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Welcome Back, Fort Belvoir Primary Families!
On behalf of the entire Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary School Staff, we welcome you to the new school year! We hope you are enjoying the last few days of summer break.
Becoming a Dolphin means standing tall in excellence! We pride ourselves in providing a quality education that empowers all students to meet high academic standards, set goals for ongoing growth and be contributing members of our community. We are thrilled to have you and your child(ren) as proud members of our school community. We invite you to check out our website at Fort Belvoir Primary for all school-facing information.
We are asking all families that are planning to escort their child to class on the first day of school to not drive, due to limited parking on campus. Families are encouraged to walk or park off site while adhering to the Fort Belvoir Military Base parking guidelines.
In this letter families will find important items that will help prepare your family to have a strong start and finish the school year strong. You can also access this information in our Family Handbook.
Together we are and will continue to be Fort Belvoir strong!
Dr. LaZedrick (Zed) Jemison, Principal ([email protected])
Ms. Mary Flint, Assistant Principal ([email protected])
Ms. Norma Gordon, Assistant Principal ([email protected])
School Hours/School Year Calendar
As you prepare for the new school year, please note that our school hours are 9:20 am - 4:05 pm. Fort Belvoir Primary welcomes students into the building at 9:00 am daily. Students arriving after 9:20 am should be escorted into the building by an adult and sign the student in.
If possible, we ask that no changes in transportation arrangements be made during the first month of school to ensure students learn their dismissal routine. This extra measure aids us with keeping students safe while exiting the campus. After then, families should notify the front office of changes in dismissal arrangements, please send an email message to [email protected] indicating the change for the day.
We understand that dismissal changes are sometimes necessary or unforeseen after children have arrived at school; however, please do not make changes after 3:30 pm.
Please see the following link HERE, for the updated FCPS school calendar. Families should note, there are student holidays and early release dates scheduled throughout the school year.
Classroom Assignments
As our legacy of strong academics notes, our staff is dedicated to being a high quality Professional Learning Community, teachers at every grade level collaborate interdependently throughout the school year to support the overall academic achievement and social emotional wellbeing of all students
You will receive a welcome email from your child’s teacher on Wednesday, August 14th, between 3 - 4 pm. Please know that we are still registering students; therefore, class rosters are difficult to finalize until this process is complete.
We want to proudly ensure families, every classroom is staffed with highly qualified and trained individuals. We hold our staff to the highest standards and expectations for our school community. For this reason, we appreciate your support of all of our talented teachers!
Student Consent Forms
Student consent forms currently available on ParentVue will be 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.
https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent/directions
Paperless Opt-Outs Available
As a part of our ongoing efforts to streamline paper processes, parents can now select a number of opt-out’s electronically via ParentVUE. Once you have signed into your ParentVUE account, simply select the “Student Info” tab and click on “Edit Information.” You will find opt-out’s listed there. If you need to set up your ParentVUE account, you can create one online via the FCPS ParentVUE Registration page.
Water Bottles
We are encouraging everyone to bring a refillable water bottle to school each day labeled with their name on it. Fort Belvoir Primary is equipped with several water stations. As students become acclimated with the building they will learn where they are located during the first week of school.
Visiting the School Fort Belvoir Primary
We enjoy having families visit the school for lunch and/or volunteering in the classrooms! Please note for safety reasons, you must have a valid driver’s license, DMV-issued identification or a valid passport in order to enter the building.
Individuals will be asked to show their identification via the video system at the entry of the building in order to gain access to the building. You will be asked to sign in once more with your ID using a computer system located in the front lobby. This system is used throughout the FCPS district and cross-references sex/violent offender databases across the country.
Families are permitted to come to school to eat lunch with their child beginning October 1st. During the first weeks of school, we are learning and practicing routines and procedures in the cafeteria while building independence in certain community spaces. For classroom support, parents may speak directly with their child’s teacher to express interest in volunteering.
