FCPS

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From the School Administration

Dear Belvedere Family:

We had a wonderful week at Belvedere, and our teachers and students are settling into the new school year. They have been busy building classroom communities, establishing routines, and diving into their first IB PYP Units of Inquiry. It's been exciting to see the learning and engagement in every classroom!

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Back to School Night on Thursday September 19th, from 6 to 8 PM. This event is for parents and caregivers to visit classrooms and learn more about our IB PYP program. While the evening is designed for adults, we understand if your child needs to attend with you. In that case, there will be a quiet activity for them to work on in the back of the classroom.

We also want to thank our amazing PTA for helping kick off the year on a high note! We had a fantastic turnout at our first PTA meeting on Wednesday and are looking forward to even more participation at the next meeting on October 2nd.

Lastly, mark your calendars for a fun evening with our PTA's Family Movie Night on Thursday, September 12th. We'll be watching Inside Out, and we hope to see you there!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal

Tara Boone, Assistant Principal

Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal 

Calendar Reminder: Early-Release Mondays

The first 3 hour early-release Monday is on September 16th.  Students will be dismissed at 1:05 pm. If you require childcare past 1:05 pm and have not completed the Childcare Needs form, please reach out to our office as soon as possible so that we can accommodate your needs. 

Please note, early childhood programs (PAC, ECCB, PreK, ECIP) will not be participating in early release Mondays - and will have their normal schedule.

Save the Date! Back to School Night!

Belvedere will be hosting our annual Back to School Night on Thursday, September 19th from 6-8 pm.

Come and see your child's classroom, meet their teachers, and learn more about the IB PYP program. 

Information shared at Back to School Night is for parents and caregivers. If your child needs to attend, they will be provided a quiet activity in the back of the classroom. 

Movie Night: Inside Out, Sept. 12

The first PTA Movie Night of the year will be held from 6-7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. We will be featuring the 2015 Disney film “Inside Out.” (PG). Run-time 1 hour, 35 mins. “After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.” The event (including popcorn!) is FREE and light concessions, including candy and chips, will be sold. You are welcome to bring dinner to enjoy during the movie. Location: BES cafeteria. We need a few volunteers to help with this event. Email [email protected] if you can help make popcorn or sell snacks that will benefit future PTA activities.

Picture Day

Fall Picture Day is here! It will be next Friday, September 13th.  Students should have order forms available in their Friday folders. Physical forms and form of payment will go directly to the photographers on Picture Day. 

Late Day Learners

The new session of Late Day Learners is coming up! Please see which clubs are available and register your student at https://www.belvederepta.org/clubs. Registration will open THIS FRIDAY (September 6th) and close on Friday, September 19th. The first session will start on September 24th so get your registration in early!

Mural Party

Please join us on the evening of September 17th from 6-7 pm for our Mural Party. Meet the artists who created our mural while you enjoy a snack from the food truck. 

Family Life Education Instructional Program Information

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) provides a comprehensive, sequential Family Life Education (FLE) program for students in grades kindergarten through grade twelve. Instruction is seen as a partnership among parents and guardians, the school, and the community in supporting the learning essential to the development of strong families, positive relationships, and a healthy community.

Parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of all or part of the Family Life Education program. Students who are opted out are provided with age-appropriate, nonpunitive alternative health instruction, and every effort is made to foster respect for family choices. If you wish to opt your child out of all or part of FLE for this school year, opt out forms are available in Parent Digital Consent. Paper opt-out forms are available from your child’s school. Students receiving special education services and accessing modified curriculum will receive a printed opt-out form for modified FLE lessons.

Detailed grade-level program descriptions are available online at Elementary (K-6). FLE grade level-specific lessons and media that FCPS has streaming rights for are available for parents online in Schoology. Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS) Parent account. Grade level-specific lessons are also available at the City of Fairfax Regional Library (this location does not have media). Grade level-specific lessons and media that is not streamed online are available for review at your child’s school library. Due to copyright permissions, we are unable to stream all media online.

Program questions may be addressed at your child’s school or by contacting Instructional Services at 571-423-4550 or by email to [email protected].

From the Advanced Academics Resource Teacher

Belvedere will host an Advanced Academics Information Session on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 6:00 PM. Please join us to learn about the continuum of services available through the Advanced Academics Program. Information is also found in the FCPS AAP Fall Newsletter attached.

September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.

Science Olympiad

Attention BES 3rd-5th Grade Families!  The Science Olympiad team will meet once a week, beginning September 12th.

The club will engage in research and experiments using a variety of materials in preparation for the Science Olympiad Competition. Bus transportation home will be provided.

Science Olympiad Competition will take place on one of the following Saturdays - October 26, November 2, November 9, OR November 16

If interested, please complete the attached form and return it to your child's teacher.

