Superintendent Aaron Spence talks with LCPS Welcome Center Supervisor, Jennifer Ferrance, to explore how the Welcome Center team supports families as they join our school division. In a community with diverse cultural and educational experiences, the Welcome Center plays a vital role in ensuring every new family feels prepared and supported from day one. More about the Welcome Center.

There’s still time to participate in the annual LCPS School-based Staff, Student and Family Survey open through tonight -- Thursday, March 19 -- at midnight. Your feedback provides valuable insight into what’s working well and where we can continue to improve. These responses directly inform school improvement efforts and division-wide planning for the year ahead. If you haven’t had a chance to respond, please check your inbox for your survey link and take a few minutes to share your perspective. Every voice matters, and yours makes a difference.

Science Fair participant explains project

More than 300 LCPS high school students showcased curiosity, creativity and scientific thinking at the 44th Annual Regional Science & Engineering Fair, held March 11–12 at Tuscarora High School. Students presented original research projects across a wide range of STEM disciplines, applying scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges. Several students were recognized for outstanding work, with finalists advancing to the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair, where they will represent LCPS at the international level. Read more about this year's Regional Science & Engineering Fair.

Vikyath Tanamala, a 6th-grade student at Belmont Ridge Middle School, claimed the championship at the 44th Annual Loudoun County Regional Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 12. The high-energy event, held at Rock Ridge High School, featured dozens of the county’s most talented young spellers. After 16 intense rounds of competition, Vikyath secured the top spot by correctly spelling peccant, an adjective, meaning guilty of moral offense; sinning; corrupt. The final round concluded with a strong performance from runner-up Dhiya Sudhakar, a 6th-grade student from Gum Spring Middle.

Both students now prepare to represent Loudoun County on the national stage as they join students from across the country at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May 2026. Read more about the 44th Annual Spelling Bee.

Families with preschool-aged children are invited to join us for a webinar to learn more about LCPS preschool programs. Families will explore program options and locations, learn what children experience in the classroom, review eligibility and application steps, and find out where to get support. Two webinar dates are available:

Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-6 p.m. (English). Register to attend March 25 - English
Wednesday, March 25, 6:15-6:45 p.m. (Spanish). Register to attend March 25 - Spanish
Tuesday, April 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (English). Register to attend April 7 - English
Tuesday, April 7, 12:15-12:45 p.m. (Spanish). Register to attend April 7 - Spanish

Whether you are just beginning to explore preschool or ready to apply, this session provides helpful guidance in a welcoming setting.

Families and students interested in learning more about William Obediah Robey High School are invited to attend one of the upcoming open house sessions. Robey High School offers a personalized and innovative learning environment where students can build confidence, earn their diploma and prepare for meaningful futures. Students may earn up to 10 credits per year through a compressed schedule, providing flexibility and support for a variety of learning pathways. Families are encouraged to attend an upcoming open house to learn more about programs offered, meet staff and explore how Robey High School supports student success.

Open House Dates:

Wednesday, March 25, 8-9 a.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Virtual session)

Open houses will be held at Robey High School, 21328 Augusta Drive, Sterling. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending. The link to the virtual session will be made available on the Robey High School website under the Admissions tab.

If you’ve ever been curious about the LCPS Teachers for Tomorrow program (formerly Teacher Cadet), we’ve just launched our new Teachers for Tomorrow website! This is your go‑to hub for everything families and students need to know about the LCPS “grow your own” initiative, which offers high school juniors and seniors hands‑on teaching experiences and the opportunities to earn college credit as they explore a future career in education. Participants gain real classroom experience through an internship in an elementary or middle school, giving them an authentic look at the teaching profession.

The application window for LCPS Distance Learning programs closes Friday, March 27. LCPS offers two fully synchronous virtual options for the 2026–2027 school year:

Virtual Distance Elementary (VDE) – for students in rising grades 1–5
Virtual Distance Learning (VDL) – for students in rising grades 6–12

Families must submit an application through ParentVUE for enrollment consideration. This is the only opportunity to request Distance Learning for the 2026/27 school year. Current VDE and VDL students must reapply if they wish to continue. Students who do not apply will remain enrolled in their in-person home school. Visit Distance Learning for program details, an informational video and how to apply.

