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The LCPS Letter
News from Loudoun County Public Schools -- January 4, 2024
![The LCPS Letter News from Loudoun County Public Schools -- January 4, 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/1fda/5d92a0d37e0b95c3eb817d222c982e70.jpg)
Riverside High School’s DECA chapter did a lot of giving during its Day of Giving on Thursday, Dec. 14. Riverside DECA, which prepares students to be leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, donated to several charity organizations, including giving more than $25,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Of this amount, $11,540 was raised by the Step4CF walk. Read more about Riverside DECA's Day of Giving.
Message from the Superintendent
Happy New Year! The new year is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s also a time to reflect on the previous year, celebrate our accomplishments, and assess areas where we can improve.
Our school division’s success reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff. It is also a reflection of our students and their parents and supporters. As I’ve traveled around the school division, I’ve been amazed at LCPS students’ thirst for learning, their willingness to take academic risks, and the way they strive for excellence beyond the classroom in extracurricular activities.
As we begin the new year, I challenge all members of our school community to continue on the path to excellence. Let us continue to foster collaboration and create an environment where every student feels seen, heard and valued. Together, we can make our schools and our division a place where each and every student feels at home and welcome.
I look forward to seeing what we can achieve this year. I know we will do great things!
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent
New Loudoun County School Board Sworn In
Members of the Loudoun County School Board were sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk Gary M. Clemens administered the oath of office to Anne P. Donohue (At-Large), April M. Chandler (Algonkian District), Deana L. Griffiths (Ashburn District), Linda W. Deans (Broad Run District), Kari LaBell (Catoctin District), Melinda Mansfield (Dulles District), Lauren E. Shernoff (Leesburg District), Sumera Rashid (Little River District) and Arben Istrefi (Sterling District).
This is Loudoun County’s eighth elected School Board. The School Board’s representatives from Algonkian, Broad Run, Dulles, Leesburg and Sterling districts will serve two-year terms, and the remaining members will serve four-year terms. Following the swearing-in, the School Board held its Annual Organizational Meeting. Melinda Mansfield (Dulles District) was elected chair by unanimous vote. She was nominated by April M. Chandler (Algonkian District) and Deana L. Griffiths (Ashburn District).
The School Board's first meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 4:30 p.m. Read more about the newly sworn-in Loudoun County School Board.
Upcoming Fentanyl Awareness Sessions
LCPS is continuing to host Fentanyl and opioid awareness sessions. The next sessions are scheduled for:
Thursday, Jan. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Historic Douglass High School (407 East Market Street, Leesburg)
Saturday, Jan. 27, during the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair at Riverside High School
Thursday, Feb. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Woodgrove High School (36811 Allder School Rd., Purcellville)
The sessions will include information on how to identify an opioid overdose and provide instructions on how to administer naloxone, the opioid overdose-reversing medication. These information sessions are supported by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the Leesburg Police Department and community partners such as the Williams Center for Wellness and Recovery. Information will be provided in English and Spanish. Additional Fentanyl awareness sessions will be planned throughout the year.
Share Your Thoughts at a Community Listening Session
Community Listening Sessions are an excellent opportunity to have your questions about LCPS answered and to share your concerns or thoughts. Join Superintendent Aaron Spence at one of the Community Listening Sessions scheduled for January:
- Freedom High School on Thursday, Jan. 11
- Loudoun County High School on Wednesday, Jan. 17
- Potomac Falls High School on Wednesday, Jan. 24
- Academies of Loudoun on Wednesday, Jan. 31
Free Workshops to Help Families Support their Students
We hope you will join us at one of these upcoming workshops and learn important information from LCPS staff and community partners that will help you support your student’s academic, social and emotional development. 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.
- Middle School Connection: Moving on to Middle School from Elementary with an IEP
Thursday, Jan. 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., LCPS Administrative Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn)
- Partnering with Families in the Special Education Process
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 6 p.m. in English and Spanish; 7 p.m. in English and Arabic, Virtual
Dual Language Immersion Program Information Events
Interested in having your student be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural? Sign up to attend a parent information meeting to learn more about the Dual Language Immersion Program at LCPS starting next school year in kindergarten. The Dual Language Immersion program is housed at Potowmack Elementary and Sanders Corner Elementary. Every resident in Loudoun County with a rising kindergartener may express interest in having their student participate in this program.
Elevate Loudoun Helps Students Discover Computer Science Career Pathways
High school students are invited to attend Elevate Loudoun, a one-day computer science career fair. Elevate Loudoun 2024 will be held on Monday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Loudoun Valley High School. Students will have the opportunity to explore computer science pathways, network with professionals and discover internship and career opportunities. Elevate Loudoun is a great chance to gain valuable insights and skills crucial for a successful career journey. Register now and shape your future!
Attend United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair
Plan to attend the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverside High School. This free conference and resource fair will feature more than 40 mental health and wellness professionals as they share tips and strategies for promoting mental health and wellness. Check out the schedule of speakers and register to attend sessions. The conference will also feature a resource fair with local businesses and nonprofits offering services and guidance to support your family. And there will be food trucks, live music and so much more! We look forward to seeing you at the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. You won’t want to miss it!
Nominate Your Favorite Crossing Guard
The Virginia Safe Routes to School Program wants to celebrate crossing guards who make a difference in Virginia’s communities. Complete the nomination form and share why your crossing guard is outstanding. Crossing guards can include police officers, volunteers or teachers who routinely help students cross the street. Nominations are accepted through Friday, Jan. 19.
Be Counted Present! Attend School Every Day
Have you made a New Year’s resolution? At LCPS we are resolved to reduce absenteeism! We hope you will join us in this commitment. Did you know that school accreditation is tied to school attendance? This new year, we remind all members of our community that we are in this together. Encourage your student to attend school every day and be someone their teachers and classmates can count on being present! Learn more about what LCPS is doing to reduce absenteeism and learn some school attendance strategies.
Spring 2024 Adult Education Catalog Open
The Spring 2024 Adult Education catalog is available for review. Adult Education courses are open to residents and non-residents alike (age 18 and older). The Spring 2024 Adult Education catalog includes a large variety of courses, including business and career classes and classes to expand your hobbies, foreign language skills and other interests. Classes may be held in person or online; check the course description to confirm. Register online; course payment is due at the time of registration. General Education Development (GED) preparatory classes and adult English Learner classes are also available. Applicants for these classes must first complete separate registrations, which are found on the LCPS Adult Education website.
Tips to Help Students Travel Safely to School
Make sure your student is getting to school safely. Students who walk to school should use sidewalks and not walk in the roadway. If there is construction on your student's route to school, make sure they follow roadway guidance and remain safe. Also, with winter weather coming our way, be a good neighbor and clear the sidewalk in front of and alongside your home following the end of the snowstorm. Chapter 1022.01 of the Loudoun County Codified Ordinances requires snow removal on sidewalks on properties that are adjacent to public streets.
Loudoun Education Foundation Hosts Concert to Support Teacher Grants
Join Loudoun Education Foundation for a free concert on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 1 to 10 p.m. The concert will feature some of Northern Virginia's favorite bands, including Falling Home, The Surfabilly Vibe, Sugar Daddiez, and Berlin Calling. Donations and sponsorships will support Loudoun Education Foundation's Innovation in Education Grants, which fund LCPS teachers' classroom projects. For details visit LEF's website.
Calendar Reminders
Upcoming Holidays and Events
- Monday, Jan. 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a student and staff holiday.
- Second quarter ends on Friday, Jan. 19.
- Monday, Jan. 22 is a student holiday.
- Please consult LCPS student calendars to help with your planning. Calendars for this school year and the next two school years have been finalized and are posted.
- 2024 graduation schedule.
We Welcome Your Feedback!
Loudoun County Public Schools
Email: communicationsoffice@lcps.org
Website: lcps.org
Location: 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-1040
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCPSofficial
Twitter: @lcpsofficial