The DSS Digest

Diagnostic & Prevention Services

Procedural Support

Special Education

Student Mental Health

Student Services

Dear Department of Student Services, 😀

Happy June! 🎉

As we enter the final month of this school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the exceptional support and dedication you have shown to our students, staff, and families across LCPS. Your efforts have been instrumental in ensuring a successful and enriching school year for everyone.🥳

Appreciation:

• Support and Guidance: Your commitment to providing personalized support to our students, whether through counseling, academic advising, or special education services, has made a significant impact on their well-being and academic success.
• Programs and Initiatives: The programs and initiatives you have introduced, such as the wellness partnerships with community stakeholders, support of the Superintendent’s Listening Sessions, and career counseling events to spotlight SchooLinks, have been invaluable in helping students navigate their educational journey and prepare for their future endeavors.
• Crisis Management: Your swift and compassionate response to any crises or challenges that arose throughout the year ensured that our students and school community felt safe and supported at all times.

Final Month Updates:

• Graduations and Promotion Ceremonies: Coordinate with schools as appropriate to provide support and assistance to ensure we celebrate our students as they meet milestones in their educational journeys.

Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment and hard work. Together, we have created a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters growth and learning. I look forward to our continued collaboration and the exciting possibilities the next school year will bring.

Wishing you all a productive and successful final month of the school year and a summer filled with what makes your heart happy!

Warm regards,

Tedra

The students in the Computer Integrated Engineering Design (CEID) class at the Academies of Loudoun took on the challenge of designing and creating a variety of switches and toys that are activated by switches used by students with disabilities. A multidisciplinary team of educators worked in pairs to provide feedback on the designs. The students in the CEID class corresponded with the professionals to gather insights into desired aspects of the design of the devices. They then developed prototypes and sent them to the supporting educator teams who invited students with disabilities to give feedback on the usefulness of the draft products. The student designers then made adjustments based on user feedback to improve the next iteration of switches and switch activated toys. This authentic learning experience resulted in the creation of sophisticated, functional tools used by students with and without disabilities to interact with toys, appliances, and other learning devices. The class was led by the Technology Resource Teacher, Amy Santos, and supported by the Makerspace Teacher, Josh Ajima. If you’d like to learn more about the project or if you’d like to implement something similar with learners you support, please contact the Assistive Technology Specialist, Chris Bugaj.

A special thanks goes out to the educators who worked to support all the learners involved in this project including all of the following:

• Crystal Kick-Krisko, Occupational Therapist - Kenneth W. Culbert Elementary

• Deborah Schwind, Occupational Therapist - Cedar Lane Elementary

• Melissa Slusar, Former Resource Teacher - Cedar Lane Elementary

• Emily Davis, Resource Teacher - Elaine E. Thompson Elementary

• Katherine Rainier, Physical Education Teacher - Pinebrook Elementary

• Leslie Hudson, Resource Teacher - Liberty Elementary

• Jordan Wilner, Hearing Itinerant - Woodgrove High School

• Katie Robertson, Specialist Instructional Facilitator - Assistive Technology

• Joyce Sharp, Specialist Instructional Facilitator - Assistive Technology

Sources of Strength is a radically strengths-based, upstream prevention program. It promotes mental health by encouraging individuals to identify and develop protective factors, or strengths, they rely on during difficult times. Staff (adult advisors) and students (peer leaders) work together to create campaigns that increase awareness of these strengths and spread messages of hope, help, and strength.

This school year, our amazing peer leaders and adult advisors worked hard to implement over 130 campaigns in middle and high schools across the county, with an average reach of over 950 students! Here are some highlights from the year.

Loudoun County HS held a community event sponsored by Sources of Strength called “Be Kind to Your Mind” that featured food trucks, wellness activities, and mental health resources! Additionally, they created a bulletin board featuring a variety of suicide prevention and mental health resources.

Loudoun Valley HS held a Wellness Week that included a variety of spirit days and culminated in a Wellness Walk activity. This was a collaborative effort between Sources of Strength and PEER and included a variety of other student organizations such as the National Arts Honors, Black Student Union, SCA, Yoga Club, Hispanic Heritage Club, National Science Honors, and more!

