The Mustang Messenger

• Para ver el boletín en español haga clic en el cuadrado negro ubicado en el lado derecho donde dice Traducir boletín.
• Cuando llegue aquí, haga clic en la flecha hacia abajo y elija el idioma Español.

🐎 Celebrating 50 Years of J. Lupton Simpson Middle School

From a New Vision for Loudoun’s Students to Fifty Years of Mustang Pride — 1976–2026

2025-2026 was the 50th year that JL Simpson MS served LCPS students in Leesburg, Virginia. 2026-2027 represents the anniversary season of JLS!

As J. Lupton Simpson Middle School celebrates its 50th anniversary, we have an extraordinary opportunity to look beyond the walls of our school and remember why those walls were built in the first place. Simpson’s opening in 1976 represented much more than the arrival of a new school in Leesburg. It marked the culmination of an important transformation in Loudoun County Public Schools and the beginning of a half-century of learning, friendships, traditions, and Mustang pride.

Before Simpson: A New Idea Takes Shape

The middle school experience familiar to generations of Loudoun students did not always exist.

Before the 1971–72 school year, Loudoun County generally followed a different educational structure, with students remaining in elementary school through seventh grade before advancing to high school. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, however, Loudoun was changing rapidly. Population growth, school consolidation and reorganization, and the completion of desegregation were reshaping public education throughout the county.

At the same time, educators nationally were embracing a new philosophy: students in the years between childhood and high school had distinctive academic, social, and developmental needs. A school designed specifically for these young adolescents could provide a bridge between the familiar environment of elementary school and the greater independence of high school.

Loudoun embraced that idea.

In 1971–72, LCPS introduced the grades 6–8 middle-school concept. Blue Ridge Middle School in Purcellville and Sterling Middle School were among the first purpose-built schools serving this new model.

Leesburg's transition was different.

For several years, the former Douglass High School building served as Leesburg Middle School, accommodating students from the Leesburg, Lucketts, and Middleburg areas. It provided an important bridge while Loudoun prepared for something permanent: a purpose-built middle school for the Leesburg community.

That school would become J. Lupton Simpson Middle School.

A School Designed for a New Generation

By 1975, construction of the new school was underway.

Contemporary architectural reporting described an ambitious facility planned to accommodate approximately 1,200 students when it opened in the fall of 1976. Designed by the architectural firm Foster and Saul, with L. F. Jennings, Inc. serving as general contractor, Simpson reflected some of the most forward-thinking educational ideas of its era.

Its design incorporated a modified “school-within-a-school” concept.

Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders were organized into separate semi-autonomous areas called “houses.” Students would spend approximately half of their school day within their respective house. Flexible partitions allowed instructional spaces to be rearranged for different group sizes, while students came together in shared areas for subjects and activities such as art, home economics, graphic arts, shops, health, physical education, and auditorium programs.

There was an educational philosophy behind all of it.

The building was intended to help young adolescents make the transition from the relatively intimate environment of elementary school to the larger and more independent world of secondary education.

In other words, Simpson wasn't merely a building constructed to hold middle school students. It was designed from the beginning to be a middle school.

Tuesday, September 7, 1976: Simpson Opens Its Doors

On Tuesday, September 7, 1976, J. Lupton Simpson Middle School opened its doors for the very first time.

By September 30 of that inaugural year, 968 students called Simpson home—344 sixth graders, 355 seventh graders, 251 eighth graders, and 18 students enrolled in special programs. They began the first chapter of a story that has now stretched across half a century.

And those first students might be surprised by one familiar symbol of Simpson today.

When our school opened, our mascot was…the DRAGONS!

When Simpson opened, Leesburg Middle School's transitional role came to an end. Eighth graders who had continued attending Loudoun County High School also moved into the new middle-school structure.

With Simpson's opening, Loudoun's grades 6–8 middle-school concept was firmly established across the school division.

That makes our 50th anniversary particularly meaningful.

The opening of Simpson represented a milestone in the history of LCPS itself.

Simpson opened in a Loudoun County of only about 52,000 residents, at a time when the entire Loudoun County Public Schools system served roughly 14,000 students. Fifty years later, our county and school system have grown beyond what those first students could have imagined, but Simpson remains a place where young people learn, discover who they are, build friendships, and become part of a community.

Thousands upon thousands of students have since walked these halls, but the original mission behind the school remains remarkably recognizable: to create a place specifically designed for young people navigating the important years between elementary and high school.

The Man Behind the Name

And then there is the name on our building.

James Lupton Simpson devoted thirty-nine (39) years of his life to education in Loudoun County.

His own story was one of perseverance. After overcoming childhood polio and beginning his education through private tutoring, Simpson graduated from Lucketts High School, attended Hampden-Sydney College, and embarked upon the career in education that would ultimately make his name familiar to generations of Loudoun students.

Beginning his Loudoun career in 1926, Mr. Simpson served students and communities including Lucketts, Waterford, Ashburn, Lincoln, and eventually Loudoun County High School. He worked as a teacher, principal, and assistant principal during an era when Loudoun's schools and communities underwent enormous change.

Simpson became principal of Lincoln High School in July 1944 and remained principal until the high school was consolidated in 1954. Lincoln was noted as having a very “strong academic reputation” under Simpson’s leadership.

When Lincoln High School closed in 1954, Mr. Simpson joined the freshly constructed Loudoun County High School, becoming a chemistry teacher and assistant principal at the new school. In 1956, the School Board offered to promote him to principal, but he declined. He remained with LCPS until retiring in 1965. Mr. Simpson passed away just two years later, in 1967.

The historical photographs and yearbook tributes that survive from his career provide something that dates and job titles cannot: a glimpse of the man himself.

We see Mr. Simpson behind his desk, speaking with colleagues, participating in lunchtime conversations, and working directly with students and staff. Contemporary yearbook writers described an administrator whose personality, enthusiasm, candor, high expectations, and concern for students made a lasting impression.

One tribute described the relationship between Simpson and his students as one of “mutual trust and admiration.” Another remembered the cheerful greeting associated with him:

“Good morning! And a beautiful morning it is—a Creation Day!”

Those words bring a person from decades ago suddenly within reach.

Mr. Simpson was not simply an administrator whose name eventually appeared above a school entrance. To generations of Loudoun students and educators, he was Mr. Simpson—a familiar presence in their school day and a figure associated with education, leadership, encouragement, and high expectations.

