The Boulevard -September 13, 2026

September 13, 2026
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Principal's Message
Hello Pioneers,
I hope that each of you and your families had a great weekend!
To those observing Rosh Hashanah, I wish you Shana Tova. This week also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s national theme is Unidos, Somos Más (Together, We Are More). Over the coming month, we will honor the rich contributions of Hispanic Americans to our country and work together to live up to that spirit of unity.
Believe it or not, we have already completed our first month of school, and things are off to a wonderful start! Our Pioneer Scholars and staff have begun the year with energy and a commitment to academic excellence. This dedication was evident in our fall MAP data for Reading and Math—our 7th and 8th-grade scores were higher than expected. Additionally, our recent VALLSS assessments showed growth across nearly all areas. We will use these results to guide targeted reading support, including through our Pioneer Readiness Initiative (PRI).
Please continue to monitor your student's progress via ParentVUE, StudentVUE, and Schoology. Strong partnerships between home and school truly drive student success!
Important Traffic & Safety Reminders To keep morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups safe and moving smoothly, please note the following:
Pull All the Way Forward: Campus traffic backs up quickly onto Holly Ave, so please pull forward as far as possible in line.
Use Designated Curbing Only: Scholars should exit or enter vehicles only when parked alongside the drop-off curb. This will be heavily monitored.
No U-Turns: U-turns in the Kiss-N-Ride lines create severe safety hazards and violate traffic rules. Officers from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) and LCPS Safety & Security will be on-site assisting with enforcement.
Avoid Sterling Golf Club: The entrance at Sterling Boulevard and the golf club is private property and not an approved pick-up or drop-off location. Please respect the proprietor's request to keep this area clear; LCSO may ticket vehicles violating this policy.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school community safe and focused on learning!
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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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STM - Health & Physical Education UPDATE:
Sterling Middle School Health & Physical Education Shirt Update
We are excited for another great year in Health & Physical Education! As part of our H/P.E. program, students are required to wear an LCPS P.E. shirt during class. The shirt helps students be prepared to participate safely and actively in our daily activities.
Per LCPS guidance, the price has increased from $3 to $7. Students who have already purchased (as well as purchased and not yet received) their shirt at the previous $3 price will not be charged the difference.
If your student has not yet purchased a P.E. shirt as of 9/3/2026, the cost is $7. We appreciate your support in helping your student come to class prepared and ready to participate!
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a fun, active, and healthy school year!
STUDENT DRESS CODE (H&PE)
i. Wear clothing that meets the coverage requirements for both tops and bottoms
ii. Wear athletic shoes (e.g., sneakers, running shoes or tennis shoes) or other shoes that are closed at the toe and heel and securely fastened to the foot; and iii. Remove jewelry and other accessories when directed to do so for safety reasons.
As always, please share any additional questions, comments, and/or concerns.
Our Mission
Chronic Absenteeism by Grade
10% or more, absent from total days of school
🚩 Current overall rate – 13.7% 🚩
- Sixth-grade rate – 11.4% 🟢
- Seventh-grade rate – 15.1% 🟡
- Eighth-grade rate – 14.8.% 🟢
Tiers:
- 🟢 10% to 14%
- 🟡 15% to 24%
- 🔴 25%+
We need your help with keeping our chronic absenteeism rate low. Students need to be present in school to learn. We want all of our students to be successful and this starts with them being at school each day. Our goal is for all grade levels to be in the green (tier 1). Please make sure that you talk to your child about the importance of being at school every day.
Attendance Resources
See below for important information from the county about attendance.
https://www.lcps.org/o/doss/page/attendance-resources
Here is a useful link as it includes some of the following:
- Attendance Facts
- Attendance Strategies for Parents
- Attendance Policy/Regulation
Pioneer Events 📆
September 2026
- Tuesday, September 15th - Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off
- Tuesday, September 15th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Thursday, September 17th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Monday, September 21st- HOLIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
- Tuesday, September 22nd - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm )
- Wednesday, September 23rd Fall Pictures
- Thursday, September 24th - Fall Pictures
- Thursday, September 24th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Wednesday, September 23rd and 24th - Fall Pictures
- Tuesday, September 29th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
OCTOBER 2026
- Thursday, October 1st - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Friday, October 2nd - 8th grade Band/PVHS Marching Band Collaboration (PVHS and Dominion HS)
- Tuesday, October 6th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Thursday, October 8th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Friday, October 9th - Hispanic Heritage Family Night - 6pm
- Monday, October 12th - HOLIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
- Tuesday, October 13th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Wednesday, October 14th - Soccer Academy Field Trip to Loudoun United
- Thursday, October 15th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Friday, October 16th - Battle of Route 7 (Dominion HS) 5pm
- Tuesday, October 20th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Thursday, October 22nd - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Tuesday, October 27th - Strings Fall Concert (Auditorium)
- Tuesday, October 27th - Adult EL Classes (House A) 6pm -7:30pm
- Thursday, October 29th - STUDENT HOLIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
- Friday, October 30th - STUDENT HOLIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
- Monday, November 2nd - STUDENT HOLIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
- Tuesday, November 3rd - STUDENT HOLIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
Chocolate Fundraiser!!!
