
The LCPS Letter

Join LCPS for the Next Student Success Talk at River Bend Middle
Attend the next Student Success Talk at River Bend Middle School on Tuesday, March 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This event, hosted by Superintendent Aaron Spence, will provide families with resources and strategies to support their students’ success while fostering a strong connection with LCPS leadership. Whether you’re interested in digital tools or building stronger school partnerships, there’s something for everyone. A Student Success Talk will be held in each Loudoun election district through May. Visit the LCPS Student Success Talks webpage to learn more or to find the date and location for the Student Success Talk to be held in your area. For translation or interpretation services, contact the Superintendent's Office at clerk@lcps.org three days in advance. Join us and discover ways to empower your student’s success!
Students Invited to Attend Career and Trade Expo
High school students and their families are invited to attend the Career and Trade Expo at Loudoun Valley High School on Thursday, March 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Students will learn about trade careers and other jobs. All Loudoun County students interested in alternative career and education paths after graduating are welcome. The industries to be represented at the event include agribusiness, aviation, culinary, construction, drone technology, police and fire, and more. Students are encouraged to register. This event is sponsored by Loudoun Valley High School and Woodgrove High School.
Make Your Voice Heard! LCPS Family Survey is Open for Your Feedback
LCPS families and staff, your feedback shapes the future of our schools! The Annual Family Survey launched on February 24, and we need your input to help us create the best learning environment for all students. Look for an email from Superintendent Aaron Spence with your unique survey link or a reminder email from lcpsresearch@lcps.org with your dedicated link. If you have children in multiple schools, you’ll receive a survey for each one. Didn’t get the email? Contact research@lcps.org for assistance. Visit the Stakeholder Surveys 2025 Information webpage for more details.
Your responses guide school improvement plans and help us make decisions that impact every student’s success. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us shape the future of LCPS!
School Board Adopts 2026/2027 Calendar
At the Tuesday, February 25, 2025 meeting, the Loudoun County School Board (LCSB) adopted a school calendar for the 2026/2027 school year. Calendar Option 1 was adopted following a thorough calendar development process that included extensive community and staff feedback. See the options and information presented to the School Board.
The first day of school in the fall of 2026 for students will be Monday, August 17 and the last day of school for students will fall on Friday, June 11, 2027. The calendar as adopted follows Policy 7040-Student School Calendar and Staff Calendar for holidays and provides 14 nonworking days for teachers. Following the adoption of a school calendar, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) aligns more than 25 additional staff calendars for employees on various contract lengths. These extended calendars will be available after the 2027 budget is approved in 2026 and will depend upon budget decisions made for that school year.
The LCSB typically approves calendars two school years in advance allowing families to make plans early and important dates such as graduations to be set well ahead of time. Visit www.lcps.org/calendar to find the current school year calendar, the school calendar for the 2025/2026 school year, the calendar for the 2026/2027 school year, and the class of 2025’s graduation dates.
Learn more about LCPS calendar development and the requirements and policies that guide the process.
PEER Students Focus on Mentoring at Conference
More than 260 PEER students and 40 PEER sponsors, school social workers, and school counselors gathered for the annual PEER conference on March 5 to connect, share information and brainstorm ideas. The conference spotlighted the impact of mentoring. In a panel presentation, high school students who are mentors, elementary students who have benefited from mentoring, and a postgraduate student who draws on her high school mentoring experience in her professional life shared what they enjoy about the mentoring process and what they gain from it. In addition, students and staff from Freedom, Riverside, Lightridge and Broad Run high schools presented information-packed mini-workshops sharing mentoring tips and strategies to promote inclusion, respect and kindness in the mentoring process. PEER, or Positive Experiences in Educational Relationships, is a specialized LCPS high school class designed to develop mentoring skills and teach students how to assist their classmates emotionally, socially and academically.
Attend the Next Family Academy Workshop on Demystifying K-12 Assessments
The Family Academy virtual workshop series continues with a session designed to take the stress out of testing season. From Tests to Success – Demystifying K-12 Assessments will be on Thursday, March 13, at noon and 6 p.m. Gain a clearer understanding of the LCPS assessment process. Learn what tests measure, how to prepare your student, and how you can support their success during critical academic periods. Visit the LCPS Family Academy webpage for more details and updates or to register. These workshops are open to all LCPS families with students in grades K-12.
