We are so excited to celebrate Belvedere Elementary on their recent renovation and expansion with a new cafeteria and multipurpose room!
This project with the new facilities provides two serving lines during lunch and creates an equitable multipurpose space for Belvedere students.
Thank you to the Belvedere Community for your support of this project and investment in our schools. Stay tuned for future posts about the full construction project!
#AikenCountyPublicSchools #ACPSD #BelvedereElementary
🌟 1st Place: Finley McMullen
🥈 2nd Place: Priscilla Durham
🥉 3rd Place: Harley Copsy
Congratulations to all three students for their outstanding accomplishments! Your hard work and dedication make our Belvedere family proud!
We have SO much to celebrate at Belvedere Elementary! Today, we are recognizing four incredible educators who make our school, our students, and our community shine a little brighter every day!
🌟 GEM (Giving Even More): Bobbie Evans
🌟 Assistant Principal of the Year Nominee: Anna Beth Harbeson
🌟 First Year Teacher of the Year: Suzanne Fanning
🌟 Teacher of the Year: Amelia Clark
Each of these educators represents the heart, dedication, and commitment that make Belvedere Elementary such a special place. Their impact reaches far beyond the walls of BES, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their accomplishments!
Help us congratulate our amazing STARS! 💙🐻⭐️ See less
🚶 For Walkers: All walking students must enter through the front entrance on Monterey Avenue. NO students will be admitted through the Rhomboid Place entrance by the cafeteria.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe!
We are excited to share an upcoming Fall Parents' Day Out hosted by our Educators Rising Members!
Parents can enjoy some well-deserved time for themselves while their children enjoy an afternoon of crafts, games, lunch, snack and FUN!
When: Saturday 7, 2026 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Aiken High School - Front Entrance
Ages 3-12 (must be potty-trained)
Cost: $25.00 per child
The cost includes lunch, a snack, crafts, games and plenty of fun!
Register and Submit payment using the QR codes on the flyer attached. For questions, contact Mrs. Franklin at cfranklin2@acpsd.net.
#ACPSD #EducatorsRising #ParentsDayOut
🐻Welcome to November, Belvedere Bears! November is Family Literacy Month, and our monthly focus is: "Don't waste energy on those who don't get on your bus!"
Here is a look at what is happening this month at Belvedere Elementary School:
📅 IMPORTANT DATES & NO-SCHOOL DAYS
🛑 No School: Monday, Nov 2 (Professional Development) & Tuesday, Nov 3 (Election Day)
🦃 Thanksgiving Break (No School): Monday, Nov 23 – Friday, Nov 27
🍦 ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES: ATTENDANCE MATTERS!Weekly Ice Cream Drawing: Every day your child arrives on time, they earn a ticket for a Friday ice cream drawing (one winner per class!). Perfect Attendance Coupon: Students with perfect attendance and zero tardies from Nov 4 – Nov 20 earn a free ice cream coupon redeemable on Monday, Nov 30!
🎉 SPECIAL EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
🥒 Pickle Sale: Friday, Nov 6 from 7:00–7:30 AM in Quarles Corner (or until supplies last).
🐝 School Spelling Bee (5th Grade): Friday, Nov 6.
📚 Scholastic Book Fair Week: Nov 9–13 (Open until 6 PM on Nov 12!)
Veterans Recognition Ceremony: Monday, Nov 9.
🤝 PTO & SIC Meeting: Wednesday, Nov 11 at 3:00 PM in the library (discussing the Santa Shop & Holiday Literacy Night!)
✂️ Gym & Cafeteria Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Thursday, Nov 12 at 4:00 PM.
💛 World Kindness Day: Friday, Nov 13 — Wear a shirt with a positive message!
📸 Holiday Pictures: Tuesday, Nov 17.
🦃 Thanksgiving Feast (5K): Friday, Nov 20.
📝 TESTING & ACADEMICS
FastBridge Testing Week: Starts Nov 15. iReady Reading Testing: Nov 16.
iReady Math Testing: Nov 17.
❤️ PROJECTS & HOW YOU CAN HELP
🧸 Service Project: Collecting Toys for the Hospital all month long- more information to come!
📮 Postcard Drive: We need postcards from all 50 states and around the world to decorate for our upcoming School Family Dance! Mail them to: Belvedere Elementary School, 115 Monterey Ave, Belvedere, SC 29841
🗳️ BES Staff of the Month: Vote for your favorite staff member by Nov 13 at tinyurl.com/BESStaffoftheMonth
🚶♂️ MORNING ARRIVAL UPDATE
Walkers: Must enter through the front entrance on Monterey Avenue.⛔ No Entry: No students (except bus riders) will be admitted through the Rhomboid Place cafeteria entrance.