Naming Loudoun's new Leesburg middle school for him therefore connected a new chapter in public education with an educator who had devoted much of his life to the county's young people.

Six Principals, Fifty Years of Leadership

Across five decades, six principals have been entrusted with leading J. Lupton Simpson Middle School:

• 1976–1977: Mr. Walter Reeves (also served as Leesburg Middle School principal before the construction of JLS)

• 1977–1995: Mr. Francis “Rockie” Fera

• 1995–2007: Mr. John Bannister

• 2007–2017: Mr. Chad Runfola

• 2017–2023: Mr. Lenny Compton

• 2023–PRESENT: Dr. Tripp Di Nicola

Together, their tenures span Simpson's entire history—from the opening of a brand-new school during America's Bicentennial year to the Simpson community celebrating its golden anniversary today.

From 1976 to 2026: Fifty Years of Mustangs

Imagine Simpson on that first morning in 1976.

The building was new. The classrooms were new. Students entered spaces that had never before held a class. Teachers began traditions without knowing which ones might endure. No graduating classes had yet passed through the school. There were no decades of photographs, performances, games, friendships, favorite teachers, funny stories, or memories attached to its hallways.

Everything that constituted the history of J. Lupton Simpson Middle School was still waiting to happen.

And then, year by year, it did.

Students arrived as sixth graders and left prepared for high school. Teachers dedicated careers to helping young people discover their abilities. Coaches built teams. Musicians performed concerts. Actors stepped onto stages. Clubs met. Friendships formed. Championships were celebrated. Difficult tests were conquered. Lunches were shared. Yearbooks were signed. Students discovered interests that became careers and met friends they would remember for the rest of their lives.

The building changed, too. As Loudoun grew, Simpson grew with it, receiving additions and improvements over the decades. The community surrounding the school changed dramatically from the Leesburg of 1976.

Yet every generation added another layer to the same story.

We Are Part of That Story

A 50th anniversary invites us to do something unusual in a school: look backward and forward at the same time. Today's Simpson students occupy a school whose history began long before they were born. Our faculty and staff continue work begun by educators whose names may now appear only in old yearbooks. Our alumni carry Simpson memories into communities and professions around Loudoun County, Virginia, the nation, and beyond.

And fifty years from now, when Simpson celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2076, photographs of today's students and staff will themselves be historical documents.

Future Mustangs may look at our yearbooks and wonder what it was like to attend Simpson in 2026.

They will see our faces.

They will read our names.

They will discover our traditions.

And they will know that during Simpson's 50th year, we were the Mustangs carrying the story forward.

Today we celebrate not simply the history of a building, but the people who have given that building its life—students, teachers, administrators, staff members, families, and community members spanning five decades.

From an innovative new middle school opening its doors in 1976 to the thriving Mustang community of 2026, one idea connects every generation:

A school is ultimately the people who pass through it—and what they leave behind for those who come next.

Generations of students and educators have carried James Lupton Simpson's name forward since that first school day in America's Bicentennial year. So on September 7, 2026—exactly 50 years after our doors first opened—we celebrate the first 968 students who began the Simpson story, every Mustang who has followed in their footsteps, and every teacher and staff member who has helped make this school a community.

1976–2026

50 Years. Generations of Mustangs. One Simpson.

Happy 50th Birthday, J. Lupton Simpson Middle School. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang!

Dear JL Simpson Middle School Students, Staff, and Families,

What an Outstanding First Three Weeks, Mustang Family! 💙💛

As we enjoy a well-deserved Labor Day weekend, we hope everyone has an opportunity to rest, recharge, spend time with those who matter most, and reflect on what has been an absolutely outstanding opening three weeks of school at JL Simpson Middle School!

From the energy in our hallways to the learning taking place in our classrooms, our staff has been nothing short of impressed by the way our Mustangs have embraced the start of this school year. Most importantly, we are seeing our students bring the qualities we value as a school community to life each and every day.

Our students are making HONORABLE connections with one another, building new friendships, strengthening old ones, and contributing to a school where everyone has an opportunity to feel seen and valued. They are demonstrating ENGAGED efforts in their classrooms by asking questions, participating in discussions, collaborating with classmates, and investing themselves in their learning. We continue to see RESPECTFUL attitudes toward themselves, one another, our educators, and our school community. And when something is difficult, our Mustangs are showing a DETERMINED focus, approaching challenges with perseverance, optimism, and the understanding that growth often happens when we are willing to stretch ourselves.

HONORABLE. ENGAGED. RESPECTFUL. DETERMINED. These are more than words at Simpson. They represent how we want to learn, lead, connect, and grow together — and our Mustangs are off to a tremendous start!

This past week brought even more excitement as our school community continued to expand beyond the classroom. We saw the formation of our Flag Football and Cross Country teams, while Empowered Girls, Student Council Association, and National Junior Honor Society held organizational kickoff sessions and began preparing for an exciting year ahead. At the same time, our educators continued doing what they do so well: designing meaningful, engaging classroom experiences for our students. Visiting classrooms and seeing our Mustangs thinking, creating, collaborating, laughing, questioning, problem-solving, and learning together is always one of the highlights of our days!

Looking Ahead to a Spirited Week at Simpson

We begin the week with Labor Day on Monday, September 7, and we hope our entire Mustang Family enjoys the holiday and the opportunity for a little extra rest before we return ready for another terrific week together.

Keep in mind that Monday, September 7 is the OFFICIAL 50th anniversary of J. Lupton Simpson Middle School as we opened our doors officially on that very same date in 1976...so it is a great week to celebrate! The Academies of Loudoun's Film Production class is finishing up with some interviews of current and previous Mustangs / Dragons in the coming weeks and entering post-production of our SIMPSON FIVE-O 50th Anniversary documentary...Stay tuned for the showing and release date info for Spring 2027!

When we return on Tuesday, September 8, we will jump back into an A Day, with our PTO-sponsored Monty’s Café welcoming our Mustangs in the entrance from 8:10–8:30 AM. Our Mustangs can enjoy lemonade, hot chocolate, and donuts in the cafeteria upon arrival! Check out the details on how to purchase further down in this newsletter edition.