This year's chocolate fundraiser kicked off on Thursday, August 20th with grade-level assemblies. All students received a prize flyer and a parent permission slip. All students who wish to sell chocolate need to bring a signed permission in the morning to House B locker area. Prizes include attending a movie event, pounds of candy, and cash!
Chocolate Fundraiser Update
Big shout out to everyone who is participating in our chocolate fundraiser! We have distributed HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS in CASH and PRIZES already, and look forward to handing out more in the coming days!
Parents, please remember that students need your signed permission in order to check out each box of chocolate. If you have questions or are interested in getting multiple boxes for family and friends, please reach out directly to Dr. Gallardo (assistant principal) at gonzalo.gallardo@lcps.org or at 571-246-0870. Students will receive prizes for any boxes of chocolate purchased by their family.
SHOW YOUR PRIDE - PUCHASE SPIRIT WEAR!
Sterling Middle School Merch
Sterling Middle School Clothes & Car Magnets
Use the link below to order Sterling Middle School clothing items. The store will close on September 30th so be sure to place your order before that time. Items will be delivered to school a few weeks after the deadline.
E-Bikes ARE NOT JUST BIKES
We have seen a significant increase in e-bike and scooter-related injuries across all school levels, from elementary through high school.
As a result, we are encouraging all in our community including parents and students to learn more about the importance of e-bike and scooter safety.
For your convenience, I have attached an e-bike/scooter safety flyer provided by INOVA. Please note that this flyer is currently available in English only.
Thank you for your support in helping promote student safety.
MSAAC-Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee
UPDATE in Student Dress Code
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the School Board voted to update the Student Dress Code, Policy 8270. The updates were considered thoughtfully, with community feedback informing the School Board and staff’s recommendations, and are now in effect.
We wanted to let you know about the changes so you can ensure your student is aware of the changes and help them choose clothing that meets the updated guidelines. Please reach out if you have any questions or if your family needs any support meeting these updated requirements.
Below are some notable changes in effect this fall:
Students’ clothing must be non-transparent and meet additional coverage requirements:
Tops must cover the sides, mid-back, and lower back; extend to the waist; and feature a neckline that does not extend below the imaginary horizontal line connecting the armpits.
Bottoms (e.g., pants, sweatpants, shorts, skirt or leggings) must provide full coverage of the lower torso and buttocks.
One-piece outfits, such as jumpsuits or dresses that meet coverage requirements, are also acceptable.
Shoes must be worn.
Students may wear hats or other headwear that does not obscure the face. The hood must be worn down on a hoodie. Attire of religious, cultural or ethnic significance, e.g., head coverings and hairstyles, is permitted.
For physical education, tops and bottoms must meet coverage requirements; shoes must have a closed-toe and heel, and be securely fastened to the foot.
Note: Other classes may also have separate clothing requirements for safety purposes.
Wear blankets or robes to school. (Pajama tops and bottoms that meet coverage requirements are allowed.)
Wear clothing that intentionally exposes undergarments. (The unintentional exposure of undergarments will not result in disciplinary action.)
We wanted to share this summary of the updates to Policy 8270 to help you prepare your student for success. Please reach out to school staff with questions. We look forward to seeing your student soon!
Read the updated Student Dress Code, Policy 8270, and find all School Board policies at www.lcps.org/policyreview.
Intramural Sports
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR FALL SPORTS SEASON
Please scan the QR code attached in the flyer below to register or If you have any questions about intramural sports here at Sterling MIddle School, please email Mr. Culver at William.Culver@lcps.org
BATTLE OF ROUTE 7
Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),
Your student is invited to try out for the Sterling Middle School soccer team. The soccer team will have one game this fall against its crosstown rival, Seneca Ridge Middle School. The game will take place on Friday, October 16th at Dominion High School in the evening (a start time for the game will be announced).
