Activities
Student Leadership Opportunities
We encourage all Belvedere students to take action to make their school a better place. There are leadership opportunities for students as young as second grade. Reach out to any of the contacts listed below if you have questions about any of these opportunities!
Belvedere News Network Morning News Show (Rising 5th Grade/Grade 5)
The BNN team produces the morning news show every day starting in August. Students rotate through each job to experience being an anchor, running the camera, writing the show, etc. 5th graders audition in the fall to show their speaking skills and proficiency with Google Docs & Slides. Teacher recommendation based on responsibility and independence is also required.
*BNN conflicts with SCA, Safety Patrol, and Green Team
Contact: Valerie Jopeck (librarian) or Keith Downing (Technology Specialist)
Student Council Association (Grades 4-5)
The SCA meets monthly to plan ways to give back to the school and encourage school spirit. Officers and class representatives are elected each the fall in 4th and 5th grade homeroom classes.
Bulldog Technology Squad (Grades 3-5) *Coming SY 2023-2024*
The Bulldog Tech Squad is a dynamic technology club comprising student representatives in grades 3-5. Our primary role is to promote digital citizenship and provide technical support within the school community. As digital citizen ambassadors, we strive to educate and empower students and teachers in using technology responsibly, ethically, and safely.
Our dedicated members are skilled in various aspects of educational technology and serve as classroom technology support specialists. We assist teachers and fellow students in troubleshooting technology-related issues, ensuring smooth and efficient integration of technology in the classroom.
Moreover, we offer exciting enrichment opportunities in computer science, coding, and educational technology. These opportunities are designed to cater to the diverse interests of our members. Whether you're interested in exploring programming languages or learning about the latest educational tools and trends, our club provides a platform for growth and exploration.
The Bulldog Tech Squad is committed to nurturing a passion for technology, equipping students with essential digital skills, and preparing them for the ever-evolving digital landscape.
*Technology Squad meets at least once a month by grade level as a lunch bunch*
Contact: Keith Downing (Instructional Technology Specialist) or Thomas Hill (Technology Support Specialist)
Safety Patrol (Grades 4-5)
The safety patrol monitors school hallways and assists students in getting to and from school safely. Selection takes place in the fall based on teacher, administrator, and bus driver recommendation in the areas of responsibility, reliability, ability to work well with others, and good decision making.
*Requires parent permission. Bus patrols must be bus riders.
*Conflicts with BNN and Green Team (morning patrols only)
Compost Crew (Grade 4)
The Compost Crew runs the Belvedere cafeteria composting program by tracking data, delivering compost to the outside tumblers, and educating other students about composting.
Contact: Andrea Auerbach (Environmental Education teacher)
Welcoming Committee (Grades 3-5)
3rd through 5th graders apply in the fall to be on the Welcoming Committee. The Welcoming Committee was created by a group of fifth graders during their PYP Exhibition project. The group noticed that there are new students who come to Belvedere during the school year and they wanted each and every student to feel welcome. The committee is responsible for labeling the school, announcing monthly PYP attributes on BNN, giving new student tours, and helping at evening events and PYP exhibition.
Contact: Ellen Rogers (PYP Coordinator)
Green Team (Grades 3-5)
Green Team explores environmental topics, then uses the knowledge to implement environmentally friendly practices and educate other students. Each class, grades 3-5, may have a representative on Green Team.
*Conflicts with BNN and morning patrols
Contact: Andrea Auerbach (Environmental Education teacher)
Garden Club (Grades 2-5)
Students in Garden Club water, weed, plant, and otherwise care for the gardens around our school once per month during recess.
Contact: Andrea Auerbach (Environmental Education teacher)
Outdoor Club
Our Outdoor Club meets six times a year (on a Saturday morning) rain or shine to go out and explore nature together! Students and their families are invited to drive separately or enjoy a bus ride with other Bulldogs. Bus pick-up is at Belvedere as well as Barcroft View. Trips may have a participant limit. Previous trips include Huntley Meadows, Mason Neck Park, Lake Accotink, Riverbend Park, Luria Park, Great Falls (Maryland), and Roosevelt Island.
Please Andrea Auerbach if you are interested in participating!
Student Running Clubs
Boys Run Belvedere
The boy's running group will be meeting for practices on Thursdays from 4:00-5:00.
Sole Sisters
Sole Sisters is a running club with a focus on having fun while exercising. The girls are provided a healthy snack, tips on ways to stay healthy, as well as being exposed to “fun” way of exercising. In the fall, we’ve played kickball, Frisbee games, participated in relay races and took classes in Zumba. In addition, we also trained for a 5K. Our goal for Sole Sisters is to have fun while exercising and what better way to do that than with 60 of your friends!
After School Programs
Belvedere Elementary School PTA offers a variety of fun and educational after-school enrichment classes. These classes are available to all students and are designed to support school work, enrich interests and talents, and, most importantly, to be fun! Classes will be offered throughout the entire academic year.
Find out more on the PTA Website