Back-to-School Night
We are looking forward to welcoming families to our Back-to-School Night. Please note that the Back-to-School Night for the Primary School is on Thursday, September 5th at 6:30pm. This is an opportunity for families to connect, learn about grade level and schoolwide expectations.
📱Cell Phone Policy and Implementation
- At the May 9 School Board meeting, the School Board adopted the SY 2024-25 SR&R (Regulation 2601.38). They also passed a follow-on motion directing the superintendent to develop and implement a strategic communications plan to inform stakeholders of the expectations contained in the SR&R with respect to cell phone usage.
- Grade K-6
- Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
- Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
- Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
- With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.
Technology
All Fort Belvoir Primary students are issued a laptop (Grades 1-2) or an IPad (PreK and K) immediately after school begins. For our students, these devices will remain at school unless there is a specific need for them to go home, such as an extended period of inclement weather or an extended illness.
Students, families, and teachers throughout FCPS are using Schoology (pronounced /SKOO-luh-jee/) as an additional learning management system.
You need a SIS/ParentVue account to login to Schoology. If you are a new family to Fort Belvoir Primary, please know that we have a technology support staff member onsite to support you. Families are encouraged to contact the front office for additional support. They will have a member of our tech team contact you or meet you in the lobby area.
Once issued their laptops, students can login to Schoology using their FCPS student IDs and passwords. Students new to FCPS will receive this information when laptops are issued to them.
Families will be able to use Schoology to view:
- You child’s class
- Your child’s assignments and participation
- Your child’s calendar
- Teacher comments, scores, and feedback
We look forward to using Schoology along with your SIS/ParentVue account to strengthen our partnerships throughout the school year. You are welcome to learn more about this learning management system by visiting: https://www.fcps.edu/schoology
Fort Belvoir Family Ambassadors
The Family Ambassadors is a group of Primary staff, parents, and community members who come together monthly to focus on the school’s SIIP. In particular, the Family Ambassadors work to provide guidance and recommendations regarding staffing allocations as it relates to the SIIP, school budget, and school program design, including consultation regarding adjustments that may be made due to pupil-count issues. For specific questions, please direct them to Ms. Vanessa Ganze at [email protected]
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
We are highly appreciative of the support we continue to receive from our PTO. Every family is encouraged to join the PTO and/or volunteer as well as attend events/meetings sponsored by our amazing PTO.
The PTO’s efforts ensure our students have access to additional instructional materials; technology, field trips, and cultural arts events. Additionally, they host several family events for our school community such as BINGO, Movie Night, etc. If you are interested in volunteering or in taking on a leadership role, small or large, please follow the Fort Belvoir Elementary School PTO’s page on Facebook, read email fanout messages to all families and attend PTO meetings to get involved!
For specific questions, please direct them to our Fort Belvoir Elementary PTO President, Ms. Donna Perkins, at [email protected].
Transportation Changes
All transportation changes must be submitted in writing to the school via email ([email protected]). Emergencies happen and parents are encouraged to make arrangements and plan for this with friends and neighbors. Changes to a student's dismissal procedures need to be made prior to 3:30 p.m. For your child's safety, the person authorized to pick up the student will need to present a valid photo ID in person for verification purposes.
Bus Information / Arrival / Dismissal
We are strongly encouraging families to start using the form of transportation they intend to use throughout the school year starting on the first day of school. This will help students learn the routines and procedures for arrival and dismissal while causing less confusion for them. Additionally, we want to ensure transportation has accurate numbers of students accessing the bus so that we have the appropriate number of buses.
ParentVUE: Specific bus information, such as pick-up and drop-off times and bus stop locations, can be found within FCPS’ ParentVUE app. Please check this information in the app before the first day, as transportation may continue to make minor changes.