Health Flyer For Parents

When students miss too many days of school, they fall behind and struggle to keep up with their classmates. Whatever the reason for the absence, the result for the student is the same — learning time is lost. Children and adolescents will get sick at times and may need to stay at home, but we want to work with you to help minimize the number of days your student misses school.

Read this flyer for more details. 

FCPS CARES Program

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition. 

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word, and then paste it into the text box provided.

For questions, please email [email protected].

Read more and Submit an FCPS CARES today!

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. 

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

• Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School 
• Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Updated Laptop Policy for Students in Grades 3-5: Taking Laptops Home

Based on feedback from last year, we are adjusting our device policy for students in Grades 3-5. Moving forward, families will have the option to opt-in for their child to bring home a school-issued laptop.

Key Points:

• Opt-In Process: If your child needs to bring their laptop home regularly, please complete this opt-in form or let your child's teacher know that you'd like for them to bring their school-issued device home on a daily basis.
• Default Option: If you do not opt-in, your child’s laptop will stay at school unless a specific assignment requires it to be taken home. The teacher will give families notification when laptops are being sent home with your child.

This change aims to protect our devices while ensuring that all students have equitable access to the technology they need. We will also provide MiFi devices for families who need internet access at home. Please reach out to Mr. Downing ([email protected]) or your child's teacher if you have any questions. 

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

🍎 Make Every Day Count! The Importance of Attendance

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.

The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they're joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice.

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations.

Belvedere is on Instagram

Welcome back, Belvedere families! 🎉 New school year, new Instagram account! 📸 We’re thrilled to share all the incredible moments ahead. Stay tuned and follow along!

https://www.instagram.com/belvedereelem/

Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)

Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

Food and Nutrition Services Career Opportunities

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services is hiring. Please learn more about opportunities by clicking here. 

Support PTA’s work: Become a Member

Our PTA supports Belvedere in many ways, including organizing major school events, enrichment and outreach activities; offering teacher grants and providing funding for field trips, library books and technology in the classroom. The PTA works to build a strong school community outside the classroom through fun events like teacher appreciation events, international night, read-a-thon and much more.

To become a member 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 Direct Donation to make a one-time or recurring donation.  

Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA or to make a donation.

Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].

Have a few hours to share? PTA has volunteer needs

The PTA has volunteer needs around events and activities such as the upcoming movie night, teacher appreciation events, 5th grade promotion, the Election Day bake + wrapping paper sale, Bingo nights, VIP & me, International Night and more. Some require a few hours a week as a year-round coordinator and some just a few hours for a single event.

Please contact the PTA at [email protected] if you are interested in any of these opportunities and we will share details.

Upcoming Dates

• Thursday, September 12 - Movie Night
• Friday, September 13 - Picture Day
• Monday, September 17th - Mural Party
• Thursday, September 19 - Back to School Night (6-8 pm)

Keep in Touch

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FCPS Calendar

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

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Reminder! PTA Meeting Tomorrow!

Please join us for our first PTA meeting of the year!

TOMORROW: Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30 pm.

We’ll be focused on planning for the year ahead and want you to share your ideas on the best ways for us to engage the BES community. All subsequent PTA meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm.

Spanish translation is available for all meetings as part of the virtual format, so please join us via Zoom if you require Spanish support.

Staff and all BES families are welcome to join these meetings and volunteer, but you must be a PTA member to vote on any financial decisions during meetings.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87266877567?pwd=k20cbGAg9378FvgvFf2HYTtR2b8JYE.1

Meeting ID: 872 6687 7567

Passcode: 171450

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

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From the School Administration

Dear Belvedere Family:

We’ve had a wonderful start to the school year, and we are thrilled to see our halls filled with so much energy and enthusiasm.  It’s inspiring to observe our students diving right into their learning, eager to explore and grow.  This positive momentum is a testament to the strong support from our entire community and our wonderful staff. 

Our arrival and dismissal have been running very smoothly and decreasing in time as the days pass by.  Your cooperation plays a huge role in ensuring that our days begin and end on a positive note.  As we continue to work together, please remember to be mindful of our neighbors by not blocking driveways when on Whispering Lane.  Your attentiveness to this makes a big difference in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.

As we head into the long Labor Day weekend, we hope you find time to relax and enjoy time doing whatever brings you joy. 

Sincerely,

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal

Tara Boone, Assistant Principal

Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal 

Family Responses Needed for Childcare Needs on Early Release Mondays!

This is an important reminder regarding the Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools. These early releases are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early on seven occasions throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.

However, we understand that Early Release Mondays may create childcare challenges for many of our families. To address these concerns, we are offering student supervision for those who need it.  You must fill out the Childcare Needs Form for each child that will need supervision. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

To help us effectively plan for our school’s childcare needs on these dates, we need all families to complete this form: Childcare Needs Form.The form covers the first two Early Release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024, and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children enrolled at Belvedere Elementary, please submit a separate form for each child. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

Your timely response is crucial in ensuring that we can accommodate the needs of all our students.