Explore Virtual Learning at the Distance Learning Fireside Chat and Q&A Webinar
Families interested in virtual learning can join a Distance Learning Live Fireside Chat and Q&A Webinar on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. to learn more about synchronous online daily instruction in LCPS. This session allows parents/guardians to connect, ask questions and receive answers about virtual learning. The webinar will cover key topics, including curriculum delivery, student engagement strategies, special needs considerations, social-emotional learning and the role of parents in a virtual learning environment. Families will learn how educators create opportunities to support students and ensure a consistent, accessible curriculum. Families are encouraged to register to receive an email with the link to join the meeting.
Distance Learning offers students a flexible learning experience where they can take charge of their education. Through an individualized approach, students explore their interests, develop their talents, and learn in a way that best fits their needs. For more information, visit the Virtual Distance Learning (VDL) or Virtual Distance Elementary (VDE) websites.
Summer in the Arts Registration Opened March 5
The LCPS Summer in the Arts program is back for 2025, offering rising sixth through 10th-grade students an opportunity to explore their creativity. From June 24 to July 3, students can participate in engaging classes such as instrumental and vocal music, theater, visual arts, dance, creative writing and robotics. Hosted at Briar Woods High School, the program provides an immersive arts experience for students over the summer.
The 2025 Summer in the Arts catalog is now available, featuring details about class offerings and schedules. Registration opened Wednesday, March 5, and spots are filling quickly. Families can visit the Summer in the Arts website to register and learn more about this creative summer opportunity. A program fee applies. Don’t let students miss the chance to spark creativity and discover new talents!
5 Steps for Kindergarten Registration
It is time to register kindergarten students for the 2025/26 school year! Registering a student for kindergarten can be completed in just five steps:
Determine eligibility
Identify your home school
Gather documents
Complete online pre-registration
Schedule an in-person appointment
If parents/guardians have any questions, they can contact their student’s home school or LCPS RegistrationServices@lcps.org. See more information about Student Registration on the LCPS website.
Don't Wait! Vaccinate!
Don't wait until August to schedule your student's required vaccinations. Schedule vaccination appointments today and prepare your student to be able to start school on time. Seventh and twelfth-grade students must have their required immunizations before starting school. Once your student has been immunized, provide proof of vaccination to the student's school nurse any time before the first day of school. Students without the appropriate documentation will not be able to start school on the first day of school. See Immunization Requirements for more details.
Special Permission Application Period Is Open
Special Permission allows families to request that their student attend a school other than the school that is assigned to their attendance zone. The Special Permission application window for LCPS families opened on Monday, Feb. 3, and will close on Wednesday, April 30, at 11:59 p.m. Once the Special Permission period closes, requests for Special Permission will not be accepted. Please note the schools projected to be over-enrolled posted on the Special Permission website. (This list is subject to change.) Special Permission requests submitted to over-enrolled schools will be voided within 30 days of application. See the Special Permission webpage for more information and to apply.
LCPS Celebrates Partnerships That Help Schools Thrive
The Loudoun County School Business Partnership Executive Council, in partnership with the Loudoun Education Foundation, will host its annual School Business Partnership Awards Recognition Breakfast on Friday, March 21 at the National Conference Center.
This event celebrates impactful collaborations between local businesses and schools and recognizes the many partners who help LCPS students and schools succeed. These partnerships provide vital support and expertise that enhance educational opportunities for students. Together we thrive, building stronger connections between education and the community to create a brighter future.
Take a moment to think about the many partners who support your child’s school. Thank a partner today for their contributions to student success. To learn more about the Loudoun County School Business Partnership Executive Council, visit lcps.org/sbp.
HAMSci Represents Loudoun Education Foundation's Mission
Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) enjoyed visiting the Health and Medical Sciences (HAMSci) Academy this week and meeting students who are preparing for highly skilled careers in the healthcare industry. This program represents the heart of LEF’s mission: collaborating with local business partners to support LCPS students. Three years ago, the HAMSci Academy started with the spark of an idea, as LEF set out to raise $400,000 to launch the program. Now 75 first-year students are enrolled at two locations, Tuscarora High School and Briar Woods. There is nothing LEF loves more than seeing our mission in action!
LEF makes connections with individuals, organizations and local businesses interested in supporting impactful programs within LCPS. LEF's focus is on creating and supporting programs that improve the quality of public education in Loudoun County. Learn more about LEF.