🚗 Carline: Carline is the best and safest arrival method!
Let's make it a fantastic month of learning and growing together! 💙🐾
#BelvedereBears #BelvedereElementary #BESBoardingPass #FamilyLiteracyMonth #AttendanceMatters
Celebrating Our Principals!
As we wrap up Principal Appreciation Month, we're celebrating the dedicated leaders who make a difference in our schools every day.
Through our Principal for a Day opportunity, community members and local leaders stepped into the role of principal, gaining a firsthand look at the leadership, collaboration, and care that go into supporting our students and school communities. Thank you to those that volunteered for this amazing opportunity.
Hear their reflections and see some of the moments that made this experience special as we recognize the incredible work of our principals on YouTube at youtu.be/yK5kpIdC7Z4 .
Thank you to our principals for all that you do to help our students and schools thrive!
#PrincipalAppreciation #ACPSDCelebrates #PublicEducation #SouthCarolinaSchools
Class pictures will also take place tomorrow, 10/29. Don't worry, it's still hat day for Red Ribbon Week--we'll put the hats aside for just a minute to get the best group picture!
🎃 Big week ahead at Belvedere Elementary! Here’s what’s happening October 26–30:
🔴 Red Ribbon Week Dress-Up Days
• Mon: Wear Red ("Kick start of Red Ribbon Week")
• Tue: Pajama Day ("Follow your dreams")
• Wed: Wear Camo ("Can't hide good choices")
• Thu: Hat Day ("Hats off to good choices")
• Fri: Wear Your Costume ("Say boo to drugs") 🚫 No masks, inflatable costumes, face paint, or toy weapons
📦 Fundraiser Pick-Up
Wednesday, Oct 28 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the BES Cafeteria
📸 Make-Up Pictures
Thursday, Oct 29 | Pictures during school
🍬 PTO Trunk or Treat
Friday, Oct 30 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the BES Parking Lot
Food trucks, entertainment, and a trunk contest! 🚚 Check the main office for "Feed the Bear" candy donation boxes.
Coming up next week: We can’t wait to stand strong against drugs for Red Ribbon Week! Together we can make healthy choices!
October 26-30
Monday-Wear Red
Tuesday-Pajama Day
Wednesday-Wear Camo
Thursday-Hat Day
Friday-Wear Your Costume (no masks, inflatable costumes, face paint, or weapons-please follow the ACPSD Elementary Dress Code)
Upcoming Week Schedule:
Monday, October 19:No School for Students: Parent-Teacher Conferences / Report Cards Q1.
Tuesday, October 20:2nd Grade Iowa Testing: Please ensure 2nd-grade students arrive at school no later than 7:30 AM, get a good night’s rest, and eat a healthy breakfast.
Wednesday, October 21:2nd Grade Iowa Testing. School Improvement Council (SIC) Meeting
Thursday, October 22:PTO Sonic Spirit Night.
Friday, October 23: BES Spirit Day: Encourage your student to show their Belvedere spirit!
Sunday, October 25:Red Ribbon Week Begins. More information to come!
📣 Monthly Focus & Reminders:
October Focus: "Invite people on your bus & share your vision for the road ahead." Encourage your children to invite friends, show kindness, and welcome everyone with a smile.
Postcard Drive ("Connect From Near & Far"): We are collecting postcards from all 50 states and around the world to decorate for our upcoming School Family Dance! If you have family or friends living elsewhere, please ask them to mail a postcard to Belvedere Elementary School, 115 Monterey Avenue, Belvedere, SC 29841.
Candy Donations ("Feed the Bear"): "Feed the Bear" candy donation boxes are available outside the main office to collect candy for our upcoming PTO Trunk or Treat.
🗓️ Looking Ahead:
Wednesday, October 28: Fundraiser Item Pick-Up in the BES Lunchroom (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
Thursday, October 29: Yearbook & Make-Up Pictures.
Friday, October 30: PTO Trunk or Treat from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the BES Parking Lot. Thursday, November 12: Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for our new Multipurpose Room/Gym and Cafeteria at 4:00 PM. (This is an updated date!)
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making this school year wonderful for our students!
We hope all of our Belvedere Elementary families enjoyed a restful and safe Fall Break! We are thrilled to welcome our students back to the building tomorrow morning, Monday, October 12.
As we jump back into our daily routines, here are the major announcements, updates, and upcoming events for the week ahead: 🏆
Attendance Challenge Spotlight: Our students and staff continue to work hard toward our school-wide attendance goals! Being present and on time every day ensures our scholars don't miss crucial instructional time. September Winner: A huge congratulations to Mrs. Lane's Kindergarten Class for taking 1st place in the September Attendance Challenge! Keep Earning Stars: Classes earn stars each day every student is present and punctual, working toward fun milestones like Pajama Days and Pizza Parties!