If your student is interested in participating please click the link below, print a copy, fill out the form and your student may return it to their corresponding House Secretary.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZJUhMO3V57s1KG_uEzJNohUpCd6QRRNRRzzmBuBPxzQ/edit?tab=t.0
⚾ WELCOME BACK, STERLING MIDDLE SCHOOL! ⚾
We want to welcome all of our students back to school and give a special welcome to our rising 6th graders and their families! We hope everyone has a great start to the new school year.
We also want our students and families to know that Sterling Middle School Pioneers Baseball and Park View High School Patriots Baseball are working together to continue building baseball in the Sterling community.
⚾ YEAR 2 — LET’S KEEP BUILDING!
Last year was a special beginning for Sterling Middle School as the Pioneers fielded their first baseball team in more than 30 years. Now we are heading into Year 2 and preparing for our next Sterling Middle School baseball season beginning in April 2027.
This fall, several of our 8th-grade students will compete in the Juniors Division with Lower Loudoun Little League. They will have an opportunity to represent Sterling Middle School, continue developing their game, and prepare for the upcoming Pioneers season in the spring.
Park View Varsity Baseball Head Coach Ken Short and Sterling Middle School Coach Walter Payez are also working together to create additional opportunities for our students to play, practice, and continue developing this fall.
Our goal is to keep building a strong baseball pathway in our community:
⚾ Lower Loudoun Little League
⬇️
⚾ Sterling Middle School Pioneers
⬇️
⚾ Park View High School Patriots
We welcome any boys at Sterling Middle School who are interested in baseball to get involved. Whether you’re an experienced player or just interested in learning and developing your game, we would love to hear from you.
Our program is focused on developing student-athletes on and off the field through discipline, accountability, teamwork, leadership, and opportunity. We want to help our players grow, represent their school and community with pride, and prepare for the next level.
For more information about the Sterling Middle School Pioneers Baseball Program, including fall development opportunities, tryouts, training updates, open workouts, and getting involved for the Spring 2027 season, please contact:
⚾ Coach Walter Payez
📧 Walter.payez@LLbaseball.org
📌 Se habla español.
Come be part of what we’re building!
⚾ Sterling Middle Pioneers → Park View Patriots ⚾
One Community. One Baseball Family. One Pathway.
⚾ GO PIONEERS! GO PATRIOTS! ⚾
Nurse's Corner
Middle school brings fast changes. We want every girl to feel safe and ready to learn each day. Please pack a spare pair of pants and fresh underwear in a labeled zip bag. Your daughter can keep this extra set in her school locker just in case she has an unexpected menstrual leak.
La etapa de secundaria conlleva cambios rápidos. Queremos que cada alumna se sienta segura y lista para aprender cada día. Por favor, preparen un par de pantalones de repuesto y ropa interior limpia en una bolsa con cierre hermético y debidamente etiquetada. Su hija podrá guardar este juego adicional en su casillero escolar, por si acaso sufriera una fuga menstrual inesperada.
Counselor's corner
Important update
LOST AND FOUND CORNER
Is This Yours?
Claim your missing property at the main office.
- Items not claimed by Monday, September 14th will be donated.
STM Business / Community Partners
Rotary Club of Broadlands/Dulles South
Dunlap, Bennett, and Ludwig Law Firm
Sterling United Methodist Church
Teachers' Home Benefits
Benihana Dulles
You'veGotMaids of Sterling
Send us your Pioneer Spotlights - Let's highlight our Pioneers!
We want to hear from you! Send us the awesome accomplishments of our Pioneers!
We want to highlight all the accomplishments of our Pioneer students. Has your child won an award, had an achievement, won a tournament with their sports team or done anything else that you are proud of that we can spotlight here?
If yes, please email Fitzroy.Frew@lcps.org, Viviana.Reyes@lcps.org and Katie.Lovoalbayero@lcps.org with your child's name, grade, details about the accomplishment and a picture(if available) by Wednesday of each week to be included in the Pioneer Spotlight. We can't wait to see all the wonderful things our Pioneers are a part of.
Contact Sterling Middle School
Main office hours - 8:20 AM - 3:50 PM
Office Phone number: (571) 434-4520
Follow us on Twitter(X) - @SterlingMiddle1