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| Newsletter for the Belle View Elementary School Community |
April 2012 |
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Dear Parents,
Next month begins the main testing season for Fairfax County Public Schools. The Standards of Learning tests will be given May 14th through June 1st. Students in Grades 3-6 in our school will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning tests. It will be very helpful if you can avoid appointments which may take your child out of school during this time period. Also, it will help your child perform his or her best if he or she has had a good night's rest, a healthy breakfast, and comes to school with a positive attitude.
The Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are required of all students in Grades 3-6 across the state by the Virginia Department of Education. SOL tests measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills specified in the Virginia SOLs. Content areas include writing, reading, mathematics, history/social science, and science.
The purpose of the testing is to provide information about student achievement in several subject areas. Scores from the tests will be used to determine whether students fail to meet standards, are proficient in meeting the standards, or advanced in the standards.
Sincerely,
Thomas Kuntz Eleanor Contreras
Principal Assistant Principal
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Mark Your Calendars!
April 11 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Apirl 14 Science and Techstravaganza
April 16-20 Spring Book Fair
April 16 Track Meet (Grades 3-6) West Potomac High School (4:00-8:00 p.m.)
April 19 Math Night (6:00-8:00 p.m.)
April 20 Staff Appreciation Breakfast
April 23 Recycle Art and Fashion Show
April 25 Parent Workshop: (7:00-8:30 p.m.)
Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress Free Homework.
April 26 Chuck E. Cheese Night (4:00-9:00 p.m.)
May 5 6th Grade Car Wash (9:00-1:00 p.m.)
May 18 Bingo Night (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
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Staff and Teacher Breakfast
April 20th (sponsored by 1st & 2nd grades)
June 1st (sponsored by Kindergarten and Head Start)
Questions about these events can be directed to Leslie Fry, our Breakfast Coordinator for the
2011-2012 school year.
lesliefry@cox.net
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Box Tops & Labels Spring Challenge
Would you like to see Principal Kuntz with Blue hair? If all the classes and students can collects a total of 5,000 box
tops & labels during the months of April & May, Mr. Kuntz will color his hair and beard Bobcat Blue for 1 day during the month of June.
Look at the new poster in the lobby to keep track of this challenge.
Start collecting now!
For more information, please contact
Helpful Hints:
Box Tops - Do not come with a UPC/bar code. We only need the official Box Top coupon on the product. www.btfe.com
Labels for Education - Come with a bar code on their label. Please include the entire bar code or the label will be invalid. www.labelsforeducation.com
Any questions, contact Chris Poulson at chrispoulson@verizon.net |
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Giant and Safeway Rewards Programs are back, and easier and more beneficial for your school than ever.
There are three ways to sign up:
www.giant.com/aplus (click on designate schools and enter BVES code 02260).
www.escrip.com (click on register now and enter BVES code 647-4005).
NsBrigham@hotmail.com (send your last name, Giant and or Safeway bonus numbers to the program coordinator and she will register you as well.
These generous programs will give much needed funds to our school and do not cost ANY EXTRA MONEY.
Questions? Please call Natasha Brigham at
(703) 888-3114. |
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Spring Gardening Day at Belle View
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Fairfax County Public Schools
Energy Zone
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Let's Have a Picnic
Food Safety Tips
Preparing, serving, and eating safe food is important whether we are at home, or on a picnic. We must constantly practice safe food handling to avoid illness.
Keep cold foods cold (below 41°F)
- Chill all meats, egg products, starchy salads, and custards to below 41° F before packing for the picnic.
- Put cold food into a well insulated, lidded cooler with ice around it.
- Put the cooler in the passenger area of your car rather than in the hot trunk.
- Keep your cooler in the shade and avoid opening and shutting the lid too often.
Don't spread the bacteria, which may infect the food and ultimately you.
- Wash your hands before working with food.
- Wash your hands again after working with raw meat or poultry.
- Put the cooked meat onto a clean place for service.
Cook meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160° F and serve immediately.
- Put leftovers in the refrigerator immediately when you get home if you have not been gone more than 4 hours.
- Providing you have practiced all the above safety tips, your food should be safe to keep and eat the next day.
Pack your picnic basket and cooler and enjoy a safe picnic. |
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Belle View Track 2012
Welcome to the 2012 Belle View Bobcat track program! This is our 11th year in a great track and field program that culminates in two track meets at West Potomac High School. Because of the growing size of the program and meets, we have split the program into two meets and two sets of practices, depending on grade. This year, the 3-6th graders will have the first set of practices and first meet, to better avoid SOL conflicts.
Please note:
- The first practice for 3-6th graders is next Monday, March 12, from 1:10-2:15 on the blacktop.
- If rain is forecast for that day, I will send out an email by 10AM regarding practice cancellation.
