Dear DSS,
As we embark on a new school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and excitement for the incredible journey ahead. Each one of you plays a pivotal role in shaping the experiences and futures of our students, and I am continually inspired by your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to their success.
This year let's embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow, every setback as a chance to innovate, and every triumph as a collective victory. Our work is not just about providing services; it's about building a supportive community, fostering resilience, and empowering our students to achieve their highest potential.
Remember, the impact we make goes beyond the classroom. It echoes in the lives we touch and the futures we help shape. Let’s approach this year with enthusiasm, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Together, we can create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach for the stars.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Here’s to a fantastic school year!
With gratitude and high hopes,
Tedra
Stacy Bothe, Mandt© Academy Trainer
Office of Special Education
This is a shout-out to Stacey Bothe. Stacey is the Mandt© Academy trainer for new trainers and Specialized Instructional Facilitator, supporting students and teachers in special education programs. She trains newly identified school-based and central office staff who have been identified to become Mandt© trainers. Stacey works collaboratively with the Mandt© corporation to set up new trainings and completes recertification trainings for existing trainers. This is no easy task as new trainings consist of four consecutive days; recertification courses can be completed in a half-day training session. The trainings involve teaching:
- the principals of the Mandt© system,
- learning about the importance of relationships,
- and treating people with dignity and respect.
The first two days involve many key concepts, including Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, R.A.D.A.R (Recognize, Assess, Decide, Act, and Review Results), and conflict resolution.
Trainers learn non-physical ways of interacting with someone who is having difficulty managing their emotions and physical skills to keep students and staff safe. This is a passion of Stacey’s, and she is dedicated to ensuring that each trainer walks away with a clear understanding of how to train staff at their buildings. Stacey’s professionalism and commitment to the work make a difference in how staff work with and teach the students we serve across the county. Thank you for all you do. We are lucky to have you as a leader in the world of behavior.
SchooLinks Parent Night
The Office of School Counseling hosted a SchooLinks Parent Webinar, held on October 12, 2023, was a remarkable success. This informative event began with an overview of the SchooLinks platform, informing students and parents about its various features. The second part of the presentation zeroed in on the College Application Manager, providing tailored guidance for 12th-grade parents and students preparing for their educational journey. With an impressive turnout of over roughly 500 attendees, this well-attended webinar underscored the office's dedication to empowering and supporting students and their families as they explore their college and career pathways. The feedback received by attendees was positive with one parent writing “while I have only been using SchooLinks for a brief period of time, it is far and away better than the Naviance platform we had before.” If you are interested in SchooLinks or would like to review the recording of the presentation, please visit https://www.lcps.org/SchoolCounseling .
SchooLinks User Engagement
The SchooLinks platform at LCPS is making significant strides in user engagement, exemplifying its remarkable success. Recent data indicates that a substantial 43.87% of students have logged in and successfully completed the student onboarding process. The most frequently accomplished tasks encompass the establishment or revision of career goals, major goals, post-secondary objectives, and profile/resume updates.
Furthermore, SchooLinks seamlessly integrates into the college application process, with 62% of students linking their Common App accounts to the platform. Moreover, it has overseen an impressive 33,013 tracked college applications and 16,891 completed applications, solidifying its central role in supporting students toward their post-secondary aspirations. This exceptional user engagement extends to guardians, with an active participation rate of 28% among 12th-grade guardians, fostering a supportive learning environment for all stakeholders.
LCPS Mobile Health Clinic
Office of School Counseling
The Mobile Health Clinic provides free physicals for students entering LCPS. The Mobile Health Clinic is not able to provide sports physicals.
The LCPS Mobile Health Clinic can help ensure your child has the healthcare support they need to enroll in school! The Mobile Health Clinic, which is supported by a partnership with INOVA and George Washington University School of Nursing, provides uninsured students enrolling in LCPS for the first time with access to required school physicals and wellness checks. Clinic staff can also provide referrals to community partners offering comprehensive medical care.
Attendance Incentive-Sully Elementary
School Spotlight
In our efforts to reward good attendance at Sully Elementary School, a popsicle party was held for Ms. Leeks 3rd grade class as they had the best attendance for the month of October. They were surprised at the end of the day by Mr. Tuck (Principal) and Mrs. Brokaw (School Social Worker) and commended for their awesome work.
PEER Spotlight: 2023 PEER Conference
Student Mental Health Services
The 2023 PEER (Positive Experiences in Educational relationships) Conference was held on Oct. 31 with 150 LCPS students and 40 staff members (teachers, school counselors, school social workers) in attendance! Peer Leaders and staff had the opportunity to receive training on healthy dating relationships, friendships, and self-care.
