The LCPS Letter

Students and staff celebrated the 3rd Annual One LCPS Celebration Day today! Dr. Aaron Spence created the event to honor schools, their staff and students for everything they do for LCPS. Students and staff wore spirit wear and shared fun photos to be included in a division-wide contest. Winners of the photo contest will be announced at the beginning of November.

During Celebration Day, Dr. Spence and his team visited several schools to thank and congratulate staff and students for making LCPS shine! From SOL scores to schools to watch, LCPS is recognized as a leader in public education throughout Northern Virginia and nationwide. This could not happen without the hard work of LCPS' dedicated staff and amazing students. Thank you!

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, the Virginia Board of Education is raising the Pass/Proficient cut scores for Reading and Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. The changes will be phased in over four years and apply only to Reading and Mathematics SOL assessments.

Visit the LCPS SOL Testing Program webpage to learn more about the changes, review frequently asked questions and access additional resources.

Students cannot fully engage in learning when their basic needs go unmet. Recognizing this reality, LCPS plans to establish a centralized Resource Hub to help ensure that students have access to essential resources, including food, clothing and school supplies. More than a distribution center, the Resource Hub will serve as a collaborative space where schools, family liaisons, community partners and donors work together to connect students and families with needed resources more efficiently and effectively.

At its Oct. 13 meeting, the Loudoun County School Board approved the creation of the Resource Hub, which will be coordinated and managed by the Division of Family and Community Engagement (FACE). Learn more about the planned Resource Hub.

As e-bikes and e-scooters continue to grow in popularity, students are reminded that these devices are not permitted to be operated on school grounds. Families are encouraged to talk with their students about this issue. This guidance is provided out of an abundance of caution to help ensure the safety of everyone on school campuses. The prohibition applies to all motorized and electric-powered personal transportation devices and toys. Students may use these devices to travel to and from school. Once on school property, however, students must dismount and walk the motorized or electric-powered device. Please see the E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety webpage for more information.

Every day, the LCPS Transportation staff works diligently to provide students with a safe, reliable and positive transportation experience. Thank you to our families for your understanding the first few weeks of school as we worked together to fine-tune routes, stops and bus assignments. We know that changes and adjustments can be challenging, and we appreciate your patience and partnership as we work through these details.

Our team is committed to responding to routine calls and concerns as quickly as possible. Some concerns, however, may require additional research, coordination or changes and can take 2–5 business days to resolve from the date they are reported.

Below are some helpful FAQs:

• For our kindergartner families, please use our official LCPS Kindergarten tag. This year’s color is purple. You must have the matching tag when picking up your kindergartner.

• Check transportation information via ParentVue periodically throughout the year for any changes. Parents are also notified via email when changes are made to their student’s transportation.

• Use the StopFinder app to track your student's bus. Email StopfinderLoudoun@lcps.org to request an invitation to join Stopfinder.

• Check the Transportation website for transportation details or updates. Use the feedback link found on that page to submit concerns or compliments.

For more information, take a look at our library of FAQs!

Every day, LCPS transportation staff help ensure students arrive at school and return home safely. On Oct. 21, Transportation Staff Appreciation Day, we invite families to take a moment to recognize the dedicated drivers, attendants and transportation team members who make this possible. While we encourage everyone to show their appreciation on this special day, a simple gesture of gratitude is meaningful all year long!

Here are a few ways to say thank you:

• Leave a kind note or message of appreciation.
• Bring a small treat to brighten their day.
• Share a smile and a heartfelt “Thank you for keeping our students safe.”

To all of our drivers, attendants and transportation staff: thank you for your commitment, care and dedication to LCPS students and families. We appreciate all that you do for our school community!

Congratulations to Carolyn Harrigan, teacher assistant at the Academies of Loudoun, for being named this month’s SHINE Award recipient. Ms. Harrigan was nominated by Robert Rimmel, assistant principal of the Academies of Loudoun. In his nomination, Mr. Rimmel shared that after joining the Auto Service classroom this school year to provide targeted support, Ms. Harrigan quickly demonstrated exceptional compassion, dedication and commitment to students. “What stands out most about Carolyn is her willingness to do whatever is needed to help students thrive,” wrote Mr. Rimmel.

As a SHINE Award recipient, Ms. Harrigan received a gift coordinated by the Loudoun Education Foundation and sponsored by Guernsey. SHINE – or Spotlighting Heroes in Education – is a partnership between the Loudoun Education Foundation and LCPS that recognizes employees who go above and beyond in service to students, schools and the community. Learn more about SHINE.

This month's Family Academy workshop -- Getting Involved with Your School and LCPS -- on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from noon to 12:30 p.m. will help you discover ways you can connect with your child’s school and LCPS to support student success. School principals will share insights and opportunities for meaningful family engagement at the elementary and secondary levels.

Participants will learn how to:

• Get involved through volunteer opportunities, school events and family engagement activities.

• Navigate key LCPS resources, programs and communication channels.

• Build strong partnerships with teachers, counselors, administrators and other school staff.

• Stay connected and engaged throughout their child’s school experience.

The Family Academy is hosted by the Division of Family and Community Engagement. Register for this workshop on the Family Academy webpage.

Empower your family and support your student's success at Empowered! English Learner Family Conference on Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn).

The Empowered! English Learner Family Conference will include:

• Informative Learning Sessions: Discover practical strategies to support your child's academic success, explore opportunities to earn course credits through language skills, build financial literacy, learn ways to support your family's well-being and more.

• Community Connections: Meet local organizations and LCPS staff who can connect your family with valuable resources and support services.

• Food Trucks: Enjoy delicious food and refreshments available for purchase. Be sure to arrive early. The first 150 participants will receive a complimentary food voucher!

• FREE Child Care: Children ages 4 and older (must be potty-trained) can enjoy a fun and engaging experience while you attend sessions.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate your family's strengths. Bring the whole family and get ready to grow together! Learn more: www.lcps.org/ELFamilyConference

Pick some new memories at the Loudoun Fall Farm Tour, Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From charming encounters with llamas, alpacas and donkeys to indulging in delectable homemade ice cream at a dairy farm, the Loudoun Farm Tour offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet some of the Farmer Trading Card All-Stars on their farms. Plan your adventure and create your own tour route using the interactive map available on the Loudoun Farms website.

• Thursday, Oct. 22, Spanish and English session at 6 p.m. Arabic and English session at 7 p.m. Visit the Family Room webpage to learn more and see the webinar link.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair

• Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuscarora High School (801 N. King St., Leesburg)

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

School Board Summary and Meeting Schedule

Read a summary of the School Board meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and find the School Board Meeting information in BoardDocs. The next School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27. School Board meetings are broadcast on TV and livestreamed. The full meeting agenda is posted on the LCPS School Board website (under Meetings) at approximately 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before to the School Board meeting.

Policy Review

• Wednesday, Oct. 28 is the end of the first quarter.
• Thursday, Oct. 29 through Tuesday, Nov. 3 are student holidays.
• Consult the school calendars before scheduling vacations or other student absences. Please prioritize school attendance for your child. Calendars for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 school years are posted on the LCPS website

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

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