- An announcement will be made at the end of school every track Monday for kids to meet on the blacktop.
- Remind your K-2 kids that these first three practices are for 3-6th grade only! The younger kids can get confused about this.
- Please send an extra water bottle with your child and have him/her dress appropriately for running.
- No bus service is available after practice. You must arrange a ride home for your child unless he/she is a walker.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Meet dates: April 16th, 4PM at West Potomac track for 3-6th graders
May 14th, 4PM at West Potomac track for K-2nd graders
Practice dates: March 12, 19 and 26 and Sunday April 15 for 3-6th grade
April 23, April 30, May 7 and Sunday, May 13 for K-2nd grade
**Important- Please refer to emails received that might indicate changes in dates or times! |
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Three of Belle View's very own are walking the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 5-6, 2012
We send our best wishes to Mrs. Davis our Music Teacher, Mrs. Schull, Kindergarten teacher, and Mrs. Chan, Occupational Therapist, in their efforts to support Avon's program to promote early detection and research to save lives.
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Recycle Art And Fashion Show
The PTA and the Outdoor Classroom Committee present... Recycle Art And Fashion Show!
Get creative and go green! Whether you are creating a fashion statement or an art statement, go green and create one from recycled materials. All will be featured in a Fashion and Art Show Earth Day celebration on April 23 during school. All entries will receive a "Green Prize".
The only rules are to have fun and use recycled materials for your projects. Remember the three R's of saving our earth -reduce, reuse, and recycle.
More information to come. Contact Sue Capper with any questions, zqbobski@aol.com.
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| PTA Board Vacancies
See below the descriptions and get involved now. All board positions are considered vacant but we are actively looking for a new 1st Vice President (fundraising position). Contact a member of the nominating committee:
Criteria for Belle View PTA Board Positions 2012-2013
The PTA is currently soliciting nominations for Board positions for the next school year. If elected, the term would begin in June and continue until the following June (with the exception of Treasurer with a term of June to July). Nominees must be a PTA member (it is never too late to join), show enthusiasm for the PTA, and have time to give to the PTA. While all Board positions are open for nominations/voting, we are currently seeking to fill the position of 1st Vice President. Please help us fill these positions! Feel free to nominate yourself, a friend, a parent, or a teacher. The position descriptions are as follows:
President: Presides at meetings, serves as the representative to the county, state and national PTA, is an ex officio member of all committees, except the nominating committee, coordinates the work of the officers and committee chairs to advance the objectives of the organization.
1st Vice President: Acts as an aid to the president, oversees PTA sponsored fund-raising activities (coordinate calendar to avoid conflicts, work to make sure the activities are related to PTA goals, work with fund-raising committees), performs the duties of the president if he/she is unable to act.
2nd Vice President: Acts as an aid to the president, oversees PTA sponsored social and enrichment activities (coordinates calendar to avoid conflicts, works to make sure the activities related to PTA goals, works with activity committees), performs the duties of the president if he/she is unable to act, serves as the PTA representative to cluster or county Parent's Advisory committees.
Recording Secretary (ies): Records the minutes of meetings, has a current copy of the bylaws, maintains a membership list, other duties as assigned
Corresponding Secretary: Prepares any PTA correspondence, serves as volunteer coordinator, establishes a telephone tree/email list, other duties as assigned
Treasurer: Has custody of the funds, keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenses, makes disbursements as authorized by the president/executive board in accordance with the budget, has checks signed by two persons, prepares a financial statement for each meeting, submits the books for an annual audit.
The nominations will be announced at the PTA meeting in April and voting will take place at the following PTA meeting in May.
To nominate someone or yourself, or for more information contact:
Elizabeth Maurer, 571-247-7155 or elm.1028@gmail.com
Ursula Pece, 703-824-8204 or usch77@cox.net Chris Poulson, 703-347-6749 or chrispoulson@verizon.net |
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2nd Annual Belle View Fun Run
On Saturday, June 2, 2012, BVES will be hosting its second 5k Fun Run at Fort Hunt Park. More information about this event and the winner of the t-shirt design contest will be announced in next months newsletter.
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Its Yearbook Time!
The Belle View Elementary School 2011-2012 Yearbook
is on sale now. The cost of the yearbook is $20; payments made to Belle View Elementary School. Order deadline is April 18, 2012.
Yearbooks will also be available at the end of the school year.
If you need another order form you can pick one up at the office during regular office hours. |
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Odyssey of the Mind
The 4/5th grade Odyssey of the Mind team came in 2nd place out of 17 teams in the regional competition. Led by Brad Baldwin and Bonnie Strong the team was amazing and were outstanding ambassadors for Belle View Elementary. Mary Dannahey who took valuable time to get trained and judge the competition was also important in making the endeavor so successful. Mrs. Pluntke was a tremendous help in setting up the opportunity and bringing everyone together and kept everyone on track. The following Bobcats participated in the event and should be commended for their time and talents: Hailey Baldwin, Grace Dannahey, Stanhope Fairbanks, Gavin Luscombe, Carly Shawn and Maddy Wood.