The Special Permission application period is open. Special Permission allows families to request that their student attend a school outside of their assigned attendance zone. The Special Permission process is guided by Policy 8155, School Assignment, and its accompanying regulation. Policy 8155 establishes 85% of the building’s base capacity as the maximum student enrollment for considering Special Permission applications. Initial Special Permission applications submitted to schools that are at or above 85% of the building’s base capacity will be voided within 30 days of application. Review schools projected to be at or above 85% of the building’s base capacity on the Special Permission website. This list is subject to change. Once the application window closes on April 30 at 11:59 p.m., no additional Special Permission applications will be accepted. For more details and to apply, please visit the Special Permission webpage.

LCPS partners with ParentGuidance.org to offer families valuable resources and support as they navigate a wide range of parenting experiences. Through ParentGuidance.org, parents and guardians can access online courses and seminars designed to help them support their child’s mental health. These on‑demand videos offer guidance for addressing emotional, developmental or mental health concerns, and parents can remain completely anonymous while using the platform. ParentGuidance.org also offers one‑on‑one parent coaching at no cost, giving families personalized support for whatever their child may be experiencing.

Another valuable resource is Ask a Therapist Live, a session where parents can anonymously submit questions about parenting, relationships or their child’s well‑being to licensed family therapists. This live format provides direct access to clinical expertise in a supportive, judgment‑free environment. The next Ask a Therapist Live session will be held on Tuesday, March 24 at 8 p.m. Families are invited to RSVP to attend this free event.

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve communication with our families, we plan to launch a new two-way communication tool, Rooms by Apptegy, next school year, 2026/27. Families will be able to easily access Rooms in the LCPS app to message teachers, receive school updates, and more, streamlining communication in a way that supports what staff, students and families value most.

Six schools are currently participating in a Rooms by Apptegy pilot program. This pilot program is a learning process and will be used to help with a successful implementation of Rooms to all schools at the beginning of the 2026/27 school year. Thank you to all the families of the six schools for your participation in the pilot program.

Belmont Ridge Middle
Riverside High
Steuart W. Weller Elementary
Selden’s Landing Elementary
J.L. Simpson Middle
Virtual Loudoun

Please note: If you’ve downloaded the LCPS app from your phone’s app store, you will notice a section/tab at the bottom labeled “Rooms/Messaging.” You do not need to do anything with that right now unless you are part of the pilot schools.

If you haven’t downloaded the LCPS app yet, it’s a great way to find the latest information about your school, lunch menus and division news. Download the LCPS app by searching for “Loudoun County Public Schools” in your phone’s app store.

Important: We heard parents loud and clear when they told us they had way too many apps across schools and their students’ activities. Rooms will be the exclusive source of quick information from your LCPS teacher or activity leader. Your student will still find all learning activities, assignments and resources in Schoology. And, parents will still find important student progress, grade and personal information in ParentVue.

Please feel free to share your feedback and questions via this form. Thank you for your support!

March is National Athletic Trainers Month, a time to recognize the licensed health care professionals who help keep student-athletes safe, healthy and ready to compete. Across LCPS, athletic trainers provide essential medical care and guidance that allow students to participate confidently in the sports they love.

More Than Personal Trainers

Athletic trainers are often mistaken for personal trainers, but their role is very different. They are licensed health care professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating injuries related to physical activity. From practices to competitions, athletic trainers are a critical part of the support system behind every team.

What Athletic Trainers Do

Athletic trainers support student-athletes through a wide range of medical and safety responsibilities, including:

Injury prevention and conditioning guidance
Emergency response and on-site care
Rehabilitation planning and recovery support
Concussion protocol management
Heat illness prevention and hydration monitoring
Collaboration with physicians and sports medicine professionals

Supporting Student Wellness

Beyond immediate medical care, athletic trainers help students build healthy habits that support long-term wellness. They emphasize the importance of proper warm-ups, hydration, recovery and injury prevention. Their guidance supports both the physical and emotional well-being of student-athletes, helping students safely return to play and continue pursuing their goals.

A Career Pathway in Health Care

Athletic training also represents a meaningful career pathway for students interested in health care and sports medicine. Athletic trainers complete specialized college programs, gain hands-on clinical experience and pass the national Board of Certification exam. Working under physician direction as part of a sports medicine team, they combine medical expertise with a passion for supporting student success.

Thank You to Our Athletic Trainers

Throughout the month, LCPS celebrates the dedication and expertise of our athletic trainers. Their work behind the scenes helps ensure students can safely participate in athletics, build confidence and develop lifelong healthy habits. To our athletic trainers across Loudoun County Public Schools, thank you for the care, expertise and commitment you bring to our students every day.