Nominate An Employee for the LCPS Annual Awards
Do you know an exceptional LCPS staff member? Nominate them for the LCPS Annual Awards! Awards are given in two categories: instructional awards (teacher, principal, student support specialist, substitute and more) operational awards (bus driver, bus attendant, custodial services, school nutrition services, safety and security and more). Please see this complete list of eligible positions. Nominations can be submitted by staff, parents, students and/or community members for an outstanding employee based on their exemplary performance. To nominate an outstanding employee, submit a completed nomination form by Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m.
Annual Recognition for Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is currently accepting nominations for its annual Recognition for Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards. This awards program honors educators, students, programs, parents and community members who have gone above and beyond to foster meaningful inclusion that promotes adaptability, creativity, disability awareness, acceptance, and peer-to-peer interactions for students with disabilities. To submit a nomination, fill out the 2025 Nomination Form. Nominations must be received by midnight on Friday, March 21 to be considered. Winners will be notified by SEAC in May 2025. The SEAC Awards Ceremony will be on June 4 at Loudoun County High School.
Workshops to Support Your Student
- Summer Resource Fair for Families of Students with Disabilities
Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., LCPS Administration Building, (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn)
Join LCPS to explore summer camps, classes and activities available for your child. Registration required. - Parenting the Anxious Child
Thursday, March 13, 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building, (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn)
This workshop will present skills necessary for coping with anxiety and provide parents/guardians with strategies for supporting their anxious child. Registration required. - Diploma Options and Graduation Requirements for Students with IEPs
Thursday, March 27, 6:30-8 p.m., Virtual
This presentation provides information to parents of students with IEPs about diploma options, graduation requirements, credit accommodations and locally verified credits. Registration required. (A virtual meeting link will be emailed after registering.)
See the LCPS calendar for more details.
Workshops for English Learner Families
The Division of English Learners’ Office of Family and Community Engagement (EL FACE) provides workshops to support English Learner families. Below are workshops happening soon.
- Graduation Pathways for English Learners
Tuesday, March 25, 6 p.m. Spanish and English, 7 p.m., Arabic and English, Virtual.
Join the EL FACE and EL Secondary team to learn about the essential requirements for high school graduation and get support for your individualized journey. Please come with questions! See the EL FACE website for more details.
School Board News
Read a summary of the Loudoun County School Board's most recent meeting held on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The next Loudoun County School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11. All LCPS School Board meetings are live-streamed. The full meeting agenda will be available on the LCPS School Board website (under Meetings) by approximately 5:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the School Board meeting.
Policy Review
LCPS policies are reviewed every five years per the Code of Virginia. During this process, LCPS asks for input from advisory committees, stakeholder groups and the community at large. The following policies are under review:
- 4020, Student Fees and Charges
- 6530, Changing School Attendance Zones
- 8450, Student Lactation Support
- 2320, School Health Advisory Board
- 2510, Community Communications and Community Involvement
- 7020, Employment or Supervision of Family Members
- 7520, Non-School Employment
- 7612, Experience Credit for Teacher Licensed and Auxiliary New Hires
- 8280, Corporal Punishment Prohibited
Please see the Policy Review webpage for feedback submission deadlines and more details. Providing input does not guarantee that the feedback will be included in the final policy. All feedback will be reviewed by the School Board Committee as they develop policies for submission to the entire School Board. The authority for final approval of any policy lies solely with the Loudoun County School Board.
Calendar Reminders
Upcoming Holidays and Events
- Monday, March 31 is Eid al Fitr and student and staff holiday.
- The third grading period ends on Thursday, April 3.
- Friday, April 4 is a student holiday and a staff planning day.
- Monday, April 7 is a student holiday and a county-wide professional development day.
- Spring Break is from Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18.
- Check the calendars for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 school years before you schedule vacations or doctor's appointments.
- The 2025 graduation schedule is posted on the LCPS website.
Quick Links
- One LCPS: Forward Together Post-Entry Plan
- LCPS Policy Review
- Office of the Ombuds
- Comment and Complaint Form
- LCPS News Stories
- Mental Health and Community Resources for Families
- Student Assistance Services
- Attendance Resources
- Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness
- Free On-Demand Tutoring
- LCPS Family and Community Engagement
- Join the LCPS Team