The Boulevard - August 15, 2026
Hello Pioneers,
I hope that each of you, along with your families and friends, took time this summer to relax, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming school year. I am incredibly grateful to begin my fourth year as the proud principal of Sterling Middle School and to serve this wonderful community, our families, and our students.
I am looking forward to a fantastic year, and I cannot wait for our students to return on Monday, August 17. Our dedicated staff has spent the summer preparing to lead our students through a successful school year. To help ensure the success of all our students, please review the important updates below—paying special attention to the details on Testing, Dress Code, E-Bikes, and Health & PE Requirements.
Update Your Student’s Information and View Schedules Student class and bus schedules are now available in ParentVUE. Parents and guardians must complete the required annual update of student information and answer all required questions before class and bus schedules can be accessed.
Review the Updated Dress Code Policy The Loudoun County School Board recently approved updates to the Student Dress Code (Policy 8270), effective for the 2026/27 school year. Updates include revised clothing coverage requirements, physical education attire expectations, and clarifications on permitted items. Please review the updated policy with your student before the first day of school to ensure they understand these expectations.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Guidance While e-bikes and e-scooters are popular commuting options, their use presents safety concerns on campus. Out of an abundance of caution, all motorized and electric-powered personal transport devices are prohibited from being operated on school grounds. Students may commute to school on these devices, but they must dismount and walk them once on school property. Please visit the LCPS E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety webpage for more details.
STM - Health & Physical Education All Sterling Middle School students are to wear their STM issued Health and Physical Education t-shirt purchased in their class for $3. Accommodations and assistance for purchasing a H/P.E. t-shirt or uniform will be made on a case-by-case basis. Also, students must wear proper footwear as defined below. Please assist us in speaking to your child(ren) about the importance of being prepared for Health and Physical Education each day.
STUDENT DRESS CODE (H&PE)
i. Wear clothing that meets the coverage requirements for both tops and bottoms
ii. Wear athletic shoes (e.g., sneakers, running shoes or tennis shoes) or other shoes that are closed at the toe and heel and securely fastened to the foot; and iii. Remove jewelry and other accessories when directed to do so for safety reasons.
Opportunity to Preview Title IX Awareness Video This school year, middle and high school students will participate in a brief Title IX Student Bystander Training video and lesson to help them understand their rights and how to act as active bystanders. We are committed to presenting this material in a thoughtful, age-appropriate manner. Parents are invited to preview the video during an upcoming session:
Thursday, Aug. 27 | 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. (In-person at the LCPS Administration Building, 21000 Education Ct., Ashburn)
If you plan to attend, please RSVP using the [LCPS Title IX Parent Viewing Form]
As always, please share any additional questions, comments, and/or concerns.
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the School Board voted to update the Student Dress Code, Policy 8270. The updates were considered thoughtfully, with community feedback informing the School Board and staff’s recommendations, and are now in effect.
We wanted to let you know about the changes so you can ensure your student is aware of the changes and help them choose clothing that meets the updated guidelines. Please reach out if you have any questions or if your family needs any support meeting these updated requirements.
Below are some notable changes in effect this fall:
Students’ clothing must be non-transparent and meet additional coverage requirements:
Tops must cover the sides, mid-back, and lower back; extend to the waist; and feature a neckline that does not extend below the imaginary horizontal line connecting the armpits.
Bottoms (e.g., pants, sweatpants, shorts, skirt or leggings) must provide full coverage of the lower torso and buttocks.
One-piece outfits, such as jumpsuits or dresses that meet coverage requirements, are also acceptable.
Shoes must be worn.
Students may wear hats or other headwear that does not obscure the face. The hood must be worn down on a hoodie. Attire of religious, cultural or ethnic significance, e.g., head coverings and hairstyles, is permitted.
For physical education, tops and bottoms must meet coverage requirements; shoes must have a closed-toe and heel, and be securely fastened to the foot.
Note: Other classes may also have separate clothing requirements for safety purposes.
Wear blankets or robes to school. (Pajama tops and bottoms that meet coverage requirements are allowed.)
Wear clothing that intentionally exposes undergarments. (The unintentional exposure of undergarments will not result in disciplinary action.)
We wanted to share this summary of the updates to Policy 8270 to help you prepare your student for success. Please reach out to school staff with questions. We look forward to seeing your student soon!
Read the updated Student Dress Code, Policy 8270, and find all School Board policies at www.lcps.org/policyreview.
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Loudoun County Public Schools requires a new provider/physician orders each school year for the medication or specialized care which your child receives at school. If your child will continue to need medication or specialized health care at school, you and your child’s licensed healthcare provider must complete and sign the proper form(s). Please note that parents may not amend the provider’s order for managing the child’s medical condition.
The required forms are available in the health office at your child’s school or online at www.lcps.org/medicalforms. The forms should be returned the week before school starts to the Loudoun County Public School that your child will be attending, along with the appropriate medication, in the original, pharmacy labelled container. Please refer to the “Medication at School Guidelines” for further information regarding medication at school.
Important update
Rotary Club of Broadlands/Dulles South
Dunlap, Bennett, and Ludwig Law Firm
Sterling United Methodist Church
Moniart Print of Sterling
Akumen Inc.
Sterling Subaru
Teachers' Home Benefits
Benihana Dulles
You'veGotMaids of Sterling
Main office hours - 8:20 AM - 3:50 PM
Office Phone number: (571) 434-4520
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