Labor Day

Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

Science Olympiad

Attention BES 3rd-5th Grade Families!  The Science Olympiad team will meet once a week, beginning September 12th.

The club will engage in research and experiments using a variety of materials in preparation for the Science Olympiad Competition. Bus transportation home will be provided.

Science Olympiad Competition will take place on one of the following Saturdays - October 26, November 2, November 9, OR November 16

If interested, please complete the attached form and return it to your child's teacher.

Join us next Wednesday for the September PTA meeting 

The first PTA meeting of the 2024-2025 school year will be on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30 pm. We’ll be focused on planning for the year ahead and want you to share your ideas on the best ways for us to engage the BES community. All subsequent PTA meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Most meetings last about an hour and are offered in a hybrid format – both online and in person in the BES cafeteria. Spanish translation is available for all meetings as part of the virtual format, so please join us via Zoom if you require Spanish support.

Staff and all BES families are welcome to join these meetings and volunteer, but you must be a PTA member to vote on any financial decisions during meetings. 

FCPS CARES Program

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition. 

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word, and then paste it into the text box provided below.

For questions, please email [email protected].

Read more and Submit an FCPS CARES today!

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. 

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

• Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School 
• Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time. 

Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.

Updated Laptop Policy for Students in Grades 3-5: Taking Laptops Home

Based on feedback from last year, we are adjusting our device policy for students in Grades 3-5. Moving forward, families will have the option to opt-in for their child to bring home a school-issued laptop.

Key Points:

• Opt-In Process: If your child needs to bring their laptop home regularly, please complete this opt-in form or let your child's teacher know that you'd like for them to bring their school-issued device home on a daily basis.
• Default Option: If you do not opt-in, your child’s laptop will stay at school unless a specific assignment requires it to be taken home. The teacher will give families notification when laptops are being sent home with your child.

This change aims to protect our devices while ensuring that all students have equitable access to the technology they need. We will also provide MiFi devices for families who need internet access at home. Please reach out to Mr. Downing ([email protected]) or your child's teacher if you have any questions. 

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office. 

If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. 

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

Belvedere is on Instagram

Welcome back, Belvedere families! 🎉 New school year, new Instagram account! 📸 We’re thrilled to share all the incredible moments ahead. Stay tuned and follow along!

https://www.instagram.com/belvedereelem/

✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars

• While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:

• The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
• The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
• The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
• The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions. 

Visit our Strategic Plan webpage for more information.

Introducing the FCPS Family Academy 

The Office of Experience and Engagement has embarked on a groundbreaking and collaborative effort to transform the way that families partner and interact with the educational system. More than an outreach program, FCPS Family Academy is a comprehensive strategy to provide families with exceptional access, opportunities, and intentional collaboration. The goal is to ensure the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. At its core, this initiative seeks to create a tapestry of positive and engaging experiences, as well as meaningful connections to transform the educational landscape into a welcoming environment for all families.

The primary vision of the FCPS Family Academy, in alignment with the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Pillar B: Vibrant Home School & Community Partnerships, is the empowerment of families through intentional partnerships that contribute to the holistic development and success of each student. This ambitious endeavor is driven by a set of clearly defined goals and strategies that underscore its commitment to inclusiveness, collaboration, and sustained support.

Our hope is to provide a one-stop shop for families in FCPS to better enrich the educational journey of their child in partnership with FCPS. 

Check out the FCPS Family Academy here. 

Solve the Puzzle Before It’s Gone! 

Fairfax County's Puzzle Hunt will end on Sunday, September 15. Families have been solving puzzles and finding clues all summer in this unique community event that takes solvers on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County. There is still time to join before it ends!

 

Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be completed with friends and family and are challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles, then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle. Visit our wonderful local parks with friends and family. 

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If 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. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2050 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)

Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

Food and Nutrition Services Career Opportunities

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services is hiring. Please learn more about opportunities by clicking here. 

Support PTA’s work: Become a Member

Our PTA supports Belvedere in many ways, including organizing major school events, enrichment and outreach activities; offering teacher grants and providing funding for field trips, library books and technology in the classroom. The PTA works to build a strong school community outside the classroom through fun events like movie nights, teacher appreciation events, international night, read-a-thon and much more.

To become a member 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 Direct Donation to make a one-time or recurring donation.  

Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA or to make a donation.

Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].

Have a few hours to share? PTA has volunteer needs

The PTA has volunteer needs around events such as DABs, teacher appreciation events, 5th grade promotion, movie nights, the Election Day bake + wrapping paper sale, Bingo nights, VIP & me, International Night and more.

Please contact the PTA at [email protected] if you are interested in any of these opportunities and we will share details. 

