paper reading log at your local library or download one online
• Record your reading and activities during the summer
This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen reading habits, discover new stories, and make summer learning fun for the whole family! 📚✨
|
Arlington County Summer Reading Program
|
Get ready for a summer full of reading, learning, and fun with the Arlington Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge! Students are encouraged to read for 30 days this summer while enjoying exciting programs, prizes, and opportunities to help the community.
✨ Why participate?
📖 • Read for any 30 days between June 1 and September 1
🎁 • Win a free book and two free tickets to a Washington Nationals game (while supplies last!)
❤️ • For every challenge completed, Friends of the Arlington Public Library will donate $1 to AFAC to help families in need
🌟 • Continue reading for another 30 days to become a Super Reader!
🗓️ Important Dates:
• Start of the program: June 1
• Last day to register: September 1
• Last day to collect prizes: September 2
📱 How to Enter:
• Register using the Arlington Public Library app or pick up a paper reading log at any library
• Mark each day you read — there is no minimum amount of reading required!
• Take your complete record to any library to claim your prizes
This is a great way to keep reading skills strong over the summer while making reading fun and rewarding for the whole family! 📚✨
|
View the latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter. Topics in this 2026 End of Year/Summer issue include:
- Celebrating 50 Years of IDEA
- A Year of Inclusion in FCPS
- Advancing Success for Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners
- Extended School Year (ESY)
- Your Guide to a Fun and Inclusive Summer
- Play, Plan, Grow: Summer Activities for Executive Function
- Keep SEL Growing all Summer Long
- New Resources to Support Life after High School
- Make an Impact as a Special Education Teacher
- Fairfax County SEPTA News
Subscribe to the Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter.
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun
The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!
This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.
New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
📅Calendar Survey
FCPS values your input as we plan future school calendars. On Friday, June 5, all caregivers and FCPS staff will receive an email from noreply@fcps.edu containing a unique link to complete the FCPS Calendar Survey.
Your feedback matters. Please take a few minutes to share your priorities and perspectives by Monday, June 22, at 11:59 p.m.
Your individual responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared with school staff or used in any way that identifies you or your student. Only aggregate, summary-level results will be reported to the Fairfax County School Board.
If you do not receive a link to the survey or have technical difficulties completing the survey, please contact the FCPS Office of Research and Program Evaluation.
☎️Family Information Phone Lines
FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Calendar Survey
- Summer Resources
- Deadline to Request Accommodations for SAT School Day
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
|
