The LCPS Letter

Students from nine LCPS high schools earned 20 honors in the Virginia High School League's (VHSL) 2025-2026 Publications Awards, recognizing their achievements in journalism, creative writing, design and broadcasting. Six programs received Trophy Class honors, the highest recognition awarded by VHSL. These accomplishments highlight the creativity and dedication of LCPS students and the educators who support them. Read more about the award-winning programs and their advisers.

Join us on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sterling Library (22330 S. Sterling Blvd., Suite A117) for an important community conversation about fentanyl and substance use in Loudoun County. This event will equip families, educators, students and community members with the knowledge and resources needed to prevent overdoses and support youth well-being.

The evening will feature a panel discussion with:

• Dr. Aaron Spence, LCPS Superintendent

• Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman

• Margaret Graham, Director, Loudoun County Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services

• Additional specialists from LCPS, Loudoun County Government and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office

Topics will include:

• Current fentanyl and substance use trends in Loudoun County

• Prevention efforts underway in schools and throughout the community

• Warning signs of substance misuse and overdose

• How to recognize and respond to an overdose emergency

• Practical steps families and community members can take to help prevent overdoses

Free REVIVE! Naloxone Training will also be offered. Participants will learn how to administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Attendees will receive REVIVE! training materials and resources to help them respond confidently in an emergency.

Together, we can raise awareness, prevent overdoses and save lives.

We’ve prepared the 2nd LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report, highlighting the milestones we've reached this year.

Every day, nearly 80,000 students walk through the doors of our schools with different strengths, interests, experiences and dreams for the future. Our responsibility is to make sure each of them has what they need to learn, grow and see what is possible for themselves. This report offers a look at how we are doing that work, and the people and partnerships that move it forward.

Every success story in these pages is the result of a shared commitment across the LCPS community working together to prepare all students for their next chapter. Also, check out an interactive version of the report.

Middle and high school families, staff and students: In April 2025, after two years of extensive feedback from students, staff and parents/guardians, the School Board revised Policy 5030, Assessment and Grading. Now that the updated policy has been in place for a full school year (the updated policy went in effect during the 2025-26 school year), we want to know your thoughts on how it is working, what considerations we might review or how the policy could be further clarified.

We’re using ThoughtExchange so everyone has a chance to share their perspectives and understand what’s most important to the group. You can offer your feedback and rate others' thoughts now until Wednesday, Nov. 18. Participate in the LCPS Assessment and Grading ThoughtExchange. Visit the LCPS Assessment and Grading ThoughtExchange webpage to learn more.

Eight LCPS secondary schools will begin piloting Gemini Notebook, an AI-powered learning tool, in November. The tool will help students strengthen study skills, engage with classroom materials and deepen their understanding of course content.

Students will be able to create study guides, generate practice questions, listen to audio summaries and organize information using materials provided by their teachers or uploaded from their coursework. The pilot will emphasize responsible AI use, critical thinking and student privacy.

Learn more about the pilot and how LCPS is exploring AI to support student learning.

The Eastern Loudoun Elementary School Attendance Boundary Review process, which is reviewing the attendance boundaries of 12 elementary schools in eastern Loudoun, continues with a public hearing and work session on Thursday, Nov. 12 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn).

At the Nov. 12 public hearing, community members will have an opportunity to address the School Board. Individuals wishing to speak must register in advance using the options outlined on the LCPS Citizen Participation webpage.

The School Board is currently reviewing four proposed plans, including two developed by the LCPS Division of Planning and GIS Services, one submitted by Leesburg District School Board member Lauren Shernoff, and one submitted by Dulles District School Board member Jon Pepper. The proposed plans are linked below:

• Staff Plan R0, which recommends no changes to existing attendance zones for any of the 12 schools.

• Staff Plan R6, which recommends attendance zone adjustments for six schools: Algonkian, Countryside, Horizon, Lowes Island, Potowmack and Sugarland.

• Shernoff Plan R1, which recommends attendance zone adjustments for two schools, Algonkian and Countryside elementary schools.

• Pepper Plan R2, which recommends attendance zone adjustments for three schools, Algonkian, Countryside and Sterling elementary schools.

Additional plans may be prepared at the request of any School Board member.

