Belvedere News and Announcements - June 2, 2023
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Belvedere ES Career Day 2023
From the AdministrationDear Belvedere Family:
It has been an exciting week at our school, filled with engaging activities and memorable experiences for our students.
To wrap up the week, we had an incredible field day! Our dedicated P.E. teachers, Ms. Novak and Mr. Bowles, organized a fabulous day packed with fun activities for our students to enjoy. From water activities to sack races, the students had a blast participating in various games and challenges. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to making this day filled with joy and laughter.
In addition to field day, we also hosted a highly successful Career Day. Thanks to the efforts of Ms. Ballard and Ms. Simpson, our school counselors, we had the opportunity to bring in twelve different speakers from diverse professions. Our fourth and fifth graders were captivated as they learned about careers ranging from FBI agent to physician's assistant and environmental engineer, among others. The day even included a visit from a service dog, adding an extra special touch to the event. It was inspiring to witness our students' focus and engagement as they explored various career paths.
As we head into the weekend, we encourage you to take some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy quality moments with your loved ones. We hope this time off allows you to create cherished memories and rejuvenate for the upcoming week.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to more exciting experiences and opportunities for our students in the weeks to come.
Wishing you a delightful weekend!
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal, & Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Parent Input Form for Class Placements 2023-24Today, your child will be bringing home the "Parent Input Form for Class Placements 2023-24." We value your input and believe that it plays an important role in creating balanced and supportive classroom environments for our students.
If you would like to provide any input that could help us in the placement process, we kindly ask you to complete the form and return it to us no later than Friday, June 16. Your insights and knowledge about your child's learning style, social dynamics, and educational preferences can assist us in making informed decisions.
Please remember that while we consider your input, final class placements are determined through a comprehensive process that takes into account various factors, including academic abilities, social dynamics, and the need for a balanced classroom. We appreciate your understanding in this regard.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can create a positive learning experience for all our students.
Last Day of School (early dismissal) - Friday, June 16The last day of the 2022-23 school year is Friday, June 16, and students will be dismissed early.
Register for Kindergarten!Our dedicated team of educators can't wait to meet your little ones and nurture their curiosity, creativity, and love for learning!
https://belvederees.fcps.edu/resources-parents/student-registration
Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance!It’s a busy time of year, and we know there are many priorities on families’ plates. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important for families to remember to check their students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Families who earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2023-24 school year will be available near the end of August.
If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2022-23 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price lunch.
If you are interested in helping to relieve lunch debt for families currently going through the FRM application process, please donate to Educate Fairfax.
State Student Assessment Summary ReportsAt the May 25 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented information on a new Virginia Department of Education report called Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS) Student Assessment Summary.
Virginia school divisions will be distributing a report to parents showing their student’s past Standards of Learning (SOL) testing data. Reports will be provided, through SIS ParentVUE or by mail, for any student who has an SOL testing history in the state of Virginia as of Spring 2022.
In addition to showing a student’s performance on SOL tests over time, it also shows how that performance compares to other Virginia students who took the same test. This report, along with a companion letter, will be available mid-June.
FCPS uses various data sources to determine student growth and success. The Student Assessment Summary Report is just one piece of information in the larger picture of student assessment in FCPS. Learn more about what to expect regarding assessment reporting practices and timelines.
Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight LanguagesParents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
School Board Adopts FY 2024 Budget with Focus on Student AchievementThe Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to adopt the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Approved Budget at their regularly scheduled Board meeting last Thursday. The budget focuses on closing the achievement gap for all students, and maintaining a world-class public school division by recruiting and retaining outstanding educators.
The FY 2024 Approved Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $221.7 million or 6.7% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the Approved Budget is targeted at instruction. Increased security measures and the continuation of green investments are also acknowledged. Read more about the FY 2024 Approved Budget.
School Board Approves 2023 Bond ReferendumThe School Board approved a resolution requesting that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approve a School Bond Referendum, supporting the division and county’s commitment to providing safe and welcoming learning environments for all students.