🗓️ Important Date Change: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Please update your calendars! The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for our new Multipurpose Room/Gym and Cafeteria has been rescheduled. New Date & Time: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM We look forward to celebrating this incredible expansion with our school community!
📌 Quick Reminders for This Week:
2nd Grade CogAT Testing: Testing takes place Tuesday, October 13 through Thursday, October 15. 2nd-grade students should arrive no later than 7:30 AM rested and ready to test.
Dill-icious Pickle Sale: Stop by Quarles Corner this Friday, October 16, between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM for our monthly PTO Pickle Sale!
Staff of the Month Voting: Show your appreciation for our outstanding teachers and staff! Voting for October’s BES Staff of the Month ends Friday, October 16.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making Belvedere Elementary a great place to learn and grow! Let's make it a fantastic week back!
Our Monthly Focus: "Invite people on your bus & share your vision for the road ahead."
📝 2nd Grade CogAT & Iowa Testing
2nd-grade students will take the CogAT on October 13-15, and the Iowa Assessment on October 20 & 21.
🥒 Pickle Sale
Our monthly pickle sale will be on Friday, October 16.
🎃 PTO Trunk or Treat
Join us on Friday, October 30 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the BES parking lot! Enjoy food trucks, entertainment, and a trunk contest.
• Want to participate? Sign up your trunk to decorate and join the fun!
• Candy Donations: "Feed the Bear" candy donation boxes are available outside the school main office.
🏷️ Fundraiser Pick-Up
If you ordered items through our catalog fundraiser, please pick them up on Wednesday, October 28 between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM in the BES lunchroom. For questions, reach out to PTObelvedere@gmail.com.
✂️ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Please join us on Thursday, October 29 at 4:00 PM for the official Ribbon Cutting of our new Multipurpose Room/Gym and Cafeteria!
📮 Postcard Drive: Connect From Near & Far
We are collecting postcards from all 50 states and around the world to decorate for our upcoming School Family Dance! If you have family or friends across the globe, please ask them to mail a postcard to BES!
🗳️ BES Staff of the Month
Show appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff! Cast your vote for the BES Staff of the Month by October 16. Sponsored by London Thuan-State Farm & Sweet Fig Market.
🍦 Ice Cream Treat Reminders
Ice cream is available for students during lunch $1.25 (cups) & $1.75 (speciality)
• 1st–5th Grade: Available on Tuesdays
• Kindergarten: 1 Day/Week
• Please send exact change or load funds via SchoolCafe (allow 24–48 hours for funds to process).
⏰ Attendance & Instructional Time
Our goal is for students to be present and on time every day!
• Classes earn stars for full attendance/punctuality toward rewards!
• To protect instructional time, please note that all students qualify for free breakfast and lunch. If a student forgets a lunch box, parents may use one pass per nine-week period to deliver it or visit at lunchtime to deliver it personally; otherwise, students can enjoy a delicious free school lunch.
Happy Sunday, Belvedere families! As we roll into another exciting week, here are a few important announcements and upcoming dates to keep on your radar:
🏆 FALL FUNDRAISER UPDATES & GOAL PUSH!
• Pajama Day Challenge: The sales deadline has been extended! If we reach $30,000 in total sales by Monday at 12:00 PM, students will get a Pajama Day on Tuesday! Let's make one final push to cross the finish line! 🛌✨
• Limo Ride to Chick-fil-A: We’ve lowered the sales goals so more students can ride!
👉 Individual Goal: 18 items
👉 Family Goal: 25 items
• Santa Shop Bonus Winners: Big congratulations to our top sellers who hit or exceeded the original 25-item goal: Elizabeth Blume, Emmalyn Seek, Annie Carpenter, Elijah Elliott, Darcie Gregory, Brooks Thelen, and Oliver Bloodworth! 🎉 They earned a $10 Santa Shop gift certificate and early shopping privileges! 🎁
📅 UPCOMING DATES THIS WEEK:
• Tuesday, Sept 22: End of the first nine weeks! 📝
• Wednesday, Sept 23: PTO & SIC Meeting from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the BES Library. Come hear about Trunk or Treat, holiday plans, and updates from the Dance Committee! 🤝
• Thursday, Sept 24: Wear your favorite College Colors! 🎓
🛍️ The Bear Shop (PTO Portable) open 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Items are $2–$5, and every purchase includes a FREE popsicle! 🍦
• Friday, Sept 25: The Bear Shop open 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM 🛍️
🍂 LOOKING AHEAD — FALL BREAK:
School will be closed starting Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 9. We hope all of our Bears enjoy a safe, relaxing, and restful break!
