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አማርኛ: ይህን ጋዜጣ ለመተርጎም ከላይ የመረጡትን ቋንቋ ይጫኑ።
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Books in hand, curiosity in full bloom! 🌱 Our students are connecting what they read about plants to the world around them on a nature walk. At Belvedere, learning comes alive when students can explore, observe, and make real-world connections. 📚🌿
Monday, October 12 - Staff Development Day - Student Holiday
Thursday, October 15- Bingo Night! Brought to you by the BES PTA & 5th Grade
Wednesday, October 21- Parent Coffee: Understanding Belvedere's IB-PYP, School Goals, and Title I
Wednesday, October 21- Early Release Wednesday
Thursday, October 29- Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 30- Storybook Character Parade
Friday, October 30- End of Quarter 1/Early Release
Monday, November 2- School Planning Day- Student Holiday
Tuesday, November 3- Teacher Work Day- Student Holiday
Thursday, November 12- Full-Time AAP Identification Information Session
Dear Belvedere Families,
Rocket Day Was a Huge Hit!
Rocket Day was a huge success! Each classroom in grades K–5 designed and created a rocket using a two-liter bottle, pencils, and paper decorations. Once everyone gathered on the field, teachers and student launchers worked together to fill the bottles with vinegar and baking soda, sending the rockets soaring high into the air! It was an exciting day of hands-on learning, teamwork, and fun. Click here to view the Rocket Day video!
Thank You for Joining Our PTA Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended last Wednesday’s PTA meeting! We had 68 people join us in person and online. During the meeting, we shared information about Belvedere’s Title I program, our school improvement goals and strategic priorities, and the Family-School Compact.
You can view the Title I presentation on Belvedere’s website or https://fcps.click/titlepres. The Family-School Compact is available on Belvedere’s website or https://fcps.click/bescompact. We welcome your feedback. Please share your thoughts using the Title I feedback form. Your input helps us strengthen the partnership between home and school.
We also discussed the many ways families can get involved at Belvedere. One of our goals this year is to have a room parent for every classroom. Room parents work with teachers and other parent volunteers to support classroom needs, such as copying materials, preparing Friday folders, and organizing classroom supplies. They may also help organize class parties, serve as a liaison with the PTA, and provide other support to teachers as needed.
We still have 10 classrooms in need of room parents!
If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the PTA. This is a wonderful way to support your child’s classroom and help build our school community.
Lastly, you’ll find information about Early Release Wednesday below. It is necessary to fill out this form with when/how your child will be dismissing on early release Wednesdays.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for all the ways you contribute to making Belvedere a caring and connected community. We appreciate you!
Warmly,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Tara Boone, and Jess Duvel
Belvedere Elem Administration Team
Belvedere will have four Early Release days this year for K-5:
- Wednesday, October 21
- Wednesday, December 2
- Wednesday, February 10
- Wednesday, May 5
On these days, our instructional school day ends at 1:05pm. Students will be dismissed at 1:05 or remain at school until 4:05 for supervised activities.
If you have not already done so, please complete the Early Release Wednesday Form to let us know your child’s dismissal time and how they will be dismissed.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
On Monday, October 12, there is NO SCHOOL for students. It is a student holiday and school planning day for Indigenogous People's Day.
See the complete school year calendar.
Quarter End, Early Release, Student Holidays
Friday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for PreK, PAC, and K-5. Dismissal we be at 2:05. AM Preschool will dismiss at 11:00 AM and there will be no PM Preschool.
Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday.
See the complete school year calendar.
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On Thursday, October 15 Belvedere will be hosting author Drew Brockington in partnership with Old Town Books to promote his new book #8 in the Catstronauts series, Module Mayhem. Students in second and third will attend the assembly that day, but anyone can order a book! Books will cost $9.99 and can be ordered in advance of the author visit. Preordered books will be signed and can be personalized! Order books from the link from Old Town Books by 5 pm on Friday, October 9. Questions? Contact Mrs. Zamudio at rhzamudio@fcps.edu
Order link: https://oldtownbooks.com/teachers-schools/belvedere-brockington
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First Time Virginia Distinguished Purple Star Designation
We are so proud to announce that Belvedere has received its first Virginia Distinguished Purple Star school. We are honored to recognize all of our military connected students, families, and staff. A big thank you to Mrs.Plazas, Mrs.Myers, Mrs.Hwang, and Ms.Walsh for all they have done to support our military connected community!
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How do you start your Thursday morning? By thinking like an engineer and sending rockets skyward! 🚀 Our students designed, built, and launched their very own creations for Arm & Hammer Rocket Day. Take a look at each class’s rocket and their launchers! This is just a sneak peek Instagram Reel.. Check back on our Instagram later tonight for the big reveal!
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Belvedere's Outdoor Club brings students and families together to discover local parks, connect with nature, and build community through optional Saturday morning field trips.
