Superintendent Aaron Spence shared a message with the LCPS community yesterday addressing concerns raised by families and students about the possibility of increased federal immigration enforcement activity in Loudoun County. In his message, Dr. Spence stated that LCPS remains committed to ensuring that every student and family feels safe, supported and welcome in LCPS schools. Dr. Spence reiterated a message he released last year that LCPS follows the law, which, according to the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, guarantees all children, regardless of immigration status, access to public education. This decision, rooted in the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, underscores the vital role of public schools in shaping the future. Additionally, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student information and prohibits LCPS from releasing students’ education records, except in very limited circumstances prescribed by law.

LCPS offers a variety of resources to families and students who are dealing with fears or emotional challenges stemming from issues in our community. Families are encouraged to contact their school principal for support or explore additional mental health resources offered by LCPS. The division has also assembled a collection of family immigration resources, and our welcome center for families new to our community provides additional resources.

Read Superintendent Spence's full message.

The Loudoun County School Board adopted the FY27 Operating Budget in a 7-2 vote during a Special School Board Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The School Board incorporated community feedback and asked thoughtful questions as they addressed the $1.96 billion Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs (SEON) presented on Thursday, Jan. 15.

The approved budget reflects the division’s continued focus on meeting the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students while strengthening workforce readiness and honoring commitments to employees.

The adopted FY27 Operating Budget will be presented to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors during a Joint Work Session on Monday, Feb. 9 at the Loudoun County Government Center. Read more about the adopted FY27 Operating Budget.

Many thanks to the LCPS Transportation Department for all of their hard work dealing with the impacts of last week’s snowstorm. They got hundreds of buses cleared, warmed up and ready for passengers to navigate roads with care. We are grateful for every bus trip, every mile, and every act of dedication that keeps our school community running.

Photo of the exterior of Park View High School

Park View High School has been named a 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School, one of only 63 schools in the country to earn this honor for exceptional student achievement. The school was recognized for its success in closing achievement gaps, with significant academic gains across multiple student groups in mathematics, reading, and science. These improvements stem from targeted, data‑driven instruction, expanded learning opportunities and a strong school culture focused on relationships and belonging. Park View will be formally honored this month at the 2026 National ESEA Conference in Denver. Read more about Park View High School's achievement.

Superintendent Aaron Spence was named Executive Leader of the Year by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce at its annual Community Leadership Awards on Friday, Jan. 30. The Executive Leader of the Year Award recognizes outstanding leaders who demonstrate exceptional vision, integrity, and commitment to strengthening the community. Dr. Spence was selected for his dedicated leadership, focus on student success, and continued efforts to foster strong partnerships between schools, families, and the broader Loudoun community. Read more about this honor.

Students in classroom engaging with teacher

Seventh-grade students at Watson Mountain Middle School recently extended their World War I learning through a collaborative experience connecting classroom instruction with library exploration. Through literature and hands-on activities, students explored lesser-known aspects of the era, including the role of knitting during World War I and the innovative use of dazzle ships, deepening understanding while sparking curiosity and discussion.

The experience also included a cross-school connection, with a sophomore from Independence High School volunteering alongside students to share his knowledge and enjoyment of knitting. This interdisciplinary approach supports student engagement, critical thinking and social-emotional learning, and reflects the division’s instructional framework. The next end-of-unit experience will explore the role of Code Talkers in World War II. Learn more.

The recording of the Tuesday, Jan. 20 webinar on how families can review their student’s course plan for next year is now posted on the LCPS Course Planner webpage. This webinar provides families with guidance on accessing the Course Planner platform and supporting their student in reviewing their course selections. Students in grades 5 through 11 began selecting courses for next year in early January. Teacher recommendations have been made available, and students have until Wednesday, Feb. 25 to finalize their course plan submissions. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review their student’s course selections.

Below are the remaining dates in the course selection process. If you have any questions about this process, please contact your student’s school counselor or a school administrator.