Briar Woods HS held a “Stress Less Week” in which the Sources of Strength team had a water bar to help students “wash away stress” and gave out calming strips with breathing strategies.

Belmont Station MS created a Mental Health Awareness Week activity in which students guessed how many lifesaver candies were in a jar. This activity was paired with signage sharing ways students can support struggling friends (i.e., how they can be a “lifesaver”).

Many schools also created campaigns that highlighted the amazing students and staff we have in our schools through “positive friends” and “trusted adults” campaigns:

Farmwell Station MS implemented a “trusted adults” campaign in which students wrote the names of their trusted adults on hearts which were displayed on classroom doors.

Briar Woods HS held a “Taco Bout it with Your Trusted Adult” campaign in which students wrote the names of trusted adults in the school on taco cut-outs. The tacos were featured on a bulletin board and nominated staff received a “taco certificate” sharing who nominated them and why.

Blue Ridge MS held a “Stronger Together” campaign in which students received an advisory lesson focused on the trusted adults and positive friends, and every student in the school wrote the names of trusted adults or positive friends on a slip of paper. These papers were collected to create a long chain of supportive people that was displayed in the school cafeteria.

Welcome to the Department of Student Services, Tracy!

School Counseling Services is thrilled to announce Tracy Wood as the new School Counseling Coordinator. Tracy joins the School Counseling Services team with high school counseling experience in LCPS beginning in 2015, serving both Dominion and Riverside high schools. Her experience includes internships at all educational levels and valuable time spent as a substitute teacher in elementary schools. Tracy's connection to the education community is deep, as her husband teaches in Fairfax County Public Schools, and her son is a student in Loudoun County.

Tracy received her Master’s in Education and Human Development, specializing in School Counseling, from The George Washington University. She has presented in diverse professional settings, including the LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference, Virginia School Counselor

Association Conference, and Virginia Department of Education Safe and Supportive Schools Conference. Tracy also serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Loudoun Mental Health where she focuses on fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach. Before transitioning to the profession of education, Tracy gained valuable leadership experience as a marketing director and assistant general manager at The Grove in Los Angeles. Prior to her time in the retail real estate industry, she was a dance teacher, choreographer, and performer; most notably a Radio City Rockette for 8 years. When she is not working, Tracy enjoys unwinding with a good book, dancing, binge watching her favorite television shows, and cheering on her son at sporting events. Tracy will begin her journey as the School Counseling Coordinator on June 17th!

Welcome and Congratulations to Kelly and Maria!

I know we will welcome both Kelly and Maria to our DSS Family as they transition into their new roles for the upcoming school year!

The Office of Special Education is pleased to announce that Kelly Ventura has been selected to serve as a new supervisor for the Office of Special Education. Kelly holds a bachelor and masters’ degree from Longwood University in liberal studies and special education. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University. Kelly has extensive experience in the field of education as a special educator and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She started her career at CARD as an ABA therapist and continued her career as a preschool autism teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools. Upon her arrival in LCPS, first joining us in 2016 as a special education teacher at Trailside Middle School and then as a Behavior/Program Specialist for the past six years, Kelly has utilized her expert knowledge to support staff and students. During her 8 years in LCPS she has also served as the Ukeru administrative lead, has served as a lead coordinator of specialized programs for students with emotional disabilities, and has represented the Office of Special Education in facilitating school-based and county-wide professional development. The Office of Special Education is excited and looking forward to Kelly’s leadership in her new role.

The Office of Special Education is pleased to announce that Maria Neidrick has been selected to serve as a new supervisor for the Office of Special Education. Maria holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary and special education from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She also earned her master of education in school administration from Cambridge College. Maria has had an extensive career in education, starting as an elementary special education teacher in both Hampton and Virginia Beach Public Schools. In Virginia Beach, she also served as special education coordinator prior to becoming an assistant principal for Frederick County Public Schools. Since 2018 Maria has served as the Assistant Director of Special Instructional Services for Frederick County Public Schools where she has been able to use her expertise to improve outcomes for students with disabilities through implementing creative and strategic solutions. The Office of Special Education is very excited to welcome Maria to our OneLCPS team and are looking forward to the leadership she will bring .

