Three new members of the Loudoun County School Board were sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at the LCPS Administration Building in Ashburn. Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk Gary M. Clemens administered the oath of office to Ross Svenson (Broad Run District), Jon Pepper (Dulles District) and Amy Riccardi (Sterling District). April Chandler (Algonkian District) and Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg District) renewed their oath of office after being re-elected. Following the swearing-in, the School Board held its annual organizational meeting, at which Chandler was elected School Board chair and Anne Donohue (At-Large) was re-elected as vice chair. The first School Board meeting of 2026 will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, starting at 4:30 p.m. Read more about the swearing-in ceremony and the organizational meeting. Find additional School Board information and view the upcoming meeting dates.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors also held its annual business meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6. At this meeting, which was held at the Loudoun County Government Center, the Board of Supervisors set its 2026 meeting schedule, elected Supervisor Michael R. Turner (Ashburn District) to continue serving as vice chair and addressed other administrative tasks. Read about the Board of Supervisors business meeting.

LCPS is developing the FY27 budget, with a focus on aligning resources with student needs and long-term division priorities. A series of planned budget meetings will give the School Board and community opportunities to review the proposed budget, share feedback and help shape the final spending plan.

Thursday, Jan. 15, starting at 4:30 p.m.: School Board Budget Work Session, including presentation of the FY27 Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs (SEON)
Tuesday, Jan. 20, starting at 5:30 p.m.: School Board Budget Work Session
Thursday, 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.

Eighth grade students still have time to explore and express interest in LCPS special program opportunities. Students who are interested should visit the Student Opportunities System, located in LCPS GO, to submit their interest in one or more available programs. Currently enrolled eighth grade students have until Friday, Jan. 16 to complete this step.

Additional information about each special program, details and contact information, is available on the LCPS Special Programs website. Families are encouraged to review the options together and explore programs that align with students’ interests and goals.

Students in PROPEL and Level Up, grades 4–8, came together on Dec. 9 to celebrate Computer Science Education Week through the annual Hour of Code. With support from the Academies of Loudoun (ACL), the event offered hands‑on coding activities to build confidence, creativity and problem‑solving skills.

Mentors from the ACL Computer Science Honor Society guided students through challenges on the RAISE Playground platform, including coding with music, using hand and face‑sensing tools and exploring introductory AI concepts. In total, students logged two hours of coding time.

Families can continue the learning at home with free resources such as Code.org and Scratch, which provide simple, engaging activities that strengthen problem‑solving skills and spark interest in computer science pathways. Read more about how LCPS celebrated Computer Science Week.

As we move through the winter months of unpredictable weather, LCPS has gathered a variety of optional K-12 learning resources and activities families may use in the event of a weather-related school closure. These resources are designed to be flexible, engaging and supportive of continued curiosity without adding pressure.

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.

Activities are flexible, engaging and supportive of continued curiosity, and are available for all grade levels. Look for:

Digital learning options for students with LCPS-issued Chromebooks
Non-tech activities for younger learners or families without device access
Opportunities that reinforce skills through play, reading and real-world connections

Visit www.lcps.org/snowdayresources. 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.

In this week’s LCPS Podcast, Superintendent Aaron Spence talks with students from Woodgrove and Potomac Falls high schools about their experiences and perspectives on learning beyond the classroom and the opportunities that help LCPS students explore their passions.

The LCPS Podcast brings you behind the scenes with educators and students to explore trends shaping K–12 education and incredible moments you won’t find anywhere else. With the exception of holidays, new episodes drop every Thursday. Find the LCPS Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeart Radio. Check out the LCPS Podcast webpage to listen to this week's episode and to catch up on episodes you may have missed.

If your child will be 5 by Sept. 30, it’s almost time to start their big kindergarten adventure for the 2026/27 school year! The online pre‑registration portal for rising kindergartners and students new to LCPS opens Tuesday, Jan. 20. (Current LCPS students do not need to complete this step.)

Pre‑registration includes determining your student’s home school, gathering required documents, and uploading them 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.

Whether you're an LCPS staff member or student, the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) offers scholarships to support your continued education. LEF's scholarships include financial support for those seeking degrees in teaching or administration, as well as those pursuing a career in the trades. The application window is open from Jan. 20 to March 24. Learn more and apply at loudouneducationfoundation.org/scholarships.

