The LCPS Letter
Overall achievement for students in LCPS exceeds state averages across SOL test results, AP testing, and on-time graduation rates, according to a report from the Virginia Department of Education. In addition, all of LCPS’ previously-accredited 98 schools remain accredited. According to the report, LCPS had an on-time graduation rate of 97.1%, which is 4.3 points above the state average of 92.8% and bested last year’s rates by .5%. LCPS also had the highest graduation rate among comparable-sized school divisions across the state. Read more about LCPS' 2024 achievements.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 17! Superintendent Aaron Spence has formally declared Thursday, Oct. 17 as One LCPS Celebration Day! We are so proud of our school division and we want to celebrate! Students and staff are invited to show their LCPS spirit by wearing their school’s spirit wear or school colors. Dr. Spence and members of LCPS senior staff will be visiting schools to congratulate and thank our students and staff for their hard work. Schools with the most spirit will receive awards. We look forward to seeing your LCPS spirit!
LCPS' School Nutrition Services is hosting its FIRST food show on Friday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Independence High School (23115 Learning Cir, Ashburn). School food service vendors, community partners, and School Nutrition Services are uniting to share new and exciting recipe ideas for school menus and to offer education on health and wellness resources in the community. The food show -- titled “Fueling Futures: Taste the Change in School Nutrition!” -- will gather feedback on preferred comfort foods, culturally inclusive recipes, and delicious snacks so that School Nutrition Services can provide food students love. This event is open to the public.
The Historic Douglass School Education and Development Campus (407 E. Market St., Leesburg) and Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Service are hosting Douglass Legacy Day on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will celebrate the history of Douglass High School, Loudoun County’s first and only Black high school from 1941 to 1968 when segregated education ended in the county. The Legacy Day Celebration will include activities, entertainment, educational experiences, vendors, food trucks, and more. Please note that there will be no on-site parking; drop-off and shuttle services will be available.
Upward Struggle Monument Honors Fight for Education Equality
Earlier this spring, the Historic Douglass High School Education & Development Campus unveiled a new sculpture -- "Upward Struggle" -- designed to capture the legacy of Black education and the fight for equality. This statute will be formally dedicated at the Legacy Day Celebration. Designed by local artist Jeffery Hall, the sculpture stands in front of the school, honoring the Black community's struggle for access to education for their children prior to the full integration of Loudoun’s public schools. The installation of the statue marked the culmination of a larger project to preserve the history of the former Douglass High School. Read more about the Upward Struggle monument.
The risks of fentanyl and fake pills are real and terrifying. LCPS is hosting a fentanyl awareness event at Loudoun County High School (415 Dry Mill Rd SW, Leesburg) on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7-8:30 p.m. This event will provide parents/guardians with tips for talking to their students about the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills and what to do in a drug-related emergency. The awareness event will include a panel discussion -- including community members who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning -- that will provide guidance to help you keep your loved ones safe. The Office of Student Mental Health Services is coordinating this event.
Get your walking shoes on, or tune up the wheels on your bike or scooter, National Walk & Roll to School Day is Wednesday, Oct. 9! Walk & Roll to School Day allows students, families and staff to celebrate the joy of active transportation while building a sense of community and school spirit! Schools are encouraged to register. Contact Kelly Smit, Safe Routes to School Coordinator to learn how your school can easily participate.
Attend the SchooLinks College Application Manager webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6-7 p.m. to learn how this platform can support your senior as they apply for colleges. The College Application Manager helps students monitor the progress and requirements for each college application they submit, request application materials such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, and organize all the necessary college application materials. The webinar will be held simultaneously in both English and Spanish and can be accessed via the links below: