The LCPS Letter

Dr. Aaron Spence talks with Sarah Boies from the Division of Family and Community Engagement about the Family Academy. This new initiative helps families navigate their students' educational and developmental journeys. Learn more about the Family Academy, including its upcoming workshop on April 23: www.lcps.org/FamilyAcademy

Last year we heard you when you told us in feedback forums like advisory groups, Let’s Talk, ThoughtExchange and more, that the Grading and Assessment Policy 5030 was confusing and hard to apply consistently. As shared in my Post-Entry Plan, we began a journey to listen to your inputs, and revise the policy to be more easily understood and improve its application to your student’s classroom experience. Thank you for participating with your feedback across digital platforms, through focus groups, and for sharing your views with us.

I am happy to report that the updated Grading and Assessment Policy 5030 was passed by the School Board during the April 8 School Board meeting. It addresses the concerns that surfaced over the past several months, including inconsistent and confusing language, and challenges implementing formative assessments, retakes, and a grading “floor of 50.” Read the Fall 2024 Feedback Report.

The newly adopted policy will take effect with the start of the 2025/26 school year. LCPS staff is updating Regulation 5030 and developing information for teachers to guide their implementation of the policy and ensure consistency across the school system. This information will be shared with LCPS educators prior to the start of the 2025/26 school year.

Significant updates to the policy include:

• Definitions are included for terms like “reasonable effort” and “formative” or “summative” assessments to ensure families and staff have a consistent understanding of key terms.

• The floor of 50% has been changed to apply only to quarter grades, not individual assessments. The floor of 50% also no longer applies to Advanced Placement courses.

• Students must submit homework and other formative assessments, demonstrating reasonable effort, before any major summative assessment may be re-administered.

• The ceiling of 80% for reassessments has been lowered to 70%. Students may only take a reassessment when they have received a grade of below 70% on a major summative assessment and may earn up to a grade of 70% on the reassessment.

• The policy now allows for weighting for homework and formative assessments of a total of no more than 10% of a quarter grade.

The final, approved policy will be posted as soon as it is available and can be accessed through www.lcps.org/policyreview.

Thank you to the community, LCPS staff, and students for their extraordinary dedication to this issue and for providing feedback that helped develop a clearer policy.

Stay informed with the next Family Academy virtual workshop hosted by the Division of Family and Community Engagement. Spring into action with us on Wednesday, April 23 for Connecting the Dots – Navigating School and Division Communication. Learn how to use LCPS tools to stay informed and engaged. From teacher updates to school and division-wide announcements, this session will help you connect the dots and stay in the loop. Visit lcps.org/familyacademy for more details and updates or to register. These workshops are open to all LCPS families with students in grades K-12.

The ACCESS Academy application window for fall 2025 is now open! Offered in partnership with George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and LCPS, ACCESS Academy at Potomac Falls High School and the Fuse at Mason Square provides students with an opportunity to engage in advanced coursework and career-focused learning.

Why Apply?

• Gain real-world IT experience

• Earn industry certifications and college credits while still in high school

• Work alongside industry experts and top companies

• Get a jump-start on college and career success

Interested students have until Friday, April 11 to apply for this specialized program. Students can apply via the Student Opportunities System in LCPS GO. Learn more at the LCPS ACCESS Academy website, or contact the ACCESS Academy team with questions.

PROPEL and Level Up’s biggest event of the year is just around the corner, and we’re calling on community members to help make it a success.

Innovation Day brings together nearly 600 students from grades 4 through 8 for a high-energy day of robotics competitions and innovation project presentations. The event will take place on Saturday, April 26, at the Academies of Loudoun, and we need volunteers to help it all run smoothly.

There are a variety of ways to volunteer:

• Guiding students to their activity stations

• Judging STEM projects (no experience necessary—training provided)

• Leading hands-on STEM challenges

• Assisting with meal service and event logistics

• Setting up or breaking down robotics fields

Anyone can volunteer—adults are welcome. Bring a friend or family member and join us in supporting this exciting day of learning and discovery. Volunteers can sign up for time slots between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., so you can choose what works best with your schedule.

