As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we recognize the extraordinary commitment, care, creativity and hard work that teachers bring to classrooms every day. Their dedication shapes learning in meaningful ways that leave a lasting impact on students’ lives and futures. Teachers continually inspire through innovative instruction, strong relationships and countless occasions that help students feel supported, challenged and seen. We extend our thanks to all educators for the essential role they play in strengthening schools and the community.

LCPS is seeking feedback on school calendar options for the 2028/29 school year. Please check your email for a message and survey link from Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent, distributed today, Thursday, May 7. The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday, May 21. Please note: If you don’t see an email, check your spam folder for the following email address: lcpssurveys@lcps.org.

All survey feedback will be reviewed by LCPS and by the School Board. The School Board will approve and adopt any future school calendars in accordance with state law and applicable Virginia Board of Education regulations. Families and staff will be notified when final school calendars are adopted.

LCPS middle schoolers experienced a day filled with hands‑on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) learning during the Amazon Girls’ Tech Day at the Academies of Loudoun on Saturday, May 2. The students had the opportunity to explore everything from forensic science to AI. Students also learned about STEAM career pathways from women with careers at NASA, Amazon and other top companies. Sponsored through the Loudoun Education Foundation, the event encouraged girls to build confidence, creativity and curiosity in fields where women remain underrepresented. This partnership between LCPS, Amazon and the Loudoun Education Foundation showcases how community collaboration can open doors and shape students’ futures. Read more about Amazon Girls' Tech Day.

Signing Letters of Intent at Teacher Cadet Ceremony

In April, LCPS celebrated 362 students for completing the Teacher Cadet program, a dual‑enrollment opportunity for LCPS students interested in pursuing a career in education. During the ceremony, these soon‑to‑be graduates signed Letters of Intent affirming that, after completing their undergraduate or graduate studies, they plan to return to LCPS to begin their teaching careers. Read more about the 2026 Teacher Cadet ceremony.

Starting next school year, the Teacher Cadet program will be called Teachers for Tomorrow, and will provide the same opportunity for LCPS juniors and seniors to get an early start on a career in education. Learn more about Teachers for Tomorrow.

Instructional Annual Award winners, group photo

Operational Annual Award winner Group photo

LCPS honored 21 employees in instructional and operational roles as Employees of the Year at the April 28 School Board meeting. Each year, LCPS Human Resources and Talent Development celebrates the dedication and achievements of LCPS employees for all they do to support students, families and the community. This year, employees, parents, students or community members submitted over 700 nominations across all categories to celebrate LCPS staff. Read more about the 2026 Annual Awards. For additional photos and information, see the Annual Awards presentation in BoardDocs.

LCPS recently marked a decade of service through its Welcome Center program with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, celebrating the opening of the Division’s second location, Welcome Center East. The event honored both the program’s 10‑year milestone and the expansion of services designed to better support families across the eastern portion of the county.

Welcome Center East, located at 101 Enterprise Street in Sterling, joins the original LCPS Welcome Center as a central hub dedicated to supporting students and families new to the division. Together, the two centers will serve as trusted points of entry for families navigating enrollment, academic programs and connections to the school community. The opening of Welcome Center East reflects a continued commitment to family engagement, equitable access and strong community connections, ensuring that every family, regardless of language or background, has the support needed to thrive. Read more about the Welcome Center East ribbon cutting ceremony and learn how the Welcome Center program supports LCPS students.

In this week’s LCPS Podcast, we are re‑airing a favorite episode: Dr. Aaron Spence’s conversation with authors Dr. Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple about their book Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity. Together, they explore how centering belonging, dignity and inclusion gives educators the clarity and tools to turn equity efforts into meaningful, lasting change for all students.

The LCPS Podcast brings you 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. Listen to this week's podcast episode.

All rising 7th‑ and 12th‑grade students must show proof of required immunizations before starting school next year. Don’t wait until August! Plan now to ensure your student has the necessary vaccines. Students without proper documentation will not be permitted to attend on the first day of school.

Required Immunizations for 7th‑Grade Students

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine given at age 7 or older
Meningococcal vaccine given at age 10 or older

Encouraged for 7th‑grade students:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

Required Immunization for 12th‑Grade Students

Meningococcal vaccine given at age 16 or older

Learn more about Loudoun County and regional resources that provide the required immunizations for school enrollment and admittance.