Upcoming Dates

• Friday, August 30 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Monday, September 2 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Wednesday, September 4 - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm
• Thursday, September 19 - Back to School Night (6-8 pm)

Keep in Touch

Visit the Belvedere website

Report student absences

Bus Delay Website

Follow Belvedere on X

Change your email preferences

FCPS Calendar

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

From the School Administration

Dear Belvedere Family:

What an amazing first week of school this has been! Belvedere is alive with students’ smiles, curiosity, friendships, and new learning. We love our community and thank you for your support.

We appreciate your flexibility this week. Kiss and ride has been going smoothly with all students who are not bus riders or walkers being picked up in the line. We value everyone’s patience as we ensure the safety of all students during dismissal.

If you need to make a change in the way your child will be going home on a given day, please call the office at 703-916-6800 no later than 3:45 p.m. You can also email this information at [email protected]. Please do not use Talking Points with your child’s teacher to communicate this information as teachers are not necessarily checking Talking Points throughout the day.

If you need to pick up your child before dismissal, please do so no later than 3:45 as finding parking is difficult and office staff is busy with dismissal procedures at that time.

In the next coming weeks, we will be visiting classrooms to review the students’ rights and responsibilities. One item we will highlight relates to smart watches and cell phones. Please note that cell phones are not allowed during the school day and must be off and put away in backpacks. Smart watches must be on airplane or school mode while in school. If a child misuses the smartwatch, teachers will have the watch put away and we will ask that the child not continue to use a smart watch at school. Our goal is for students to be engaged in learning and not distracted by these tools. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal

Tara Boone, Assistant Principal

Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal 

Outdoor Workday - Saturday, August 24

From our environmental educator, Andrea Auerbach: Kick off the new school year by helping us get our outdoor learning spaces back in shape on Saturday, August 24! We’ll be working in the gardens and meadows behind the school from 9am-11am; drop by for any amount of time. Students are welcome with an adult. RSVP appreciated, but not required. We’ll be outside the entire time so please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a water bottle. Questions or interested in future workdays? Contact Andrea Auerbach at [email protected]. 

Family Responses Needed for Childcare Needs on Early Release Mondays!

This is an important reminder regarding the Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools. These early releases are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early on seven occasions throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.

However, we understand that Early Release Mondays may create childcare challenges for many of our families. To address these concerns, we are offering student supervision for those who need it.  You must fill out the Childcare Needs Form for each child that will need supervision. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

To help us effectively plan for our school’s childcare needs on these dates, we need all families to complete this form: Childcare Needs Form.The form covers the first two Early Release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024, and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children enrolled at Belvedere Elementary, please submit a separate form for each child. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

Your timely response is crucial in ensuring that we can accommodate the needs of all our students.

Popsicles on the Playground TODAY!

Beat the summer heat and celebrate the end of our first school week. Join the PTA for Popsicles on the Playground today, Friday, August 23, after school dismissal at 4:05 p.m. Cool down and connect with our school community. Adults must accompany and supervise their students. 

Join the first PTA meeting of the year: Sept. 4 

The first PTA meeting of the 2024-2025 school year will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 6:30 pm. We’ll be focused on planning for the year ahead and want you to share your ideas. All subsequent PTA meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Most meetings last about an hour and are in a hybrid format – both online and in person in the BES cafeteria. Anyone in the BES community is welcome to join and volunteer, but you must be a PTA member to vote on any financial decisions that come out of a meeting. 

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Updated Laptop Policy for Students in Grades 3-5: Taking Laptops Home

Based on feedback from last year, we are adjusting our device policy for students in Grades 3-5. Moving forward, families will have the option to opt-in for their child to bring home a school-issued laptop.

Key Points:

• Opt-In Process: If your child needs to bring their laptop home regularly, please complete this opt-in form or let your child's teacher know that you'd like for them to bring their school-issued device home on a daily basis.
• Default Option: If you do not opt-in, your child’s laptop will stay at school unless a specific assignment requires it to be taken home. The teacher will give families notification when laptops are being sent home with your child.

This change aims to protect our devices while ensuring that all students have equitable access to the technology they need. We will also provide MiFi devices for families who need internet access at home. Please reach out to Mr. Downing ([email protected]) or your child's teacher if you have any questions. 

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office. 

If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. 

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

Belvedere is on Instagram

Welcome back, Belvedere families! 🎉 New school year, new Instagram account! 📸 We’re thrilled to share all the incredible moments ahead. Stay tuned and follow along!

https://www.instagram.com/belvedereelem/

Student Accident Insurance Program

Fairfax County Public Schools does not provide medical insurance for accidents that occur at school. Parents can purchase “at school” accident insurance or “24 hour” accident insurance (12 months a year). This is a low-cost insurance program for families to defray medical or dental expenses that results from an accident involving their child. More information can be found on the FCPS public site at Voluntary Student Insurance.

