Harmony Newsletter
SEPT 11, 2026
September 11
Today is September 11th, a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who risked everything to save others, and remembering those who lost their lives in 2001. September 11th showed the world the true strength of community, hope, and coming together. Students discussed this day in their Social Studies classes.
September 11th reminds us that when tragedy strikes, people overcome differences to help one another. A powerful way we can honor this day is through small acts of kindness and community service right here in our school.
Please take a moment today to thank a teacher, support a friend, or lend a hand where it’s needed.
Calendar Items
Sept 16 to 17 - Hearing and Vision Screenings (see details below)
Sept 21 - Holiday
Oct 12 - Holiday
Oct 15 - Picture Retakes
Oct 28 - End of Quarter
Oct 29 / 30, Nov 3 /4 - Student Holidays
School Safety Goals
Our school had a Lock Down drill this past week on September 8. Students did great!
We also completed Bus Evacuation drills over two days, Sept 9/10. Students slid or gently lowered themselves out the back door of buses (one 6th grader jumped but that is not recommended). All groups are now prepared for an emergency or a blocked main entrance.
Contact names for questions or concerns are below:
- School Security Officer, (SSO), Josh Stillwell (joshua.stillwell@lcps.org)
- Dean and School Safety Contact, Justin Dailey (justin.dailey@lcps.org)
- Principal, Eric Stewart (eric.stewart@lcps.org)
- School Resource Office (SRO), Loudoun County Deputy Chris Salter (christopher.salter@loudoun.gov)
- School Phone is 540-751-2500 (then dial zero to reach the main office)
Instructional Impact Awards
This year, we are recognizing teachers for their instructional impacts.
Ms. Julie Yearwood is commended for her willingness, year after year, to refine her instruction and assessments in order to support students in deeper learning. Last year, Julie participated in a teacher book club focused on strategies for brain engagement. This year, she has worked with her CLT to ensure that students have more opportunities to engage with materials in a hands-on way, ensuring that those brain connections are being made. We applaud her ability to keep growing as an educator.
If we kept a tracker on Ms. Chelsey Mattingley, we'd be shocked by the rounds she makes in just one day. She is in and out of classrooms in every grade and every subject throughout the day, ensuring that her students are supported. Additionally, Chelsey works hard to ensure that Harmony is focused on creating a culture of belonging and kindness through her work with the Kindness Club and No Place for Hate initiative.
Resource Focus
To ensure all students receive the specialized support they need, our Self-Contained Resource classes will prioritize targeted reading and math interventions during resource time. These evidence-based interventions are designed to address individual learning needs and help students make meaningful academic progress.
Following intervention instruction, students will work on goals identified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through direct instruction and guided practice. Homework and class assignments may also be supported when time permits, but interventions and IEP goal work will remain the primary focus.
This structure helps ensure that every student receives the focused instruction and support necessary to reach their full potential. For questions, contact Valarie DiCarlo, Ed.D/Assistant Principal
Rock Band
The Harmony Rock Band will be holding auditions for the 26-27 school year on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th.
If you play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or sing, you can sign up for an audition slot on Mr. Wells' door (next to cafeteria)!
Sign-ups will be on the door until Tuesday, September 15th!
Teacher Shout Out
This week, we give a shout out to two teachers – Mr. Steve Weitlich and Mr. Steve Clegg.
Mr. Weitlich went the extra mile by helping staff modify two desks for a student that needed special accommodations. He helped us without hesitation, and figured out a way to make the desks work for our student.
Mr. Clegg went the extra mile to connect with a student by showing up at lunchtime and playing a game with another that had been struggling.
We very much appreciate them for making those extra efforts!
Student Government
Interested in being part of our school student leadership team? Come join us to help make Harmony the best place to be and learn!
Pick up an application for the 2026-27 SCA (Student Council Association) outside of B-15 or pick up one in our school library.
ALL applications are due by Friday 9/18. We will elect new SCA officers on Friday 9/25.
Club Information
Club Information is available on our website.
Check this link for sponsors and club meeting times. CLUB LINK.
If interested in the club, email the sponsor with questions.
Hearing and Vision Screenings
All 7th graders (and 6th/8th graders who are new to LCPS) will have vision and hearing screens done during PE classes on Sept 16 and 17.
If you child wears glasses please be sure they are bringing them to school.
Little Mermaid Jr.
Audition sign-ups for Little Mermaid Jr are now OPEN! All interested students, including tech crew, must complete this Google form, and attend one of our two audition workshops (Tues, Sept 15th or Wed, Sept 16th) in order to participate in auditions.
The show is an audition-based program and we look forward to seeing all the student talent! If you have any questions, please email the director, Meghann Donohue at meghann.donohue@lcps.org.
Happy Good Byes
We have two staff leaving Harmony this month.
Congratulations to SPED TA, Ms. Gwen Bevan, who is retiring with a last day on September 18.
Congratulations to 8th Grade Dean, Ms. Annette Fincham. She will become the assistant principal in another county and her last day is September 18.
With their departures, we welcome new 8th grade dean, Ms. Casey Gernerd, and new Teaching Assistant, Ms. Nilutpola Sharma.
School Facilities Maintaining Top Standards
Facility inspections at Harmony continue to reflect high operational standards, achieving an impressive 96% average inspection score over the last 24 hours. Led by inspector John McIntyre, the evaluation covered 14 distinct areas—ranging from instructional spaces and restrooms to mechanical equipment—with 65 total line items reviewed and zero deficient items identified.
This performance matches the school’s strong 30-day average, demonstrating consistent, high-quality upkeep across the campus. Several key zones earned perfect 100% scores, including the Main Office, select classrooms, custodial spaces, equipment, and primary restrooms. Even lower-scoring areas—such as the exterior generator site and gymnasium—maintained solid standing at 88%.
The latest report highlights the facilities team's ongoing commitment to keeping Harmony clean, safe, and well-maintained for students and staff.
MVP Pitcher
The Brown family were in Charleston, SC for a baseball tournament at Shipyard Park for Owen's (6th grader) travel team. They battled 4 games over three days and placed 2nd overall in the tournament.
Owen also received MVP for his pitching in one of the games and has been invited to a combine in SC in December. Way to go Owen!
Principal Newsletters: https://www.lcps.org/o/hrm/page/harmony-newsletters
School Website: https://www.lcps.org/o/hrm
LCPS School Calendars: Documents | Loudoun County Public Schools
Everything You Need to Know About Dismissals, Buses, Car Rider Lines, and More
Sign up for ParentVue: https://www.lcps.org/PVUE
Join the PTA or Order Spirit Wear: https://www.lcps.org/o/hrm/article/2360486
