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The LCPS Letter
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Think Fast with Superintendent Spence
For this month’s Think Fast with Superintendent Spence, Dr. Aaron Spence is joined by Sharon L. Wright, chair of LCPS’ School-Business Partnership Executive Council. The School-Business Partnership Executive Council will host its annual School-Business Partnership Breakfast on Friday, at which school-business and community partners will be celebrated for supporting student achievement. Remember, we invite you to submit questions for the Superintendent -- be sure to indicate these questions are for the Think Fast series.
Three LCPS Teachers Named New Teachers of the Year
Alexandra Cooper,
Leesburg Elementary
Shreyas Khera,
Brambleton Middle
Aisha Ahmed,
Rock Ridge High
Three LCPS teachers, one from each level of instruction, were named 2024 New Teachers of the Year.
- Alexandra Cooper, Elementary School New Teacher of the Year, is a special education teacher for a K-2 Autism class at Leesburg Elementary School.
- Shreyas Khera, Middle School New Teacher of the Year, is a math teacher at Brambleton Middle School.
- Aisha Ahmed, High School New Teacher of the Year, is an LCPS graduate and current U.S. History and World History teacher at Rock Ridge High School.
To be considered for this LCPS recognition, teachers are nominated by a fellow LCPS employee and must have started their teaching career on or after January 1, 2023. The nominees for new teachers of the year must have performed in an outstanding fashion in their first year of teaching, shown commitment to professional growth through professional learning, and served as role models for other new teachers. Read more about this year's New Teachers of the Year.
Emerick Elementary Students Demonstrate Critical Thinking Skills
Emerick Elementary students demonstrated their critical thinking skills during the second annual Deeper Learner Showcase on April 12. The students selected topics for research and presented their findings during the showcase. A few of the presentation topics included using baseball to better understand mathematics, ancient Egypt, American Sign Language, the Battle of Yorktown, and musical instruments. Read more about the Deeper Learning Showcase.
Celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day on May 8
May is National Bike Month! Bike & Roll to School Day will take place on Wednesday, May 8. Bike & Roll to School Day invites participants to celebrate the joy of active commuting while building a sense of community and school spirit. Reach out to your student's school for more information on how to celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day. Our Safe Routes to School Coordinators Kelly Smit or Janice Jennings can also help answer questions.
Opioid Awareness Campaign Continues with "The New Drug Talk" Viewing
Loudoun County Public Schools is partnering with Song for Charlie to present The New Drug Talk – a 30-minute film that outlines the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills – on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Heritage High School (520 Evergreen Mills Road SE, Leesburg). An expert panel discussion -- including testimony from family members who have lost loved ones to overdoses -- will follow the presentation. REVIVE training, which provides instruction on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone, will be provided. Participants will also receive naloxone to take home with them.
Fentanyl Safety Event: Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at Heritage High School
Registration for After-School Programs Begins Soon
Early registration for County After-School Activities (CASA), and Youth After School (YAS) begins soon. Both programs are operated by Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS). From dismissal until 6 p.m., CASA activities focus on recreation and developing social and physical skills. YAS provides structured activities from the end of the school day until 6:15 p.m. every day at select schools. Early registration (for families with a student participating in CASA, CASA Academy, or YAS or their sibling and all PRCS CARES families) begins on Tuesday, April 30, at 8:30 a.m. Registration for all other families starts on Tuesday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. Learn more about CASA and YAS and how to register.
SNAP in Schools Helps Reduce Food Insecurity Among School-aged Children
The SNAP in Schools initiative from the Virginia Department of Social Services helps develop partnerships to bridge the food insecurity gap among school-aged children. SNAP in Schools is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of eligible families so they can purchase healthy food. SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size, income, expenses and other nonfinancial criteria. SNAP is not necessarily based on employment status; employed individuals may be eligible. Families and individuals who want to know if they are eligible for SNAP or would like to learn more are encouraged to visit the CommonHelp website.
One Community Listening Session Remaining
There is just one Community Listening Session remaining. This session is an opportunity to share your hopes and concerns about LCPS with Superintendent Aaron Spence. The final listening session of this series is:
- Thursday, April 18 -- TONIGHT! -- at Loudoun County High School
Free Workshops to Help Families Support their Students
We hope you will join us at one of these upcoming workshops and learn important information from LCPS staff and community partners that will help you support your student's academic, social and emotional development. Additional information about workshops offered can be found on the Parent Resource Services and the Division of English Learners’ Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) websites.
- Inclusive Practices and Team Teaching
Thursday, April 18 -- tonight -- 6:30 to 8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building, 21000 Education Ct., Ashburn. Understanding High School Graduation Requirements
Tuesday, April 23, 6 p.m. in English and Spanish; 7 p.m. in English and Arabic, Virtual. See the FACE website for more details.
Annual MSAAC Award Ceremony to Recognize Commitment to Equity
The Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee's (MSAAC) annual EquiTEA and Awards Ceremony will occur on Saturday, April 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Historic Douglass High School (407 E. Market St., Leesburg). This event recognizes and celebrates individuals, schools and community members dedicated to promoting educational equity and fostering the academic success of LCPS minority students. Learn more about MSAAC.
Drug Take Back Day Helps Prevent Medication Misuse
Safe disposal of medications is a powerful step toward preventing substance misuse, especially opioid misuse, among children and teenagers. The Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 27, provides an opportunity to remove unneeded medications from your home and help prevent medication misuse. On Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Leesburg Police Department will be hosting a collection site at 65 Plaza Street NE, Leesburg where residents can drop off their expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications. Other locations, including year-round collection sites, can be found on the DEA’s Take Back Day webpage. DEA Take Back Day is also an opportunity to talk with your child about medication safety. Parents are encouraged to review SAMHSA’s guide to Talking with Your Kids About Prescription Drug Abuse. Visit The U.S. Food & Drug Administration website for more information on proper disposal of unused medications.
JumpStart2NOVA Offers Tuition-Free Summer College Courses to Seniors
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) announces the return of JumpStart2NOVA. This program offers tuition-free summer college courses to high school seniors who are considering attending NOVA and who will be graduating this spring. The application for JumpStart2NOVA is now open and closes on Friday, May 10. Courses begin on Monday, June 3 and end on Monday, August 12. Interested students and their families are invited to attend an information session on Tuesday, April 30, 6 to 7 p.m. Please register in advance.
Energy and Environment Forum Provides Learning and Feedback Opportunities
The Loudoun County Environmental Commission is hosting an Energy and Environment Forum on Tuesday, May 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Academies of Loudoun. The event will feature breakout sessions with opportunities to learn about ongoing activities in the areas of energy and environment. It will also feature listening sessions to provide feedback on what environmental and sustainable focuses are important in Loudoun County. For more information, see the Loudoun Energy and Environment Forum webpage.
Calendar Reminders
April is National School Library Month. Join us in celebrating our superstar librarians!
Upcoming Holidays and Events
- Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day and a student and staff holiday.
- The last day of school is Friday, June 14.
- Please consult LCPS student calendars to help with your planning.
- 2024 graduation schedule.