This is a great opportunity to give back, connect with others and help inspire the next generation of problem solvers and creators. Let us know if you would like to volunteer by completing a short volunteer form.

Are you interested in making a meaningful impact by transitioning to a teaching role within LCPS? If you hold an associate or bachelor's degree and have ever considered a career as a teacher, we invite you to join our virtual meeting to learn more about alternate pathways to teacher licensure. The meeting will provide information about programs available to eligible employees to pursue the necessary credentials to become licensed teachers through LCPS Tuition Initiatives. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet with program leaders in breakout rooms to ask questions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree (U.S. equivalent; program-dependent for level of degree)

Meeting Details:

• Date: Wednesday, May 7

• Time: 7-8:15 p.m.

• Location: Click here to register for the Zoom Event (please note you will need to enter the event with the same email address used to register)

We encourage you to attend this informative session and explore the exciting possibilities of a teaching career with LCPS. If you have any questions, please contact Karyn O’Neill at karyn.oneill@lcps.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Special Permission allows families to request that their student attend a school other than the school that is assigned to their attendance zone. The Special Permission application window for the 2025/26 school year for LCPS families opened on Monday, Feb. 3, and will close on Wednesday, April 30, at 11:59 p.m. Once the Special Permission period closes, requests for Special Permission will not be accepted. Please note the schools projected to be over-enrolled are posted on the Special Permission website. Special Permission requests submitted to over-enrolled schools will be voided within 30 days of application. See the Special Permission webpage for more information and to apply.

The countdown to kindergarten is on, and there’s still time to apply for a space in LCPS's Head Start and Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP) programs for the 2025-26 school year!

These FREE, full-day preschool programs offer enriching, play-based learning experiences designed to prepare children for kindergarten success. Led by certified teachers and teacher assistants, the programs nurture confidence, creativity, and early academic skills in children who turn 4 years old by September 30, 2025 and meet eligibility criteria.

Why choose LCPS preschool?

• High-quality, engaging instruction in small class sizes

• Full-day schedule, Monday through Friday

• Convenient locations across Loudoun County

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to apply! Parents and guardians can complete the application online at the LCPS Preschool Application Page. Be sure to have your required documents ready, including income verification, proof of residency, the child’s birth certificate, and parent photo ID.

Give your child the gift of a strong start. For questions or assistance, call 571-252-2110 or visit the Head Start and STEP webpage.

In this week's LCPS podcast, Renée Dawson, Director of Family and Community Engagement, speaks to the sponsors of the Empowered Girls Club at Simpson Middle School, Jennifer Herrin and Samantha Ashley, and student members. The sponsors, who are also teachers at Simpson Middle, share the inspiration behind the club and the students discuss what they enjoy about the club and what they have gained from it. The LCPS podcast can be found on popular podcast platforms. See the LCPS Podcast website for more details. Episodes of the LCPS podcast feature news and conversations with leaders from around the division. Tune in every Thursday for a new and exciting take on what’s happening in LCPS.

LCPS families and staff are invited to review proposed instructional resources for English 6–8 and Mathematics K–12. These resources have been recommended for adoption by the Department of Teaching and Learning’s adoption committees following a comprehensive review process with input from teachers, administrators and community members.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has adopted an approximately $4.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes full funding of the Loudoun County School Board’s requested $137.4 million budget increase. This marks the second consecutive year that the Board of Supervisors has fully supported the School Board’s request -- an achievement that reflects a strong partnership and a shared commitment to public education in Loudoun County.

In addition to fully funding LCPS' operating budget, the Board of Supervisors amended the County’s six-year Capital Improvement Program, totaling approximately $3.8 billion, which includes several major school projects that will help meet the needs of the LCPS community.

The Board of Supervisors’ proactive steps helps protect LCPS from uncertainty at the state level. By approving an $8 million contingency, the Board of Supervisors has ensured that LCPS remains financially stable and ready to move forward with important initiatives.

