The LCPS Letter

LCPS invites families to attend Student Success Talks with Superintendent Aaron Spence. These informative events will take place across all eight Loudoun County election districts from November 2024 through May 2025. Each Student Success Talk will provide practical tips on supporting students’ academic, social and emotional success. Topics will include ParentVUE and other digital tools, assessments and testing, college and career readiness, mental health and well-being and family involvement. This is a great opportunity to engage with LCPS leadership and connect with other families. For more information and to learn when the Success Talks will be held in your area, visit the Student Success Talks webpage.

Translation or interpretation services are available to support meaningful participation in these meetings. Please contact the Superintendent's Office at clerk@lcps.org at least three days before the meeting.

River Bend Middle School sixth-grade students participated in an immersive, hands-on mobile STEM lab experience hosted by Learning Undefeated, an experiential learning nonprofit. This program was made possible through a grant from Equinix Foundation with support from Loudoun Education Foundation. The program teaches students about STEM job opportunities in the region and promotes equity in STEM career fields. Students explored topics such as artificial intelligence, Ohm’s Law of electricity, and the Mystery of the Crooked Cell, which provided a look at the science behind diseases. Students learned alongside volunteers and tech professionals, who shared their passion for the industry in hopes of inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. The mobile STEM lab will be visiting other LCPS schools later this year. Read more about the mobile STEM lab.

Starting next Tuesday, emails from schools and the division may look a little different. Learn what’s changed:

• School-wide email communications will now be coming from a no-reply email address. For example, a school-wide email from your principal or attendance admin will come from an email address that looks something like this “schoolabbreviation.noreply@lcps.org.” A division-wide email will come from “donotreply@lcps.org.”

• Opting out of school or division emails and phone calls is no longer a feature in this new system. If families or staff opted out of receiving a type of mass communication (email, text/SMS and/or phone) in the past, that opt-out did not carry over into the new system.

• Families and staff can still opt out of text/SMS messages via their phone, and weather-related notifications via ParentVUE.

LCPS is hosting information sessions for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and the Health & Medical Sciences Academy (HAMSci). Are you an 8th-grade student interested in learning more about LCPS Special Programs? Join us for one of these sessions, just in time for the interest window, which is open from Dec. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025.

Health & Medical Science Academy Information Nights
Informational Night Flyer, English & Spanish

• Thursday, Nov. 7, 7-8 p.m. at Tuscarora High School (801 N King St, Leesburg)
• Monday, Nov. 11, 7-8 p.m. at Briar Woods High School ( 22525 Belmont Ridge Rd, Ashburn)

International Baccalaureate Program Information Nights
Informational Night Flyer, English & Spanish

• Thursday, Nov. 21, 6-7 p.m. at Loudoun Valley High School (340 N Maple Ave, Purcellville)
• Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m. at Heritage High School ( 520 Evergreen Mills Rd SE, Leesburg)

Students can submit their interest in these programs through the Student Opportunities System in LCPS GO. The interest window is open from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31 for currently enrolled 8th-grade students. For more details on LCPS Special Programs and Academies, visit LCPS Special Programs.

LCPS will host Parent Information Nights for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at various locations across the county in December and January. The DLI program gives native English and Spanish-speaking students the chance to develop strong skills in both languages while achieving academic success. Students learn to read, write, and communicate effectively in English and Spanish, while their primary language continues to grow. The program helps students become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally competent. Parents and guardians with incoming kindergarteners and /or rising first-grade families interested in the DLI program should attend one of the upcoming in-person meetings. For dates, times and locations, visit www.lcps.org/DLI or see these flyers: Information Night Flyer (English) or Information Night Flyer (Spanish).

Are you on active duty in the uniformed services or working on federally-owned property located in VA? Please fill out the Federal Impact Aid survey via ParentVUE. The Federal Impact Aid Program is designed to assist school divisions that enroll federally connected students. The funds from this program directly impact the LCPS general operating budget.

How to complete the survey:

• Log in to ParentVUE with your ParentVUE username and password.
• Click on the Online Registration button in the upper right corner.
• Select the 24-25 Impact Aid Survey button to begin the survey.
• Complete the questions and click on Submit.
• Be sure to complete the survey by Friday, Nov. 22.