Register your child who will be 5 by Sept. 30, 2026 for kindergarten today and secure their chance to join a welcoming school community where they can grow, learn and thrive. Kindergarten registration is comprised of five easy steps:

Determine eligibility: Two factors determine a child’s eligibility to enroll in kindergarten in Loudoun County Public Schools: age and residency. They must be 5 years of age or older by Sept. 30, 2026 and living with a parent or legal guardian who resides in Loudoun County.
Use the LCPS Attendance Boundary E-Listing to locate your student’s home school.
Gather the required documents.
Complete online pre-registration: Current LCPS families registering a new student can access the registration portal from their existing ParentVUE account.
Schedule an appointment with the school: During the appointment, the registrar will review all registration documents and answer any questions you may have.

Register your rising kindergartner today! We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners. Visit Kindergarten Registration to learn more and to register!

preschool students participating in art class

As the school year winds down and summer plans begin to fill the calendar, LCPS encourages families to take a few moments now to complete preschool applications for the upcoming school year.

LCPS offers free, full-day preschool programs for eligible 4-year-olds through Head Start and Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP). These programs provide a nurturing, play-based learning environment led by certified teachers who help children build confidence, friendships and readiness for kindergarten.

Applying now allows families to complete the process before summer activities begin and ensures children are set up for a smooth start in the fall. Preschool locations are available throughout Loudoun County, and support is available to help families with questions or paperwork.

Learn more about LCPS preschool opportunities and apply. Need assistance? Call 571-252-2110 or email HeadStart@lcps.org

student celebrating after receiving award

The Loudoun Education Foundation awarded a record number of scholarships this spring, including two $12,000 Future Teachers of Loudoun Scholarships, two $2,500 Edgar B. Hatrick Future Leaders in Education Scholarships and a $1,000 Elaine Avington Griffin Unsung Educator Scholarship. This year’s awards also included twelve Tools for Success Scholarships and four Claude Moore Teacher Scholarships of $5,000 each. Thank you to those who applied, to the educators who wrote recommendation letters, and to funding partners Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Lewis Parker, and Apple Federal Credit Union.

The Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee is hosting its annual EquiTEA and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 9 at the Historic Frederick Douglass High School. The highlight of this event will be the presentation of the 2026 MSAAC award winners. These winners will include students, teachers, administrators, and schools whose work and actions help make LCPS a more inclusive community. Light refreshments will be served.

Is your student interested in attending a U.S. service academy? The five academies, West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy and the Coast Guard Academy, offer exceptional opportunities for service and leadership. The VA‑10 Service Academy Day, hosted by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam’s office on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the LCPS Administration Building, will provide an opportunity to learn more about service academies. Attendees can visit information tables throughout the morning. A panel discussion with academy representatives will begin at 10 a.m. to offer deeper insight into the application process and expectations. Please RSVP for this event.

Graphic for Loudoun Spring Farm Tour, May 16 and 17

From charming encounters with llamas, alpacas and donkeys to indulging in homemade ice cream at a dairy farm, the Loudoun Spring Farm Tour on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages. Featuring a diverse array of farms showcasing the finest products that Loudoun has to offer, including honey, traditional vegetables and fresh flowers, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Loudoun’s agricultural heritage.

Explore simple, effective ways to keep students learning and growing throughout the summer in this month's Family Room virtual workshop -- Avoiding the Summer Slide -- on Wednesday, May 20 at noon and 6 p.m. Participants will discover strategies to maintain academic momentum, prevent the “summer slide” and create routines that support continued enrichment. Whether through everyday activities or structured programs, families will leave with practical tools to help students return to school confident and prepared. See the Family Academy webpage to register. The Family Academy, hosted by the Division of Family and Community Engagement, offers expert-led discussions on topics such as academic pathways, home-school partnerships, college and career readiness and learning at home.

Attend the next Fake Pills, Real Risks workshop on Thursday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Tuscarora High School to learn strategies to talk honestly with your student about the dangers of fake pills, fentanyl and other drugs. The session will include a brief presentation that will highlight local trends, resources and guidance to support families. During the second half of the workshop, a panel presentation will share personal stories and key facts about today’s drug landscape. Please plan to attend and learn about the new drug landscape as well as tips to continue the conversation with your students to help keep them safe. This workshop is coordinated by the Office of Student Mental Health Services.