✨ Our Commitment to Excellence, Equity, and Opportunity for Each and Every Student

As we begin a new school year, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid reminds us of the goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which guides us in delivering excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students. Watch Dr. Reid’s message.

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If 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. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2050 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

Special Education Workshop Series - Fall 2024 *PRESENTED IN SPANISH*

PEATC presents this virtual workshop series for parents and professionals who want to learn more about special education in Virginia. Register once to attend some or all of the informative workshops. -- bit.ly/4fUAhEd

Those who attend all or more than three workshops will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card!

September 10: Understanding Special Education

October 1: From Referral to Eligibility

October 22: Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings

November 12: Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs

December 10: Your Voice Matters!

LOCATION: Zoom :: bit.ly/4fUAhEd

Each workshop will start at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. These sessions will not be recorded.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)

Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

Food and Nutrition Services Career Opportunities

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services is hiring. Please learn more about opportunities by clicking here. 

Show PTA support & become a member 

Our PTA supports Belvedere in so many ways including organizing major school events, enrichment and outreach activities; offering teacher grants and providing funding for field trips, library books and technology in the classroom; and building a school community outside the classroom through fun events like movie nights, teacher appreciation, international night, read-a-thon and more.

To become a member 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 Direct Donation to make a one-time or recurring donation.  

Visit https://www.belvederepta.org/ for more information about our PTA or to make a donation.

Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].

Have a few hours? We have volunteer needs!

• Supply closet clean-out:  We are looking for 1-2 volunteers to help a couple members of the board clear out the closet and organize supplies. This will be a 2-3 hour one-time commitment.
• Late-day-learners: We are seeking a co-lead for this very popular after-school activities program.  This position should require approximately five hours per week of volunteer time during the school year.
• We also have volunteer needs around events such as teacher-appreciation, 5th grade promotion, movie nights, Election Day bake sale, Bingo night, VIP & me, International Night and more. 

Please contact the PTA at [email protected] if you are interested in any of these opportunities and we will share details. 

Upcoming Dates

• Friday, August 30 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Monday, September 2 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Wednesday, September 4 - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm
• Thursday, September 19 - Back to School Night (6-8 pm)

Keep in Touch

Visit the Belvedere website

Report student absences

Bus Delay Website

Follow Belvedere on X

Change your email preferences

FCPS Calendar

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

From the School Administration

Dear Belvedere Families,

We are thrilled to kick off the new school year on Monday, August 19th! Our teachers and staff have been working diligently to prepare for the first day, and we can't wait to see our students walk through the doors on Monday morning.

Thank you to all the families who attended our Open House yesterday. The energy and excitement throughout the building were palpable. It was wonderful to see friends reconnecting, meeting their teachers, and taking advantage of the resource fair in the cafeteria, along with the free food from the food truck.

Here are some highlights from the event:

• 250 meals were given away.
• 100 haircuts were provided.
• 100 Free and Reduced Lunch applications were completed.
• 120 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed.

This remarkable event would not have been possible without the hard work of our family liaison, Iva Plazas, and our dedicated volunteers. Thank you all for your efforts!

As we begin the year, there is a lot of important information to share, and we need family responses to various forms. Please carefully review this newsletter and any other school communications to ensure we have a smooth and successful start to the year. We truly value our families and their partnership.

We want to start the year off strong with attendance. Regular attendance is crucial for student success, starting from day one. It has a significant impact on academic performance, so please ensure your child is present and ready to learn each day.

Finally, a quick note about dismissal procedures for kiss and ride and walkers. Starting at 3:15 pm, we will place cones to block access to our back parking lot, ensuring the safety of our walkers as they exit the building and directing all car riders, including Pre-K students, through kiss and ride. This is a change for our Pre-K families, who previously picked up their children at the door. We appreciate your cooperation in making our pickup process safe and smooth.

We look forward to an amazing school year together!

Sincerely,

Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal

Tara Boone, Assistant Principal

Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal 

Mr. Bowles, P.E. Teacher, helped our food truck distribute over 250 meals during our Open House event on Thursday, August 15th. 

First Day of School

Monday, August 19, is the first day of school. See the complete school year calendar.FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on FCPS Facebook and Instagram.

Family Responses Needed by Monday, August 19th! Early Release Mondays

This is an important reminder regarding the Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools. These early releases are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early on seven occasions throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.

However, we understand that Early Release Mondays may create childcare challenges for many of our families. To address these concerns, we are offering student supervision for those who need it.

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

To help us effectively plan for our school’s childcare needs on these dates, we need all families to complete this form: Childcare Needs Form by Monday, August 19th. The form covers the first two Early Release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024, and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children enrolled at Belvedere Elementary, please submit a separate form for each child. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

Your timely response is crucial in ensuring that we can accommodate the needs of all our students.

We’re Eager to Welcome You Back-to School!

