The LCPS Letter
During the last school year, LCPS enacted a cell phone policy (School Board Policy 8655 - Student Personal Device Use) that ensured students could receive their instruction free from the distraction of cell phones.
In April 2025, the General Assembly of Virginia adopted an amendment to Section 22.1-79.3:1 of the Code of Virginia to address student cell phone and smart device use at school. Virginia law now broadly “restrict[s] student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell,” meaning “after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day.”
We know many students bring personal technology to school with the intention of using devices for educational purposes, and this change may have potential impacts on available digital tools or preferences, productivity, visibility to your students’ location, and more. Virginia law defines “smart devices” as any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including cell phones, laptops, smart watches and tablets. This definition would cover personal computers, Macs, and any other device that is internet-connected.
Students will still be able to use specific personal technology as required for documented accommodations to support Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, medical needs, or English Learners.
We are asking for your feedback on potential positive and negative impacts, so we can address any gaps and unintended consequences due to aligning LCPS policies with the new state law. Your feedback is valued and appreciated. Participate in the Thought Exchange.
The LCPS Podcast is back for a second year! For our first episode, LCPS Public Information Officer Dan Adams talks with Sarthak Mishra, a 6th grader at Gum Spring Middle School who just published his first book, The Spooky Secrets of Camp Midnight. Sarthak shares his love for storytelling, the journey from idea to publication, and what’s next on his creative horizon. It’s a celebration of student voice, imagination and achievement.
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 in a textbook. New episodes drop every Thursday during the school year. 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 you may have missed.
The Loudoun Education Foundation’s (LEF) Fueled program nourishes bodies so minds can grow. Through the Fueled program, LEF provides weekend meal bags for students in need and supports in-school pantries, serving more than 40 schools throughout Loudoun County. Your donations to LEF can help support Fueled! When you donate to the Fueled program, LEF can stretch every dollar and multiply your impact through wholesale purchasing, nonprofit discounts and community partnerships, like the one we have with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. The same meal bag that would cost you $10 to purchase in the grocery store costs LEF only $2.50. Please consider boosting student food security by donating to Fueled at loudouneducationfoundation.org.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 20 starting at 9 a.m. at Morven Park for a powerful day of hope, action and community as we come together to break the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.
Lace up for an inspiring 5K through the beautiful trails of Morven Park.
Be moved by incredible speakers sharing their journeys of resilience.
Enjoy music, food trucks and creative activities at our craft table.
This FREE event, sponsored by the Prevention Alliance of Loudoun in partnership with Loudoun County Public Schools, Shatterproof and other community partners, is more than just a race—it’s a movement.
Together, we can create change. Together, we can bring hope. Plan to be part of something meaningful—let’s shatter the stigma and stand Loudoun strong! Register today!
Do you have a high school student who is thinking about their next big step? Don’t miss Dream Big!, the 2025 LCPS College Fair, on Sunday, Sept. 21, 3-5 p.m., at Independence High School (23115 Learning Cir., Ashburn) and help your student start planning for their future!
Students and families will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with more than 100 college and university reps, ask questions, gather info and get inspired. Whether your student is just starting to explore options or already building their college list, this event is the perfect place to learn more. Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, too. Help your student take the first step toward their future.
Information Session with Virginia Universities
Before the main College Fair, an information session featuring representatives from the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University and George Mason University will be held in Independence's auditorium from 2 to 3 p.m. This session provides key insights into popular schools and helps minimize wait times at the main fair, giving students more opportunities to explore all the incredible colleges. Participants must register to attend this information session. Please note that this registration link is different from the one above. Fill out one form for each person planning to attend. (For example, if one student and one parent will be attending, this form must be filled out twice.) Due to limited capacity, registration will close once full. Only registered individuals will be permitted to enter the event.
September is Attendance Awareness Month. This school year, make school attendance a priority and help your student develop good habits that last a lifetime. Ways parents and guardians can help their students get into the habit of regular on-time school attendance include:
Make sure your student keeps a regular bedtime and establishes a morning routine.
Turn off all electronics, including TVs, phones and tablets at bedtime.
Make sure clothes and school supplies are ready the night before.
Develop backup transportation plans to school if the normal routine is interrupted. Call on a family member, neighbor or another parent to take your student to school.
Avoid scheduling medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
Talk to your school’s mental health staff for advice if your student seems anxious about going to school.
For more information, please visit LCPS Attendance Resources. We look forward to partnering with you for a successful school year.