The Loudoun Education Foundation has received a $15,000 grant from 100WomenStrong to support the Community Schools Mobile Health Clinic (MHC). The MHC is made possible through an LCPS Student Services partnership with Inova Health Loudoun.

The MHC travels to Sterling area Community Schools, providing required school entry physicals to uninsured students. The MHC staff also refer families to Inova Cares Clinic for Families HealthWorks of Virginia establish a medical home for primary care, immunizations, preventative health services, and other medical needs for free or low-cost. The MHC is staffed by LCPS Community Schools Nurse Practitioner, Kristina Jung, DNP, LCPS Mobile Clinic Assistant Esha Kesavarapu, and Inova registered nurses and bus driver. Since its inception in July of 2023, the MHC has served over 260 students.

Funding for this grant was provided by 100WomenStrong, a local philanthropy organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of the residents of Loudoun County, by combining powerful financial strength, a philanthropic passion for giving, and community leadership. 100WomenStrong is a tremendous supporter of the Community Schools Initiative, and we are so grateful for their generosity!

Pictured (left to right): Kari Murphy, Director of Development, Loudoun Education Foundation; Sarah Boies, LCPS Supervisor, Outreach Services; Pam Ray, Managing Director, 100WomenStrong; Danielle Nadler, Executive Director, Loudoun Education Foundation.

The McKinney-Vento team has been hard at work putting together summer activity and post-secondary kits for students who are currently experiencing homelessness. The kits were made possible through the use of one time grant funding and will be dispersed to the1402 LCPS students who are approved for the McKinney-Vento program. All summer activity kits provide each student with an age-appropriate educational activity and an outdoor activity that they can enjoy all summer long. The post-secondary kits include items such as a hygiene kit, laundry necessities, and a reusable place setting.

Career and Transition helps students plan for independence in post-high school life. There is a transition teacher and job coach at each high school, who work with the Special Education teachers in each of their high schools and middle schools on transition planning for all students with an IEP, ages 14 to 22. Transition teachers can provide instruction in Career and Transition classes, such as Career Pathways and Personal Finance. There are two post-Applied Studies Diploma programs for students with an IEP, ages 18-22, who have a need for additional training and education before exiting LCPS and who are interested in and meet the criteria for participation in the programs.

The mission of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, is to create an integrated system of academic, behavioral, and social emotional supports for all students. Through empowering and collaborative connections between families, schools, and community resources, students will experience engaging, affirming, equitable, and supportive learning that encourages academic and social growth through the consistent delivery of explicit and systematic instruction. Please scroll midway down page for all newsletters.

The Office of Student Assistance Services oversees Attendance Support and Intervention, Substance Use Prevention and Intervention, and Restorative Practices. Our mission is to promote student wellness and safety by fostering the personal strengths and resiliency within each student as we encourage them to make meaningful contributions to the school community and the world.

School counselors provide comprehensive school counseling programs to address students' academic, career and social-emotional developmental needs. School Counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student success and well-being.

Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM), sometimes shortened to just "Threat Assessment", is a behavioral approach to violence prevention that focuses on targeted threats before they escalate into violent behavior. Threat assessment teams use a problem-solving approach to evaluate the risk of violence posed by someone and intervene and resolve the issues that underlie threatening behavior.

Career and Transition helps students plan for independence in post-high school life. There is a transition teacher and job coach at each high school, who work with the Special Education teachers in each of their high schools and middle schools on transition planning for all students with an IEP, ages 14 to 22. Transition teachers can provide instruction in Career and Transition classes, such as Career Pathways and Personal Finance. There are also two post-Applied Studies Diploma programs for students with an IEP, ages 18-22, who have a need for additional training and education before exiting LCPS and who are interested in and meet the criteria for participation in the programs.