Thanks to this investment, LCPS will be able to move ahead with several student-centered priorities, including:

• The addition of five full-time employees to support the learning environment for all students, especially those with challenging behaviors.

• The Recovery School, which is designed to educate and provide services for students who are in recovery from substance use disorder.

• After-school allotments for staff members sponsoring student interest activities at elementary schools.

• Increasing the staffing standard of athletic trainers to two per high school, which resulted in six additional trainers.

• Expanding the International Baccalaureate program to Park View High School.

• Reallocating $500,000 of vendor-based online tutoring to in-person tutoring services during school hours.

• Adding a Summer Programs and After School Services Coordinator to manage the new after-school programs at five Title I schools.

Thanks to a generous donation from the nonprofit Asha-Jyothi to the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF), LCPS middle school students are learning how to navigate the digital world safely. A recent workshop by Digital4Good trained students, administrators, and faculty members from several LCPS middle schools to be "digital first responders," arming them with knowledge and skills to effectively handle digital emergencies like cyberbullying and online harassment. LEF is excited to support digital safety for LCPS students!

LEF makes connections with individuals, organizations and local businesses interested in supporting impactful programs within LCPS with a focus on creating and supporting programs that improve the quality of public education in Loudoun County. Learn more about LEF.

Mark your calendars for the Academies of Loudoun Spring Plant Sale. The plant sale features a large selection of annuals, perennials, native plants, vegetable and herb plants, hanging baskets, shrubs, trees, aquatic plants and more. The spring plant sale will be held on:

• Wednesday, April 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Thursday, May 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Friday, May 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Proceeds from the plant sale provide scholarships for Monroe Advanced Technical Academy's (MATA) Environmental Plant Science and Biotechnology students. The plant sale will be held at the Academies of Loudoun (42075 Loudoun Academy Dr., Leesburg). Contact Academies of Loudoun teacher Deborah Chaves for more details.

The office of Congressman Suhas Subramanyam is hosting the 2025 VA-10 Academy Day on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn). This event will feature information from U.S. service academies, as well as remarks from the congressman, members of the VA-10 Service Academy Advisory Board, and a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Service Academies. Please RSVP.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. Representative Subramanyam may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our school division. To request a Military Academy Nomination from the congressman or for more information, see the congressman's Military Academy Nominations webpage.

LCPS families are invited to attend a free showing of "Best Friend" at A Place to Be (1600 Village Market Blvd, SE, Suite 108, Leesburg) on Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m. "Best Friend" is a family-friendly musical that tells the story of a boy who feels different and alone until the day he adopts a shelter dog. With time and love, the boy and his dog become best friends and learn how to navigate life together. Tickets can be purchased on A Place to Be's webpage. LCPS families can use the code LCPSFree to access free tickets on the above dates. Additional show dates are also available. A Place to Be, which is now celebrating its 15th anniversary, is a nonprofit organization and LCPS partner dedicated to music therapy and the expressive arts.

Goose Creek Association and Land Trust of Virginia invite you to a special Environmental Film Night 2025 featuring the acclaimed documentary Wings Over Water, narrated by Michael Keaton. This visually stunning film highlights the extraordinary beauty and ecological importance of North America's wetlands and their critical role in supporting diverse wildlife.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, April 22 (Earth Day)

Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. | Film Screening: 6:15 PM

Location: Academies of Loudoun Auditorium, 42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg

Admission: Free

This all-ages event offers an opportunity for students to expand their understanding of environmental science, biology, and conservation. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy this engaging educational experience together. Following the screening, representatives from Virginia Save Our Streams and the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District will provide insights on practical ways to protect and enhance these vital ecosystems. For more information and to RSVP, see the Land Trust of Virginia's website.

