Fort Belvoir Upper News
End of Semester:
February 16 - Holiday
February 17 - Teacher Work Day
February 25 - 1:00PM Early Dismissal
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Happy Valentine’s Day! February is a time to celebrate kindness, connection, and the people and places we care about most. This month, we are embracing the theme “I Love Coming to School” as part of our attendance campaign, Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow.
When students are in school every day, they build meaningful relationships, strengthen academic skills, and grow in confidence. Right now, our chronic absenteeism rate is 15.5%. Our goal is to reduce that number to below 12%, and we know we can achieve this together.
Daily attendance truly matters. Even missing just a couple of days each month adds up quickly and can impact learning and connection. Being present ensures students don’t miss important instruction, classroom discussions, collaborative activities, and the sense of belonging that makes school special.
We understand that illness and unavoidable circumstances happen, and student health and safety always come first. However, we encourage families to make school attendance a priority whenever possible. If your family is facing challenges that affect attendance, please reach out — we are here to partner with you and provide support.
This February, let’s show our students how much we care by helping them attend today so they can achieve tomorrow. When students are here, learning thrives — and that’s something we all love.
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.
Empowerment Starts Here: Girls on the Run
Registration is now open for Girls on the Run! This positive youth development program is for elementary students starting in grade 3. Participants will have fun, make friends, and increase their physical activity.
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Registration Period: February 2nd – 23rd
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Season Dates: March 2nd – May 17th
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Program Fees: $22 – $210 (based on a sliding scale for household income)
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Season Finale: A celebratory 5K event open to friends and family
For more information, visit www.gotrnova.org or call 703-273-3153.
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.
- Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at 571-982-1300.
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Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
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- Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students
On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)
Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:
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Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.
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Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
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Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.
The survey will be open until Friday, February 20. Survey materials are available online
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
- Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
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Spanish:Eventos de Vacunación para los Estudiantes de FCPS
FCPS, en asociación con la organización Inspire Health Alliance, estará ofreciendo sin costo alguno vacunas obligatorias para la escuela y vacunas opcionales contra la “flu” o influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS. Se realizan múltiples eventos en lugares determinados de FCPS. Se programarán fechas adicionales a lo largo del año escolar. Padres y tutores podrían revisar las fechas de los próximos eventos y programar citas para vacunar a sus estudiantes. La participación es completamente voluntaria.
Hay disponibles recursos adicionales para la vacunación.
- Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
It is time to scoop up some school spirit! Our PTA Membership Drive Contest is in full swing, and the competition is heating up.
Who is in the Lead?
Currently, we have two classes leading the pack toward that delicious prize:
How to Win
The first class in each school to reach 100% PTA parent membership will earn an Ice Cream Party! There will be two winners in total—one for each school.
Don’t Wait—Sign Up Today!
The contest ends on February 27th, so be sure to register soon to help your student's class win.
Would you like me to draft a quick reminder email or a social media post to help boost sign-ups for your specific class?
Spirit wear is officially on sale NOW and will run through February 27th.
Check out this link to order yours now! : Fort Belvoir Spiritwear 2026 | Custom Sportswear | powered by OrderMyGear
PTA NEWS:
Mark Your Calendars
School Schedule Changes:
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Feb 16th (Monday): Student Holiday (No School)
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Feb 17th (Tuesday): Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
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Feb 25th (Wednesday): 3-Hour Early Release
Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
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Feb 18th: Blue Star Coffee (10:00 am @ the Upper School - Mrs. Peterso)
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Feb 20th: Ring Pop & Popcorn Palooza
Feb 27th: Last day to place Spirit Wear Orders!
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