Arrival/Dismissal (Primary): All students in grades 1 and 2 who ride the bus or walk will enter through Door 1. At the end of each day, PreK and grades 1 and 2 walkers will check out with a staff member at Door 1. Kindergarten walkers will check out with a staff member at the external library door, near Door 8. All Kiss & Ride students will arrive and depart through the cafeteria entrance at Door 2. School staff across the campus use an application called “Pick-Up Patrol” to ensure students are checked out and have arrived at the correct dismissal location/bus. Please note that kindergarten students will be accompanied by an adult during arrival and dismissal. Per FCPS policy, kindergarten students must be picked up by students in middle school and above for additional information see link HERE.
All students in the PreK program (Head Start) will need to either ride the bus or be walked to and from the classroom by an adult. Students in the special education preschool program will be met by school staff who will bring them to class.
Kiss & Ride Information
In collaboration with the Fort Belvoir Military Police (MP), we have developed a plan for those accessing Kiss & Ride. This plan is for arrival and dismissal for Primary in order to keep Meeres Road clear for buses to arrive and to maintain safety for our students who are walking home. As you approach the intersection of Woodlawn Road and Meeres Road, we are asking that you turn right on Woodlawn Road to follow the new traffic pattern for the Primary Kiss & Ride, which will entail looping at the end of Woodlawn Road. Please see the map below. The MPs will be present to direct traffic.
Early Release Mondays
The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:
- September 16
- October 21
- November 18
- February 10, 2024
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/EzQR87KfdMWgD8m29 for each of your children who are enrolled at Fort Belvoir Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
School Meals / Nut-Free Zones
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Available
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families in FCPS that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive meals for their students at no cost. Families should complete the application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
Apply on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage.
Fort Belvoir Elementary Campus is “nut-free” in all classrooms, so please do not send in snacks that may contain nut products. In our cafeteria for lunch, students have the option of eating nut products, but we have designated “nut-free” zones which remain nut-free throughout all lunches. Please be mindful of lunches and snacks sent to school so that we may keep all of our Dolphins safe.
Birthday Celebrations
We love celebrating our Dolphins’ birthdays! We are kindly asking families not to send edible birthday treats to school. Instead, we welcome the celebration in other ways, such as having a family member come in and read to the class, or donating a book to the school or classroom.
e-Notify / FCPS News You Choose
e-Notify and FCPS News You Choose is a form of receiving communication from the district as it relates to emergency information, general information, school closings, etc. Messages will be sent via email and/or telephone. It is important that we have your contact email address and phone numbers.
Families are welcome to update contact information throughout the school year, email [email protected] or please fill out an updated emergency care card.
Positive Behavior Support and Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
Fort Belvoir Primary School actively protects a student’s right to learn in an environment that allows them to acquire the best education available. Students have a responsibility to behave in such a manner that does not interfere with the safety and learning of others. This year we are using a positive behavior approach. Schoolwide expectations and routines were created for common areas across the school. To address students’ social/emotional development, we incorporate Morning Meetings, Closing circles, and assemblies that focus on behavior and character traits.
Please review FCPS’s policy and definition of bullying HERE. Please notify an administrator, if you feel your child is a victim of bullying.
A copy of the 2024-2025 FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook can be accessed HERE. Teachers and administrators will review expectations at school, but we also ask our families to do the same and acknowledge your review of the document in ParentVue. Alternatively, parents may return a signed paper version of the acknowledgement form to the school office.
Attendance
Please call the school by 9:30am when your child is absent from school. It is an expectation for all students to arrive at school on time and to stay throughout the school day. Dropping your child off late and/or picking your child up from school early will severely impact the learning experience as well as disrupt their school day. If possible, we are asking families to schedule medical appointments after school hours. We want to partner with you to ensure your child reaches their full potential.
Report attendance using one of the methods below.
Military Families Information
FCPS has a special webpage to support military families with their transition to our school system. Please visit the site for several helpful information and links.
📖 Curriculum Updates
You can see all the exciting things your child will be learning this year by viewing the FCPS Elementary School Academics site.
5980 Meeres Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 | Main Phone: 703.781.2700
Attendance phone: 703.781.2750, email: FBESAttendance(PS-3)@fcps.edu
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