An especially spirited Thursday, September 10 arrives this coming week! We are asking our entire Mustang Family to break out the RED, WHITE, AND BLUE for USA Spirit Day as we help our Captains down the road at Loudoun County High School kick off their first home football game of the season against Millbrook High School at 7:00 PM at Sonny Pearson Stadium. We love opportunities to celebrate the greater community that so many of our Mustangs will soon call home, so let's fill Simpson with patriotic spirit on Thursday!

The fun continues Thursday evening with our PTO Spirit Night at GoGo Gelato in Leesburg — a great opportunity to enjoy a treat while supporting our school community.

Mustang Spirit Is Growing! 💙💛

A tremendous THANK YOU goes to everyone who purchased one of our new GOLD OUT T-shirts in honor of childhood cancer awareness month! The sale was a huge success, and we cannot wait to see our Mustangs, staff, and families proudly wearing them on Friday, October 2 as part of yet another Loudoun County HS spirit day in connection with their home football game.

And this is only the beginning! Keep an eye out for more spirit shirt designs created by our very own students coming your way soon. We are also incredibly excited about a gorgeous new Simpson Spirit Store that is on the horizon, featuring many new options focused on celebrating JL Simpson Middle School and showing off that Mustang pride. We cannot wait to share more!

Friday shall mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day forever woven into the history of our nation. As a school community, we pause to remember and honor the lives that were lost, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the extraordinary courage and selflessness demonstrated by first responders, service members, and everyday citizens in the hours, days, and years that followed. Although our students were not yet born when the events of September 11 occurred, the lessons of that day remain deeply relevant: the importance of compassion, service, courage, unity, and caring for one another during our most difficult moments. We encourage our Mustangs to honor this anniversary by continuing to build a community in which kindness, respect, and service to others are evident in all that we do. We remember. We honor. We continue forward together.

As we head into this week ahead, thank you to every student, educator, staff member, and family member who continues to promote positivity in all that we do. The strength of Simpson has always been its people, and the partnership between home and school is essential to the work we do with our Mustangs each day.

To our families: we want you here! We are always excited to welcome you to Simpson — whether you are volunteering, visiting classrooms, supporting an activity, attending an event, or simply finding another way to be an active participant in the life of our school. You are not spectators in this journey; you are essential partners in helping our Mustangs learn, grow, thrive, and become the very best versions of themselves.

Enjoy the remainder of this well-deserved Labor Day weekend, Mustang Family. We hope everyone has a beautiful week ahead, filled with plenty of reasons to smile, connect, learn, and celebrate one another.

And don't forget...RED, WHITE & BLUE THIS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10! Let's bring the spirit. Let's bring the positivity. And, as always, let's continue showing everyone what it means to be a Mustang who is HONORABLE, ENGAGED, RESPECTFUL, and DETERMINED!

We Are One Simpson! 💙💛🐎

Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III, Ed.D.

Principal

J. Lupton Simpson Middle School

🟡Monday, September 7, 2026 - Labor Day Holiday

🔵Tuesday, September 8, 2026 - A Day

• 8:30 AM: All go to Block 1/2 A by 8:30 AM!
• Monty's Cafe in the Entrance from 8:10 AM - 8:30 AM
• World Physical Therapists Day (We 💙Ms. Hornby)

🟡Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - B Day

• 8:30 AM: All go to Block 1/2 B by 8:30 AM
• After School Activities
• 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM: Empowered Girls Meeting in Room B12 - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Select Choir Auditions in Room M4 - Ms. Hoey

🔵Thursday, September 10, 2026 - A Day

• 8:30 AM: All go to Block 1/2 A by 8:30 AM!
• USA Spirit Day - Supporting Loudoun County HS First Home Football Game of the Season vs. Millbrook HS @ Sonny Pearson Stadium Field - 7:00 PM
• PTO Spirit Night at GoGo Gelato in Leesburg

• After School Activities
• 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM: Student Council Association (SCA) Meeting in Room C8 - Ms. Suttie
• 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM: Diamond Art Club Meeting in Room C15 - Ms. Miller
• 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM: Intramural Flag Football & Cross Country in the Gym - Mr. Carpenter & Ms. Rogers
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Select Choir Auditions in Room M4 - Ms. Hoey

🟡Friday, September 11, 2026 - B Day

• 8:30 AM: All go to Block 1/2 B by 8:30 AM

• After School Activities
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Select Choir Auditions in Room M4 - Ms. Hoey

Click here to access the LCPS School Nutrition website to obtain information about current programs, wellness, and food recovery initiatives.

Click this link for the most updated version of the Loudoun County Public Schools Procedural Handbook for Supporting Students with Allergies.

• 🍎 Food & Beverage Expectations at JLS

  • Classroom food/drinks: Students may have food or drinks in classrooms at teacher discretion and in accordance with all LCPS wellness and allergy-aware expectations.
  • 🩺 Medical snack needs: Students who need food/snacks during the school day for medical reasons should contact the school nurse, René Pettit, at Rene.Pettit@lcps.org so appropriate support can be provided.
  • 🥤 Beverages: Drinks are permitted in hallways and classrooms only in sealable, closed-top containers.
    • This applies to all beverages, including those purchased from outside businesses, restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, etc.
  • 🚫 Eating locations: Students may not eat in hallways, at lockers, or in other undesignated areas. Food may only be consumed in designated locations.
  • 🥪 Family food deliveries: Parents/families may deliver breakfast or lunch for their own child and leave it on the designated bookshelf in the main office.
    • Students may retrieve food only when heading directly to the cafeteria for their scheduled breakfast/lunch.
    • Food may not be taken to classrooms, lockers, or elsewhere without school leadership permission.
    • Families must notify their student before school or by email that food / lunch boxes have been delivered. While main office staff may be able to alert teachers that a Mustang's food / lunch box has been delivered for the student to retrieve as a courtesy, our main office staff is not responsible for students picking up their delivered lunches.
    • Students may not order food for delivery to JLS themselves.
  • 🎉 Special events: Staff providing food at special events will follow LCPS requirements, including:
    • Providing options for students with dietary restrictions.
    • Maintaining allergy-aware practices.
    • Ensuring all students are welcomed, safe, and included.
  • 💚 Student responsibility: JLS staff will support schoolwide nutrition and wellness, while students are expected to:
    • Know and communicate their individual dietary restrictions.
    • Follow appropriate preventive/safe practices.
    • Ask staff questions whenever they have concerns or need assistance.