For the first time ever, our Keynote Speaker was a returning PEER Student! Kenzy Ibraham, from Lightridge High School was inspirational and the students overwhelmingly found her to be “relatable” and “refreshing” because she “gave a student’s perspective on PEER”. After Kenzy’s eloquent Keynote, PEER Leaders rotated through the three trainings and later joined their school groups to brainstorm creative campaigns that will positively impact dating relationships, friendships, and strategies for self-care.
School Social Workers Kim Tran, Jennifer McLemore, and Lisa Harris teamed up with staff from LAWS (a Loudoun County based nonprofit organization) to plan, lead, and facilitate each training. They were truly outstanding and facilitated the breakout groups like professional talk show hosts with charisma and charm! Another “shout out” goes to Cristina Strigel, our talented and highly skilled Program Assistant, who truly made the entire run smoothly because of her incredible organizational skills and strong work ethic! As a result, the students’ reviews were outstanding, and the day was a complete success! Thank you so much Kim, Jennifer, Lisa, and Cristina!
For more information, click here for the PEER webpage that has pictures and a more detailed description of the PEER program. Such an action packed, fun-filled day with so many student-driven ideas and campaigns to positively impact school communities!
Keynote Speaker-Kenzie Ibrahim, Former PEER member and Lightride Student
Lovettsville Elementary School’s Unity Squad Become Communication Partner Peers
Assistive Technology Spotlight
“It must be really hard if you can’t communicate with words. This helped the kids use THEIR voice. One day they’ll be better at talking, but for now, these devices really help them.” – Mario, 5th Grade
Learners at Lovettsville Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, John Millar, and supported by an ensemble of other educators, students explored the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words for Life application. The students learned how the app was organized, explored how to find words, and discussed what it means to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. What follows are actual quotes from those who participated:
“I thought it was really fun. I had a great experience with the kids. I felt like it was good for someone in their school to be able to help them. I think they felt like they were happy to have older kids hang out with them.” – Mario, 5th Grade
If you’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school!
Office of Special Education (OSE) Professional Learning
The Office of Special Education successfully held the largest OSE professional learning opportunity to date on March 5th! We are grateful to the administration at Lightridge High School for agreeing o hostess the event as well as Hovatter Elementary and Willard Middle for serving as overflow parking locations on an election day! We greatly appreciate each and every individual for all that was done to support the success of this day, be it set-up, session facilitation, engaging with participants, and/or breakdown.
By the numbers:
- We hosted over 1,000 special educators and related service providers in one location
- 3 keynote speeches facilitated by leaders in 2 different LCPS departments aimed at supporting staff in feeling empowered by the data they collect and the value of it, with the opportunity for facilitators to join a keynote, too
- Staff had the opportunity to choose from 70 different sessions, some of which included work sessions and make and take opportunities
- 23 LCPS teachers and related service providers and 3 school-based leaders joined our office in facilitating sessions for staff
- In addition to the Office of Special Education, 2 other offices (Office of Diagnostic and Prevention Services, Mentoring and Coaching) joined us in session facilitation
- 3 external presenters had the opportunity to interact with LCPS staff as they facilitated sessions
- SEAC leadership was present to interact with staff regarding the work of this advisory committee to the school board
- We added 9 different snack locations (including donuts, coffee, and snacks for presenters), 9 round table sessions, an AT and Medicaid tabletop connection point, and a physical and electronic Glow Wall for staff to shout-out one another
We look forward to further opportunities to meet the growing needs of the division as we strive to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to serve to the best of our ability our most vulnerable students.
Freedom High School Hosts HOPE Dance
Freedom High School recently hosted its annual HOPE Dance (" Helping Other People Every Day"), drawing nearly 300 students from 14 high schools across Loudoun County. Organized by dedicated student members of Freedom’s HOPE Club, this year’s event proved to be a resounding success.
With the theme "Around The World," students were treated to a culturally enriching experience showcasing countries and regions from South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the USA. The venue was adorned with vibrant displays representing each locale, providing attendees with a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of global cultures.
The atmosphere was lively as students embraced the festivities, expressing themselves through dance and song. It was heartening to witness such a spirit of unity and celebration among participants from various backgrounds.
The administration extends its sincere appreciation to all those involved in making the HOPE Dance a memorable occasion. Through collaborative efforts and dedication, we continue to foster a supportive environment where students can thrive and celebrate their diversity.