The School Bond Referendum will be on the November 2023 general election ballot in the principal amount of $435 million, pending the approval of the BOS. The BOS will vote on the School Bond Referendum in June.
The funding provided by voter-approved bonds will provide construction funds for seven elementary schools; planning and design funds for eight elementary school renovations and one middle school renovation; and funds for three modular relocations, security vestibules, and inflation adjustments for prior bond projects. These projects are identified in the FY 2024-28 Capital Improvement Program which was approved by the School Board in February.
The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. Read more about the 2023 Bond Referendum.
New Strategic Plan Presented at School Board MeetingSuperintendent Reid presented FCPS’ new Strategic Plan to the School Board during their recent Board meeting. The new plan was developed after months of dedication and hard work from our entire FCPS community. It will be our North Star in charting our course through 2030. The student-centered and data-driven plan will be guided by five goals and four supporting pillars. Watch the Strategic Plan presentation. The School Board will vote on the plan at their meeting on Thursday, June 15. Find out how to view the Board meeting.
From the BES Family Center Desk Family Wellness and Stability- Student Bus Pass Program | Connector Children aged 12 and under can now ride the Fairfax Connector bus for free when accompanied by a paying adult. The new fare change took effect on May 1. Along with the Free Student Bus Pass program, all youth in Fairfax County can now use the Connector at no cost. Read more about the new youth fare policy and how Fairfax County is building a new generation of transit riders. And for more tips check out the video on How to Ride the Bus.
- Double Your SNAP Benefits at Park Authority Farmers Markets Fairfax County residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now DOUBLE their benefits at five of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s 10 Farmers Markets through a SNAP Matching Program. Bring your EBT cards to the SNAP Information Table at the following markets and receive double the amount to purchase extra fruits and vegetables.
- The Capital Area Food Bank Mobile Market program provides fresh produce to local communities in need, free of charge. Intended to support members of our community at risk of hunger, there are no income requirements or other qualifications—food is provided to anyone who attends a Mobile Market distribution. The low-barrier nature of the program makes it an accessible option for those experiencing food insecurity who may not qualify for other food assistance programs.
- Summer Food Program for Kids | Capital Area Food Bank Capital Area Food Bank’s converted buses bring healthy food to kids who are hungry when school lunch programs aren’t available during the summer.
- Stable Families, Thriving Futures is a Fairfax County Health Department program, assisting parents through Motherhood and Fatherhood. By providing food, housing, health care, baby supplies, access to employment opportunities, family support and more.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program On Friday March 3rd, WIC implemented their new phone number! For all WIC appointments and questions, please call 703-246-5599. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to improve the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five years of age. Participants must meet categorical, income, residential and nutrition risk eligibility requirements. More information can be found by clicking the link above.
Resources for the Summer: We cannot believe that we are beginning to think of summer break and celebrating all that we have accomplished this year as mathematicians! We wanted to share a few resources and ideas to help encourage mathematics all summer long!
ST Math: Yes, you can still play Jiji at home this summer! Login through Schoology and Clever.
Estimation: You can create your own opportunities to estimate or check out one of these resources Estimation K-2 or Estimation180. You might ask, “What would be a number that is too big? Too small? How do you know we will have enough?”
Count: Create your own Counting Collection with found materials in your home or outside (Counting Collections- English; Counting Collections- Spanish)
Maths at Home: Check out ways you can incorporate mathematics using materials or activities you already do as a family!
Games, puzzles and books from the library are also ways to encourage problem-solving and mathematical thinking.
We cannot wait to hear all the ways you continue to grow as mathematicians this summer! Please tweet your Summer Math to @mbdillane
If there is any way we can support you and your child in Math, please reach out to the Math Coaches here at Belvedere!