Please see the Eastern Loudoun Attendance Boundary Review webpage for additional information, including the remaining meeting dates in the review process, questions from community members and responses as provided by the Division of Planning and GIS Services and access to Zonelyt, an interactive platform that allows users to create and share alternative attendance zone proposals.

Would you like your rising kindergartner or first-grade student to become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish? LCPS offers a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Potowmack, Sanders Corner and Leesburg elementary schools for students entering kindergarten and first grade. Through meaningful, content-based instruction, students develop strong proficiency in both English and Spanish while building academic skills in a multilingual learning environment.

Families interested in learning more about the program are invited to attend one of the upcoming community information sessions. Participants will learn about the DLI program, the interest and selection process and the benefits of dual language immersion. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on the registration process.

Information Sessions

• Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Potowmack Elementary School Library. Register.
• Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6-7:30 p.m., Sanders Corner Elementary School Library. Register.
• Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027, 6-7:30 p.m., Leesburg Elementary School Library. Register.

For more information, visit the LCPS Dual Language Immersion website.

More than 1,000 LCPS students are currently experiencing homelessness. These students may be living in hotels, staying temporarily with friends or relatives, or facing other unstable housing situations that leave them without a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

To support these students and raise awareness about youth homelessness, LCPS will observe Wear Green Day on Thursday, Nov. 12. By wearing green, students, staff and families can show their support for those experiencing housing instability and help bring attention to the challenges they face.

The LCPS McKinney-Vento Program provides services and support for students experiencing homelessness. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, children and youth experiencing homelessness are entitled to educational protections and assistance to help ensure school stability and access to resources.

If you or someone you know does not have a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, they may qualify for McKinney-Vento services. Visit the LCPS McKinney-Vento webpage to learn more about available supports and eligibility.

Does your student have an idea that could inspire meaningful change? Students are invited to participate in the second annual Loudoun County TEDx Youth Event on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Belmont Ridge Middle School.

Organized by Loudoun educators and youth leaders, the event provides an opportunity for students to share how they are imagining, creating, questioning and improving the world around them. This year’s theme, Tomorrow Is a Verb, reflects the idea that the future is shaped by the ideas we explore and the choices we make today.

Students are encouraged to develop a TED-style talk based on a personal experience, challenge, observation or action that has the potential to make a positive impact. Student participants are invited to demonstrate how today's youth are helping shape the future.

Apply now. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, Nov. 8. Loudoun County TEDX Youth is open to students in grades 8 through 12.

LCPS invites families, staff and community members to review and provide feedback on instructional resources being considered for English courses in grades 9-12. The resources are available for review and public comment through Friday, Nov. 13.

How to Review Materials

• Online: Review digital resources.

• In person: Physical materials are available at the LCPS Administration Building, 21000 Education Ct., Ashburn.

  • Review hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Visitors must present identification to enter the building.

Community feedback will help inform the selection of high-quality instructional materials that support student learning. For more information, contact the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Recently, our community experienced a tragic event involving an LCPS student. Whether you or your student were directly affected or simply aware of the situation, news like this can have an emotional impact.

Everyone processes difficult circumstances differently. If you are finding recent events challenging to navigate or you are experiencing feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety, please know that support is available. We encourage anyone – students, families or staff – who may be struggling to reach out for help and to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Staying connected can make a difference. No one should feel they have to face life's challenges alone.

LCPS offers several resources to support mental health and emotional well-being:

United Mental Health and Wellness Teams: Every school has a UMHT made up of school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and student assistance specialists. These teams partner with teachers, staff and families to support students’ social, emotional and behavioral needs and to remove barriers to learning.

Care Solace: Care Solace is a free care‑coordination service that helps LCPS families and staff connect with mental health and substance‑use treatment options that fit their needs. It navigates the mental health care system on your behalf by locating community‑based providers and securing appointments as quickly as possible with the most appropriate care. Care Solace also ensures that providers accept your medical insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, or offer sliding‑scale payment options for those without coverage.

Parent Guidance: Parent Guidance offers free, on-demand videos about youth-development topics, including videos on topics such as coping with anxiety and depression. In addition to videos, Parent Guidance provides parent coaching, which connects parents/guardians with a dedicated coach and therapist-created resources to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenting with confidence.

