The LCPS Letter

In this month's Think Fast video, Dr. Aaron Spence talks with Jen Evans, director of Student Mental Health Services, and Brennan, an 11th grade student at Heritage High School about the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Heritage High School. Check out the schedule of sessions to learn more about the variety of workshops and resources available.

A gathering of parents, students, teachers, principals, LCPS department representatives, and members of the community and advisory committees came together on Thursday, Feb. 5 for the first Strategic Planning Team meeting, launching the visioning process for the LCPS 2027-2032 guiding strategic plan. Superintendent Aaron Spence welcomed the group and expressed his gratitude for their support and partnership in this work. School community input will be critical in reenvisioning the division’s mission, vision and values and creating a framework to guide decision-making in the coming years. Frequent updates on the discussions and progress will be shared in upcoming newsletters.

High school and middle school students observing Ramadan can request a “to-go” meal. Students may request this meal by going through the meal service line during their regular meal period and asking the cashier for a to-go meal. Parents/guardians can also request a to-go meal for their student by contacting the school cafeteria manager before lunch service. If parents/guardians leave a message, they must ensure they receive an acknowledgement of the request. At the end of the school day, students should stop by the cafeteria where School Nutrition Services staff will distribute the requested meals. Parents are not allowed to pick up the meals for their students.

School Nutrition is happy to support students and ensure that all students have access to one nutritious breakfast and/or lunch meal per day while respecting their religious fasting practices.

The Virginia Department of Education received U.S. Department of Agriculture approval for a special waiver during Ramadan 2026, allowing schools to offer meals more flexibly. This waiver enables LCPS to provide meals outside standard times, in non‑group settings, and without certain usual requirements, so students observing Ramadan can take meals to go from February 18 to March 19, 2026. LCPS is participating in this program to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals while honoring their religious fasting practices.

The Special Permission application period is open. 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.

Because Special Permission is granted for only one year, families who wish for their student to continue at their Special Permission school must submit a renewal application. To renew your student’s Special Permission application, visit the Special Permission webpage and click Apply for Special Permission. The process of renewing is the same as applying for Special Permission. Special Permission renewals are due by March 1.

Families who do not renew their student’s Special Permission application by March 1 will need to reapply for Special Permission, and approval to the current Special Permission school is not guaranteed. The Special Permission application period will close on April 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Below are a few guidelines for Special Permission:

• 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 on April 30, no additional Special Permission applications will be accepted.

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

Have you submitted your nomination for the LCPS Annual Awards? Get your nominations in before Friday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m! 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.

The Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) is accepting scholarship applications! LEF is proud to support LCPS staff members and graduating high school seniors—from aspiring teachers to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Last year, LEF awarded 24 scholarships totaling more than $79,000, helping recipients continue their education and strengthen Loudoun County’s schools and workforce. The deadline to apply for the Tools for Success scholarship is March 8 and the deadline to apply to LEF's other scholarship opportunities is March 24. Explore LEF's scholarship opportunities.

Dominion and Potomac Falls High Schools turned a rivalry into something truly meaningful with the Battle of Sterling Blood Drive. Inspired by four‑year‑old Alfie, whose life was saved thanks to 88 blood donors, both school communities came together to host a blood drive, collecting 112 units of lifesaving blood. No matter which school claims bragging rights, the real winners are the people whose lives will be saved thanks to this act of generosity. Read more about the Battle of Sterling Blood Drive.

Shannon Nealon, a kindergarten teacher at Catoctin Elementary, is this month’s SHINE award winner. Ms. Nealon was nominated by a parent who shared how Ms. Nealon has made kindergarten an amazing experience for her child. In her nomination, the parent wrote that before the school year even began, Ms. Nealon sent a warm welcome letter and a read‑aloud video to help her students feel excited and ready for their first day of school. Then, throughout the year, Ms. Nealon has kept families informed, supported her students’ growth, and communicated with care. The parent described Ms. Nealon as “on the ball, kind, friendly, enthusiastic, and the epitome of what you want in a kindergarten teacher.”

As a SHINE award recipient, Ms. Nealon received a gift coordinated by the Loudoun Education Foundation and sponsored by Apple Federal Credit Union. SHINE, or Spotlighting Heroes in Education, is a joint LEF and LCPS initiative celebrating staff who go above and beyond for students and the community. Learn more about SHINE.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Fair, on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Academies of Loudoun (42075 Loudoun Academy Dr., Leesburg), is designed to connect LCPS high school students with industry professionals, future employers, and opportunities for career exploration. Students will have the chance to speak directly with industry leaders about their career paths, network with potential employers and explore summer and beyond job opportunities. Students can register for this event in SchooLinks. This event is coordinated by the LCPS Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education.

Why should you attend the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair? United for Wellness, which will be held on Saturday, Feb 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heritage High School, is the kind of event that leaves you energized, inspired and equipped with real tools you can use right away to support your student. With more than 30 sessions, covering everything from boosting focus to easing anxiety to helping your student feel connected, you can build a day that fits exactly what your family needs. The accompanying resource fair is equally packed with over 100 local organizations, nonprofits and representatives from LCPS offices, so you can meet experts and maybe even find something you didn’t know you needed. Add in food trucks, and it’s basically a wellness festival with purpose. View the session schedule and sign up today!

• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6-7 p.m., Virtual. Visit the English Learner Family Room webpage for webinar links.

• Thursday, Feb. 26, Noon. Virtual. Register to receive webinar link.

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

One LCPS School Board Spotlight: Work-Based Learning at Heritage High School
During the Feb. 10 School Board meeting, Heritage High School shared how students are building confidence and preparing for their futures through meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Through Career and Technical Education pathways, students participate in work-based learning opportunities that help them explore interests, make informed decisions about their next steps and connect what they learn in the classroom to life beyond high school. These experiences broaden access to hands-on learning, encourage collaboration across subjects and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, all while helping students develop the knowledge and skills they will carry with them into college, careers and the community.

This work reflects the division’s Strategic Plan commitment to empowering students through multiple, accessible pathways to success and fostering an engaged community. By expanding opportunities for real-world learning and continuing to grow business and community partnerships, Heritage is helping ensure every student is supported in discovering a path that aligns with their strengths and aspirations. Learn more about this School Board spotlight.

School Board Summary and Meeting Schedule

• 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.

• Ask the Superintendent
• School Calendars
• Office of the Ombuds
• Office of the Auditor General
• Family and Community Engagement
• LCPS News Stories
• Peachjar Flyers
• Mental Health and Community Resources for Families
• Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness

• Comment and Complaint Form
• Loudoun Education Foundation
• Join the LCPS Team

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

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