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አማርኛ: ይህን ጋዜጣ ለመተርጎም ከላይ የመረጡትን ቋንቋ ይጫኑ።
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中文: 点击上方您选择的语言来翻译本期通讯。
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فارسی: برای ترجمه این خبرنامه، روی زبان مورد نظر خود در بالا کلیک کنید.
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العربية: انقر على لغتك المفضلة أعلاه لترجمة هذه النشرة الإخبارية.
A seat at the table means everyone belongs. ❤️ At Belvedere, we’re using conversation starter cards and games during lunch to turn mealtime into connection time, helping students spark new friendships, share stories, and build a welcoming community.
Wednesday, October 21- Parent Coffee: Understanding Belvedere's IB-PYP, School Goals, and Title I
Wednesday, October 21- Early Release Wednesday
Thursday, October 22- Picture Re-take Day
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,
We had a wonderful week at school! Our second- and third-grade students enjoyed a visit from author Drew Brockington, who shared his Castronauts series. Thank you to our librarian, Rachel Zamudio, for organizing this engaging visit.
Bingo Night was also a huge success, with around 150 people joining in the fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable evening!
Our first early-release Wednesday is coming up this week, and about 160 families still need to let us know when and how their child will be getting home. All families must complete the dismissal information. Please see the details below and submit your response as soon as possible.
FCPS Award nominations are also underway. If you would like to nominate one of our amazing staff members, please see the information below.
We’re looking forward to a crisp fall weekend, and we’re ready for it! We hope you enjoy it, too.
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.
We have just under 150 families still needing to respond! If you have already completed this form no action is needed at this time.
Please note that Preschool, PAC, and PreK are not impacted on these days and will run their normal schedules.
Picture Retake Day: Thursday, October 22
Picture retakes are available for:
- Students who missed Fall Picture Day on September 11
- Students who enrolled after September 11
- Students whose families would like a retake
For retakes, students must bring their original picture package to give to the photographer.
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.
Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.
Our second and third graders blasted off on a creative adventure with Drew Brockington, author and illustrator of the CatStronauts series! 🚀 Drew shared how he brings his stories and characters to life, then showed students how to draw a CatStronaut of their own. Curious to see the fun? Check out the highlights in our new Instagram Reel! Watch on Instagram
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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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We are now accepting nominations to recognize our outstanding employees at Belvedere ES for the 2026 - 2027 school year! If you have worked with an outstanding employee at Belvedere, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Bulldog colleagues and families are invited to nominate staff members!
🏆 NOMINATIONS FOR...
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
- Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, October 30, at 5 pm.
📝SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing the form linked here
❓QUESTIONS: Questions about the awards process can be sent to Mrs. Zamudio at rhzamudio@fcps.edu
🎉Thank you for supporting our outstanding Belvedere Bulldog Staff!
Digital literacy is an important part of helping students use technology safely, responsibly, and thoughtfully. Check in with your child about what they are learning now or will be exploring soon!
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Kindergarten: Finding Balance
Students are learning how balancing technology with offline activities can support healthy habits, relationships, and well-being. Ask: What are some fun things you like to do away from a screen?
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Grade 1: Is It OK to Share?
Students are learning the difference between personal information that is safe to share online and private information that should be protected. Ask: What kinds of information should we keep private online?
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Grade 2: Device-Free Moments
Students are thinking about how taking breaks from devices can support relationships, well-being, and intentional technology habits. Ask: When might it be helpful for our family to put devices away?
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Grade 3: Privacy Doors
Students are learning how protecting personal information online helps them stay safe and make responsible choices about what they share. Ask: What are some ways to protect your privacy online?
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Grade 4: Group Chat Dynamics
Students are discussing how to communicate respectfully, respond thoughtfully, and help make online group interactions safe and inclusive. Ask: What could you do if a group chat message feels unkind or uncomfortable?
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Grade 5: Understanding Design Tricks
Students are exploring how apps and devices are designed to capture and hold our attention so they can make informed choices about their technology use. Ask: Have you noticed an app or video that made it hard to stop watching or scrolling?
Families can find grade-level lesson materials and supporting resources in the All Parent/Guardian Course in Schoology. Schoology uses the same login as ParentVUE. Learn how to log in to Schoology.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
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
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.
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations
FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.
Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.
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.
It was a lively week all around our school! Our 4th graders kept the rhythm going with music class rhythm sticks, 5th graders got cozy around a crackling "SmartBoard fireplace" for some dedicated reading time, and our preschoolers headed outdoors for fresh air adventures. So much joy and growth happening across every grade!
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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. |
Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.Lexia Family Information Sessions
Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.
Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:
- Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.
Literacy Webinar Series
Join us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.
- October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer
Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.
Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?
Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.
Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
Title I Parent Advisory Committee General Meeting
The first General Meeting for parents and caregivers of students attending Title I schools is Tuesday, Oct. 20th from 7-8:30pm at Lynbrook ES. The meeting will also be accessible online using the Zoom link below.
TPAC Meeting 10/20
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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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:
- 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: We Need You!
Register now to attend the annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference.
Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success!
Find out how to volunteer:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
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#/
Need Childcare for School Closures? Support The St. James PTA Fundraiser: School’s Out Day Camp
When you register for School’s Out Day Camp at The St. James, families will receive 10% off registration, and 10% of the proceeds will be donated back to the BES PTA. Use the code “BELVEDERE10” to get the discount and support the PTA. Learn more at www.thestjamescamps.com or email camps@thestjames.com.
Be a DAB: Dad at Belvedere
Calling all dads, grandpas, funcles or special caregivers: Spend the day as a Dad at Belvedere or DAB! Show school matters while you help get those cars moving in the Kiss & Ride, work with students and play on the playground! It’s a day your student will always remember. Sign up here!
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:
November:
Election Day Bake Sale Nov. 3
Volunteers 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.
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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Justice High School Youth Night!
Join us Friday, October 23rd as Justice Football takes on the Edison Eagles! Bring the family and help us celebrate our Justice Pyramid and future Wolves! Students 13 and under are FREE with a paying adult! All middle-school students and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with them throughout the event.
6:45 PM – Kids Fun Run Through The Wolves Tunnel
6:50 PM – Justice HS Combined Choirs to sing the National Anthem
7:00 PM – Kickoff!
Skip the line and purchase tickets ahead of time: BUY HERE!
Know Before You Go: All spectators will pass through weapons screening upon entry. FCPS also has a clear bag policy for all Varsity Football Games. Clear bags (up to 12" x 6" x 12") and small clutch bags (up to 4.5" x 6.5") are permitted; backpacks, purses, fanny packs, tote bags, outside food/beverages, and sporting equipment are not permitted. Medical and diaper bags are allowed but are subject to inspection.
We hope to see our Justice Pyramid families there!
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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. |
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:
- Facilities Survey
- Transportation Survey
- Health Department Letter on Preventing the Spread of Illness
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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