LCPS Schools: Feet Meets 2024
On Wednesday, April 17, for the second year in a row, Loudoun Valley High School hosted the Special Olympics Feet Meet. The event is a collaboration with Special Olympics of Virginia. At the event, athletes and partners competed in various Track & Field events and mini-games. The event synchronized with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office 5K Run and symbolic lighting of the torch to kick off the Feet Meet ceremony. This is a longstanding partnership with LCSO. The event had 9 schools attend with 300 student athletes and partners and 150 student volunteers, including elementary and middle school participants. The event was a strong representation of the inclusive priorities that the attending schools value. Loudoun Valley was honored by Special Olympics for the second year in a row as a National Unified Champion School for its high inclusion numbers and school-wide practices. Loudoun Valley and the partnering schools look forward to expanding this event even more next school year.
Image Credits: Special Olympics of Virginia.
Office of Student Services
On June 17th, mental health and substance use professionals from various agencies and public school settings joined together at Lightridge HS for the first summit. Over 100 attendees registered for the day of connection and collaboration. In addition, numerous community agencies participated in our exhibit fair to share information about their services. Some of the presentation topics included Drug Trends, Ethical Considerations of FERPA and 42-CFR part 2, Addressing Adolescent Nicotine and Cannabis Use with Psycho educational Support Groups. Thank you to the Fiona Brown and the Student Assistance Planning Team for organizing this day of learning.
Helpful definitions(found on flyer):
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
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.
Student Assistance Services
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.
Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM)
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 & Transition Services
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.
Diagnostic & Prevention Services
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.
Educational Diagnostic Services
Sarah Fowler, Supervisor
Jennifer Laible, Lead Educational Diagnostician
Educational Diagnostic Services
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).
LCPS School Counseling Services
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.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
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.
Outreach Services
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.
Parent Resource Services
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 coming soon)
Mental Health & Wellness Parent Series (Master Schedule coming soon)
Preschool Child Find
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.
Section 504 Services
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.
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
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 2024-2025(coming soon)
Special Education Services
The Office of Special Education for Loudoun County Public Schools is fully committed to providing students with disabilities opportunities along a continuum of services that offer access to and participation in the activities of the school and community environments as appropriate to the age and educational needs of the student. Services for students with disabilities are planned with long term outcomes in mind. Annual goals and objectives consider development in the areas of curriculum and instruction, functional skills such as: independent functioning, social and emotional functioning, communication, and career skills.
Loudoun County Public Schools provides special education services for children ages 2 - 21 inclusive. Students who are identified as eligible for services will have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Services can begin as early as 2 years of age. For information on obtaining services for 2 - 5 year-olds, please contact the Child Find office at (571) 252-2180. Once a student is school-aged, you should contact your "home school". The "home school" is the school that your student currently attends or would attend based on where you reside. If you have questions regarding Special Education, please contact us at (571) 252-1011.
Loudoun County Public Schools complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). We support the rights of students with disabilities to have decisions regarding their individualized instructional programs made through the collaborative efforts of all persons invested in their educational well-being. Loudoun County Public Schools protects the rights of students with disabilities to be educated by teachers trained to provide access to the general curriculum, instruct adapted curriculum, to utilize a variety of instructional strategies and to take advantage of supplementary materials appropriate for the student's individual educational program.
Loudoun County Public Schools provides students with disabilities a continuum of service options ranging from least to most restrictive:
General Education Classes
Inclusive/Collaborative General Education Classes
Indirect Services
Indirect Services Self-Contained Services
Home Based Instructional Services
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE-Preschool aged 2 - 5)
When appropriate, students may also receive services in private day and residential schools, and in hospital settings.
Across the continuum of special education services, Loudoun County Public Schools serves students with one or more of the following identified disabilities:
Autism
Developmental Delay (ages 2-5)
Emotional Disability
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Specific Learning Disability
Intellectual Disability
Multiple Disabilities
Traumatic Brain Injury
Orthopedic Impairment
Speech and Language Impairment
Other Health Impaired
Blind or Visual Impairment
Deaf-Blind
Related Services, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapies are available to allow a student to benefit from their individualized special education program.
Dr. Paige J. Carter Donna M. Smith, Ed.S., NCSP
Director of Special Education Director of Procedural Support
Student Health Services
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.
Student Assistance Services
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.
LCPS Proclamations
- August 30, 2024: Student Holiday
- September 2, 2024: Labor Day Holiday
September 2024