On Saturday, October 24 (9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.), join Outdoor Club to discover the natural areas of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. While Wolf Trap is known for music, it’s also a wonderful place to explore and hike! We’ll be hiking on dirt trails with gentle hills and a few short, steeper sections. All Belvedere students and their families are invited to participate in this optional field trip.
- Take the bus from Belvedere or Barcroft View, or meet us at the park.
- Students in grades 2–5 may attend independently; preK–1st grade students must be accompanied by a guardian.
Space is limited, so be sure to register and view full details here.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Andrea Auerbach (environmental educator) via Talking Points or email asauerbach1@fcps.edu.
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The Family Literacy Program supports multilingual learner families by building English language skills, strengthening family literacy, and connecting families with their children’s schools and communities. The program is free for eligible FCPS families.
This year’s sites include Glen Forest ES, Graham Road Community Building, Mission Center, West Potomac HS, Herndon HS, Falls Church HS, John R. Lewis HS, and Centre Ridge, which offers a virtual option.
Classes are offered during the fall and spring, both in person and virtually. Families attend classes during the day or evening, depending on the site, and must live in Fairfax County and have a child who attends—or will attend—FCPS.
To learn more or register, contact the Family Literacy Program at 571-423-4647 or visit the Family Literacy Program website.
Website for the Family Literacy Program: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/multilingual-learners/family-literacy-program
If you’ve been to Belvedere, you know Ms. Plazas and the incredible care she shows our families. We’re proud to celebrate Iva Plazas, our Family Liaison, for receiving an FCPS Impact Award!
Ms. Plazas excels at building partnerships among families, schools, and community organizations to support student success. She leads impactful initiatives, including resource fairs and weekly food distributions, ensuring families can access essential services. Through parent workshops and monthly meetings, she fosters meaningful engagement and helps create a welcoming, inclusive school environment.
She empowers families to navigate the school system, advocate for their children, and access employment opportunities. Through collaboration, advocacy, and a deep commitment to equity, Ms. Plazas has created a lasting network of support that strengthens our entire school community.
Congratulations, Ms. Plazas! We are so grateful for all you do for Belvedere.
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Join us for Parent Coffee on October 21 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Learn about Belvedere’s IB-PYP, school goals, and Title I, and hear how our school supports every student and family. Meet us in the Belvedere Elementary Parent Center at 6540 Columbia Pike, or join by Zoom at fcps.click/pc1.
The event is provided courtesy of Title I FCPS.
Another fun week at Belvedere! 🚲🎨🖐️ Students are keeping the bike unit rolling, exploring their artistic and creative sides, and using their senses at preschool sensory stations. So much learning and fun happening all around our school!
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Join us on Thursday, October 29, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for Trunk R Treat! Belvedere staff will decorate, dress up, and pass out treats to students inside the school.
Candy and treat donations are welcome throughout the month. Please drop them off in the office or send them in with your student. Families may park on Whispering Lane or in the church parking lot.
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Belvedere students and staff are invited to dress as a favorite storybook character for our parade on Friday, October 30, at 9:30 a.m. Classes will parade through the hallways, and parents and guardians are welcome to watch. Please bring your ID to sign in. Parking is available on Whispering Lane and in the church parking lot. |
Join Kaiser Permanente for a fun day of health, wellness, and family activities!
These events are hosted by Kaiser, but they are open to everyone in the community.
🧸 Bonus: The first 100 children at both locations will receive a Kaiser Permanente teddy bear!
Events:
Springfield Medical Center
Saturday, October 10 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
6501 Loisdale Ct., Springfield, VA 22150
RSVP by October 7
West Hyattsville Medical Center
Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
5620 Ager Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20782
RSVP by October 14
What to Expect
- 🩺 Teddy bear checkups & X-rays
- 🎲 Fun games and activities
- 💙 Health & wellness education
- 🏥 Medical center tours
- 💉 No-cost flu shots
- 🧸 And more family fun!
Bring the Family!
Bring your little one and their favorite stuffed animal. Make a day of it while your child’s favorite stuffed animal gets a special checkup. Families can enjoy fun activities, learn healthy habits, and take advantage of important preventive care.
Everyone in the community is welcome — please share with your family and friends!
FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers
FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.
Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
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Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
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Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.
Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.
Full-Time AAP Identification Information Session
Full-Time AAP Identification: Thursday, November 12th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services. Language Translation services are available. Please contact Ms. Walsh before November 6th with the language needed.
For more information, please contact Jaclyn Walsh, AART, at jwalsh@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join the session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
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Grab your costumes! Bingo-ween is Oct. 15
The first Bingo event of the year is Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. This fall Bingo event will feature fun prizes and, in the spirit of the season, COSTUMES. All BES families are welcome, everyone gets popcorn and BES students will receive their first 5 Bingo cards for free. Proceeds support the fifth grade class’s end-of-year festivities and a class gift. Please bring cash, if possible, for extra cards, raffle tickets, refreshments (chips, drinks and candy) and spirit wear.
