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| A Newsletter for the Belle View Elementary School Community | February 2011 |
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Dear Belle View Parents, Your children brought home their progress reports on February 9, 2011. Please talk with them about areas in which they were successful and about what they would like to improve upon in the next quarter. There are several events coming up that we would like to share with you. Our rescheduled Winter Concert is scheduled for February 17, 2011 and the Cluster IV Competition is February 28. We look forward to seeing your family at these events. Please help spread the news to our community members that on April 7, 2011 there will be an orientation for parents/guardians of children who will enter kindergarten in September 2011. The orientation will be held in the library at 9:30 a.m. At this meeting parents / guardians will receive packets containing all the necessary papers for enrolling their child. An overview of the Kindergarten program will be given along with general information about Belle View Elementary. Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference in every child's life. Proud Principals of the Belle View Bobcats,
Tom Kuntz Eleanor Contreras
Principal Assistant Principal
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Belle View's Arts in Education
January had no shortage in artistic enrichment during the month of February. Belle View's assemblies have two goals: they should educate the student in some fashion, and they should most importantly entertain them in a way that will lead to curiosity and exploration.
 Caryn Lin, the Electric and Eclectic Violinist, visited the school to amaze and delight our students, putting a new twist on an old instrument. In a style all her own, Ms. Lin illustrated the many sounds that can be made on a violin, and demonstrated ways that the typical violin can be transformed into something that is inspiring and educational. Using her violin and accompanying equipment she allowed the children and teachers to participate in the many uses and the possibilities of electronic technology in conjunction with music. In addition to the classical masterpieces she is known to play, she ripped up the violin with rock and roll and played a variety of sound effects and interpretive music pieces.
 Just in time for the Chinese New Year, The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats tumbled and cartwheeled their way into our school, showing the students what the benefits of teamwork and dedication can do. During their miraculous stunts, juggling, dance and comedy, the translator also taught the students about the culture, customs and school life of Chinese children, as well as the language and the history of China.
A special thanks to Sue Capper, the Chairperson for these events. Sue amazingly was able to time the performance of the Fabulous Chinese Acrobats to fall on the celebration of the Chinese New year. Sue is always in hot pursuit of anything new and enriching that will entertain and educate our Bobcats.
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Food IS Love After All!
Staff & Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
The next breakfast will be hosted by our 1st and 2nd grade classes. Mark your calendar for this important event.
Thursday, 17 February 8:30 a.m.
If you have questions or comments about this event, please contact Leslie Fry, the breakfast coordinator, by phone, (703) 598-3487 or
email lesliefry@cox.net
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 We Reused, Reduced, and Recycled. 2nd Grade Class Wins Pizza Party and Field Trip! Belle View Elementary School's continued mantra is Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. As you are aware the PTA has created a Recycling Committee to further enhance the recycling program at the school. The students and staff of BVES already take steps to recycle materials at school, but the PTA would like to help increase the recycling efforts in our school and our community in an ongoing and proactive manner. Mrs. McCarl's 2nd grade class won the trip to the Waste Management Facility. Although the original date was postponed due to snow, the trip has been rescheduled for February 16th. Photos of the event will come in the next month's newsletter. Good job Mrs. McCarl's class! |
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Do You Have a Student Entering Sixth Grade Next Year?
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM THE FCPS WEBSITE
If yes, he or she may need a booster dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis). Sixth grade students cannot begin school in the fall without documentation of having had either the Tdap booster OR documentation of having had a tetanus-containing vaccine within the last five years. Parents and guardians of current fifth graders should check their child's immunization records.
- If your child is 11 years old, he or she should get the Tdap immunization, and documentation should be provided to the school.
- If your child is still 10 years old, he or she may receive the Tdap vaccine, Boostrix, which is approved for 10-year-olds, or he or she may wait until their 11th birthday to receive the vaccine approved for 11-year-olds.
- However, if your child's 11th birthday is after the first day of school, your child must have a medical exemption from the doctor stating when he or she will receive the Tdap in order to attend school.
Documentation that your child has received this immunization should be brought to the school registrar. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) tracks compliance with this state requirement, and students who do not meet the requirement by the first day of school will be excluded from school. |
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February 18th
100th Day of School AND... 
The 100th Day of School will be shared this year by our efforts to support global awareness in education by collecting pennies for the Pennies for Peace Organization.
The Pennies for Peace program is designed to help students broaden their cultural horizons and learn about their capacities as philanthropists. It educates students about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Students learn the rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope and education opportunities to the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While a penny is virtually worthless, in impoverished countries a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy.
We are asking that each student bring 100 pennies to school in support of this program on the 100th day of school. A representative of the program will visit each class on this day to collect the pennies for distribution to this beneficial cause.
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Chuck E. Cheese Night
Our first Chuck E. Cheese night of the school year was a huge success. Due to the outstanding participation our school raised $525.
If you missed it, don't worry! There will be another Chuck E. Cheese night in the near future. Date to be determined and announced in an upcoming newsletter. |
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Who's Who at Belle View
1. When did you become a member of the Belle View Team?
This is my first year joining the Belle View team. I am also teaching at
Stratford Landing Elementary School.
2. Why did you decide to be a P.E. teacher?
My mother was a health and physical education teacher and coached and I always wanted to be just like her. I have a passion for fitness and health and want to try to spark an interest, in some way, for every kid to enjoy some kind of physical activity.