MaryBeth Dillane [email protected]
Jessica Mundy [email protected]
Help Our Gardens Grow This Summer!Can you help care for Belvedere’s gardens this summer? We need volunteers to water, weed, and harvest (you can keep or donate) in the front or back gardens. Sign up to “adopt” a garden area for a week or more! During your week(s), we'll ask you to stop by at least twice to water at your convenience as needed. No experience is necessary and kids are welcome. Instructions, tools, and support will be provided. Please contact Andrea Auerbach with questions.
June 3rd Splash into Health and Wellness this SummerThere will be a MCCP Dental Van is planning to be there on June 3 with 3 Dental Hygienists to see children for dental screenings. With 2 dental chairs for 2 hygienists to work at the same time, and we can set up a room in the community center for the third hygienist to see children. The van will arrive at 11:30 am and will start seeing children from 12 noon- 2 pm.
Updates on Online Student RegistrationFCPS plans to have online registration in place at all schools across the district starting June 30, ensuring a simple and efficient new student registration application process for the upcoming school year. Learn more about registration.
Let's Finish the School Year Strong!Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:
- Check your child’s attendance record.
- Help your student stay engaged at school.
- Report future absences.
- Understand the FCPS school calendar.
Learn more about attendance resources.
The Military-Connected Senior Clap-OutDuring graduation season, it has become tradition for seniors to visit their elementary schools in their caps and gowns to celebrate and be recognized for their impending graduation. We understand that military-connected students move, on average, 6 - 9 times during their K-12 school years and may not have a local elementary school to return to.
Fort Belvoir Upper School invites ALL FCPS military-connected seniors to come in their caps and gowns on June 8 at 3:00 p.m. to participate in their Senior Clap-Out! We want these seniors to know that their elementary schools around the world are cheering them on from afar, just as we are doing here, and for military-connected elementary school students to have the opportunity to honor students just like them! Please join us to honor our military kids.
Elementary Institute for The ArtsThere are still many spots left for this program with tuition assistance! Please reach out to our art teacher, Ms. Guzman, with questions!
Students in all FCPS schools can enroll in the Elementary Institute for the Arts (EIFTA). EIFTA is a weekly arts enrichment program for students in rising 3rd through 6th grades and will be held during the month of July. Students take classes in art, music, theatre, and dance every day. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the website for more information or email [email protected].
CyberPatriot Summer Cyber CampChantilly Academy will host an AFA CyberCamp Monday, June 26, to Friday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. This camp is recommended for rising fifth through eighth graders of all skill levels interested in learning more about the importance of cybersecurity and gaining skill to protect themselves and others from cyber threats. Discounts are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Visit the camp website to learn more about registration, curriculum, and schedule.
Other Summer Camp Opportunities
Registration is still available for Institute for the Arts (IFTA) and Elementary-IFTA arts camps, Credit Recovery Academy, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI).
Join the PAC!Fairfax County Park Authority Rec-Pac registration is open for summer 2023. Program runs from June 26 - August 3 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. for students in grades 1-6. Read the flier for more details!
Annandale Summer Sports CampsLooking for fun activities for your child this summer? Annandale High School is offering a variety of summer camps this year for current elementary and middle school students led by our own Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors!
Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.
Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp, and they should bring a snack and a water bottle each day. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters”. Payment is due on the first day of camp.
If you have any questions, please email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities, at [email protected].
Camp InformationMulti-Sport Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 20-23 ($120): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win prizes! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. Register Here.
Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 26-29 ($120): This exciting camp features team activities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, touch football, and relay races. Campers will also get a chance to compete and earn medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. Register Here.
For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at [email protected].
Basketball - Rising 4th-9th Graders - July 10-14 ($250): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a report card on their basketball abilities, a t-shirt, and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. Register Here.
For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at [email protected].
Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse - Rising K-9th Grade - July 10-14, July 17-21, & July 24-28 ($120/week): For new athletes and those who have been playing for years, camp will be a fun-filled day of training, group competition, and surprise activities. Campers should bring their lunch each day except Friday when lunch will be provided. Hours are 8:00am-3:00pm. Register Here.
