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, 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.
Investing in Our Students. Supporting Our Schools. Building Possibilities.
We are incredibly grateful to SRP Federal Credit Union for investing in the future of our elementary students and educators through its new Investing in Education: Unlimited Possibilities initiative.
At the kickoff event held at the WOW! Club at, SRP Park in North Augusta, SRP Federal Credit Union announced that 83 schools across 10 CSRA counties will each receive $2,500 representing a remarkable $207,500 total investment in local elementary education.
This generous support gives our principals the flexibility to respond to the unique needs of their schools — whether that means providing instructional resources, creating hands-on learning experiences, supporting teachers, or offering enriching opportunities for students.
“This investment empowers our principals to respond directly to the unique needs of their schools and create meaningful opportunities through instructional resources, hands-on learning, and enrichment experiences," Dr. Charlene Heard, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools said.
Partnerships like this remind us what is possible when our schools and community come together with a shared commitment to student success. We are proud to have SRP Federal Credit Union investing alongside us and helping create unlimited possibilities for our students!
To read more on this story, please visit www.acpsd.net/invest-education
Our theme for September is "Fuel your ride with positive energy!" Inspired by Jon Gordon’s The Energy Bus, we are focusing on planting positive seeds, turning everyday challenges into fuel for growth, and spreading contagious enthusiasm across our school community.
Here is your quick guide to what’s happening during the week of August 30th through September 4th, along with a few important updates for the month ahead. 📅
This Week’s Schedule: Aug 30 – Sept 4
Monday, Aug 31: Happy Birthday, Ms. Younts! 🎉
Thursday, Sept 3: Happy Birthday, Ms. Willette! 🎉
Friday, Sept 4:🏈 College Football Spirit Day: Wear your favorite college team gear, an NFL jersey, your youth sports uniform, or your Belvedere Bears shirt!
🥒 Pickle Sale: Quarles Corner from 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM (or until supplies last).
Hispanic Heritage Month Trivia Kickoff: Students will hear daily trivia questions on the morning announcements every Friday in September to learn, celebrate, and win prizes! 💡
📚 Learning at Home & Fact Fluency: Building strong habits at home makes a massive difference in student success:
Math Fluency: Practice rapid recall for 5 minutes daily! K5 focuses on number identification, 1st/2nd grades work on addition/subtraction facts, and 3rd–5th grades focus on multiplication/division.
20-Minute Daily Reading: Reading for 20 minutes a day exposes students to 1.8 million words a year and places them in the 90th percentile on standard assessments.
📢 Important Reminders:
September Attendance Challenge: Students with zero unexcused absences or tardies in September will earn a bonus recess and a popsicle! Remember, parent notes (up to 10 per year) and doctor notes count as excused absences. Please submit notes to your child's teacher or email BelvedereAttendance@acpsd.net.
PE Shoes: Per ACPSD dress code, students must wear tennis shoes or closed-toed athletic shoes on PE days. Slides and flip-flops are prohibited.
Cafeteria Ice Cream Treats: Ice cream cups ($1.25) and specialty ice creams ($1.75) are available! Add funds to your account via SchoolCafe (allow 24–48 hours for processing).
Staff of the Month: Vote for your favorite BES staff member by Sept 18th at tinyurl.com/BESStaffoftheMonth.
🗓️ Dates to Keep on Your Radar
Monday, Sept 7: Labor Day – No School
Friday, Sept 11: K5 Wise Person’s Day Event (11:00 AM – 11:45 AM)
Sept 14 – Sept 25: Believe Kids Fall Catalog Fundraiser
Wednesday, Sept 16: Early Dismissal (11:30 AM)
Friday, Sept 18: Pablo's Mexican Restaurant Spirit Day (All Day)
Wednesday, Sept 23: PTO / SIC Meeting (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the Library)
Sept 24 & 25: Bear Store Open (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM at the PTO Portable)
Sept 28 – Oct 9: ACPSD Fall Break – No School
Thank you for partnering with us to make Belvedere Elementary an incredible place to grow! Have a fantastic week!
Survey Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/PRrLGW3b0X
🐾Here’s what’s coming up on campus for the week of August 23–29:
🗓️ UPCOMING MEETINGS
• Wednesday, 8/26: School Improvement Council (SIC) Meeting @ 3:00 PM
⏰ MORNING ARRIVAL
Tardies are officially recorded at 7:30 AM daily. Please make sure your bears are inside the building before the bell rings so they start their day on the right foot!
🚗 DISMISSAL SAFETY
If your child is getting picked up in a vehicle, you must use the carline. Designated "walkers" must travel entirely on foot to their destination and cannot walk off campus to meet a parked car. Thank you for keeping our students safe!
👕 DRESS CODE CHECK
Please remember that dresses, skirts, skorts, and shorts must be within 5" of the knee. Hats, hoods, bonnets, bandanas, flip-flops, slides, and midriff tops are not allowed.
🎉 GET INVOLVED WITH PTO
• Win a Class Party! The class with the highest percentage of PTO memberships wins a party of their choice (no volunteer commitment required!).
• Gear Up: Check out our official BES Spirit Store online to grab your gear—every purchase directly supports our PTO programs!
Have a fantastic week, Bears!
💙🐻#BelvedereBears #BESPride #DriveVisionFocus
These spots will be first come, first served!
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/KsQmMzBkEB
Good afternoon, Belvedere families! We are looking forward to a busy and great week ahead!
Monthly Bulletin: August Bulletin
Here is what families can expect for the upcoming week at Belvedere Elementary:
Title I Open House: Join us on Tuesday, August 18th, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM for our Title I Open House. This is a great opportunity to visit classrooms, meet our staff, and learn about school programs.
Wednesday is a big day at Belvedere!
Early Release Day! Students dismiss at 11:30 am
Christmas Musical Open Auditions: Auditions for 2nd through 5th graders will be held on Wednesday, August 19th, after school until 1:30 PM, with pickup at the kindergarten playground. Students should let Mr. Grant know through Rooms if they plan to audition so he has a head count.
First interim reports are available in the Parent Portal
PTO Spirit Night at the Pink Dipper!
Other Important Notes:
Morning Attendance & Tardies: Reminder that tardies are officially recorded at 7:30 AM daily, and students must be inside the building by then to avoid being marked tardy.
Arrival & Dismissal Safety: Walkers must travel entirely on foot to their off-campus destination and are not permitted to meet a parked car on or off school grounds. Vehicle pickups must use the carline.
Ice Cream in the Cafeteria: Ice Cream sales will start in the cafeteria. Please send in money if you would like your student to purchase! More details to come!
Please reach out if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing many of you at the Open House on Tuesday!
Your Belvedere friends and family are beary proud of you, Mrs. Remson!
Good morning BES Families,
This morning, our staff and students practiced a lockdown drill.
In a lockdown drill, we announced that it is a DRILL and directed everyone with the saying, "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight." This procedure is used in the event we have an intruder enter our building.
Local law enforcement and district security personnel from participated in the drill checking that students and staff were out of sight.
They provided nothing but positive feedback to our administrative team and we are thankful for their partnership in keeping our school community safe!