Upper News 6/14/26

Fort Belvoir Upper News


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June 17th - Last Day of School / EARLY DISMISSAL                                                           @ 2:00PM


A Message from Principal Peterson

 

This week's message is full of celebration.

I had the privilege of celebrating the graduating seniors of Mount Vernon High School this week. Watching our seniors reminded us of the incredible journey our students are on. As our own sixth graders prepare for their promotion ceremony, I cannot help but think about how they, too, are one step closer to earning their high school diplomas. It is inspiring to see the path ahead and to know that the memories, lessons, and relationships built here serve as a foundation for future success.

This week, we also had the opportunity to celebrate the courage, poise, and talent of our students during our annual Talent Show. I continue to be amazed not only by the incredible talents our students possess, but also by the passion, dedication, and perseverance they demonstrate in developing those talents. It takes tremendous bravery to step in front of peers and families to share a gift, and our students did so with confidence and pride. Their performances reminded us that every student has unique strengths that make our school community special.

We were also honored to celebrate the 251st Birthday of the United States Army. As a school located on Fort Belvoir, this celebration carries special meaning. There is something remarkable about the rich history of Fort Belvoir and its longstanding connection to the Army's legacy and service to our nation. It is truly an honor to serve as educators for the children of those who serve our country. Each day, we witness the resilience, strength, and commitment that military families bring to our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support them.

As we approach the final days of the school year, I find myself reflecting on the many moments that make our school such a special place. Whether it is welcoming students back through our halls, celebrating student talents, honoring military traditions, or preparing our sixth graders for their next chapter, these experiences help shape the memories our students will carry with them long after they leave our doors.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we celebrate our students and finish another remarkable school year together.


🚀 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


Special Education Newsletter

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


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.


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.


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!


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!