John J. Lody, Director

The Office of Diagnostic and Prevention Services is responsible for the leadership, management and provision of services and supports to schools and students in the areas of educational diagnostic services; eligibility for special education; Section 504 identification, evaluation, and placement; early childhood identification services at the Preschool Child Find Center; behavioral threat assessment; and Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which includes Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, Response to Intervention, and Social-Emotional Learning.

Sarah Fowler, Supervisor

Jennifer Laible, Lead Educational Diagnostician

Who are Educational Diagnosticians?

Educational diagnosticians are specialists who are knowledgeable about academic assessment and prescriptive teaching approaches. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to help diagnose student learning problems, identify their educational needs, and develop instructional interventions to remediate skill weaknesses and evaluate student progress.

What services do Educational Diagnosticians provide?

• Educational Evaluations: Educational Diagnosticians administer educational diagnostic evaluations to comprehensively assess the academic functioning and educational needs of students suspected of having educational disabilities, write comprehensive educational reports, and hold parent conferences to explain and interpret results and findings.

• Academic Consultation: Educational Diagnosticians collaborate with school administration, instructional staff, and parents to enhance the academic achievement of students, providing academic consultation support to school staff and intervention teams.

• Referral Review Team: Educational Diagnosticians serve as a member of school teams to review records and other performance evidence to assist in determining whether a student is suspected of having an educational disability and in need of an evaluation.
• Eligibility Team: Educational Diagnosticians present educational evaluation findings and assist the eligibility team in determining whether a child qualifies for special education or Section 504 services.

What are some facts about Educational Diagnosticians in LCPS?

• Every school in the division has an assigned educational diagnostician. Each diagnostician typically serves three to four schools within a geographical cluster.

• Educational diagnosticians are experienced special education teachers typically with master's degrees in special education or a related field emphasizing instruction, assessment, and learning theory.

• Educational diagnosticians are licensed as teachers by the Virginia Department of Education. Some LCPS educational diagnosticians are also credentialed as Nationally Certified Educational Diagnosticians (NCED).

Kurt Mills, Coordinator

LCPS Department of Student Services, is excited to announce that we have partnered with Dr. Jonathan Dalton, school refusal and anxiety expert, from the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change, in Rockville, MD and McLean, VA to provide information, school-based staff intervention and strategies training, and parent resources to LCPS staff and families impacted by student school refusal and anxiety.

Are you a parent or guardian of a student who is considering Homebound Instruction Services for your student who is struggling with school refusal and anxiety? Watch this video to learn when Homebound services may be appropriate and beneficial for your student and when it may be counter-productive to the goal of successfully returning your student to school.

Homebound Instruction Webpage

School counselors are licensed educators with a minimum of a Master's degree in School Counseling and are uniquely qualified to address the academic, career, and personal/social needs of all students. By designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program, school counselors serve to promote and enhance student success.

MTSS is an integrated system of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional instructional practices to support needs of all students and increase equitable learning experiences. This “whole child” prevention approach addresses the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs through the related approaches of Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and school mental health.

Sarah Boies, M.S., Supervisor

The Office of Outreach Services supports the family liaisons at each school, interpreters, and the Community School Initiative. Our office works closely with school staff, community partners, business partners and other stakeholders. Our goal is to connect students and families to the school community, and identify tools and resources that will help all students achieve educational success.

Leanne Kidwell, Educator

Parent Resource Services (PRS) is committed to positive relationships among parents, schools and communities. PRS assists families with questions and planning as well as provides resources and training.

Special Education Parent Series (Master Schedule)

Mental Health & Wellness Parent Series (Master Schedule)

The Preschool Child Find office determines whether preschool-age children (2 through 5 years old) have an educational disability and require special education services.

If you have concerns about your preschool-age child and think they may need special education services...

Please complete the LCPS Preschool Child Find Multi-Purpose Referral Form

OR call 571-252-2180

OR email preschoolchildfind@lcps.org to request an appointment with the Preschool Child Find office.

The purpose of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity offered by Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS). Policy 8030 requires that no student shall, on the basis of a disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity.

• The LCPS procedures related to Section 504 identification, evaluation, placement, discipline, procedural safeguards, grievance procedures, and impartial hearings are outlined in the LCPS Section 504 Procedure Manual.