September 14: Grade 7 Hearing and Vision Student Screening in Room Art 1 - 8:30 AM - 3:18 PM (All Day)

September 14: Color Guard Club in Room C9 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Focer

September 14: Needlework Club in Room A1 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Hronik and Ms. Suttie

September 14: Simpson Advanced Math Society (SAMS) in Room A3 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. O'Connell

September 15: Grade 7 Hearing and Vision Student Screening in Room Art 1 - 8:30 AM - 3:18 PM (All Day)

September 16: New Student Advisory Check-In in Room M6 - 10:00 AM - 10:29 AM - Unified Mental Health Team

September 16: Select Choir in Room M4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

September 16: Empowered Girls Club Meeting in Room B12 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

September 17: Intramural Flag Football and Cross Country in the Gym - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Carpenter and Ms. Rogers

September 17: Sense of Belonging Team Meeting in Room B12/A17 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

September 17: Student Council Association Meeting in Cafeteria - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Suttie

September 17: Diamond Art Club Meeting in Room C15 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Miller

September 17: National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Meeting for Existing Members in Cafeteria - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Hamilton and Ms. White

September 17: LCPS Special Programs Fair for Grade 8 Students at Heritage HS

September 18: Jersey Spirit Day - Loudoun County HS Home Football Game vs. Park View HS @ Sonny Pearson Stadium Field - 7:00 PM

September 19: Junior Regional Orchestra Auditions @ Farmwell Station MS

September 21: Student and Staff Holiday - Yom Kippur

September 23: Select Choir in Room M4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

September 23: Empowered Girls Club Meeting in Room B12 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

September 23: PTO Spirit Night @ Brusters Ice Cream in Compass Creek with Dr. Di Nicola + Guest Scoopers!

September 24: Intramural Flag Football and Cross Country in the Gym - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Carpenter and Ms. Rogers

September 24: Student Council Association Meeting in Room C8 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Suttie

September 24: Diamond Art Club Meeting in Room C15 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Miller

September 24: Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) Meeting in Cafeteria - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Ms. Castro and Ms. Chisholm

September 24: PTO Meeting in the Library - 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

September 28: Color Guard Club in Room C9 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Focer

September 28: Needlework Club in Room A1 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Hronik and Ms. Suttie

September 28: Simpson Advanced Math Society (SAMS) in Room A3 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. O'Connell

September 29: Grade 8 Special Programs Visit in Auditorium - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Mr. Filsinger, Ms. Jeane, and Ms. Castro + LCPS Special Programs Team

September 30: Select Choir in Room M4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

September 30: Empowered Girls Club Meeting in Room B12 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

September 30: Loudoun County HS Homecoming Parade - Starts @ Safeway on King Street - 6:30 PM

October 1: Intramural Flag Football and Cross Country in the Gym - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Carpenter and Ms. Rogers

October 1: Student Council Association Meeting in Room C8 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Suttie

October 1: Diamond Art Club Meeting in Room C15 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Miller

October 2: Gold Out! Spirit Day - Loudoun County HS Home Football Game vs. Broad Run HS @ Sonny Pearson Stadium Field - 7:00 PM

October 3: LCPS Special Programs Fair for Grade 8 Students at Park View HS

October 5 - October 9: PTO Spirit Week at Spanky's Pizza in Leesburg

October 5: Color Guard Club in Room C9 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Focer

October 5: Needlework Club in Room A1 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Hronik and Ms. Suttie

October 5: Simpson Advanced Math Society (SAMS) in Room A3 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. O'Connell

October 7 - 8: School Picture Days (Student photos will be taken during their PE Block)

October 7: Select Choir in Room M4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

October 7: Empowered Girls Club Meeting in Room B12 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

October 8: Intramural Flag Football and Cross Country in the Gym - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Carpenter and Ms. Rogers

October 8: Student Council Association Meeting in Cafeteria - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Suttie

October 8: Diamond Art Club Meeting in Room C15 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Miller

October 9: Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Day

October 9: Grade 6 Free Roller Skating Event at Douglas Community Center - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

October 12: Student and Staff Holiday -Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026

October 13: Monty's Cafe 8:10 AM - 8:25 AM

October 14: Select Choir in Room M4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

October 14: Empowered Girls Club Meeting in Room B12 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

October 15: Intramural Flag Football and Cross Country in the Gym - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Carpenter and Ms. Rogers

October 15: Sense of Belonging Team Meeting in Room B12/A17 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

October 15: Student Council Association Meeting in Room C8 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Suttie

October 15: Diamond Art Club Meeting in Room C15 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Miller

October 15: National Junior Honor Society Meeting in Cafeteria - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. White and Ms. Hamilton

October 16: Pink Out! Spirit Day - Loudoun County HS Home Football Game vs. John Handley HS @ Sonny Pearson Stadium Field - 7:00 PM / Future Captain Night - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ LCHS

October 19 - October 23: Bullying Prevention Week - Sources of Strength Team Leadership

October 19: Color Guard Club in Room C9 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Focer

October 19: Needlework Club in Room A1 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Hronik and Ms. Suttie

October 19: Simpson Advanced Math Society (SAMS) in Room A3 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. O'Connell

October 21: Unity Day (Spirit Day) - Wear ORANGE!

October 21: Combined Rehearsal for Grade 8 SPOOKTACULAR! Concert in Auditorium - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson, Mr. Pazanowski, Ms. Kanakry, and Dr. Moore

October 21: Empowered Girls Club Meeting in Room B12 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

October 22: Grade 6 Science Field Trip to National Air & Space Museum (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) - A Day Science Students

October 22: Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) Meeting in Cafeteria - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Ms. Castro and Ms. Chisholm

October 22: Student Council Association Meeting Tailgate @ Loudoun County HS - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Suttie

October 22: Diamond Art Club Meeting in Room C15 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Miller

October 22: Select Choir in Room M4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

October 22: PTO Meeting in the Library - 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

October 23: Grade 6 Science Field Trip to National Air & Space Museum (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) - B Day Science Students

October 24: LCPS Intramural Flag Football and Cross Country Championships at Woodgrove HS

October 26: Color Guard Club in Room C9 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. Focer

October 26: Needlework Club in Room A1 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Hronik and Ms. Suttie

October 26: Simpson Advanced Math Society (SAMS) in Room A3 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mr. O'Connell

October 26: Grade 8 Spooktacular! Concert in Auditorium - 7:00 PM

October 27: Intramural Volleyball Team Creation Meeting in the Gym During Advisory - Mr. Carpenter

October 28: End of Quarter 1

October 28: Select Choir in Room M4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

October 28: Empowered Girls Club Meeting in Room B12 - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley

October 29: Middle School All District Choir Auditions - Ms. Hoey-Johnson

October 29-30: Student Holidays

November 1: Daylight Savings Time Begins - Clocks turn back one (1) hour!

