The Boulevard October 18, 2026
Hello Pioneers,
As always, I hope you and your families are enjoying the weekend. We are entering the last full week of the first quarter, and many amazing things are happening at the schoolhouse!
Congratulations to our Pioneer Scholars for their 2-1 victory over the Seneca Ridge Thunderbolts in the annual “Battle of Route 7” soccer match. Our 6th and 7th grade students represented us remarkably well. Unfortunately, bad weather prevented our 8th graders from taking the field one final time, but we are working on a few creative ideas to honor them soon.
Please join us on Wednesday, October 21, for our first PEP (Parents as Educational Partners) meeting of the school year. PEP is designed to share meaningful information with parents and gather ideas, feedback, and suggestions on how we can continue to improve as a school and community. The meeting will run from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and dinner will be served.
Finally, on Thursday, October 15, Equinix—in partnership with Supervisor Koran Saines’ office—donated $25,000 to Sterling Middle School in support of our Pioneer Reading/Readiness Initiative (PRI). We cannot thank our partners at Equinix enough for their generosity, Supervisor Saines for his leadership and advocacy, and the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) for their vital role in securing these funds for our school.
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Review the Updated Dress Code Policy The Loudoun County School Board recently approved updates to the Student Dress Code (Policy 8270), effective for the 2026/27 school year. Updates include revised clothing coverage requirements, physical education attire expectations, and clarifications on permitted items. Please review the updated policy with your student before the first day of school to ensure they understand these expectations.
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E-Bike and E-Scooter Guidance While e-bikes and e-scooters are popular commuting options, their use presents safety concerns on campus. Out of an abundance of caution, all motorized and electric-powered personal transport devices are prohibited from being operated on school grounds. Students may commute to school on these devices, but they must dismount and walk them once on school property. Please visit the LCPS E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety webpage for more details.
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As always, please share any additional questions, comments, and/or concerns.
🥳 Congratulations to this week's Class Acts of the Week! 🥳 Students receive a certificate from their teacher, 10 LIKES for use in the school store, their photo on our grade level bulletin boards, and an invitation to the Pioneer Class Act Pizza Party.
👨🏻🚀6th Grade👩🏻🚀
Karlee Wildnauer - Karlee is a wonderful example of a student who represents CLASS! She is kind and patient with others, works well in groups, and always treats her classmates with respect. Karlee is an active listener who pays attention during lessons and regularly participates in class discussions. She brings a positive attitude to the classroom and helps create a welcoming environment for those around her. It is such a joy to teach Karlee this year! ! - Ms. Becker, SSGS Teacher
👨🏻🚀7th Grade👩🏻🚀
Jefferson Lopez - Jefferson is very polite, follow instructions, advocates for himself, tries his best, and is very social. Ms. Fahel, SPED Teacher
Angela Chhun - Angela is a wonderful student! She is so hardworking, pays attention in class, and completes her work thoroughly. She treats teachers and students with respect. Angela, thank you for all that you do! Your hard work does not go unnoticed and is sincerely appreciated! - Ms. Sira Perez-Visona, EL Teacher
👨🏻🚀8th Grade👩🏻🚀
Danavid Espinoza Gomez - Danavid is alway a joy to have in class, he comes in with a smile on his face a willingness to try everyday. He is kind to his fellow peers and is always willing to help them when they are confused in math class. He is always the 1st to help pick up the room at the end of the day and his help does not go unnoticed. It is a joy to have him and my math class this year. - Mr. Lazorchak, Prealgebra Teacher
Kanzy Abdelaal - Kanzy demonstrates CLASS every day in math class. She is caring and helpful to teachers and other students, she consistently completes her assignments and asks thoughtful questions, she is always considerate of others in the classroom, she takes care of class materials and she demonstrates openness to the thoughts and theories of her peers. It's a privilege to teach a student like Kanzy! - Ms. Gregory, EL Teacher
Grade level updates below!
Please click on each grade level below to see important updates and information on what the students in that grade level are learning.
Important Reminder for Parents
Please note that no early dismissals will be allowed after 3:15 PM. This helps us maintain a safe and efficient dismissal process for all students.
If your child has an appointment or needs to leave early, please plan to pick them up before 3:15 PM.
Thank you for your support!
Presentation and Google Form
Thank you to everyone who came to our first parent coffee. Our next one will be in December. If you missed it, please click on the links below for the presentation. In addition, we would love your ideas and interest in volunteering. Please complete the google form. LINK: https://forms.gle/fLfAjd1fZmRLpaVLA
October is Substance Use Prevention Month
Quick Tips:
- Practice Exit Lines: Help your teen practice simple ways to say no, like "I'm good" or "I have to leave."
- Plan Rides Early: Agree on safe transportation before your teen goes out.
- Watch for Changes: Pay attention to sudden shifts in sleep, mood, spending, or friend groups.
- Encourage Safe Fun: Support sports, hobbies, and activities that build confidence and belonging.
- Avoid Shame: If your child makes a mistake, stay calm. Kids are more honest when they don't fear extreme reactions.
Family Action Idea:
Ask your teen: "If you ever need to leave a situation fast, what code word or emoji can you text me?" Pick a secret sign together so you can pick them up, and no questions asked right away. Parents please help your teen memorize a phone number they can call or text if they do not have their own phone or need to use someone else's in order to contact a trusted adult to get them safely out of a situation that is making them uncomfortable.
Hello Sterling Pioneers. October is National Bullying Prevention Month. At STM we are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student.
Middle school is a time of immense growth, and learning how to build strong, empathetic relationships is a big part of that journey. Throughout this month, our students will engage in activities focused on kindness, digital citizenship, and standing up for one another—shifting from bystanders to upstanders.
How you can support at home:
Talk Openly: Ask your child about their school day, friendships, and online interactions.
Encourage Kindness: Reinforce the importance of empathy, inclusion, and respecting differences.
Report Concerns: Remind your child that asking for help from a trusted adult—whether a parent, admin, teacher, or counselor—is always the right step.
Together, we can ensure our school remains a place where every student feels valued and supported. Thank you for your partnership!
All students will receive grade-level bullying lessons the week of October 5th.
Mark your calendars for October 21st (Wednesday), and we are encouraging the students to wear ORANGE to stand up against bullying.
Rotary Club of Broadlands/Dulles South
Dunlap, Bennett, and Ludwig Law Firm
Sterling United Methodist Church
Moniart Print of Sterling
Akumen Inc.
Sterling Subaru
Teachers' Home Benefits
Benihana Dulles
You'veGotMaids of Sterling
Sterling Middle School
201 West Holly Ave
Sterling, VA 20164
Main Office Hours: 8:20 AM - 3:50 PM
Office Phone Number: 571-434-4520
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