PROPEL and Level Up are gearing up for Innovation Day, their biggest event of the year. Volunteers are needed to help make it a success. Held on Saturday, April 18 at the Academies of Loudoun, Innovation Day will welcome nearly 600 students in grades 4–8 for a full day of robotics competitions and innovative project presentations. LCPS staff and community members are encouraged to sign up for any time that fits their schedule between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Volunteer roles include:

Guiding students to their stations
Judging STEM projects (no experience needed; training provided)
Setting up or breaking down VEX robotics fields
Assisting with lunch or supporting event logistics

Adults are welcome to volunteer, and they may bring a friend or family member who would also like to help. Each volunteer should complete the sign‑up form. This is a wonderful opportunity to support students and be part of a day that celebrates creativity, problem‑solving and innovation. Please email the PROPEL and Level Up team with any questions.

Now through March 24, you can help the Loudoun Education Foundation fund classroom grants for teachers. The Give Choose campaign, an annual event of online giving to support local nonprofits, is now live, and every donation to LEF will help teachers create the best possible learning environment for students. In the past, LEF has funded countless projects like podcast studios, hallway sensory paths and classroom STEM kits. Last school year, LEF received 165 Innovation in Education grant applications from LCPS teachers, but could only fund 82. Help LEF fund more wonderful ideas by donating through Give Choose.

Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is on the lookout for standout educators, students, programs, parents and community members who make the LCPS special education community shine. The Recognition for Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards celebrates those who go above and beyond to champion inclusion, spark creativity, build disability awareness and foster meaningful peer connections for students with disabilities. Think you know someone amazing? Nominate them using the 2026 Recognition for Excellence in Supporting Special Education Nomination Form by midnight on Friday, March 27. Winners will be announced in early May, and the celebration continues at the SEAC Awards Ceremony on June 3 at Lightridge High School.

Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee Awards

The Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) is celebrating educators, students, programs, parents and community members who excel at making LCPS a more equitable and inclusive place to learn. Nominate an LCPS star whose passion and hard work helps make a real difference for our students and staff. Submit your nominations using the 2025/26 MSAAC Awards Call for Nominations form by Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. Visit the MSAAC Annual Awards webpage to learn more.

LCPS students of all grades are invited to take part in the Student Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS) on April 29 at the Academies of Loudoun. SEAS is an annual event where students share projects that reduce waste, conserve energy, protect natural habitats, support sustainability in their schools and communities and more. It’s a chance for students to express their connection to the environment and show how their ideas make a real impact in Loudoun County. Cash prizes will be awarded to students who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the three school-level categories: elementary, middle, and high school. Community partners will also be on site with hands‑on activities and opportunities to explore environmental careers and volunteer pathways. Learn more and register. SEAS is presented by the Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance, the GREENetwork and LCPS.

Loudoun County is constructing a Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) pedestrian/bicycle bridge over Sterling Boulevard (Route 846). Tree clearing and other pre-construction activities, such as erosion and sediment control work activities, will begin during daylight hours near Sterling Boulevard and the W&OD Trail as part of the county’s project to construct a bridge for the trail over Sterling Boulevard. Work is scheduled to take place between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The W&OD trail will remain open and accessible throughout construction. Drivers on Sterling Boulevard and trail users may encounter increased traffic, lane shifts, flagging and other interruptions while work is occurring to maintain safety conditions. Be advised to use caution when navigating through this area and to adhere to all posted signage and instructions.

Construction completion is currently planned for spring 2028. Visit the Sterling Boulevard Overpass project webpage for more information and to subscribe for updates on construction and traffic impacts.

Did you know learning Latin helps in careers like law, communications, health care, STEM fields and more?

Discover how Latin supports future success at the Latin Career Fair on Saturday, March 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Independence High School Library. Enjoy student-created displays that show how learning Latin connects to today’s most in-demand fields, including careers in STEM, law, communications, health care and more. Check out the paths Latin students have taken after high school, hear from guest speakers about how the language supported their academic and career journeys and engage with inspiring stories and video testimonials from students and alumni.

Tools for Families of English Learners and Students with Disabilities

Wednesday, March 25, 6-7 p.m. See the EL FACE Family Room webpage for webinar links.

Diploma Options and Graduation Requirements for Students with IEPs

Thursday, March 26, Noon. Virtual. Register to receive the meeting link.

Summer and Part-time Job Fair

Tuesday, April 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rock Ridge High School (43460 Loudoun Reserve Dr, Ashburn)

Unlock the Secrets to College Admissions. Register.