November 2-3: Student Holidays

November 3: Election Day

November 4: Quarter 2 Begins

Our Mustangs have had a great two weeks getting to know our school, following the new bell schedule, and locating their classrooms!

In alignment with our school policies, we began tracking unexcused tardies to class this week. Arriving to class on time helps create a positive learning environment for everyone. Tardies can disrupt instruction, distract other students, and impact learning for your Mustang and their classmates.

Students are expected to use their time effectively during our five-minute class change to ensure they are in class before the bell. School administration will implement student behavior administrative and accountability measures to address excessive tardies to class which include but are not limited to...

• Lunch / After School Detention w/Teacher / Dean
  

• Loss of School Privileges (i.e. Recess, Intramural Sports, Clubs/Activities, etc.)

• Thursday School
  
• Conferencing With LCPS Attendance Officer + Family + Student Support Advisor + School Leadership / Unified Mental Health Team

Please talk with your Mustang about the importance of arriving to class on time to BE PRESENT and POWERFUL in their learning!

Remember that we are here to support all of our Mustangs if they need help to strategize ways to arrive to class in a timely manner so that they can maximize their performance in each and every one of their classes! THANK YOU for your wonderful support!

Our first Monty's Café of the new school year is Tuesday!

What is Monty's Café?

On the second Tuesday of each month, the PTO hosts Monty’s Café! It’s a fun opportunity for students to grab a treat, catch up with friends, and start the school day with a little something special—all while supporting the PTO!

Monty’s Café is open from 8:00 AM – 8:25 AM, before the school day begins. Students may pay with cash or use a prepaid Monty’s Café Card.

Students can purchase:

• 🥤 A drink — $1.00 (Lemonade) / $2.00 (Hot Cocoa) (Lemonade during the warmer months and hot chocolate when the temperatures cool down.)
• 🍩 A donut — $2.00

The PTO is offering $20 pre-paid Monty’s Café Cards that can be purchased in advanced. Students can use the prepaid cafe cards throughout the school year at Monty's Café.

Use the link below, or scan the QR code on the flyer and purchase a card today!

https://simpsonmustangs.ludus.com/index.php?sections=payments&widget=1

Show Out in your best RED, WHITE & BLUE!

Let’s show our support for the Loudoun County Captains Football Team with USA Spirit Day at JLS this Thursday!

The County Captains will take the field for their first home game of the season, facing off against Millbrook High School at Sonny Pearson Stadium. Kick off is at 7:00 PM.

🍨 Join us on Thursday, September 10, from 5:00–9:00 PM at Piazza Di GoGo's (also known as GoGo’s Gelato) in downtown Leesburg for our first PTO Spirit Night of the school year!

Bring the family, try out their delicious food OR famous gelato, and support Simpson at the same time! Be sure to mention Simpson when ordering, and a portion of sales will be donated back to the PTO to support our JLS staff and students.

We hope to see you there! 💙🐎

The Town of Leesburg will be holding their annual September 11 remembrance ceremony at Freedom Park, located next to JL Simpson on Tolbert Lane. Please expect to see police presence and additional traffic prior to and during the event scheduled for 8:30 AM.

From the Freedom Park Website:

In commemoration of the tragic events and the lives lost throughout the United States on September 11, 2001, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a remembrance ceremony at the Town’s Freedom Memorial, located at Freedom Park (off Tolbert Lane at Evergreen Mill Road) at 8:30 in the morning on Friday, September 11, 2026.

There will be a brief ceremony. Following the ceremony, the park will remain open to the public until 9:00 pm. for those wishing to visit the memorial on their own.

The project will expand the roadway from two lanes to four and add a sidewalk and shared-use path to improve pedestrian and bicycle access. Construction is expected to affect traffic on Evergreen Mill Road and surrounding routes, including access to our school.

• Students are encouraged to use school bus transportation when possible.
• For families and staff who must access our school by car, please be sure to allow extra travel time.
• LCPS is coordinating closely with the Town of Leesburg to help maintain safe access for students, staff, families, pedestrians, drivers and school buses throughout the project, which is expected to continue through late 2028/early 2029.
• Community members are invited to attend a preconstruction meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Leesburg Town Hall. More information, including a link to sign up for project updates, is available at www.leesburgva.gov/evergreenmill.

Please join Potomac Hills Church for a Free KidStuff Giveway on Saturday, September 19th

from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Douglass Community Center. Fall and winter clothing and gear will be available.

The Fall 2026 gifted evaluation cycle is now open. Families will receive an email from the Gifted Education Office with details and instructions for submitting a Permission to Evaluate form.

Students who were not evaluated in the spring of 2026 may be evaluated for gifted services. Students may only be evaluated for gifted services once per academic year.

If you are intersted in having your student participate in the gifted eligibility process, please follow your preferred language link below and complete the google form.

ENGLISH - https://forms.gle/Z8pAnSspifFbe5NM6

ARABIC - https://forms.gle/GzJcypSuAtVMLUDy5

SPANISH - https://forms.gle/a65QYzUzDmW1iZQy7

The Middle School Permission to Evaluate Online Form for the spring evaluation cycle is due Friday, September 25, 2026. Late forms will not be accepted. However, families who miss the deadline may submit a new request during the next evaluation cycle in January, 2027.

Please see the Gifted Education office webpage here for more information. You may also reach out to Jennifer.Maulfair@lcps.org with questions about gifted education.

Our activity buses began this week at JL Simpson on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to support after school activities on our campus. Activity buses will be available for students who participate in after-school activities. We will be providing route sheets to our Mustang community with specific details as to the areas of our attendance zone that each bus covers. The departure time is approximately 4:50 PM - 5:00 PM.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION REQUIRES YOUR PERMISSION, PARENTS/GUARDIANS!

NOTE: Any student participating in an after school club/organization activity must have their parents complete the PERMISSION CLICK document linked here. 😀

We are busy planning some terrific after-school opportunities for our Mustangs that promote student engagement, friendship, and leadership all year long!