  
  

• As a resource, parents and families may access the Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools developed by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. This guide helps parents of students with disabilities and members of the community understand the obligations and requirements of Section 504.

The Loudoun County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) works with

the School Board, Administrators, Parents and Teachers who are responsible for students

receiving special education services. SEAC advises the School Board on the needs of special

education students and examines issues of relevance to the special education community.

SEAC Meeting Schedule 2023-2024

Jeannie Kloman, BSN, RN - Supervisor

Our Vision: We support a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment so that every student can make meaningful contributions to the world.

Our Mission: Our mission is to foster the growth, development, and educational achievement of all students by advocating and promoting health and wellness in a safe and supportive environment. We are committed to meeting the health needs of all students through the effective utilization of resources, planning and collaboration with families, school staff, community partners and health care providers.

All Rising 7th and 12th grade students are required to have immunizations before the start of the school year. The Loudoun County Health Department is providing the required immunizations at no cost to families.

Darren Madison, LCSW - Supervisor

The Office of Student Assistance Services oversees Attendance Support and Intervention, Substance Use Prevention and Intervention, and Restorative Practices. Our mission is to promote student wellness and safety by fostering the personal strengths and resiliency within each student as we encourage them to make meaningful contributions to the school community and the world.

June: Creative Exploration

June is your canvas, and you're the artist ready to splash it with vibrant colors of creativity. Pick a hobby that makes your heart sing and dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Whether it's painting, writing, or crafting, let your creative spirit soar. And with daily creativity prompts, expect a delightful surprise of inspiration every day!

Activity: Creative Hobby Month

• Objective: To explore and nurture your creativity.

• How to Do It: Dedicate time to a creative hobby, whether it's painting, writing, or crafting.

Exercise: Creativity Prompts

• Purpose: To stimulate creative thinking.

• How to Do It: Use daily prompts to inspire your creative work.

July: Summer Self-Care

July is your summer self-care festival! Soak in the sun, wiggle your toes in the grass, and let nature's beauty be your playground. From hiking adventures to serene moments in your garden, each day is a ticket to Mother Nature's grand show. And don't forget to bask in the glorious sunlight – it's like nature's way of giving you a warm, energizing hug!

Activity: Nature Immersion

• Objective: To connect with the natural world.

• How to Do It: Plan regular outdoor activities like hiking, beach trips, or gardening.

Exercise: Sunlight and Serenity

• Purpose: To reap the benefits of natural sunlight.

• How to Do It: Spend time in the sun (safely) each day, whether it's a morning walk or a lunch break outdoors.

August: Intellectual Curiosity

Welcome to August, the month of intellectual adventures! Unleash your inner Einstein by diving into new skills and knowledge. Whether it's unraveling the mysteries of the universe or mastering a new cooking technique, your brain is ready for a fun-filled workout. And keep those neurons firing with daily brain teasers – think of them as your personal mind Olympics!

Activity: Learning a New Skill

• Objective: To stimulate intellectual growth.

• Resources: Online courses, local classes, or self-teaching materials.

• How to Do It: Pick a skill you're interested in and dedicate time each week to learn and practice.

Exercise: Brain Teasers and Puzzles

• Purpose: To keep your mind sharp and engaged.

• How to Do It: Solve a different puzzle or brain teaser each day.

Website Resource: Self Care is For Everyone

June 2024:

• Caribbean American Heritage Month
• Pride Month

• June 14, 2024: Last Day of School(Students)
  

• June 19, 2024: Juneteenth Holiday

• Extended School Year Services: July 1-26, 2024

• July 4-5, 2024: District Holiday Fourth of July Holiday

Tedra L. Richardson, Assistant Superintendent

Kirk Dolson, Director of Student Services

John J. Lody, Director of Diagnostic and Prevention Services

Donna M. Smith, Director of Procedural Support

Dr. Paige J. Carter, Director of Special Education Specialized Instruction

Jennifer Evans, Director of Student Mental Health Services

Sarah A. Kish, Assistant Director of Procedural Support

Nykea L. Purnell, Assistant Director of Special Education Specialized Instruction