Wednesday, April 8, 6-8 p.m., Woodgrove High School (36811 Allder School Road, Purcellville)

Welcome to the LCPS Workshop for English Learner Families. Register.

Wednesday, April 8, 6:30-8 p.m., Historic Douglass High School (407 E. Market St., Leesburg).

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

One LCPS School Board Spotlight: Sully Elementary Aligns Instruction for Student Success

During the March 10 School Board meeting, Sully Elementary School was featured as the School Board’s One LCPS Spotlight. Staff highlighted how the school intentionally aligns its School Improvement Plan, the LCPS Instructional Framework and professional learning to support student achievement. Principal John Tuck, teacher Yvonne Tenador and professional learning specialist Hannah Prebock shared how their team uses a continuous improvement cycle to refine instruction, with a focus on the framework’s “responsiveness” focus area. Their approach emphasizes meeting students where they are through strategies such as scaffolding, differentiation and flexible learning.

Through targeted professional learning, coaching and real-time collaboration, Sully teachers put these strategies into action in the classroom. As a result, students are showing strong growth, including notable gains among students receiving additional support. This spotlight is a powerful example of how aligned systems, intentional planning and responsive instruction can lead to meaningful outcomes for all learners. Watch the video of Sully's presentation to the School Board.

School Board Summary and Meeting Schedule

Read a summary of the School Board's March 10 meeting. A recording of the School Board meeting and more information can be found in Board Docs. The next School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 4:30 p.m. The agenda will be posted to the School Board website (under Meetings) by 5 p.m. the Friday before the meeting. All School Board meetings are live-streamed.

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 policies listed below are currently open for community feedback:

Policy 2350, Appeal of Administrative Decisions
Policy 3040, School Building Administration

Visit the Policy Review webpage for more details and feedback submission deadlines. Providing input does not guarantee that the feedback will be included in the final policy. All feedback will be reviewed by the School Board Committee as they develop policies for submission to the entire School Board. The authority for final approval of any policy lies solely with the Loudoun County School Board.

Friday, March 20 is Eid al-Fitr and a staff and student holiday.
Spring Break is from Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3.
Calendars for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 school years are posted on the LCPS website. Please check the school calendars before scheduling vacations or other student absences.
The 2026 LCPS graduation schedule is posted on the LCPS website.

Loudoun County Public Schools

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Think Fast with Superintendent Spence Think Fast with Superintendent Spence

Still Time to be Heard! Complete the Annual Survey Today! Still Time to be Heard! Complete the Annual Survey Today!

Students Showcase Science Skills at LCPS Regional Science & Engineering Fair Students Showcase Science Skills at LCPS Regional Science & Engineering Fair

Loudoun County’s Top Spellers Shine at 44th Annual Regional Spelling Bee Loudoun County’s Top Spellers Shine at 44th Annual Regional Spelling Bee

Webinar Provides Details about LCPS Preschool Programs Webinar Provides Details about LCPS Preschool Programs

Learn More About Robey High School at Open Houses Learn More About Robey High School at Open Houses

Teachers for Tomorrow Website Launches to Support Future Educators Teachers for Tomorrow Website Launches to Support Future Educators

Distance Learning Application Closes March 27 Distance Learning Application Closes March 27

Special Permission Application Period is Open Special Permission Application Period is Open

LCPS Provides Access to Resources for Student and Family Well-being LCPS Provides Access to Resources for Student and Family Well-being

Rooms by Apptegy: New Communications Tool Coming 2026/27 School Year Rooms by Apptegy: New Communications Tool Coming 2026/27 School Year

Celebrating Athletic Trainers Across LCPS Celebrating Athletic Trainers Across LCPS

Innovation Day Volunteers Needed Innovation Day Volunteers Needed

LEF Raising Funds for Classroom Grants LEF Raising Funds for Classroom Grants

Advisory Committees Seek Award Nominations Advisory Committees Seek Award Nominations

Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards

Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee Awards

Environmental Showcase Provides Students Opportunity to Express Connection Environmental Showcase Provides Students Opportunity to Express Connection

Sterling Boulevard Overpass Construction Planned Sterling Boulevard Overpass Construction Planned

UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

Attend the Latin Language Career Fair Attend the Latin Language Career Fair

Did you know learning Latin helps in careers like law, communications, health care, STEM fields and more?

More Events to Support Your Student More Events to Support Your Student

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

CALENDAR REMINDERS CALENDAR REMINDERS

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Loudoun County Public Schools