Fort Belvoir Upper News
Dates to Remember:
NO SCHOOL: 11/26-11/28-
Thanksgiving Break
NO SCHOOL: 12/22-1/2 -
Christmas Break
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Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
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✅ Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete the survey as soon as possible.
Our school will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Don't miss our monthly food market, offering fresh items at no cost to our families!
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When: Thursday, December 11th
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Time: Noon – 3:30 PM (Note: May open earlier to maintain protein temperature)
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Where: Primary Family Liaison Office
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What's Available: Fresh produce, non-perishables, and one protein item.
The Food Market is open to all Upper and Primary families.
If you have questions, you can contact Dolores Elliott (Upper) or Jeannette (Primary).
Get ready to clean out those closets and swap some toys! Fort Belvoir Elementary School is hosting a Toy Swap just in time for the holidays.
This is a chance to exchange gently used toys for new-to-you treasures—all at no cost!
Here's How to Participate:
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Toy Drop-Off: You can drop off your gently used toys, books, and games now through December 9th.
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Please only bring items that are clean, safe, and in good working condition.
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The drop-off location is the Upper School Lobby.
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The Swap Day: Families will be able to come in and "shop" for free toys on Wednesday, December 10th from 9:30-3:30 in the Primary Family Liaison Office.
Any toys that are not selected will be donated to a local charity.
If you have any questions, please contact the Family Liaisons, Dolores Elliott or Jeannette Little. Happy swapping!
Due to the overwhelming response, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
Field trip chaperone opportunities will now be classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check that includes fingerprinting).
To ensure continuous safety, all new volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Certification Statement. This statement is a legal confirmation that you have no history of violent felonies, physical or sexual crimes against children, or crimes of moral turpitude (dishonesty, fraud, things that are immoral by society’s standards).
Visit the Volunteer FCPS website to complete a volunteer orientation. View Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15
Parents and guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Susan Lattuca, AART, no later than December 15, 2025.
Each year, families can submit a referral for full-time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. No late referrals for full-time AAP services will be accepted.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services.
Next Steps for Parents
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing Susan Lattuca at salattuca@fcps.edu.
At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by our school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
Whitman Middle School: Rising 7th Grade Information
We know moving to middle school can bring lots of questions! Whitman Middle School is hosting a special information night for all our rising 7th grade families (current 6th graders).
Event Details
Who: Rising 7th Grade Families (Current 6th Graders)
When: Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Whitman Middle School Auditorium
What You'll Learn: Find out about registration, course selection, and the activities available at Whitman Middle School.
Come join us to get all the details you need for a smooth transition
Whitman Middle School: Información para Estudiantes que Pasan a 7∘ Grado
Sabemos que pasar a la escuela secundaria puede generar muchas preguntas. Whitman Middle School va a tener una noche de información especial para todas nuestras familias de estudiantes que pasan a 7∘ grado (los actuales estudiantes de 6∘ grado).
Detalles del Evento
Quiénes: Familias de estudiantes que pasan a 7∘ Grado (actuales estudiantes de 6∘ grado)
Cuándo: Jueves, 4 de diciembre de 2025
Hora: 6:30 PM a 8:00 PM
Dónde: Auditorio de Whitman Middle School
De qué se Trata: Infórmese sobre la inscripción, la selección de cursos y las actividades disponibles en Whitman Middle School.
¡Vengan a acompañarnos para obtener todos los detalles que necesitan para una transición sin problemas!
- Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener last month, providing information on skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE the week of November 17. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be shared by our school.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to school staff.
Did you know Fort Belvoir Elementary has dedicated Family Liaisons to help you and your family connect with the school?
Blue Star Welcome Coffee
If you're a military family, join the Liaisons for a Blue Star Welcome Coffee! It's a relaxed way to meet new families, share your ideas, and discuss topics that matter to you.
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Where: PX Starbucks
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When: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
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Upcoming Dates: October 21, November 18, January 20, February 18, March 24, April 21, and May 19.
New Family Orientations
New to Fort Belvoir Elementary (FBES) or FCPS? We host monthly New Family orientations to help you learn the ropes. If you need help with school apps like ParentVue, Schoology, or MySchoolBucks, stop by or call!
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When: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
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Upcoming Dates: October 27, November 24, December 15, January 26, February 23, March 18, and April 28.
PCSing? We're Here for You!
If your family is moving or PCSing, the Liaisons can support you by:
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Providing new school district Points of Contact.
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Reaching out to the community for resources.
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Connecting you to Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs).
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Setting up a virtual meeting.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Dolores or Jeannette!
Apply for free & reduced meals at: https://www.fcps.edu/frm.
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Dear Parents,
Please be sure to make childcare arrangements on our early dismissal Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. each month! | | 