While preparing the LCPS budget is a year‑round process, in January LCPS leadership present the proposed budget to the School Board and the community. During this process, questions are often asked about how and why budget decisions are made. In this month’s Think Fast video, Dr. Aaron Spence sits down with Sharon Willoughby, LCPS’ Chief Financial Officer, to discuss the budget and the decision‑making behind it.

We are keeping a close eye on the weather reports for this weekend. While current predictions vary and no decisions have been made regarding school closures, we want to ensure our school community is prepared for the unexpected.

Students have been encouraged to take their LCPS-issued Chromebooks home today (as tomorrow, Jan. 23, is a student holiday). In addition, LCPS has gathered a variety of optional resources that families may use in the event of a weather-related school closure:

Snow Day Learning Resources (K-12 activities)
Family & SEL Activities

LCPS recognizes that families experience weather-related closures in different ways and that snow days can provide valuable time for rest, connection and flexibility. We also understand that changes to the school schedule can disrupt routines and these optional resources may offer families additional choices and support, should they wish to use them.

Participation is entirely voluntary and will not be graded. Families are encouraged to use what works best for them, in ways that feel meaningful and manageable. Whether your snow day includes building a snowman, reading together or exploring a new learning activity, LCPS supports families in choosing what best meets their needs during weather-related closures.

Dr. Aaron Spence shared the Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs (SEON) with the School Board on Thursday, Jan. 15. This presentation is considered the kickoff to the School Board's budget development process. The SEON reflects the LCPS commitment to supporting employees and to providing resources and programs that advance student achievement. Watch a video of the SEON presentation. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, LCPS leadership presented a series of detailed presentations to support the SEON. Watch a video of the Jan. 20 meeting.

In addition to the meetings already held, additional meetings have been scheduled to give the School Board and community more opportunities to review and discuss the proposed budget:

Tonight, Jan. 22, starting at 4:30 p.m.: School Board Budget Work Session and Public Hearing
Wednesday, Jan. 28, starting at 4:30 p.m.: Work Session at the School Board meeting
Thursday, Jan. 29, starting at 4:30 p.m.: School Board Budget Work Session and Public Hearing
Tuesday, Feb. 3, starting at 5:30 p.m.: Special School Board Meeting, including School Board Budget Adoption and Action on Budget Resolution

The LCPS community is encouraged to follow the budget process. All meetings will be held at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn). The meetings will be live streamed on the LCPS Webcast webpage or can be watched on Comcast Channel 1070 and Verizon FIOS Channel 43. Please see the Citizen Participation webpage for guidance on how to comment at School Board meetings. Read more about the FY27 budget process.

Nominate an LCPS Superstar!

LCPS is kicking off its Annual Awards program, and it’s time to celebrate the incredible people who help make our schools excel. From teachers and principals to bus drivers, custodians, IT professionals and more, this celebration has a spotlight ready for nearly every LCPS superstar. Staff, parents, students and community members are invited to nominate an outstanding employee who goes above and beyond. Details on eligibility and the nomination form are available on the LCPS Annual Awards webpage. Be sure to submit your completed nomination form by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. Late or incomplete packets will not be accepted. More information is available on the Employee Recognition website.

For the January School Spirit podcast, Renée Dawson, director of Family and Community Engagement, visits and talks with five Blue Ridge Middle School students who are active in PEER, BRMS' Ambassador program and Student Council. The students share what community means to them and how their involvement in these activities helps strengthen connections across the school. The students also reflect on the school motto, what you do matters, and discuss how it shapes their choices. Business education teacher Tiffany Whalen also joins the conversation, offering her perspective on what makes Blue Ridge Middle such a special place to learn and grow.

The School Spirit podcast is part of the LCPS Podcast, which brings listeners behind the scenes with school leaders, educators, students and community members to explore trends shaping K–12 education and incredible moments you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes drop every Thursday. Find the LCPS Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeart Radio. See the LCPS Podcast webpage for more details.

Special Permission allows families to request that their child attend a school other than their assigned home school. The Special Permission process is guided by Policy 8155, School Assignment, and its accompanying regulation. The application window for the 2026/27 school year opens Monday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m., and closes Thursday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m. Special Permission is granted on an annual basis.

Parents/guardians of a student currently attending a school through Special Permission are required to renew Special Permission requests annually if they wish for their child to remain at the Special Permission school. Renewal applications must be submitted by March 1. Policy 8155 establishes 85% of the building’s base capacity as the maximum student enrollment for considering Special Permission applications. Initial Special Permission applications submitted to schools that are at or above 85% of the building’s base capacity will be voided within 30 days of application. The schools projected to be at or above 85% of the building’s base capacity are posted on the Special Permission website. This list is subject to change. See the Special Permission webpage for more information about this process.