For questions about Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse Camp please reach out to Janan Gokturk, Camp Director and Assistant Varsity Coach, at [email protected].
2023 Culmore Soccer CampFree summer camp for you ages 6-16!
Monday-Friday 1-4 p.m.
June 19-August 11
Bailey's Elementary School
Download the flyer for more details.
Our annual Inova Cares Clinic Free Health Fair is here!Inova Cares Clinic for Children (ICCC) and Inova Partnership for Healthier Communities (PHC) are now scheduling appointments to provide children ages 5 and up with FREE School Physicals and Immunizations to begin the 2023-24 School Year. This will take place at Inova Cares Clinic for Children in Herndon, Manassas and Falls Church.
PHC will be onsite to screen and enroll qualifying families in Medicaid/FAMIS and connect them to an appropriate and affordable source of quality health care providers.
Check out these flyers for more details:
Physicals for Medicaid and Insured Patients
Belvedere is on Facebook!We are thrilled to announce that we have officially launched our Facebook page! This is an exciting step for us as we look to strengthen our connection with families and the wider community.
Our Facebook page will be a hub for all the latest news, events, and activities happening at our school. We will keep you informed about everything from upcoming events to amazing things happening in our classrooms. We'll also be sharing helpful tips and resources to support your child's learning and development.
We're looking forward to engaging with you all on Facebook and keeping you updated on everything that's happening at our school. So be sure to follow our page, and keep an eye out for our upcoming posts. We can't wait to connect with you!
Thank you for your continued support!
Dads @ BelvedereDads at Belvedere (formerly Watch D.O.G.S.) is a program to help our school be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student’s life. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role-model. Dads this is your chance to get involved in a fun atmosphere at school!
Dads will volunteer at the school for one full day. School will provide the schedule to include activities such as: recess, lunch, specials, classroom time, etc.
Our kids love seeing the grown-ups in their life at school! Additionally, Dads are demonstrating through their presence that education is important.
Sign up for a day on our calendar using the Signup Genius below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090449A4A722A64-dads
Buses and DelaysIf a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Use code 28982 when registering for Here Comes the Bus.
PTA News Order Your Yearbook Today!Belvedere's Yearbook is always a BIG HIT! With 48 pages of student and staff portraits and plenty of candid photos. Yearbooks cost $13 each and will be delivered to your student during the last week of school. Please also consider donating a yearbook.
Visit our website to order today!
Questions? Email: [email protected]
It's Never Too Late to Donate!Help Belvedere’s PTA start strong next year with a full range of activities like fall field trip planning and funding, after school programs, spirit wear, Teacher Welcome Back Breakfast, New Teacher Training, and Popsicles on the Playground.
Visit our website to make a donation today!
Next PTA MeetingMark your calendar for our last PTA membership meeting of the year on Wednesday, June 7 at 6:30 on Zoom. Spanish translation provided. We will be holding elections and currently have candidates for all 5 positions. We’ll email you the link a few days ahead of time.
We Need Volunteers!Salad Bar: Excited about the new salad bar at Belvedere? Tired of boring work lunches? Use your lunch break to help Belvedere students get excited about the new healthy options. Sign up here for an inspiring lunch No experience or skills required
Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/RFjEdhP
Join the PTA!To purchase a membership or make a direct donation, please go to https://www.belvederepta.org/membership and choose your membership type (Staff $5 or Parent $10) and/or select Direct Donation to make a one-time or recurring donation. Thank you again for supporting the Belvedere PTA!
Our PTA supports Belvedere in myriad ways: organizing school events, enrichment and outreach activities; providing funding for field trips, library books, and technology in the classroom; and building a school community outside the classroom.
Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA!
Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].
Upcoming Dates- Friday, June 16 - Last Day of School! (Early Release)
6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter