A Message from Principal Peterson
Thank You for Making Back to School Night Special!
Thank you to all of the families who joined me for Back to School Night! I was excited to welcome you into our classrooms for a “Day in the Life of a Dolphin.” It was wonderful to see families actively engaged in morning meeting, literacy, math, and specials activities.
I especially appreciated your participation and interaction with the curriculum. Your engagement allowed you to experience the learning, routines, and expectations that shape your child’s school day. I am grateful for your partnership and enthusiasm as we continue building strong connections between home and school.
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I also want to apologize for the timing and lack of clarity in my communication about arrangements for students during the evening. My intention was to create an opportunity for parents and caregivers to fully engage in the “Day in the Life of a Dolphin” experience. I recognize the unique needs of our military-connected families and appreciate your understanding. We were happy to welcome students who attended and provided structured activities for them throughout the evening.
For families who attended or were unable to join us, Back to School Night materials are available here: Access Back to School Night Materials Access Code: 85W5-R6W3-SRV46
I would also appreciate your feedback. Please complete our brief survey to share your experience and help us plan future family events: Complete the Back to School Night Family Survey
I am also pleased to share a special video message from School Board Member Mateo Dunne. I appreciate his support of Fort Belvoir Upper and our students, families, and staff. Watch Mateo Dunne’s Welcome Message
Thank you for helping make Back to School Night a meaningful and engaging experience. Together, we are making waves!
At Fort Belvoir Upper, we put kids first.
#OneFort #OneMission #OneCommunity
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Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.\
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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Please support and check out our AMAZING PTA this school year! There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for these fun events to come! :
Popcorn Fridays: https://fortbelvoirpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/ed0d38505704
Popcorn Friday Volunteers: https://fortbelvoirpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/38c342bb74228f
All Volunteer Opportunities: https://fortbelvoirpta.givebacks.com/shop?category=30ef8bb2-d229-4bec-914b-565be00bdda4
Reflections Art Contest Chair: https://fortbelvoirpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/9dc35524d21564
Vice President:
https://fortbelvoirpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/bde5b97567
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Mount Vernon Chapter invites students in 5th through 8th grade to participate in the 2026–2027 American History Essay Contest.
Contest Topic:
"To announce independence from Great Britain, the Declaration of Independence was publicly read in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Following this reading, the word spread throughout the colonies in newspapers, more public readings, and posted notices. Imagine you lived in Philadelphia or an area of the colonies where news did not reach you for weeks. How would you react to hearing the Declaration read in your community? With whom would you share the news? What action would you take after hearing it? How would this have impacted your life?"
Submission Guidelines & Details:
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Eligible Grades: 5th through 8th Grade
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Word Count: 300 to 1,000 words (varies depending on grade level)
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Sponsoring Chapter: Mount Vernon DAR Chapter
Contact Information:
For full entry rules, guidelines, and submission details, please reach out to:
FCPS is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student's unique academic needs.
Identification Cycles for Full-Time AAP Services
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Fall Identification: Students in grades 3–7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring Identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2–7 may be referred by December 15, 2026. (Note: Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year.)
Ability Testing (Naglieri General Ability Tests - NGAT) FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
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All students in Grade 2 take the NGAT.
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Students in Grades 3–6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
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Students in Grades 3–6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Mary Flint, School Testing Coordinator, at mflint@fcps.edu by September 30.
Upcoming Parent Information Meeting Families are invited to attend an AAP information meeting led by Blythe Belenky, Upper School's Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART). Topics covered include:
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AAP Continuum of Services: Learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: Learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
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Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
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Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
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Location: Fort Belvoir Upper School Cafeteria
Contact Information For more information, please contact Blythe Belenky, AART, at btbelenky@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
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