If your child will be 5 by Sept. 30, 2026, now is the time to start their big kindergarten adventure for the 2026/27 school year! The online pre‑registration portal for rising kindergartners is open!

Pre‑registration includes determining your student’s home school, gathering required documents and uploading the documents to the online registration portal in ParentVUE. Once these pre-registration steps are complete, your school will reach out to schedule an in‑person registration appointment after Monday, Feb. 2.

If you would prefer to register with paper forms, these are available at your student’s home school, or you may download them from the LCPS website. If you have questions, contact your student's home school or LCPS RegistrationServices@lcps.org. More details at LCPS Kindergarten Registration.

Did you know that there is an LCPS program specifically designed to support students who will be the first in their families to attend college? While definitions of “first-generation” college student vary across higher education institutions, LCPS applies the least restrictive definition: a student whose parent or guardian did not earn a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university immediately after completing high school. Does this situation apply to your student? If so, encourage them to apply for CAMPUS, the College Achievement & Multicultural Program for Unique Students. Interested students can apply for CAMPUS through Student Opportunities via LCPS GO. The application window for the 2026/27 school year opened on Jan. 5, and will end on Friday, March 6, 2026. Learn more about CAMPUS and how to apply at our virtual information session on Monday, Jan. 26. from 6 to 7 p.m. The webinar link and more information can be found on the CAMPUS website. If LCPS schools and administrative offices are closed on Monday, Jan 26, the information session will be canceled, but a recorded video with details about the program will be posted to the CAMPUS website.

The Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) is seeking nominations for the MSAAC Chair position. If you are interested in supporting MSAAC’s mission and advising on issues impacting minority student achievement, please apply by Monday, Feb. 9. This role supports MSAAC’s ongoing work to promote inclusive and equitable educational outcomes in LCPS. For more information or to request an application, email msaacoutreach@lcps.org. Learn more about MSAAC.

The Loudoun Education Foundation supports all 100 LCPS schools, and now you can see exactly how. By visiting the new School Impact page on LEF’s website, you can see how LEF is impacting your school community — from Innovation in Education grants that fund podcast studios and sensory gardens, to countywide programs like student mental health support, Fueled in-school pantries and professional development for teachers. Visit LEF's School Impact webpage to explore how we're investing in the schools that matter most to you.

January can feel like a reset, with a new year, colder days and busy schedules both in and out of school. With so much happening, it is a good time for students and families to pause and take a “temperature check.”

Temperature checks are brief, low-maintenance moments to notice how things are going and what we might need next. A temperature check is not about fixing anything. It is about building awareness, naming feelings and reactions and creating space to reconnect. These small check-ins support wellness by helping students and families strengthen self-awareness, communication and problem-solving skills.Try one of these quick temperature checks at home:

1. How’s Your Weather Today? Invite everyone to describe their day as weather, such as sunny, cloudy, stormy or somewhere in between. Ask a follow-up question like, “What helped your weather today?” or “What might help tomorrow?”

2. High, Low, Help At dinner, in the car or before bedtime, each person shares one high point, one low point and one thing they might need support with. When adults model this, it helps normalize asking for help.

These small moments of reflection can help families slow down, reconnect and move through winter with care. This week, choose one moment to check in, listen and encourage one another. Small check-ins build strong habits and help everyone start the year feeling supported and ready to grow.

Reflect and Connect Question: Choose a feeling (like happy, nervous, or angry). What are some clues your body gives you to let you know you’re feeling that way? (Example: Does your heart beat fast? Does your stomach feel fluttery?)

Nominations are now open for Loudoun County’s 2026 Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding leadership on environmental issues across the county. The Loudoun County Environmental Commission is seeking nominations for individuals, businesses, nonprofit groups, educators, government teams and students who are making a meaningful impact. Past honorees have led efforts such as expanding community recycling, mentoring young naturalists and volunteering in stream protection projects. Nominations are due Monday, March 2, with awards accepted across six categories ranging from business to lifetime achievement. See the Loudoun Environment Excellence Awards webpage for more details.

When the Bus Stops Coming, a workshop for parents/guardians of students with disabilities, emphasizes that planning for life after high school should begin early. This workshop, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the LCPS Administration Building, will provide information on transition planning for students who will need more intensive or ongoing support upon exiting school. During the session, experts from LCPS Transition Services, the DARS Office of Employment Services and the Loudoun County Office of Developmental Services will guide you through essential steps in planning for your student’s transition to life after high school. You will learn about available resources, supportive services and practical strategies to help you confidently prepare for your student’s next chapter. Registration is required.