Please remember that after school activity participation requires permission from parents/guardians!

REQUIRED ACTION for ALL FAMILIES PERMITTING THEIR MUSTANGS to STAY AFTER SCHOOL for SY 2026-2027: Please use this link (also to be delivered in a separate message to our families) to complete the PERMISSION CLICK document to allow any Mustang to stay after school for activities throughout 2026-2027.

Activity buses are available every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday for students needing transportation home from an after school activity starting on Monday, August 31, 2026.

As always with any form of LCPS transportation, all Mustangs who are riding activity buses are expected to fully engage with the safety and behavior protocols promoted by our drivers to promote the best possible experience for all.

Intramural Flag Football and Cross Country will begin meeting regularly on Thursdays after school starting this week! Registration is required to participate.

Students in 7th and 8th grade music electives (Strings, Guitar, Band, Choir) are invited to try out for Select Choir!

What is Select Choir?

Select Choir is an auditioned ensemble that is open to students in 7th and 8th grade who are currently enrolled in a music class. This is a group of advanced singers who have the motivation to practice challenging repertoire independently. The group performs at JLSMS concerts, District Choral Assessment and Hershey Park. Rehearsals will be weekly on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:50.

Select Choir Calendar- subject to change

Auditions will take place after school, Wednesday, September 9 - Friday, September 11 from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM.

Students can sign up to audition using this Sign-Up Genius Link

Audition Materials can be found using this link

Please contact our Choir Director, Holly Hoey-Johnson, at Holly.Hoey@lcps.org with questions.

Join Ms. Hronik and Ms. Suttie on Monday's beginning September 14 for Needlework Club! All skill levels welcome, bring your creativity and make some new friends along the way!

Join Mr. O’Connell after school on Mondays, beginning September 14, for the SAMS Club!

Come check out our student-powered club focused on preparing for math competitions. Whether you love a good challenge or want to sharpen your problem-solving skills, SAMS Club is a great place to put your math skills to the test!

The first National Junior Honor Society meeting of the year will be held after school in the Cafeteria on Thursday, September 17. If you are unable to attend, you must email one of the NJHS sponsors in advance.

School Photo Days are Wednesday, October 7 (A Day) and Thursday, October 8 (B Day)!

Photos will be taken during students’ PE block, so be sure to check your Mustang’s schedule to determine which day their photo will be taken.

Additional information about how to purchase photos will be coming soon!

Order your JLS yearbook today and make sure you have a keepsake filled with the memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

Use this link, or scan the QR code below and order today!

Locating and Supporting Children with Disabilities: Understanding the Child Find Mandate

Date: Monday, Sept. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Location: LCPS Administration Building

Intended Audience: Loudoun County private school representatives, parents who have placed a children in a private school or a homeschool program and pediatricians

Child Find is designed to identify and evaluate children – from birth to age 21 – residing in Loudoun County and needing special education and related services. This information session will help inform parents who have placed their children in a private school or homeschool program and representatives of private schools in Loudoun County about the Child Find process. Please register for this event. The Office of Special Education is hosting this workshop.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: LCPS Administration Building

Intended Audience: All LCPS families and staff

Our Turn to Talk follows five teens as they explore how mental health intersects with

growing up, learning about themselves and taking a stand in the world. Through honest and heartfelt conversations, they share the pressures they face and what they wish adults better understood about their mental health. Join us at 6 p.m. for snacks and socializing, with pizza, popcorn and movie‑theater candy. The film begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a facilitated conversation to deepen our understanding of youth mental health. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Our Turn to Talk film screening is hosted by the Office of Student Mental Health Services.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Douglass Community Center (407 E. Market St., Leesburg)

Intended Audience: All LCPS families and staff

For the fifth year in a row, LCPS is supporting the Loudoun Recovery Fest. This free, family‑friendly event celebrates recovery from addiction and offers a full day of connection, hope and community. Attendees can enjoy a community walk from 10 to 11 a.m., free food, live music, games, raffles, a Kid’s Zone, and a wide range of local resources. Recovery Fest welcomes everyone – people in recovery, their families and friends, community partners and anyone who wants to show support for recovery. The Recovery Fest is hosted by LCPS partner Serenity House and the Loudoun County Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services, with support from the LCPS Office of Student Mental Health Services.

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) invites you to its annual Special Programs Secondary Fair (target audience is 8th grade students and families).

This year, the event will be held at two convenient locations:

Thursday, September 17

Heritage High School in Leesburg

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 3

Park View High School in Sterling

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This event offers current middle school students and their families an opportunity to meet and network with coordinators from LCPS’ high school special programs. Attendees will have the chance to explore a variety of programs available to students in grades 9-12 and gather essential information about the enrollment processes.

Programs featured include:

• Academies of Loudoun
• Academy of Global and Linguistic Studies (AGLS)
• Accelerated College and Employable Skills Academy (ACCESS)
• Dual Language Immersion Program (DLI)

• Health and Medical Sciences Academy (HAMSci)

• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)

The event will begin promptly with a student panel in the auditorium, followed by breakout sessions that will provide further insight into each program.

LCPS encourages all families to attend this event to help plan their student’s future.

For more information, visit the LCPS Special Programs Webpage.

Students should see Ms. Sabrina Jeane, 8th Grade Counselor, with any questions.

Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org

The Academies of Loudoun 2026 Fall Admission Cycle opens on Monday, August 24, 2026, and will remain open until Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Noon. The fall admissions cycle is for any eighth-grade student enrolled in Algebra I or higher who is interested in applying to the Academies of Loudoun for ninth-grade entry into the Academy of Engineering & Technology (AET) program and/or the Academy of Science (AOS) program for the 2027-2028 school year.

2026 AOS & AET Application Timeline & Requirements

• Application Window Opens: August 24, 2026

• Application Window Closes: October 15, 2026 - The application portal will close at 12:00 PM (NOON)

• Fall Admissions Testing Sessions: November 12, 2026 at all middle schools

• Admissions Decisions Released: March 2027 through Student Opportunities

• Offer Acceptance Period: March - August 2027

• Applicants must accept or decline all admissions offers.

• Waitlisted applicants will be notified as seats become available.

The admissions office will conduct four (4) fall admissions information sessions for Loudoun County students in eighth grade and their parents or guardians. These sessions will provide details about the Academies.