Can you volunteer to help promote our raffle, have an item to donate or can offer general volunteer support? Sign up today: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFA62DA0F4C34-66153538-bingo#/
Fifth graders will receive a sign-up sheet for volunteer opportunities soon. Want to help with the Fifth Grade Parent Committee? Email bespta.va@gmail.com to get on the list.
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A Four Day Weekend is Coming…Sign-up the Kids to Help with the Bake Sale and Wrapping Paper Fundraiser
Looking for some entertainment when your children are off school on Tuesday, November 3? Make (or buy) some baked goods with the young ones and donate them to the Election Day Bake Sale. You can also sign up to sell baked goods and wrapping paper and bring the kids along. We have tons of volunteer opportunities open from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Donated baked items can be dropped off the day of or the day before the Bake Sale. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4BA9AE2CA5F49-66581236-2026#/
Couldn’t Join Us for Volunteer Night? Here are Ways to Help
Please consider volunteering for one (or more!) of these opportunities this fall. These are manageable ways to support your school, get to know our wonderful teachers and create community among families.
Upcoming events:
October:
Bingo Night, Oct. 15
Volunteers needed for welcoming families, distributing prizes, helping student volunteers, selling refreshments set-up and clean-up.
November:
Election Day Bake Sale Nov. 3Volunteers needed for donations, staffing the sales throughout the day, set-up and break-down.
December:
Fun Run, Dec. 5 (morning)Volunteers needed for serving cocoa and other refreshments, taking photos and cheering the runners on!Reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Laura Nunneker at lauradiserio@gmail.com for more information. Thank you in advance for any time and effort you can contribute.
Boundary Study Update
FCPS is currently in Phase 2 of the Boundary Study. The proposals in Phase 2 of the study have changed since Phase 1 in the spring. The Belvedere SPAs (Student Planning Areas) that were previously being considered to move out of Glasgow Middle School and Justice High School have been updated to stay at Glasgow MS and Justice HS.
You can check your SPA here. You can also read more about the Phase 1 Boundary Study and the current Phase 2 Boundary Study.
Join the PTA! Help Us Reach 100 Members
Our goal is to top the membership involvement we saw last school year when 120 members of the BES community joined the PTA. We have just six members to go to reach 100. Membership is $10 per caregiver or $5 for Teachers/Administrators/Staff. Members have to renew each year to retain their voting rights.
Joining the PTA comes with no commitments or expectations. We simply hope you will join us to further build the Belvedere community. Joining the PTA does not commit you to volunteer time. Your membership means that you support our efforts and our goals. In addition, your membership gives you voting privileges at our general meeting and teacher-members also qualify for the BES PTA mini-grant program, which is funding for projects and other classroom needs.
Annual membership is open now! If you have questions, please reach out to bespta.va@gmail.com and a Board member will be in touch.
Follow Us on Instagram
Come see photos of the many ways the PTA supports the BES community. We plan to share updates, stories and behind-the-scenes looks at what goes into building a volunteer organization like the Belvedere PTA. Follow us @belvedereES_PTA.
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Do you know a Belvedere Elementary School Employee or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then visit the FCPS Cares Page to submit a nomination! Watch the video below for directions on submitting. |
Transportation Fair
Date: Saturday, October 10th, from 11am-1pm.
Location: Minnie H Peyton Community Center at Bailey's (5920 Summers Lane, Falls Church, VA, 22041)
Description: Learn about local transportation projects and different public transportation resources, programs, and services available to Mason District residents.
Restaurant Week
Date: Saturday, October 10th, to Saturday October 17th
Location: All around Mason!
Description: Celebrate the diverse restaurants throughout Mason and "eat around the world!" Participating restaurants will offer special discounts throughout the week.
Mason District Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, October 17th, from 10am-3pm
Location: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Description: The 2nd Annual Mason District Arts Festival will feature local and regional artists showcasing murals, paintings, prints, poetry, jewelry, pottery, and more, including an artist material exchange space.
Health Fair
Date: Saturday, November 14th, from 9am-12pm
Location: James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042)
Description: A free health fair offering a variety of services, information, and resources for Mason residents including flu vaccines, hearing and vision screenings, child dental screenings, HIV tests, Hepatitis C tests, and more.
Have Children in Multiple FCPS Schools?
The FCPS mobile app lets you follow updates from all your children's schools in one place! Simply open the app, tap the teal pull-down menu, then tap the gear icon and select every school you want to follow. See this video of how to follow your school.
Find out about more features of the app. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
☎️Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
📲Follow FCPS on WhatsApp
Is WhatsApp one of the ways you stay connected with family, friends, and your community? Now you can use it to stay connected with FCPS, too.
Follow the new FCPS WhatsApp Channel for helpful information and reminders throughout the school year, including important announcements, upcoming dates, tips for families, and more.
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Safe Routes to School Survey
- Immunization Events
- Celebrating Our Principals
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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