Wednesday, Feb. 25: Deadline for students to submit course plans.
Friday, March 27: Deadline for school counselors to approve course plans.
Monday, March 30: Course Planner closes for all in SchooLinks. All changes to course requests made after this date must be approved by the student's school counselor.
April–August: Schools create student schedules for the next school year.

graphic promoting credit through testing

Students who speak, read or write in a language other than English could earn up to three high school credits without ever taking a class. LCPS offers the Credit Through Testing exam, a free opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to turn their language skills into official high school credits. Whether students learned a language at home or through life experiences, this exam recognizes their proficiency in more than 100 different languages.

Why take the Credit Through Testing exam?

Earn credit: The assessment can help personalize course pathways while continuing to build world language skills at higher levels.
Qualify for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy: High scores can qualify students for the Virginia Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy, a prestigious honor on college and job applications and a designated, high-demand industry workforce credential.
It’s free: This is a zero-cost way to fast-track a student's path toward advanced diploma graduation requirements.

Spring 2026 Testing Details

Six testing dates are available this spring at six LCPS high schools. Space is limited!

Students can register through the Student Opportunities portal in LCPS GO. Once students sign up, a confirmation ticket will be sent to the student and parent/guardian email.
The registration window is open now through Monday, March 2.
See the Credit Through Testing webpage for more details.

Choosing a preschool is an important step, and LCPS is here to support families along the way! LCPS offers free, full-day preschool programs for eligible 4-year-olds through Head Start and Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP). These programs are designed to help children grow socially, emotionally and academically while building confidence and a love of learning in a nurturing environment.

Preschool classrooms are led by caring, certified teachers, located throughout Loudoun County and focused on hands-on, play-based learning that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Families do not need to navigate the process alone! LCPS staff are available to answer questions, help determine eligibility and guide families through the application. Learn more and apply at lcps.org/preschool. Need help or have questions? Call 571-252-2110 or email HeadStart@lcps.org

If your child will be 5 by Sept. 30, 2026, now is the time to start their big kindergarten adventure! Kindergarten registration for 2026/27 is now open! Kindergarten registration is comprised of two parts: online pre‑registration and in-person registration appointments. 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 materials are uploaded, the registrar at your child's school will contact you within five business days to schedule an in-person registration appointment. You may also contact your child's home school or LCPS RegistrationServices@lcps.org with any questions. Find more details at LCPS Kindergarten Registration.

The Special Permission application period opened on Monday, Feb. 2, and will close on April 30, at 11:59 p.m. Special Permission allows families to request that their student attend a school outside of their assigned attendance zone. The Special Permission process is guided by Policy 8155, School Assignment, and its accompanying regulation. Below are a few guidelines for Special Permission:

Because Special Permission is granted for only one year, parents/guardians who wish for their student to continue at their Special Permission school must submit a renewal application 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.
Once the application window closes, no additional requests will be accepted.

For more details and to apply, please visit the Special Permission webpage.

In this episode School Talk, Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence sits down with education leader Dr. Doug Reeves to explore what parents want most from their children’s schools when it comes to teaching and assessment. Together, they discuss how meaningful learning, thoughtful feedback, and high expectations help prepare students for success after graduation -- whether that path leads to college, career, or beyond.

The School Talk 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.

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.

The team at the Loudoun Education Foundation is thankful for our volunteers and the rock star LCPS Distribution Center team for helping us get needed meal kits to families last Friday. When LCPS decided to set up regional meal distribution sites at five schools, following a full week of canceled classes, LEF's Fueled program quickly gathered volunteers to pack over 1,000 meal kits. LCPS provided box trucks and drivers to deliver 10 pallets of food to the school sites, ensuring families had access to meals over the weekend. Thank you to our incredible volunteers and the LCPS team for putting our families first and making emergency response look easy.

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.

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 this 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.