Thank you all for your incredible support. Let's reach that $30,000 goal by tomorrow at noon! 🐻💙
All second-grade students in South Carolina participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) assessments during the month of October. Your child is scheduled to test between October 13th-October 21st.
The primary purpose of these assessments is to identify potential students for academically gifted and talented programs. The results of these assessments provide important information regarding the individual learning needs of each student. The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), in accordance with State Board of Education Regulation 43- 220, requires the administration, scoring, and reporting of a norm-referenced test system for these purposes. The tests include aptitude (verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal), achievement in reading comprehension, and achievement in mathematics concepts and problem solving. The CogAT measures aptitude and the ITBS is a measure of student achievement.
Most young children have had little or no experience with standardized tests and, therefore, do not have any preconceived notions, either positive or negative, about testing. There is no need to be anxious about the testing. Students can be reminded that the teacher will use the results to better understand each student’s progress. No special preparation is required of students beyond getting a good night’s sleep and having a nutritious breakfast. Parents will receive a summary of test results in early 2027 and prior to the end of the school year will be notified about potential qualification for gifted and talented programs.
Help us congratulate Mrs. Cassie Remson, a third grade teacher at Belvedere Elementary, for being named a Golden Apple Award winner by WJBF News Channel 6!
She was one of five Aiken County teachers that were surprised in their classrooms by WJBF News Channel 6 and sponsor Kroger as a Golden Apple Award winner. Her segment will air on WBJF News Channel 6 on Tuesday, September 15 during the 5:30 PM broadcast.
She credits her experience at Belvedere to helping foster a learning environment that is poised for success and academic achievement.
“Who you work with and who you work for makes all the difference in everything in life. I say it all the time, but Belvedere is just in an amazingly special place and we have admin that will support us in literally any way they possibly can,” Mrs. Remson added. “They'll make copies, they'll help you grade tests. It's amazing. I've never been so supported in my career, and that's what’s amazing. Also, my co-teacher happens to be my real-life best friend. We spend three dinners together a week, and the kids always think we're joking, and I'm like, no, no, we really are really best friends. Our husbands, our best friends. And so, I'm really fortunate.”
“We are so proud of Cassie and thankful she joined our team two years ago,” Belvedere Principal Allyson Long shared. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure every student can make their personal best progress. What I appreciate most is that she creates a classroom environment where all are welcome and feel accepted. That creates classroom experiences her students will never forget.”
📸👇🗓️ WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS💙
Monday, Sept 14 – PTO Fall Fundraiser Kickoff!
Our Believe Kids Fundraiser starts today! Head to www.ShopFund.com and use Group Code NJRLL to register your student. Share your custom link with 10+ contacts to help us reach our school goal and start earning cool prizes right away!
📸 Tuesday, Sept 15 – Yearbook Picture Day!
Bring those bright smiles! Today is Picture Day for yearbook portraits.
⏰ Wednesday, Sept 16 – Early Dismissal (11:30 AM)
Students dismiss early at 11:30 AM. Afternoon bus routes will run approximately 3 hours earlier than normal (Reminder: K–2 students must have an adult waiting at the bus stop). Please send any transportation changes ahead of time to BelvedereAttendance@acpsd.net.
🌮 Friday, Sept 18 – Spirit Day & Pablo’s Spirit Night!Today is the FINAL day to cast your vote for BES Staff of the Month! Dine out at Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant all day long to support our school!
✨ MONTH-LONG FUN🇲🇽 Hispanic Heritage Month Trivia: Daily morning trivia continues all week! Listen in for a chance to win weekly prizes.
🚌 Energy Bus Focus: Remember to "Fuel your ride with positive energy!"
🎯 September Attendance Challenge: Zero unexcused absences or tardies this month = bonus recess + a popsicle! Don't forget to turn in those parent/doctor notes to BelvedereAttendance@acpsd.net.
WEEK AT A GLANCE (SEPT 7–13)
Mon, Sept 7: NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
Fri, Sept 11: BES Spirit Wear Day! Wear your favorite Bear gear 💙🐻
Fri, Sept 11: K5 Wise Person’s Day Event (11:00 AM – 11:45 AM in K5 classrooms) 🍪🧃
🎉 SEPTEMBER ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE
Zero unexcused absences or tardies in September = Bonus Recess + Popsicle Party! 🍦
Email parent/doctor notes to BelvedereAttendance@acpsd.net.