3. Where did you go to college?
I went to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. It's in Edinboro, PA (which is right off of Lake Erie, in the "snow belt").
4. What is the best part about being a P. E. teacher?
The best part of being a P.E. teacher is the kids. I get to see all different kinds of kids at all different grade levels with all different interests; it's pretty neat!
5. Do you have any hobbies?
I love volleyball. I play in some leagues around the area. And I love to run. I also like to bake.
6. What do you like to read?
I prefer books that will teach me something; books on health, nutrition,
relationships.
7. Do you have any favorite subjects in Elementary School?
My favorite subject in elementary school and all through school was math. I
loved the fun games and figuring out equations. Learning algebra was so fun to me!
8. What do you think our Belle View families can do to help promote good
nutrition and a healthy lifestyle?
I think the best thing parents can do is be a good influence on their children. Help their kids out. If you buy all the junk food, the kids will eat it... if you don't buy it, it's not there to eat! If children see you working out, or going on walks, or running, they will want to do it to. Find something fun and active you and your children can do together (walking, tennis, rollerblading).
9. Do you have family in the area? Are you from Northern VA?
I am from a small town an hour north of Pittsburgh, PA called Grove City, PA. I do not have any family in the area. Most of my family is in PA or TN. I didn't know anyone when I moved down here, but have met a lot of awesome people and love it here!
10. Do you have any pets?
Back home I have a yellow lab named Rudy! Also, we have a farm with about 20
chickens on it, so we get all of our eggs from our chickens. |
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From Mrs. Rezendes' Class
"Declaration of Independence"
By Juli Covan
The Declaration of Independence is a very important document. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and the document was approved on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence notified Great Britain that its colonies would form a free and independent nation. Did you know in the Declaration of Independence it said all people are created equal. Now, you know about the importance of the Declaration of Independence.
"Declaration of Independence"
By Isaak Berrios
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. It's important because it made the thirteen colonies independent so they didn't have to rely on England anymore. It also gave them freedom to assemble their own government. This meant that colonist could no longer be taxed without their say. The Declaration also made it possible for people to hold meetings and have freedom of speech. Those were some of the reasons I believe this document is vital.
"Declaration of Independence"
By Nikita Stoffle
The Declaration of Independence is an important document. It was important because it gave us independence. Army soldiers can't demand to live in someone's house. People should have a say in their government. Taxation without representation is wrong. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights that can't be taken away. The King's army killed colonists, which is wrong. Now, you know how the Declaration is important. |
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February 21st
Make up day for Snow Days!
This will be a full day of school!
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Partners in Print
Belle View's second annual Partners in Print was held Thursday, February 10th, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. During these events, parents are able to learn about reading strategies to use while reading with their children. The evening kicked off with free pizza in the cafeteria, followed by break-out sessions for grade levels K-2, including a Spanish presentation for those that English is not their primary language. Ending the evening, each child that attended was able to choose a new book to take home for their enjoyment. |
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Odyssey of the Mind
Coffee Fundraiser
Jungle Beans Coffee
Students are selling bags of coffee from February 9-23 and profits will support the Odyssey of the Mind program. Whole Bean and ground coffee is offered in 10 different varieties. Each 12 oz. bag costs $10 and we will receive 50% profit from each bag towards our program. And all students who sell 5 bags of coffee will receive a Jungle Animal! If you would like additional information, please contact Cindy Slone at cmslone@cox.net .
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 Elementary
Magnet School Information
Information is now available for the application process for Elementary Magnet Schools. We will have the flyers in the front office or you can access information online at the following websites. Applications
must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2011.
The websites are:
www.fcps.edu/news/magnet.htm or www.fcps.edu/HuntersWoodsES/magnet.htmor
www.fcps.edu/BaileysES/parentInformation/parentInformation.html
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Belle View Chili's Night is coming!
Thursday, February 24th from
11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Only at Chili's Alexandria
6601 Richmond Highway
This is a great way to support your school by doing something you do already. Nothing to purchase except a lovely meal for your family members. It couldn't get any easier. 20 % of all sales will go to our school. Pass the word to your friends and family in the area.
Be sure to tell them they are eating on behalf of Belle View. |
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Earth Day & Spring Gardening day.
Let's Celebrate the Goodness of Spring.
April 30th
Save this Date!!! |
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Belle View's First Annual Fun Run...
Save this Date!
May 1st
Get out your running shoes and get ready to run, walk or stroll with your Belle View Bobcat Buddies!
Plans for this event are still in the early planning stages, but we hope to have a distance that would challenge our big and little runners, including a 5K.
Keep an eye out for details of the exciting event.
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Magical Monograms
Embroidered and Monogrammed Products and Services
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balanced careers. successful lives.
mOmentum
{Hire the right people.}
Part-time. Flexible. Smart. Professional. Experienced. Cost-effective.
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The bus stops here!
A Child's Place
Hollin Hall Summer Camp at A Child's Place
1500 Shenandoah Road
Alexandria, VA22308
703-765-8811
Elinor Shemeld, Summer Camp Director
Join us for our Open House on Thursday, February 24 from 6pm to 7pm! Refreshments will be served.
Summer fun begins here when the school year ends!
Registration opens February 1, 2011
Forms will be online or email to have a packet mailed to you.
Junior Camp 6 to 81/2, Senior Camp 8 1/2 to 13
Fields trips every day! | | |
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Mason Montague Bavin