As summer winds down, our school and staff are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Before the first day of school, make sure you have completed the following: 

Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar [add contact info] if you need a code. 

Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. 

Update Your Contact Information

To be sure you receive important information from your schools, update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.

Update Immunizations and Records

Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.

Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to the school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website. 

Prepare for Meals at School 

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. 

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. 

MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. 

Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Important Back to School Forms! The new Parent Digital Consent site is live!

Student consent forms previously available on ParentVue have been moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log into the PDC using their ParentVue credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child.  If you have a new ParentVue account, you must wait 24 hours after it is created to use the PDC.

Forms available include:

• School Counseling Opt-out
• Digital Resources Consent
• SEL Screener Opt-Out
• Family Life Education Opt-out
• SOL Retest Permission
• Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
• Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations

Outdoor School Workday - Volunteers Needed

Help us get our outdoor learning spaces back in shape on Saturday, August 24! We’ll be working in the gardens and meadows behind the school from 9am-11am; drop by for any amount of time. Students are welcome with an adult. RSVP appreciated, but not required. Questions? Contact Andrea Auerbach at [email protected]. We’ll be outside the entire time so please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Popsicles on the Playground

Beat the summer heat and celebrate the end of our first school week! Join the PTA for Popsicles on the Playground on Friday, August 23rd, right after school dismissal. Let's cool down and connect with our school community. Adults must accompany and supervise their child. See you there! 

School Supplies

View the list of recommended school supplies for each grade level on our website.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available: a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.

Get more information and view the 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.

🔖 Bookmark the School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:

• Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
• Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days. 

Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

Here Comes the Bus Mobile App

Know when your bus is approaching your stop. You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and an active Student Information System (SIS) ParentVue Account.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)

Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

School Board Welcome Video

Please watch this video from Ricardy Anderson, the Mason District Member on the Fairfax County School Board. 

What Is a School Board?

The Fairfax County School Board is responsible for running the public schools in Fairfax County. Twelve school board members are elected by county voters every four years. 

A student representative serves on the board as a non-voting member. They are chosen by their peers each year.

The School Board makes general rules and sets guidelines to ensure Fairfax County Public Schools runs properly. They follow the laws of Virginia and the rules set by the Virginia Board of Education. 

Learning about your local school board is important. Understanding their policies and initiatives can help you advocate for positive changes and ensure that the educational needs of all students are met. There are many ways to get involved.

Learn more about the school board, how to participate in their meetings, and where to watch school board meetings.  

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Food and Nutrition Services Career Opportunities

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services is hiring. Please learn more about opportunities by clicking here. 

PTA News

Become a Member of the PTA and/or Support Belvedere with a donation

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 through events like movie night, teacher appreciation, international night, read-a-thon, and more.

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!  

The first PTA meeting of the 2024-2025 school year will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 6:30 pm.  All subsequent PTA meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm.  We can't wait to see you at our meetings and at school!

Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA or to make a donation.

Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].

Upcoming Dates

• Monday, August 19 - First Day of School (Kinder-5th)
• Friday, August 23 - Popsicles on the Playground after dismissal. 
• Friday, August 30 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Monday, September 2 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Wednesday, September 4 - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm
• Thursday, September 19 - Back to School Night

Keep in Touch

Visit the Belvedere website

Report student absences

Bus Delay Website

Follow Belvedere on X

Change your email preferences

FCPS Calendar

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Reminder! Open House and Family Resource Fair TOMORROW, Thursday, August 15th.

Belvedere is hosting an Open House for students in 1st-5th Grade on Thursday, August 15th from 2:00-4:00 pm. We have a variety of resources available in the cafeteria and your child will be able to visit their classroom and meet their teacher! We can't wait to see you!

Check out the flyers and more details on our school website!

Playdate for 3rd Graders! Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 pm

Get ready to kick off the school year with a fun playdate for our rising 3rd graders! Join us on Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 PM on the playground for a chance to connect with classmates and families. This is a great opportunity for our new Advanced Academic Program students to meet their peers as well. Adults must stay and supervise their child. We can't wait to see you there! Thanks to the PTA for planning and organizing this event!

Popsicles on the Playground

Beat the summer heat and celebrate the end of our first school week! Join the PTA for Popsicles on the Playground on Friday, August 23rd, right after school dismissal. Let's cool down and connect with our school community. Adults must accompany and supervise their child. See you there! 

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Reminder! Open House and Family Resource Fair this Thursday, August 15th.

Belvedere is hosting an Open House for students in 1st-5th Grade on Thursday, August 15th from 2:00-4:00 pm. We have have a variety of resources available in the cafeteria and your child will be able to visit their classroom and meet their teacher! We can't wait to see you!

Check out the flyers and more details on our school website!

