The LCPS Letter

Superintendent Spence hosted 19 community listening sessions over his first eight months at LCPS. From those sessions, important themes emerged from community members and staff. We heard about what the community's hopes and dreams are for students, staff and schools. We also heard feedback about where we might need to shift or improve. Please share your opinions about what themes from the Community Listening Sessions resonate with you. If you were not able to attend a session, this is another chance to share your thoughts about topics that are important to you. We hope you will take the time to participate in this ThoughtExchange so we can better understand what’s most important to our LCPS community.

The LCPS Department of Support Services is hosting three community meetings to share information on funded, planned, and proposed school capital projects. While the meetings are scheduled for three different dates, the presentations will be identical. Attend a Capital Budget Community Meeting to learn more:

• Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. at River Bend Middle School (46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling) in the auditorium

• Wednesday, June 5 at 6 p.m. at Loudoun County High School (415 Dry Mill Road SW, Leesburg) in the auditorium

• Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at John Champe High School (41535 Sacred Mountain St., Aldie) in the auditorium

More information about the capital budgets can be found on the LCPS website, including a link to comment or ask questions about planned or proposed school projects.

Do you have a child who is ready for kindergarten? Kindergarten registration is happening now for children who are five years old or who will be five on or before Sept. 30, 2024. Parents/guardians are encouraged to begin the registration process online through the pre-registration portal. Check the LCPS website to to know what school your child will attend based on your address and to know what documents are needed for registration. Once you have completed pre-registration, the school registrar will contact you to set up a registration appointment. All enrolling students are required to be adequately immunized. Register your child for kindergarten today!

Don't forget to schedule required immunizations for your rising 7th and 12th graders. Students in grade 7 and grade 12 are required to receive the following vaccines prior to the start of school:

Required Vaccinations for All 7th-Grade Students:

• One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given at age 7 or older
• One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine, MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Menveo), given at age 10 or older

Encouraged Vaccinations for All 7th-Grade Students:

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine

Required Vaccinations for All 12th-Grade Students:

• One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine, MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Menveo), given at age 16 or older

Once your student is vaccinated, please provide their school with the appropriate documentation. For more information, please see LCPS' Immunization Requirements webpage. For more general information about back-to-school immunizations for students of all ages, see this Virginia Department of Health website.

The McKinney-Vento program supports students experiencing homelessness by providing educational stability. If your student lacks a fixed, adequate or regular nighttime residence, they may qualify for McKinney-Vento services. To apply for this program, complete the online application for the 2024-2025 school year. The application window for the 2024-2025 school year opened on May 20, 2024, and applications are accepted throughout the year. Determination for acceptance into the program begins on July 1, 2024. Applications must be completed online and are available in your preferred language via computer or smartphone.

The Purslane Gang, a group of Heritage High School students who, under the direction of Heritage High biology teacher Amy Goodyear, participated in the NASA-supported Plant the Moon Challenge, has been awarded Best in Show for overall experimental design for the state of Virginia and the International Title for best experimental design. This team, along with other students in Ms. Goodyear's biology classes, undertook the challenge of growing plants in lunar regolith, or moon dirt. This substance, which is lacking the essential elements that can sustain plant life, requires the students to work together and problem-solve to devised a plan to grow their plants. Read more about the Plant the Moon Challenge and the winning team.

At the 5th Annual Student Environmental Action Showcase, held at the Academies of Loudoun on April 24, 67 Loudoun County students presented projects that addressed real-world environmental issues. The goal of the event, which was coordinated by the Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance, was to showcase how students have meaningfully contributed to environmental stewardship in Loudoun County. Read more about the environmental projects presented.

Eleven LCPS students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as National Merit $2,500 Scholarship and corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners. Eight LCPS students received National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, which are awarded to finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Three LCPS students are among approximately 770 high school seniors who received corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarships. Read more about these scholarship winners.

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.

If you have any comments or questions about your experience with LCPS, please fill out LCPS' Comment and Complaint Form. This form offers parents, students and Loudoun County residents the opportunity to provide input, comments, suggestions and complaints to school officials. Once the form is submitted, it will be routed to the appropriate office, department or school principal.

• Ask the Superintendent

• One LCPS: Forward Together Entry Plan
• LCPS Policy Review
• Office of the Ombuds
• 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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCPSofficial
Twitter: @lcpsofficial