Did you know that LCPS uses Peachjar, a web‑based platform, for distributing electronic flyers? The goal of this platform is to share information with families while reducing the number of papers sent home to families. 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. Approved flyers are emailed to parents on Tuesdays and Fridays around noon using the addresses on file with the division. To view all flyers distributed in the past 30 days, visit the Peachjar Flyerboard at www.lcps.org/Peachjar.

Eligible families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced meals for the 2025/26 school year. All information provided in the application is confidential and used only to determine eligibility for the meal program. There are two ways to apply:

Visit the Free and Reduced Meal Application webpage to complete the application online.
Paper applications are available at your student’s school or can be downloaded at: lcps.org/freeandreduced. Once the application is complete, return it to your student’s school, or scan and email to freeandreduced@lcps.org.

Eligibility

If a family receives benefits from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are Medicaid recipients with a household income that meets the USDA National School Lunch Program guidelines for free or reduced-price meals, their student may automatically qualify for free meals. If a student has been automatically enrolled in the free and reduced meal program, the student’s family should have received an eligibility letter/email from LINQ School Nutrition before the start of the school year. Families who have already received an approved eligibility letter should not submit another application. Families are advised to keep a copy of the letter to provide to third parties (CASA, YMCA, Internet Benefits, etc.) for the extra benefits if they wish to participate. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Families are invited to attend an upcoming information night to learn more about the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, which begins in kindergarten. DLI, offered at Potowmack Elementary and Sanders Corner Elementary, fosters bilingualism, biliteracy and cultural competence. All Loudoun County residents with a rising kindergartener may express interest in having their child participate. Please share this information with families with rising kindergartners joining LCPS next fall!

Dual Language Immersion Information Nights

Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Leesburg Elementary
Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Sanders Corner Elementary
Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Sully Elementary

All information night sessions will start at 6 p.m. Register to attend. For more information, see the LCPS Dual Language Immersion webpage.

Starting in January, LCPS students in grades 5 to 11 will use Course Planner to begin the course selection process for next school year and beyond. More than just choosing classes, this process is a personalized journey that helps students shape their future. Last year was the first year students used Course Planner for course selection. Students reported that the course selection process, using Course Planner and supported by their School Counselors, provided them with a clearer sense of their future paths and helped them learn more about themselves. Parents and guardians are invited to attend a webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. to learn more about Course Planner and how they can access the platform to engage with their student in the course selection process. To learn more or get the webinar link, visit Course Planner and the course selection process.

The Problem with Perfectionism

Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building. Register to attend.

CAMPUS Information Session

Monday, Jan. 26, 6-7 p.m. See the CAMPUS webpage for webinar link.

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.

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

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 21, and join us at Heritage High School for the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair, LCPS' 8th annual celebration of mental health and wellness.

This year, United for Wellness will feature workshops led by LCPS educators, mental health specialists and community partners, offering practical strategies to support student well-being and academic success. Participants can also explore the resource fair, where local businesses and nonprofits share services and guidance. Food trucks will also be on-site with snacks and lunch available for purchase.

You won’t want to miss it! See the United for Wellness webpage for details!

Monday, Jan. 19 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and student and staff holiday.
The second grading quarter ends on 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

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

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New Members of Loudoun County School Board Sworn In New Members of Loudoun County School Board Sworn In

FY27 Budget Meetings Scheduled FY27 Budget Meetings Scheduled

Explore and Express Interest in Special Program Opportunities Explore and Express Interest in Special Program Opportunities

Students Dive Into Coding During Hour of Code Students Dive Into Coding During Hour of Code

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

LCPS Podcast: Students Share Perspectives with the Superintendent LCPS Podcast: Students Share Perspectives with the Superintendent

Get Ready to Start Your Kindergartner's Big Adventure! Get Ready to Start Your Kindergartner's Big Adventure!

LEF Scholarship Opportunities Support Students and Staff LEF Scholarship Opportunities Support Students and Staff

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

Eligible Families Can Apply for Free and Reduced Meal Program Eligible Families Can Apply for Free and Reduced Meal Program

UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

Discover the Dual Language Immersion Program Discover the Dual Language Immersion Program

How to Help Your Student Select Their Courses How to Help Your Student Select Their Courses

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

Save the Date: United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair Save the Date: United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair

CALENDAR REMINDERS CALENDAR REMINDERS

QUICK LINKS QUICK LINKS

Loudoun County Public Schools