Playdate for Incoming Kindergarteners! Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30-5:30 pm

Incoming Kindergarten families, join us for a fun playdate on Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30-5:30 PM! Let your child burn off energy and meet new friends while enjoying sidewalk chalk and other activities. This is a great opportunity for families to connect before the school year starts. Adults must stay and supervise their child. We can't wait to see you there! Thanks to the PTA for planning and organizing this event!

Playdate for 3rd Graders! Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 pm

Get ready to kick off the school year with a fun playdate for our rising 3rd graders! Join us on Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 PM on the playground for a chance to connect with classmates and families. This is a great opportunity for our new Advanced Academic Program students to meet their peers as well. Adults must stay and supervise their child. We can't wait to see you there! Thanks to the PTA for planning and organizing this event!

Popsicles on the Playground

Beat the summer heat and celebrate the end of our first school week! Join the PTA for Popsicles on the Playground on Friday, August 23rd, right after school dismissal. Let's cool down and connect with our school community. Adults must accompany and supervise their child. See you there! 

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Belvedere teachers are dedicated to continuous professional growth to provide the highest level of instruction for our students. This week, 14 of our staff members attended the Washington International School Summer Institute for Teachers (WISSIT).

First Day of School

Monday, August 19, is the first day of school. See the complete school year calendar.FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on FCPS Facebook and Instagram.

We’re Eager to Welcome You Back-to School!

As summer winds down, our school and staff are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Before the first day of school, make sure you have completed the following: 

Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar [add contact info] if you need a code. 

Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. 

Update Your Contact Information

To be sure you receive important information from your schools, update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.

Update Immunizations and Records

Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.

Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to the school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website. 

Prepare for Meals at School 

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. 

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. 

MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. 

Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Open House - Thursday, August 15th

Belvedere is hosting an Open House for students in 1st-5th Grade on Thursday, August 15th from 2:00-4:00 pm. We have have a variety of resources available in the cafeteria and your child will be able to visit their classroom and meet their teacher! We can't wait to see you!

Check out the flyers and more details on our school website!

Playdate for Incoming Kindergarteners! Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30-5:30 pm

Incoming Kindergarten families, join us for a fun playdate on Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30-5:30 PM! Let your child burn off energy and meet new friends while enjoying sidewalk chalk and other activities. This is a great opportunity for families to connect before the school year starts. Adults must stay and supervise their child. We can't wait to see you there! Thanks to the PTA for planning and organizing this event!

Playdate for 3rd Graders! Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 pm

Get ready to kick off the school year with a fun playdate for our rising 3rd graders! Join us on Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 PM on the playground for a chance to connect with classmates and families. This is a great opportunity for our new Advanced Academic Program students to meet their peers as well. Adults must stay and supervise their child. We can't wait to see you there! Thanks to the PTA for planning and organizing this event!

Family Responses Needed! Early Release Mondays

This is an important reminder regarding the Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools. These early releases are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early on seven occasions throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.

However, we understand that Early Release Mondays may create childcare challenges for many of our families. To address these concerns, we are offering student supervision for those who need it.

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

To help us effectively plan for our school’s childcare needs on these dates, we need all families to complete this form: Childcare Needs Form by Monday, August 19th. The form covers the first two Early Release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024, and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children enrolled at Belvedere Elementary, please submit a separate form for each child. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

Your timely response is crucial in ensuring that we can accommodate the needs of all our students.

Important Back to School Forms! The new Parent Digital Consent site is live!

Student consent forms previously available on ParentVue have been moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log into the PDC using their ParentVue credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child.  If you have a new ParentVue account, you must wait 24 hours after it is created to use the PDC.

Forms available include:

• School Counseling Opt-out
• Digital Resources Consent
• SEL Screener Opt-Out
• Family Life Education Opt-out
• SOL Retest Permission
• Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
• Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations

Medication Drop Off

Please bring your child's medication to drop off at the school health room during Open House.

Popsicles on the Playground

Beat the summer heat and celebrate the end of our first school week! Join the PTA for Popsicles on the Playground on Friday, August 23rd, right after school dismissal. Let's cool down and connect with our school community. Adults must accompany and supervise their child. See you there! 

School Supplies

View the list of recommended school supplies for each grade level on our website.

🔖 Bookmark the School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:

• Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
• Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days. 

Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

Here Comes the Bus Mobile App

Know when your bus is approaching your stop. You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and an active Student Information System (SIS) ParentVue Account.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)

Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

Resources for Newly Registered Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

• School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
• FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
• Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
• Do You Know About Family Liaisons? – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may contact Iva Plazas, our family liaison, at [email protected].  

There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible! 

Register Your Children Online

Online registration is available for new and returning (re-enrolling) FCPS families! Apply today to help us plan for the 2024-25 school year.

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Food and Nutrition Services Career Opportunities

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services is hiring. Please learn more about opportunities by clicking here. 