As we move through the school year and into the month of November, taking a moment to practice gratitude can make a powerful difference in our daily lives. Expressing thanks helps to boost resilience, improve mental well-being, and foster a warmer, more connected community.

Whether it’s thanking a teacher, encouraging your child to share one good thing about their day, or simply acknowledging an act of kindness, small moments of appreciation create a big impact.

Here are some ways your family can cultivate gratitude together:

Create a Gratitude Jar: Keep a clear jar and paper slips in a central spot. Each person can draw or write one small thing they are thankful for each day, then read them together as a family at the end of the month.

Do Regular "Rose, Thorn and Bud" Check-in: During meals, have each family member share one highlight (Rose), one challenge (Thorn) and one thing they are looking forward to (Bud).

Digital Appreciation Messages: Encourage teens to send one quick text or voice note to a friend or relative expressing genuine thanks for something specific.

Gratitude Walk: Take a screen-free walk together focused on noticing small details in your surroundings such as the weather nature, or neighborhood scenery.

Thank-You Card Station: Keep blank cards available so your family can express appreciation to other family members, teachers, or community helpers. Make crayons or markers accessible too so gratitude can be expressed through both words or art.

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

Executive functioning skills, including organizing, planning and time management, play a critical role in helping children manage daily responsibilities, build independence and develop a growth mindset. Because these skills are not innate, they must be taught and practiced starting at an early age.

Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn) for a practical presentation where you will learn effective strategies to help your child navigate common challenges such as homework struggles, school avoidance, test anxiety and keeping track of daily responsibilities. You will walk away with clear insights and ready-to-use resources to help your student thrive at home and school. Please register for this workshop.

This workshop will be led by Catherine Tannuzzo, LCPS School Psychologist, and supported by the Office of Student Mental Health Services.

Parents and guardians of students in grades 5–11 are invited to join the School Counseling team and SchooLinks on Wednesday, Nov. 18, for a webinar to learn more about Building an Academic Plan using Course Planner.

Webinar Details

• 6 p.m. – For parents/guardians of students in grades 5–6 – Webex Link

• 7 p.m. – For parents/guardians of students in grades 7–11– Webex Link

Please note that attendance for the webinar is limited by the platform's capacity. For families who are unable to attend the live webinar, a recording will be posted on the LCPS Course Planner webpage at a later date.

What is Course Planner?

Course Planner is an interactive tool that makes course selection and academic planning easier and more personalized. Starting in January, 5th to 11th-grade students will use Course Planner to begin selecting their courses for next school year and beyond. As part of the SchooLinks college and career readiness platform, Course Planner helps chart a clear path to graduation, connecting students’ interests with future goals and providing families with the insight they need to support every step. This webinar will provide an overview of the platform and tips for supporting your student’s planning process. Learn more about Course Planner.

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services will host the third annual Community on Purpose event on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Claude Moore Recreation and Community Center (46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling).

Designed to connect residents with the people and organizations that help Loudoun County thrive, the event will feature community organizations, nonprofits and local businesses showcasing programs, services and opportunities available throughout the county.

Attendees can explore local resources, learn about volunteer opportunities, support local businesses and contribute to a donation drive benefiting neighbors in need. Community on Purpose is an opportunity to build connections, discover valuable resources and celebrate the partnerships that strengthen the Loudoun County community.

Welcome to LCPS Workshop for English Learner Families

• Thursday, Nov. 5 -- tonight! -- 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sterling Community Center (120 Enterprise St., Sterling). Learn more.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair -- CANCELED!

• The HBCU Fair planned for this Saturday, Nov. 7 has been canceled.

Ready, Set, Transition: A Guide to Transition Planning for Your Student

• Thursday, Nov. 12, noon to 1 p.m., Virtual. Register.

Mandt for Families

• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5 to 7 p.m., LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn). Register.

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. 27, and find the School Board Meeting information in BoardDocs. The next School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10. 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

• Monday, Nov. 9 is Diwali and a student and staff holiday.
• Wednesday, Nov. 25 to Friday, Nov. 27 is the Thanksgiving break and a staff and student holiday.
• 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