The K/2 grade team was led by Lisa Delmonico. Their problem was called: Hide and Peek. The kids created a fantastic set, amazing props, a funny story line, and a very creative engineering feat to display surprises under 3 self-designed and created containers from 5 feet, 8 feet , and 10 feet away. They had adorable costumes AND they acted as well. The coaches were very proud and amazed by all they did. The participants were: Addison Greenfeld, Kye Greenfeld, Ava Lynch, Piers Luscomb, Emma Weisel, Lauren Gardiner, and Brody Shawn.
Thanks to all the coaches and parents who took time for this very creative endeavor for their children. We are very proud of our OM Bobcats!
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Spring Book Fair
When: April 16-20
- Shopping Hours: April 16-9:00-1:30 pm, April 17-8:45 to 4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm, April 18-8:45-4:00, April 19-8:45-4:00 and 6:00-8:00, April 20-8:45-4:00 pm.
- Special Events: Tuesday, April 17-6:00-8:00 pm Book Fair Luau Party-Fruity Smoothies, hot dogs, and of course games/prizes! Lots of Scholastic dollars to be given away toward purchasing books!
- Thursday April 19-6:00-8:00 pm Math Night
- Don't forget Teacher Appreciation Week-May 7-11. Our teachers have made a wish list for their classrooms-help build the classroom libraries by gifting our teachers (and yes our students) new books to enjoy in their own classroom. By donating books to them the students win and the teachers will know they are appreciated!
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| Who's Who at Belle View
Cris Irwin
1. How long have you been at Belle View?
This is my first year working at Belle View.
2. What do you do for our school?
I am an instructional assistant. I work with 3rd and 4th grades.
3. Do you live in the BVES area?
I live in the Stratford Landing school district.
4. What can you tell us about your family?
I have 2 children Ben and Isabella. Ben is in 6th grade and Isabella is a 3rd
grader. They both go to Stratford Landing Elementary and are a lot of fun. I was
a teacher at Stratford Landing for 16 years before coming to Belle View. My
husband grew up in this area and also went to Stratford Landing.
5. Do you have any pets?
Yes I have 2 cats -Smokey who is 17 and Belle who is 2. We have a lot of fun
with them.
6. What are your hobbies?
I like to read, cook and travel.
7. Do you like to read? What types of books?
I love to read fiction and non fiction. I like realistic fiction as well as
adventure. I just finished reading Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert.
8. What have you enjoyed the most about working at Belle View?
Belle View has an amazing staff. I have felt so welcomed since the day I
arrived. I love working with the teachers and really love working with the
students. I am enjoying being in all the 3rd and 4th grade classes and getting to
know all the students.
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Bobcats Making a Difference...one penny at a time!
This year the students in Kindergarten, First, Second and Fourth grades celebrated the 100th day of school by bringing in hundreds of pennies. The teachers and students wanted to make a difference locally and globally. They looked at the hard work done by the Belle View Community to enhance and develop the outdoor gardens and watershed gardens. By collecting over 20,000 loose pennies to donate they made a difference to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The Chesapeake Bay is effected by the watershed areas of 6 states and is the largest estuary in North America. We were happy to have Andy Cummings and Captain Eric, from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation visit Belle View to accept the students donation.
Our Belle View students have learned that every day and every penny counts.
A special thank you to Quinn Byrnes for coordinating this worthy learning experience. |
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Parent Worshop:
Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework."
When: Wednesday, Apr 25, 7:00-8:30 pm
- Entitled "Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework." This presentation will be delivered by Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed., President and Founder of Educational Connections, Inc. Ann has delivered hundreds of presentations on issues focusing on academic achievement and parenting. Please plan on joining us for this informative workshop: April 25, 7:00-8:30 pm, in the Belle View ES library.
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BINGO TIME
On Friday, May 18, 2012, Belle View BINGO will be held in the BVES Café!
Prices for entry will be $2.00 for children, $3.00 for parents and $10.00 for families
- Food and drinks will also be for sale
If you own a business and are interested in donating a prize, please contact Ms. Langley. Prize donors will be recognized during BINGO Night.
All proceeds from the event will be given to teachers to use towards buying school supplies. |
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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
Jill Levy, Director
Join us for our Open House February 23, 2012 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Summer fun begins here when the school year ends!
Registration opens February 1, 2012 for returning families
Forms will be online or email to have a packet mailed to you.
Junior Camp 6 to 8 1/2, Senior Camp 8 1/2 to 13
Fields trips every day! | | |
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