The Boulevard October 11, 2026
Hello Pioneers,
As always, I hope you and your families are enjoying the weekend. Please stay dry and safe during this rainy three-day weekend!
Important Reminder: There is no school on Monday, October 12, as we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day (formerly Columbus Day).
Weekend Recaps:
Hispanic Heritage Family Dinner: On Friday evening, October 9, STM hosted our inaugural Hispanic Heritage Family Dinner. The event was a huge success, with over 150 students, families, and community members in attendance. Special thanks to everyone who planned, contributed to, and attended this wonderful evening—we are already looking forward to next year's event!
Sterling Park Parade: It was fantastic to see so many of our students, parents, guardians, and community members at Saturday’s parade. It is always a great time when the Sterling Park community comes together. A special shout-out to my fellow principals who walked the parade route with me: Dr. Jason Jefferson (Park View High), Mrs. Rhonda Lopez (Forest Grove Elementary), and Mrs. Jennifer Meres Short (Sterling Elementary).
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend, and we look forward to seeing students back in school on Tuesday!
Please review the upcoming events listed below, including the "Battle of Route 7" soccer game vs. Seneca Ridge (Friday, 10/16/26 , 5:00 PM, @ Dominion High School), and the end of the first quarter on Wednesday, October 28.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.
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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👩🏻🚀
Aileen Rivera- Aileen is a hardworking and responsible student. She consistently models what it means to be a Pioneer with C.L.A.S.S. and comes to class every day ready to learn. Aileen is kind to her peers, respectful when speaking with adults, and a valuable addition to our Sterling Middle School Pioneer family. I am honored to teach her, and am lucky to watch her grow and succeed every day! - Ms. Cradlin, English Teacher
Ayesha Usman- Ayesha shows class every day in English class. She is bright and engaged and tries her best in everything she does. Ayesha is kind to everyone she encounters and makes my day brighter. - Ms. Thonet, English Teacher
👨🏻🚀7th Grade👩🏻🚀
Genesis Henriquez Meija- Genesis is a joy to have in my Communication Studies Class! She is dedicated to creating exceptional work in all she does. She is thoughtful and detail-oriented. Genesis is also very talented and applies both her strong creativity and sharp eye for detail to her creative writing. In addition to her skill and work ethic, she is also a kind peer and friendly to all. I can always count on a friendly "Hello" and this often makes my day. Genesis exemplifies CLASS and I am very lucky to have her as my student! - Ms. Newton, English Teacher
👨🏻🚀8th Grade👩🏻🚀
Nayeli Alvarado- Nayeli has made a lot of friends already this school year! She gives thoughtful responses in class and always gives her best effort. She is always friendly and positive with her peers and respectful to her teachers. She is a talented artist, and also very funny! She sets a good example for her peers and is a joy to have in class. Ms. Wilburn, EL Teacher
Angela Harper - Angela has been a great student in English class this year! She follows instructions, puts great effort into her quick writes & essays, is helpful to classmates, & always respectful. Keep it up Angela! We love having you in class. - Ms. Roman, 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!
We are looking forward to another exciting soccer match against Seneca Ridge Middle School this Friday!
We love seeing the passion from our supporters, but please remember that spectators are not permitted on the field at any time. If fans step onto the field to celebrate or cheer, our team faces a penalty that awards the opposing team a penalty kick.
Thank you for keeping the focus on the players and helping us maintain a safe, fair environment for everyone. We can’t wait to see you in the stands!
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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