Ukeru for Families

Wednesday, May 27, 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, June 2, Noon-2 p.m. at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn). Registration required.

Welcome to LCPS Workshop Reunion

Wednesday, June 3, 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Douglass High School (407 E. Market St., Leesburg)

Recognition of Excellence in Support of Special Education Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, June 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lightridge High School ( 41025 Collaboration Dr, Aldie)

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

LCPS uses an online platform called Peachjar to share electronic flyers from LCPS departments, schools, community partners and local organizations. Flyers are emailed every Tuesday and Friday. Families can also view all flyers from the past month on the Peachjar Flyerboard. These flyers include important information about upcoming school and community events, programs and opportunities. Be sure to take a look!

School Board Summary and Meeting Schedule

Read a summary of the School Board's April 28 meeting. A recording of the School Board meeting and more information can be found in Board Docs. The next School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, starting at 4:30 p.m. The agenda will be posted to the School Board website (under Meetings) by 5 p.m. the Friday before the meeting. All School Board meetings are live-streamed.

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. The policy listed below is up for review.

8265, Searches Involving Students and Seizure of Contraband
8270, Student Dress Code

Visit the Policy Review webpage for more details and feedback submission deadlines. Providing input does not guarantee that the feedback will be included in the final policy. All feedback will be reviewed by the School Board Committee as they develop policies for submission to the entire School Board. The authority for final approval of any policy lies solely with the Loudoun County School Board.

Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day and a student and staff holiday.
Friday, June 12 is the last day of school for the 2025/26 school year.
Consult the calendars for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 school years before scheduling vacations or other student absences.
The 2026 LCPS graduation schedule is posted on the LCPS website.

Loudoun County Public Schools

Ask the Department of Communications and Community Engagement
21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA, USA
571-252-1040

www.lcps.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCPSofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcpsofficial/
X: @lcpsofficial

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

LCPS Seeking Feedback on 2028/29 Calendar Options LCPS Seeking Feedback on 2028/29 Calendar Options

Students Explore STEAM Careers and Learning at Amazon Girls' Tech Day Students Explore STEAM Careers and Learning at Amazon Girls' Tech Day

Teacher Cadet Ceremony Celebrates Future Educators Teacher Cadet Ceremony Celebrates Future Educators

LCPS Recognizes Employees of the Year LCPS Recognizes Employees of the Year

Celebrating a Decade of Welcoming Families with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrating a Decade of Welcoming Families with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

LCPS Podcast: The Importance of Dignity and Belonging LCPS Podcast: The Importance of Dignity and Belonging

Don't Wait Until August! Make Sure Your Student Has Their Required Immunizations Don't Wait Until August! Make Sure Your Student Has Their Required Immunizations

Start Your Child's Big Kindergarten Adventure: Register for Kindergarten Today! Start Your Child's Big Kindergarten Adventure: Register for Kindergarten Today!

Before Summer Gets Busy: Apply Now for Free LCPS Preschool Before Summer Gets Busy: Apply Now for Free LCPS Preschool

Loudoun Education Foundation Awards Record Number of Scholarships Loudoun Education Foundation Awards Record Number of Scholarships

UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

MSAAC to Honor Inclusion Champions at the 2026 EquiTEA and Awards Ceremony MSAAC to Honor Inclusion Champions at the 2026 EquiTEA and Awards Ceremony

Attend VA-10 Service Academy Day to Learn More about U.S. Service Academies Attend VA-10 Service Academy Day to Learn More about U.S. Service Academies

Explore the Loudoun Spring Farm Tour Explore the Loudoun Spring Farm Tour

Virtual Workshop Explores Strategies to Prevent the "Summer Slide" Virtual Workshop Explores Strategies to Prevent the "Summer Slide"

Learn Strategies to Have Honest Conversations about the Dangers of Fake Pills Learn Strategies to Have Honest Conversations about the Dangers of Fake Pills

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

Check the Flyerboard for Event Information and Opportunities! Check the Flyerboard for Event Information and Opportunities!

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

CALENDAR REMINDERS CALENDAR REMINDERS

QUICK LINKS QUICK LINKS

Loudoun County Public Schools