The topic of this month's English Learner workshop, hosted by the Division of English Learners’ Office of Family and Community Engagement (EL FACE), is Bullying Prevention and Education. The workshop will provide the definition of bullying, offer prevention strategies at each school level, and inform families about how they can support their students at home to create a safe, supportive environment for all. The workshop will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 29, with a session in English and Spanish at 6 p.m. and a session in Arabic and English at 7 p.m. See the EL FACE website for more details.

The Student Environmental Action Showcase has been rescheduled for Friday, May 2 at the Academies of Loudoun. LCPS students, kindergarten through grade 12, still have time to register! This event, coordinated by the Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance, the GREENetwork and LCPS, invites students to share their work on sustainability-minded projects in their schools and communities. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in elementary, middle and high school categories. See the Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance website for more details and to register.

April brings warmer days, blooming flowers and a welcome chance to recharge — especially with spring break on the horizon. It’s a great time to pause, reconnect as a family and enjoy the simple moments that strengthen relationships and build a sense of belonging.

Try this: Go for a walk together, share a favorite meal or start a “spring gratitude jar” where everyone adds something they’re thankful for each day. These small acts of connection help build positive routines and lasting memories. Want more ideas and activities? Check out the Spring into Action activity challenge on www.lcps.org/familysel.

When students return, they’ll begin preparing for end-of-year assessments, including the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. These tests help us understand how students are growing and where they may need support. A calm, confident mindset and encouragement from home go a long way in helping them feel ready.

Support your student by:

• Keeping bedtime and wake-up routines consistent

• Talking positively about the effort they’ve put into learning this year

• Encouraging breaks and healthy snacks during study time
  Reminding them that assessments are just one way to show what they know

Let’s embrace this season of renewal by staying connected and supporting one another through the final stretch of the school year.

Reflect and Connect: How does your belief in yourself shape the way you handle a situation?

It is time to register kindergarten students for the 2025/26 school year! Registering a student for kindergarten can be completed in just five steps:

1. Determine eligibility

2. Identify your home school

3. Gather documents

4. Complete online pre-registration

5. Schedule an in-person appointment

If parents/guardians have any questions, they can contact their student’s home school or LCPS RegistrationServices@lcps.org. See more information about Student Registration on the LCPS website.

Don't wait until August to schedule your student's required vaccinations. Schedule vaccination appointments today and prepare your student to be able to start school on time next school year. Seventh and twelfth-grade students must have their required immunizations before starting school. Once your student has been immunized, provide proof of vaccination to the student's school nurse any time before the first day of school. Students without the appropriate documentation will not be able to start school on the first day of school. See Immunization Requirements for more details.

At the Tuesday, April 8 School Board meeting, the Independence High School Marching Band was recognized for being the 2024 Virginia Marching Band Cooperative 6A State Champions and for also winning the 2024 Commonwealth Cup. Read more.

Read a summary of the Loudoun County School Board's most recent meeting held on Tuesday, April 8. The next Loudoun County School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22. All School Board meetings are live-streamed. The full meeting agenda will be available on the Loudoun County School Board website (under Meetings) by approximately 5:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the School Board meeting.

Policy Review

LCPS policies are reviewed every five years per the Code of Virginia. During this process, LCPS asks for input from advisory committees, stakeholder groups and the community at large. The following policies are under review:

April is National Arab American Heritage Month. We celebrate and recognize the Arab Americans who play integral roles in our community.

Upcoming Holidays and Events

• Spring Break is from Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18.
• We look forward to seeing everyone back from Spring Break on Monday, April 21.
• Check the calendars for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 school years before you schedule vacations or doctor's appointments.
• The 2025 graduation schedule is posted on the LCPS website.

• Ask the Superintendent

• One LCPS: Forward Together Post-Entry Plan
• LCPS Policy Review
• Office of the Ombuds
• Comment and Complaint Form
• LCPS News Stories
  
• Mental Health and Community Resources for Families
• Student Assistance Services
• Attendance Resources
• Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness
• Free On-Demand Tutoring
• LCPS Family and Community Engagement
• Join the LCPS Team

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

www.lcps.org
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