Discover practical and uplifting strategies to support your student’s mental health, academic and social engagement and overall well‑being at the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heritage High School. Join us for a day designed to empower families and strengthen student wellness. With nearly 20 engaging sessions, covering topics such as addressing ADHD and anxiety, improving focus and calm, coping with loneliness and fostering belonging, you can build a personalized schedule to fit your interests.

In addition to the sessions, enjoy a vibrant resource fair featuring local businesses and nonprofits ready to support your family, plus food trucks and plenty of extra surprises. We can’t wait to welcome you to this energizing community event. Check out the session schedule and sign up today!

CAMPUS Information Session

Monday, Jan. 26, 6-7 p.m. See the CAMPUS webpage for webinar link. If schools and offices are closed on this date, a recorded video about CAMPUS will be posted to the CAMPUS webpage.

Gap Year Fair

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6-8:30 p.m., Briar Woods High School (22525 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn) Register.

Unlocking Language Superpowers with WIDA ACCESS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6-7 p.m. See the Family Room webpage for webinar links.

Building Executive Functioning into Your Everyday Routine

Thursday, Jan. 29, 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building. Register to attend. Snow date: Thursday, Feb. 5, 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building.

When the Bus Stops Coming

Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., LCPS Administration Building. Register.

United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair

Saturday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Heritage High School. Session schedule. Learn more.

See the LCPS Events and Meetings Calendar for more events and workshops.

One LCPS Spotlight: Evergreen Mill Python Pals

During the January 13 School Board meeting, the One LCPS Spotlight highlighted Evergreen Mill Elementary School’s Kindness Club and the school’s Python Pals! Python Pals is a cross-grade initiative at Evergreen Mill Elementary School that brings younger and older students together for monthly Morning Meetings. Through these partnerships, students build meaningful relationships while engaging in community-building activities, mentoring and social-emotional learning.

Python Pals helps every student form trusted connections throughout the school and feels safe, supported and included. The program reflects Evergreen Mill’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection for all Pythons. Check out the recording from the January 13 School Board meeting and hear from staff and students about this activity.

School Board Summary and Meeting Schedule

Read a summary of the School Board's January 13 meeting. The next regular School Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28. All School Board meetings are live-streamed. The full meeting agenda will be available on the Loudoun County School Board website (under Meetings).

Policy Review

LCPS policies are reviewed every five years per the Code of Virginia. During this process, LCPS asks for input from advisory committees, stakeholder groups and the community at large. Please see the Policy Review webpage for more details.

The second grading quarter ends today, Thursday, Jan. 22.
Friday, Jan. 23 is a student holiday.
Calendars for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 school years are posted on the LCPS website. Please check the school calendars before scheduling vacations or other student absences.
The 2026 LCPS graduation schedule is posted on the LCPS website.

Loudoun County Public Schools

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Think Fast with Dr. Spence Think Fast with Dr. Spence

Optional Learning Resources Available During Weather-Related Closures Optional Learning Resources Available During Weather-Related Closures

FY27 Budget Presentation and Discussions FY27 Budget Presentation and Discussions

LCPS Annual Awards Celebrate Outstanding Employees LCPS Annual Awards Celebrate Outstanding Employees

Nominate an LCPS Superstar!

LCPS Podcast: What You Do Matters, Blue Ridge Middle Students on Community LCPS Podcast: What You Do Matters, Blue Ridge Middle Students on Community

Special Permission Application Process Opens Feb. 2 Special Permission Application Process Opens Feb. 2

Kindergarten Registration is Now Open! Kindergarten Registration is Now Open!

CAMPUS Helps First-Generation College Students Develop Readiness Skills CAMPUS Helps First-Generation College Students Develop Readiness Skills

MSAAC Seeking Chair Nominations MSAAC Seeking Chair Nominations

See How LEF Supports Every LCPS School See How LEF Supports Every LCPS School

Small Check-Ins, Big Impact Small Check-Ins, Big Impact

Nominations Being Accepted for Environmental Excellence Awards Nominations Being Accepted for Environmental Excellence Awards

UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

Planning for Life After High School for Students with Disabilities Planning for Life After High School for Students with Disabilities

United for Wellness Provides Strategies to Promote Student Well-being United for Wellness Provides Strategies to Promote Student Well-being

More Events to Support Your Student More Events to Support Your Student

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

CALENDAR REMINDERS CALENDAR REMINDERS

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