2026 Fall Admissions Information Session and Special Program Fairs Schedule:

• Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Rock Ridge High School, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM *
• Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Heritage High School, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM**
• Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Park View High School, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM**
• Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Heritage High School, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM*

*Information about only the Academies of Loudoun programs will be provided

**Information about all LCPS Special Programs will be provided

The LCPS Office of Special Programs will visit JLS 8th grade students on Tuesday, September 29 during Advisory, to review all admissions related information.

For more information, you can visit the Academies of Loudoun Admissions Website, email AcademiesAdmissions@lcps.org or call 571-252-1992.

Students should see Ms. Sabrina Jeane, 8th Grade Counselor, with any questions.

Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org

Please provide Feedback on the FY28 Budget!

Parents/Guardians/Staff:

We know our community wants to have a say in how LCPS allocates its budget to best support student learning and achievement. We are asking our community for your thoughts on what the School Board might consider as they develop the FY28 budget. Our teachers, counselors, principals, school nutrition workers, and bus drivers work to support students throughout the year and are part of the budget that funds school programs and classroom instruction from early childhood through graduation. Our budget also supports facilities and maintenance, staff benefits, technology, and overall operations that make our division thrive.

We need our staff and community’s input to learn what is most important to everyone and help inform our next steps. To do that, we are asking everyone to participate in a ThoughtExchange to share their ideas and let us know how they feel about other ideas the community suggests. We are using ThoughtExchange so everyone has a chance to share their perspectives and understand what’s most important to the group.

Beginning August 24, you can participate in the ThoughtExchange and return anytime before September 15 to rate new ideas. You can also find it on www.lcps.org/thoughtexchange.

Your input is valued and appreciated.

To help keep all Mustangs, staff, and visitors safe, LCPS is reinforcing expectations for motorized and electric-powered personal transportation devices on school property.

The most important thing to know:

Students may use an e-bike, e-scooter, or other permitted personal mobility device to travel to and from school, but they may NOT ride or operate it on school property.

When arriving at Simpson: Students must get off and walk their device once they reach school property and take it directly to the designated parking area.

When leaving Simpson: Students must walk their device to the school property line before getting on, starting, or riding it.

🚲 What devices are included?

The prohibition on use while on school grounds includes:

• Personal transportation devices: e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, motorized skateboards, golf carts, go-karts, low-speed vehicles, surreys, and battery-operated ride-on vehicles.
• Motorized/electronic toys: drones, model airplanes, helicopters, hovercraft, and similar remote-controlled or electronic devices.

⛑️ Safety First

Helmets should be worn at all times when riding. Families are encouraged to review safe riding practices with students, including following traffic laws and being especially cautious around pedestrians, vehicles, buses, and school arrival/dismissal areas.

What happens if a student rides on school property?

Our first priority is helping students understand and follow the new expectation. Students who ride a personal mobility device on school property will first receive verbal reminders. Continued concerns will result in parent/guardian contact before disciplinary action is considered. Repeated violations may result in the student losing the privilege of bringing the device onto school property.

📘 Student Rights & Responsibilities

The LCPS Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) has been updated to clarify that School Board policies and school rules apply while students are traveling to and from school, including when they are “using a personal mobility device, such as an e-bike or scooter.”

Please help us keep Simpson safe by reminding your Mustang:

Ride to campus → Walk on campus → Park your device
Walk off campus → Then ride

Thank you for partnering with us to promote a safe arrival and dismissal for everyone in our Simpson community!

Monty’s Cafe is only possible with the support of our amazing Simpson families! We are looking for donations and volunteers to help make each month’s cafe a success.

🛒 Donate Items to Monty’s Cafe
If you’re able to donate a few items, please visit our Monty’s Cafe Wishlist and choose an item (or two!) to help keep our cafe stocked:

If you wish to deliver donated items to the school, please label the items for PTO - Monty's Cafe and drop off in the front office.

🙋 Volunteer with the Monty’s Cafe Crew
Have an hour to spare? Join the Monty’s Cafe Crew! Volunteers help set up and serve students from 7:50 AM - 8:30 AM on the day of the event. Help us to make sure everyone starts their morning with a smile.

Please sign up for a date and time slot here:

https://simpson.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=6729d32f-c2f3-4f03-a247-478d1c920821~s.9223370249751686128

Thank you for helping us make Monty’s Cafe a fun and welcoming tradition for our Mustangs! 🐴☕🍩

Please send an email to jlsimpsonpto@gmail.com with your PTO related questions!

🍦 Come Scoop Up Some Fun at Bruster’s! 🍦

Join us at Bruster’s Ice Cream at Compass Creek in Leesburg on Wednesday, September 23!

Stop by for a sweet treat and be sure to say hello to some of Simpson’s favorites who will be working behind the counter and scooping up your order:

🍨 Dr. Di Nicola
🍦 Mrs. Herrin
🍨 Mr. Jackson

Come out, enjoy some ice cream, and show your Simpson spirit! We hope to see you there!

How do I join the Simpson Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)?

Are you trying to figure out how to stay involved during those middle school years?

There are small and big ways that really make an impact on our AMAZING school! Please reach out to jlsimpsonpto@gmail.com if you are interested in helping with our PTO activities in any way. You can also sign up to help by clicking here!

The PTO has many things planned for our staff and students! Check out our Volunteer Signup! A board member will reach out with more details!

• FREE Grade Level Events for each grade
• Monty's Café (Coming back for a 5th year)
• Family Trivia Night
• Family Bingo Night with Silent Auction Baskets
• Enhance our social media platforms
• Lots of Appreciation Days / Weeks for Staff
• Joint 5K with other middle schools
• A raised garden plentiful in fresh vegetation to be supported by PTO + our JLS Mustangs!

Click here for the Official J.L. Simpson MS PTO Webpage.

Click here for the J. L. Simpson MS PTO Facebook Group.

We look forward to engaging all of our Mustang families in PTO in service and support of all of our children!

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a systems-oriented approach for establishing a safe and supportive learning environment to promote social, behavioral, and academic success for all students. All LCPS schools implement PBIS as a prevention and intervention framework.

As part of JL Simpson's PBIS initiatives, we established a Monty Bucks Program where students can earn Monty Bucks by exhibiting any of the four core behaviors at JLS: Honorable, Engaged, Respectful, and Determined (HERD). Students can use their Monty Bucks to go shopping and 'purchase' items from Monty's "Tack Shop." The Monty Bucks program has been extremely successful and popular at JLS, and we are happy to bring it back again this year. JLS staff is very excited to once again start issuing Monty Bucks to our marvelous Mustangs!