The LCPS Family Academy continues this month with another free virtual session. This month's workshop, Learning at Home: Strategies to Support, Challenge and Inspire, is designed to equip families with practical tools to support academic growth throughout the school year. Learn how to create screen-free routines that promote learning at home, explore enrichment ideas for advanced and gifted learners, and discover ways to strengthen reading habits across grade levels.

Workshop Name: Learning at Home: Strategies to Support, Challenge and Inspire
Date and Times: Wednesday, Feb. 11, noon and 6 p.m.

Location: Virtual -- Register

Hosted by the Division of Family and Community Engagement, the Family Academy offers expert-led discussions on topics such as academic pathways, home-school partnerships, college and career readiness and learning at home. For your convenience, the same discussion is held at both noon and 6 p.m. Please choose the session time that works best for you. Registration is free and open to all LCPS families. Visit lcps.org/familyacademy to learn more and register for the February session today.

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 more than 30 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 over 100 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!

Building Executive Functioning into Your Everyday Routine

Thursday, Feb. 5 -- tonight!-- 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building.

Military Night: Explore Military & Service Academy Pathways

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Independence High School (23115 Learning Cir., Ashburn)

LCPS CTE Job Fair

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m., Academies of Loudoun (42075 Loudoun Academy Dr., Leesburg)

Fake Pills, Real Risks: Safety Awareness Workshop

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Lightridge High School (41025 Collaboration Dr., Aldie)

Protecting Your Student’s Success: Effective Drug Talks with Your Teen

Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn) Register.

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

LCPS shares information about upcoming events and other news with LCPS families and staff via digital flyers that are circulated twice a week -- Tuesdays and Fridays -- by the Peachjar platform. Schools, LCPS administrative offices, nonprofit organizations and community partners submit flyers through Peachjar for distribution. The Department of Communications and Community Engagement reviews all submissions, except those uploaded directly by schools, and approves them for distribution. To view all flyers distributed in the past 30 days, visit the Peachjar Flyerboard at www.lcps.org/Peachjar.

School Board Summary and Meeting Schedule

Read a summary of the School Board's January 28 meeting. The next regular School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10. 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.

Monday, Feb. 16 is President's Day and a student and staff holiday.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 is Lunar New Year and a student and staff 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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Message from Superintendent: Commitment to Every Student Message from Superintendent: Commitment to Every Student

School Board Adopts FY27 Operating Budget School Board Adopts FY27 Operating Budget

Thank You to our Bus Drivers and Transportation Department! Thank You to our Bus Drivers and Transportation Department!

Park View High School Nationally Recognized for Academic Achievement Park View High School Nationally Recognized for Academic Achievement

Superintendent Spence Named Executive Leader of the Year Superintendent Spence Named Executive Leader of the Year

Bringing History Full Circle at Watson Mountain Bringing History Full Circle at Watson Mountain

Course Selection Process and Support for Families Course Selection Process and Support for Families

Students Can Earn High School Credit Through Testing for Other Languages Students Can Earn High School Credit Through Testing for Other Languages

LCPS Offers Free Preschool for Eligible 4-Year-Olds LCPS Offers Free Preschool for Eligible 4-Year-Olds

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

Special Permission Application Period is Open Special Permission Application Period is Open

LCPS Podcast: The Role of Assessments in Preparing Students for the Future LCPS Podcast: The Role of Assessments in Preparing Students for the Future

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

Nominate an LCPS Superstar!

LCPS and LEF Collaborate for Emergency Food Distribution LCPS and LEF Collaborate for Emergency Food Distribution

MSAAC Seeking Chair Nominations MSAAC Seeking Chair Nominations

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

LCPS Family Academy: Tools to Support Learning LCPS Family Academy: Tools to Support Learning

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

Peachjar Shares Information Electronically with Families Peachjar Shares Information Electronically with Families

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

CALENDAR REMINDERS CALENDAR REMINDERS

QUICK LINKS QUICK LINKS

Loudoun County Public Schools