The LCPS Letter
Across Loudoun County, students are making real academic gains -- and that’s something we should all take pride in.
As the superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools, I’m proud to announce and celebrate the most recent results from the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. The improvements we are seeing are not only encouraging -- they are a powerful testament to the resilience, hard work and determination of our students, educators, staff and families.
The Virginia Department of Education recently recognized significant academic progress across the state. It’s clear that our school division has played a major role in that success. From day one, we have committed ourselves to creating inclusive, innovative, and student-centered learning environments -- and now we’re seeing the results of that work.
Our division serves around 80,000 students from incredibly diverse backgrounds. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths. And the measurable progress reflected in the SOL data proves what we’ve long known: when students are supported, challenged, and inspired, equity and excellence are not at odds -- they go hand in hand.
This growth didn’t happen by accident. It reflects the intentional and sustained efforts we’ve made toward academic recovery, the high expectations we’ve maintained for every learner, and the investments we’ve championed in public education. Even in the face of historic challenges, our educators and school communities have remained focused on what matters most - our students.
I am also proud to share how our schools, working alongside families, community partners, and our dedicated staff, continue to support every student with the resources, opportunities, and encouragement they need to succeed. This year, we’ve created an Innovation and Achievement report that celebrates the milestones we’ve reached and the people and partnerships that helped make them happen across LCPS.
But we are not stopping there.
We know there is more work to do and there is always room for improvement. Every student, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career and life. That’s the bar we’ve set - and we’re not wavering.
What we’re seeing now is just the beginning. With continued collaboration, shared commitment, and an unwavering belief in the power of public education, I’m confident that we are building something truly remarkable for the future of Loudoun County.
Let’s keep going.
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Loudoun County Public Schools
Superintendent Aaron Spence is formally declaring Thursday, October 16, as the 2nd Annual One LCPS Celebration Day throughout the entire division! We are excited to once again celebrate our staff and students, and everything they do for LCPS.
To help us celebrate, students and staff are asked to wear their school colors, department shirts or spirit wear on that day. The superintendent along with senior staff and members of LCPS division teams will be visiting schools to take selfies and say congratulations to students and staff.
Eligible families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced meals for the 2025-26 school year. Applications must be submitted each year. There is a 30-day grace period, which provides the benefits from the prior school year. If you do not submit a new application, your benefits will not be extended. The extension of your benefits for the 2025-26 school year ends on Thursday, October 9. All eligibility information provided in the application is confidential and used only to determine eligibility for the meal program. There are two ways to apply:
Visit the Free and Reduced Meal Application webpage to complete the application online.
Paper applications are also available at your student’s school or can be downloaded from the LCPS website. Complete the application and return it to your student’s school, or scan and email the application to freeandreduced@lcps.org.
Eligibility
If a family receives benefits from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are Medicaid recipients with a household income that meets the USDA National School Lunch Program guidelines for free or reduced-price meals, their student may automatically qualify for free meals. If a student has been automatically enrolled in the free and reduced meal program, the student’s family should have received an eligibility letter/email from LINQ School Nutrition before the start of the school year. Families who have already received an approved eligibility letter should not submit another application. Families are advised to keep a copy of the letter to provide to third parties (CASA, YMCA, Internet Benefits, etc.) for the extra benefits if they wish to participate.
Lucketts Elementary School is deepening its commitment to student belonging through an expanded Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) House System. This initiative places students and staff into six distinct houses, fostering cross-grade relationships, shared goals and school spirit through regular meetings and friendly competitions. The school recently unveiled a community tree in the cafeteria, adorned with personalized leaves from every student and staff member, representing the motto “Six Houses, One Family.” Principal Laura Ganley emphasized that the tree serves as a daily reminder that everyone at Lucketts belongs. As the year progresses, the tree will grow alongside the connections among students and staff. Through efforts like these, Lucketts Elementary is not only promoting academic success but also cultivating empathy, inclusion and a strong sense of community for all. Read more about Lucketts Elementary's PBIS House System.
Congratulations to the LCPS students named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. These 69 LCPS students were among the 1.3 million high school juniors who entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Semifinalists are eligible to compete for a Merit Scholarship which will be awarded next spring and summer. Read more about the National Merit Scholar Semifinalists.
SHINE, which stands for Spotlighting Heroes in Education, is back for the 2025/2026 school year. This joint Loudoun Education Foundation and LCPS initiative recognizes LCPS staff members who go above and beyond in support of our students and the community.
This month’s SHINE award winner is Marty Rinehart, Supervisor, Construction. Mr. Rinehart was nominated by Hamilton Elementary principal Kelly Meisenzahl for his exceptional dedication and support during the vestibule project at Hamilton Elementary last year.
Ms. Meisenzahl, in her nomination, shared that Mr. Rinehart’s “commitment to minimizing disruption to our school community [during the construction project] was evident and greatly appreciated...Marty understands that the social, emotional and academic needs of our students begin with a safe and smoothly operating school.”
Members of the LCPS community – including other staff members, students, and parents – are invited to nominate LCPS staff who shine! Learn more about SHINE.
In this week’s LCPS Podcast, Better Together host Camille Jones, DEIA Specialist, talks with Sarah Ocampo, Supervisor, English Learner Family and Community Engagement, and Dr. Lindsay Orme, LCPS Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator about how inclusiveness can transform classrooms and communities. Together, they answer the question: What does it really mean for students to see themselves reflected in their school environment? This episode dives into how educators can create spaces where every student feels seen, heard and valued.
The LCPS Podcast brings you behind the scenes with educators and students to explore trends shaping K–12 education and incredible moments you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes drop every Thursday. Find the LCPS Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeart Radio. Check out the LCPS Podcast webpage to listen to this week's episode and to catch up on episodes.
Get your walking shoes on or tune up the wheels on your bike or scooter, National Walk and Roll to School Day is Wednesday, Oct. 8! Walk and Roll to School Day allows students, families and staff to celebrate the joy of active transportation while building a sense of community and school spirit! Plus, it’s fun! Schools are encouraged to register for this event. Please contact Kelly Smit, LCPS Safe Routes to School Coordinator, with any questions.