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አማርኛ: ይህን ጋዜጣ ለመተርጎም ከላይ የመረጡትን ቋንቋ ይጫኑ።
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Our kindergarten engineers followed the engineering process from start to finish! They planned their design, drew their ideas, and worked together to build the tallest cup tower they could.
Saturday, October 24- Outdoor Club @ Wolf Trap
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
Wednesday, November 4- PTA Community Meeting
Thursday, November 12- Full-Time AAP Identification Information Session
Thursday, November 19- Parent Coffee: Counseling & Second Step
Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Break - Division Closed
Dear Belvedere Families,
It has been a busy week at Belvedere!
Our bike unit in physical education has come to an end, and students enjoyed it so much! For those who learned to ride a bike during this unit, seeing the looks of delight on their faces as they maneuvered their bikes around our parking lot was a real treat. Thank you to our wonderful PE teachers for their commitment to helping students develop skills they can enjoy for a lifetime.
There is so much learning happening across our classrooms every day! If you are on Instagram and are not already following Belvedere, we encourage you to do so. It is a great way to see pictures of the many activities, learning experiences, and special moments happening throughout our school.
Thank you to all the parents who joined us for this week's Parent Coffee. We discussed our School Improvement Plan goals and Belvedere strategic goals, including our ongoing focus on differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students. To support this work, we have dedicated time for both reading and math when students are regrouped within their grade level to receive targeted instruction that matches their learning needs. These opportunities allow us to respond more directly to what students know and are ready to learn next.
With student-led conferences coming up, please take the opportunity to ask your child's teacher about the specific instructional supports your child is receiving and how these supports address their individual learning needs. We value our partnership with you and appreciate your continued engagement in your child's learning.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Tara Boone, and Jess Duvel
Belvedere Elem Administration Team
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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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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FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
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!
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:
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from getting sick and to prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms. Staying up-to-date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
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Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
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Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
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Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Regular attendance is a good habit to establish in childhood. It can lead to greater success in high school, college, and careers. Teachers and students miss your child when they can’t make it to school. If you or your family need support, please reach out to your school's front office. We are here for you!
If students miss too much school, school staff may reach out to the family to partner with them on addressing barriers to regular attendance. Visit the FCPS website for attendance resources.
This week at Belvedere, students explored new ideas through hands-on learning, movement, stories, and plenty of curiosity. From fifth graders designing an investment company to kindergarteners building phonemic awareness, there’s lots to celebrate! See more snapshots of learning on our Instagram Post.
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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 on the service road.
**Parking will not be available in the church parking lot as previously advertised** |
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: Breakout Session Information Available
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, taking place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
More than 20 engaging breakout sessions have been designed to support, inform, and inspire our community. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to explore the lineup of presenters, titles, and session descriptions. Complete the Special Education Family Conference Registration Form to secure your spot and let us know about any childcare, language interpretation, or accommodation needs.
Get Involved Today! Volunteer and Student Participation Opportunities
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS using the Volunteer Registration Form by Wednesday, October 28. FCPS staff volunteers will receive MyPDE credit.
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Student Volunteers: Complete the Student Volunteer Interest Form by Wednesday, October 28. Students who volunteer will receive volunteer hours.
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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. Students serving in these roles will receive service hours. Sign up by Friday, October 30.
Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
Vote + Volunteer at the Election Day Bake and Wrapping Paper Fundraiser
If you like to bake or some time free on Nov. 3, please sign up to support the Election Day Bake + Wrapping Paper Fundraiser. We have tons of volunteer opportunities open from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and you can also donate (or purchase) baked goods or wrapping paper in advance or day of. 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.
You’re Invited: Next Community Meeting is Nov. 4
More than 60 BES caregivers joined the October community meeting – both online and in person. We hope to see you at the November meeting – Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 pm. – where we will hear updates from BES leaders, answer your questions and discuss upcoming events. If you have a topic you would like us to address, please let us know at bespta.va@gmail.com.
A meeting link will be shared via Talking Points and via MemberHub (PTA’s communication link for members) in advance of the meeting. Children are welcome to join in person at Belvedere, and all staff and BES families are welcome to join PTA meetings.
Spirit Wear Goes Live on Monday for Purchases
The Belvedere Spirit Wear shop opens on Monday for orders and closes Friday, November 6. Check your Friday Folder for a QR code or go to tinyurl.com/BulldogsSpirit to order Bulldog t-shirts, hoodies, tie-dye options, and hats – for students and adults. Orders take 3-4 weeks to process so order now for the holidays.
Get Your Books Ready for the Read-a-Thon Starting Nov. 9
We are proud to announce the third annual Belvedere Read-a-Thon – an event that raises funds for support for school field trips and classroom supplies and also encourages students' reading habits! We set a goal to raise $20,000. Detailed information will be shared in future Friday folders and email from our fundraising platform, 99 Pledges. Please encourage your students to start stacking up the books they want to read now! Prizes will be awarded to the class rooms with the most reading minutes logged.
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. |
Annandale High School PTSA 2026 Holiday Market
Join us for a festive day of shopping and family fun!
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Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
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Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- More than 60 vendors
- Free admission
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Kids’ Corner with free crafts and activities
Location
Annandale High School
4700 Medford Drive
Annandale, VA 22003
Visitors are invited to bring a personal hygiene item to donate to the AHS PTSA Pantry.
More information: bit.ly/AHSHolidayMarket
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.
Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey🏗️
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.
Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.
For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.
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:
- Literacy Resources
- Return Your Impact Aid Survey
- Download the New ParentVUE App
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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