PTA News

Become a Member of the PTA and/or Support Belvedere with a donation

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 through events like movie night, teacher appreciation, international night, read-a-thon, and more.

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!  

The first PTA meeting of the 2024-2025 school year will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 6:30 pm.  All subsequent PTA meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm.  We can't wait to see you at our meetings and at school!

Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA or to make a donation.

Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].

Upcoming Dates

• Thursday, August 15 from 2-4 pm - Open House (1st-5th Grade)
• Monday, August 19 - First Day of School (Kinder-5th)
• Friday, August 23 - Popsicles on the Playground after dismissal. 
• Friday, August 30 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Monday, September 2 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Wednesday, September 4 - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm
• Thursday, September 19 - Back to School Night 5:30 - 7 pm

Keep in Touch

Visit the Belvedere website

Report student absences

Bus Delay Website

Follow Belvedere on X

Change your email preferences

FCPS Calendar

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter

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First Day of School

The first day of the 2024-25 school year is Monday, August 19, 2024! Doors open at 8:55 am and classes begin promptly at 9:20 am!

Multilingual Learner Summit

All multilingual learners and their families are invited to attend a special summit on Thursday, August 8th from 5-8:30 PM at Annandale High School. Explore pathways to graduation and beyond while connecting with other families and learning from inspiring speakers. Childcare and language support will be provided. Register today!

Download the flyer with all the details! 

Playdate for Incoming Kindergarteners! Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30-5:30 pm

Incoming Kindergarten families, join us for a fun playdate on Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30-5:30 PM! Let your child burn off energy and meet new friends while enjoying sidewalk chalk and other activities. This is a great opportunity for families to connect before the school year starts. Adults must stay and supervise their child. We can't wait to see you there! Thanks to the PTA for planning and organizing this event!

Playdate for 3rd Graders! Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 pm

Get ready to kick off the school year with a fun playdate for our rising 3rd graders! Join us on Friday, August 16th from 4:30-5:30 PM on the playground for a chance to connect with classmates and families. This is a great opportunity for our new Advanced Academic Program students to meet their peers as well. Adults must stay and supervise their child. We can't wait to see you there! Thanks to the PTA for planning and organizing this event!

SIS ParentVue Account

Access the FCPS secure solution for information about your child's attendance, class performance, demographic data, and more.

Activate your account or sign in by clicking here.

Important Back to School Forms! The new Parent Digital Consent site is live!

Student consent forms previously available on ParentVue have been moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log into the PDC using their ParentVue credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child.  If you have a new ParentVue account, you must wait 24 hours after it is created to use the PDC.

Forms available include:

• School Counseling Opt-out
• Digital Resources Consent
• SEL Screener Opt-Out
• Family Life Education Opt-out
• SOL Retest Permission
• Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
• Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations

Teacher Assignments

Important information coming soon! Be on the lookout for a letter in the mail next week announcing your child's teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.

Save the Date! Open House

Belvedere is hosting an Open House for students in 1st-5th Grade on Thursday, August 15th from 2:00-4:00 pm. We have have a variety of resources available in the cafeteria and your child will be able to visit their classroom and meet their teacher! We can't wait to see you!

Check out the flyers and more details on our school website!

Medication Drop Off

Please bring your child's medication to drop off at the school health room during Open House.

School Supplies

View the list of recommended school supplies for each grade level on our website.

Here Comes the Bus Mobile App

Know when your bus is approaching your stop. You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and an active Student Information System (SIS) ParentVue Account.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)

Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

Resources for Newly Registered Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

• School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
• FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
• Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
• Do You Know About Family Liaisons? – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may contact Iva Plazas, our family liaison, at [email protected].  

There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible! 

Register Your Children Online

Online registration is available for new and returning (re-enrolling) FCPS families! Apply today to help us plan for the 2024-25 school year.

Food and Nutrition Services Career Opportunities

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services is hiring. Please learn more about opportunities by clicking here. 

PTA News

Become a Member of the PTA and/or Support Belvedere with a donation

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 through events like movie night, teacher appreciation, international night, read-a-thon, and more.

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!  

The first PTA meeting of the 2024-2025 school year will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 6:30 pm.  All subsequent PTA meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm.  We can't wait to see you at our meetings and at school!

Visit belvederepta.org for more information about our PTA or to make a donation.

Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].

Upcoming Dates

• Thursday, August 15 from 2-4 pm - Open House (1st-5th Grade)
• Monday, August 19 - First Day of School (Kinder-5th)
• Friday, August 30 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Monday, September 2 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
• Wednesday, September 4 - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm
• Thursday, September 19 - Back to School Night 5:30 - 7 pm

Keep in Touch

Visit the Belvedere website

Report student absences

Bus Delay Website

Follow Belvedere on X

Change your email preferences

FCPS Calendar

6540 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 | Office: 703-916-6800
Attendance: 703-916-6868 | Web | Twitter