Throughout the school year, the Office of Special Education, the Office of Student Mental Health Services and the Division of English Learners’ Family and Community Engagement Office host workshops and information sessions to inform parents/guardians and community members about LCPS programs or to highlight key points of awareness. These events feature LCPS education professionals and often also include community partners. 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.

• Welcome to LCPS EL Family Workshop for New Families
  Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30 - 8 p.m.; Historic Douglass High School, 407 East Market St., Leesburg
  The Welcome to LCPS EL Family Workshop for new international families provides a brief orientation about LCPS and the U.S. school system. Sessions are available in English, Spanish, Arabic and Farsi/Dari. For further information, contact ELFACE@lcps.org. The Welcome to LCPS workshops are held on the first Thursday of each month. The same information is presented at each workshop; participants only need to attend one workshop.
  
  
• The Nuts and Bolts of Executive Function and Behavior
  Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building, 21000 Education Ct., Ashburn
  While not a new concept, executive functioning is becoming more of a topic of interest as organizing, planning, time management, and prioritizing are linked to behavior, social and emotional skills. This presentation will briefly overview executive functioning and include practical strategies for immediate use in home and school settings. Participants will leave the presentation understanding how these strategies can support common behavioral challenges, such as school refusal, becoming easily overwhelmed with everyday tasks, low frustration tolerance, and low stamina for work and home tasks. Registration requested.
  
  
• Opportunities for High School Students: LCPS International Baccalaureate and Health and Medical Sciences Academy
  Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Spanish and English, 7 p.m., Arabic and English, Virtual
  Join the EL FACE team virtually to learn about LCPS program offerings and enrollment timelines for the Pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and Health & Medical Sciences (HamSci) Academy available to high school students. See the FACE website for more details.
  
  
• Effects of Screentime
  Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Virtual
  Although technology is an essential part of our culture today, what is it doing to our children's mental health? Join us as we learn from Dr. Kevin Skinner, a licensed family therapist with ParentGuidance.org, as he shares the direct link between mental health concerns and increased screen time and how to talk to your children about your concerns. This workshop is hosted by ParentGuidance.org and is part of its Mental Health Series. Register for the Zoom link: 7 p.m. workshop; 9 p.m. workshop.

Nearly 100 LCPS middle school students from Willard, Lunsford and Mercer Middle Schools participated in Pathways to Engineering Careers, hosted by Microsoft and supported by Loudoun Education Foundation on Wednesday, Oct. 23. This event provided an overview of career options for girls who are interested in engineering. The students had the opportunity to virtually explore a data center through CloudCraft, an educational variation on MineCraft; disassemble and reassemble CAT-5 cables and learn how these ubiquitous cables relay information; and hear from a panel of computer and technology engineers about their career pathways. Read more about the Pathways to Engineering Careers event.

Cases of pertussis or whooping cough are on the increase across the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current number of cases of pertussis in the U.S. are three times higher than at the same time last year.

Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The illness initially resembles a common cold with cold-like symptoms, runny nose, cough and low-grade fever. One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, the cough becomes much worse and includes bursts of uncontrollable coughing, which may be followed by a high-pitched whoop or vomiting. This disease can be serious for infants, young children and pregnant women.

To help control the spread of pertussis, families are asked to:

• Check student’s immunization records. By the age of six, children should receive five doses of the pertussis vaccine (as part of the DTaP vaccine). This vaccine is required for all kindergarteners. Please contact your healthcare provider to ensure your child is completely vaccinated.

• Older children and adults should receive a single booster dose of the pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap). This vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade, and a booster is recommended every 10 years.

• Monitor your child for signs of illness. Even if your child has been vaccinated against pertussis, they may still develop the illness because protection from the vaccine may decrease over time.

• Keep any child diagnosed with pertussis at home until they have received five days of antibiotic treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider to evaluate a child who has pertussis symptoms.

Your student recently participated in one or more of the following assessments. Scores and/or score reports are now available for review in ParentVUE. Assessment scores can be found in the “Test History” tab and score reports can be found in the “Documents” tab. See the LCPS website for more details on how to view your student's assessment scores.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), grades 1-8 and certain high school students: MAP Growth tests are adaptive (the assessment adapts to the test-taker’s ability level), providing a detailed picture of what your student knows and is ready to learn – whether it is on, above, or below grade level expectations. MAP Growth tests also provide immediate and accurate information about your student’s learning, enabling teachers to personalize instruction to meet students’ needs. See the LCPS website for more information about the MAP Growth tests.

i-Ready, grades 9-12: i-Ready is an adaptive assessment tool that measures six areas of reading development. See the i-Ready website for more information.

Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP), grade K: VKRP gives you and your child’s teacher a more comprehensive picture of school readiness across four key domains: mathematics, literacy (VALLSSPALS), self-regulation, and social skills. It provides information teachers can use to effectively individualize instruction and partner with you to help support your child’s school success. See the VKRP website for more information.

Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS), grades 1-3: VALLSS is the Virginia Department of Education’s sponsored literacy screener. VALLSS measures components of reading that are key for reading comprehension, and is aligned with the newest reading science. See the linked information for more about Literacy Screening in Virginia: Information for Families.

Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST), grades K-12 for certain students: LCPS uses FAST as a diagnostic for oral reading fluency and early literacy skills and as a progress monitoring tool. Progress monitoring data gained is used to determine progress and responsiveness to instruction. See the FAST website for more information.

After Friday, Nov. 22, the following assessment scores and reports will be available in ParentVUE:

• Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS), grade K
• Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST), grades K-12 for certain students

If it is determined that your student is in need of an intervention plan as a result of these screenings and other data, the school will notify you and provide you with a copy of the intervention plan.

The Loudoun County School Board recognizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of students and staff. Policy 2620 establishes guidelines and procedures for recognizing achievements, contributions and milestones in our educational community.

Honors for consideration for recognition by the School Board should be School Division or educational-based or directly related to the nominee’s role as a student or staff member within the division, per Policy 2620, Recognition of Student and Staff Accomplishments.

Nominations for students or staff will be submitted through a nomination form on the LCPS website. The form asks for detailed information on the nominee and their achievement, contribution or milestone.

Learn more about the process by reading Policy 2620, Recognition of Student and Staff Accomplishments or clicking on the nomination form on the LCPS website.

As we enter the season of gratitude, we’re reminded of the small kind acts, support, and connection that makes our school community, neighborhoods, and homes so special. Gratitude, simply put, is the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for the people, experiences, and things that bring value and joy into our lives. While saying “thank you” may feel familiar, practicing gratitude intentionally can be a powerful way to build positive habits that benefit our mental and physical well-being.

It takes about 21 days to make something a habit, and research shows that focusing on gratitude—even just 15 minutes a day, five days a week—can lead to lasting improvements in mental wellness and perspective. Studies also show that practicing gratitude can ease feelings of worry, improve sleep, and even support heart health by fostering positive habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Building a habit of gratitude can be simple and enjoyable for all ages. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate it into daily life:

• Redirecting Your Thoughts: When you feel negative or frustrated during the day, try to pause and find a positive aspect of the situation. This small shift in mindset can make a big difference.

• Sharing Your Gratitude: Encourage your family to share something they’re grateful for each night at dinner, or use car rides to and from school to talk about moments of appreciation. You might even send a quick note or text to someone, letting them know why you’re thankful for them.

We’d love to hear how your family celebrates gratitude this season or how you’re putting these practices into action! Feel free to contact us or share on social media, tagging @lcpsofficial so we can celebrate alongside you.

Reflection question: What is one thing you’re especially grateful for today?

May this season bring many moments of gratitude to you and your family!

One of the ways Loudoun Education Foundation supports LCPS is by providing food-insecure students with weekend meal bags and stocking food pantries through its Fueled program. LEF reports that students' need for weekend meals is growing. The Fueled program has seen a 35 percent increase in demand for weekend meal bags over the past year. We could use your help. Consider donating funds or holding a food drive to help LEF's Fueled program meet the needs of nearly 2,000 students each week. Learn how you can help at loudouneducationfoundation.org/fueled.

The Loudoun County School Board held a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Read a summary or watch a recording of the meeting. The next Loudoun County School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12. 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:

Policy 7301, Licensed Staff

Policy 7308, Provision of Profession Reference or Assistance

To provide feedback on any policies that are currently under review, please see the Policy Review webpage to access the Policy Feedback Form. Providing input via the Feedback Form 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.

Upcoming Holidays and Events

• Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Nov. 29 are student and staff holidays for Thanksgiving.
• 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.

• Ask the Superintendent

• 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
• Join the LCPS Team

Ask the Department of Communications and Community Engagement
21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA, USA
571-252-1040

www.lcps.org
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