NOTE: Our Monty Bucks program has been recognized nationally by AMLE (American Middle Level Education) as a notable PBIS initiative! Last year, we were invited to present on this outstanding initiative at the AMLE Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana alongside our School of Distinction honor. Very cool, right?!

If your student(s) need an early dismissal, please remember that you must come to the main entrance to show your photo ID to sign your student(s) out. For your convenience, we recommend that you avoid early dismissals during lunch times and close to regular dismissal time. Our parking lot tends to become quite congested starting around 2:45pm. Lunch time is busy with students moving throughout the building, cafeteria, or our outdoor space. It may take longer for your student to be dismissed during these extra busy times.

Bus passes (for transportation on a bus other than the student assigned bus) will not be permitted for the first several weeks of school as our students and bus drivers adjust to their new routine. Be sure to watch out for bus pass start date and procedures in an upcoming newsletter.

6th Grade Administrative Professional - Stephanie.DeWan@lcps.org

7th Grade Administrative Professional - Laura.Ridings@lcps.org

8th Grade Administrative Professional - Molly.Steinbach@lcps.org

Click the image above to access a link to all of our JLS Bell Schedules for 2026-2027. 😀

• HERD Time will occur every day after Block 1-2.
• HERD Time consists of:
• Our five (5) minute Good morning, Mustangs! video news broadcast hosted by our Mustangs and Mustang Professional Team!
• Advisory activities focused on TEAM BUILDING, JLS SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS + EVENTS, SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING, and STUDENT LEADERSHIP and ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• Grade-level seminar activities aligned with the best possible support in being a Grade 6, 7, or 8 student at JLS, including the incorporation of our new JLS Student Mustang Mentorship Program.
• Intervention / enrichment activities focused on each and every Mustang's educational experience
• Fun Fridays will occur for each grade-level team in a variety of formats...every Friday!
• Students who are changing classes from one block to another during the middle of a period (EXAMPLE: From Block 1 to 2) will have three (3) minutes to proceed to their classes.
• Grade 6 students will have their own lunch devoted to their level. Grades 7-8 students will eat on our BLUE and GOLD lunch time shifts. Lunch shifts for Grades 7-8 students are determined based on what class in which they are enrolled for Block 5-6A / B depending on the day. Lunch shifts cannot be changed due to their being tied to student course enrollment...so we can all work together to make new friends as part of our journey together to enjoy lunch every day!
• All students assist their classmates and teachers at the end of the day with tidying up the classroom space, placing chairs on desks for custodial cleaning, and listening to any end of day announcements from our school leadership team.
• Students who have after school activities are expected to report directly to their supervising staff member at the dismissal bell and remain with them until they are picked up by LCPS transportation, their parent/guardian, or walk home after their activity is completed.

WHEN DO DOORS OPEN FOR STUDENTS EACH MORNING?

School doors open at 8:10 a.m. and there is no adult supervision outside of the building prior to that time.

To ensure the safety of all students, we ask for your support in helping us follow the established arrival guidelines:

• Car riders: Parents may drop off students by using the car rider line beginning at 8:10 a.m. Please remain in your vehicle while students exit safely.

• Please follow the guidance of the staff members on site each morning to keep your car moving through the traffic line to ensure that we are collaborating together to make our drop-off expedient, safe, and supportive to all families.

• Remember that when driving through our car line that your cautious attention to all around you is very important as pedestrians are often crossing through on crosswalks. Maintain a slow, careful speed through our car line to promote the highest quality safety for all.

• Remember that you must turn right out of our parking lot after completing drop-off or pick-up after school. Follow the signage posted by LCPS accordingly.

• Walkers: Students who walk to school should arrive at the door to JLS no earlier than 8:10 a.m.

Our main entrance door will open at 8:10 AM at the sound of the first bell.

Each day students will report to welcoming areas supported by Simpson staff members and are required to remain in that location until release to advisory and the beginning of our school day.

WELCOMING AREAS by GRADE LEVEL:

8th Grade - Auditorium

7th Grade - Main Gym

6th Grade - Auxiliary Gym

AT WHAT TIME DO CLASSES BEGIN?

Students will be released from their welcoming areas by 8:23 AM to report to their Block 1-2 A or B day course as appropriate by the 8:30 AM tardy bell.

DOES MY MUSTANG HAVE ANY WARNING ABOUT THE TARDY BELLS TO CLASSES RINGING?

Yes, we ring a warning chime one minute prior to the tardy bell for every class block, including the half-block tardy bells.

We will have many staff members around to support our students in arriving at their locations each and every day, so please encourage your Simpson Mustangs to find any one of us to help whenever needed!

WHEN DOES THE FINAL BELL RING FOR THE DAY?

The last bell will ring at 3:18 PM to signify the end of our regular school day.

WILL THERE BE ACTIVITY BUSES THIS YEAR?

Yes, we will have activity buses available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays this year to support after school clubs/activities/intramural sports. Our activity buses will not start right away at the beginning of the year, so stay tuned for when they will be available.

After school activities on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays will take place from 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM. More information regarding after school activities / intramural sports to come very soon!

The Loudoun County School Board recently approved updates to Student Dress Code, Policy 8270. The changes take effect for the start of the 2026/27 school year and include updated clothing coverage requirements, physical education attire expectations and clarification about items that are and are not permitted at school.

Families are encouraged to review the updated policy with their students before the first day of school to help ensure they understand the new expectations.

Below is a summary of the updates to the Student Dress Cody policy:

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the School Board voted to update the Student Dress Code Policy 8270.

The updates will take effect in time for the students’ return to campuses this fall. The updates were considered thoughtfully, with community feedback informing the School Board and staff’s recommendations.

Please talk with your student to ensure they are aware of the changes and help them choose clothing that meets the updated guidelines. Please talk with your dean or counselor if you have any questions after reading the policy 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, and 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 be closed-toe and heel, and securely fastened to the foot.

Note: Other classes or activities may also have separate clothing requirements for safety purposes (i.e. Health and Physical Education shirts, athletics gear, etc.)

Students may not:

• 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 would not result in disciplinary action)

Read the updated Student Dress Code Policy 8270 and find all policies at the LCPS Policy Review Page.