The LCPS Letter

The LCPS Division of English Learners, Family and Community Engagement office hosted Empowered! English Learner Family Conference on Saturday, Nov. 15. More than 230 families and students joined educators, staff and community partners to celebrate and strengthen support for English Learner students across the division. The conference featured practical resources, interactive workshops, and opportunities for families to connect with LCPS staff and community organizations. The event underscored our commitment to ensuring every student and family has the tools and support needed to thrive. Read more about this event.

In April 2025, a new Virginia State Law was passed that restricts the use of all personal student technology for students in all grades during the school day. Key terms from this law include:

• "Bell to bell" means 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. "Bell to bell" includes lunch and time in between class periods.

• "Smart device" means any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets.

This new law will impact existing practices and will restrict student access to personal technology during the school day, except for those students with documented accommodations.

The School Board is considering updating Policy 8655, Student Personal Device Use, so that it aligns with the new state law. The School Board is anticipated to confirm an update of this policy at its December 16 Board meeting. If the policy is updated, any potential changes would most likely be implemented when students return from winter break on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

What are those changes?

• During school hours, all internet-connected devices must be turned off and stored away. These include laptops, Macs, smart watches, AirPods and any device that connects to the internet.

How can you prepare for this potential adjustment?

• Remind students that they can use their devices before and after school, including while on the bus.

• Ensure your contact information is up to date in ParentVUE. Schools will use this contact information should they need to get in touch with you.

• The school may need to contact you if your child visits the school nurse or experiences an emergency.

• Students may use the office phone to contact you for an important reason.

• Please answer a call from the school.

• Ensure that students understand your expectations for storing and managing their devices.

• Ensure your student knows your daytime phone number.

• LCPS is not responsible for loss, theft or damage of any personal technology.

In alignment with Policy 8655: Student Personal Device Use, currently under review by the School Board, LCPS has partnered with Bark, a leading technology provider for monitoring children’s devices. Potential updates to the policy are expected to take effect when students return from winter break on Monday, Jan. 5. The LCPS partnership with Bark is designed to help families manage screen time and support student safety online. As part of the collaboration, families can receive a 20% discount on Bark by ordering the app online and entering the code LOUDOUN. For ongoing support, families are encouraged to sign up for Bark’s newsletter or join their Facebook group. For more information, visit lcps.org/bark.

There are exciting opportunities ahead for currently enrolled 8th-grade and high school students. The LCPS Special Programs interest window will open on Monday, Dec. 1 and remain open through Friday, Jan. 16. During this time:

• 8th-grade students can explore and submit interest in a variety of high school programs designed to spark curiosity, build real-world skills and prepare them for future pathways.

• 9th to 11th-grade students may express interest in MATA (Monroe Advanced Technical Academy).

• 10th-grade students may express interest in Advanced AET (Academy of Engineering and Technology).

Students will submit their selections through the Student Opportunities System, located in LCPS GO. Families can learn more about the full range of programs on the LCPS Special Programs website. LCPS Special Programs looks forward to supporting students as they take their next steps in their high school journey!

LCPS and the Loudoun County School Board are continuing their review of attendance boundaries for 18 schools in the Ashburn and Dulles North areas. At the first public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28, staff from LCPS Planning and GIS Services presented two proposed boundary plans, Staff Plan R11 and Staff Plan R17. The review continued at a second meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and will move forward with the following sessions:

• Monday, Nov. 24: Elementary School Attendance Zone Public Hearing & Work Session
• Tuesday, Dec. 2: Review of Elementary School Attendance Zone Recommendations
• Monday, Dec. 8: Elementary School Attendance Zone Briefing & Public Hearing
• Tuesday, Dec. 16: Adoption of Elementary School Attendance Zone Changes

Additional plans prepared with community input will be reviewed by the School Board at the Nov. 24 work session.

All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Ct., Ashburn). Families and community members are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in the conversation.

This process is guided by Policy 6530, Changing School Attendance Zones, which requires attendance zones to be reviewed every five years. To support transparency, Planning and GIS Services has created a dedicated webpage housing the data and information shared with the School Board. The site also includes a Questions & Answers document that addresses inquiries from families and community members.

Any adopted attendance zone changes will take effect at the start of the 2026/27 school year.

Eligible families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced meals for the 2025/26 school year. All information provided in the application is confidential and used only to determine eligibility for the meal program. There are two ways to apply:

• Visit the Free and Reduced Meal Application webpage to complete the application online.

• Paper applications are available at your student’s school or can be downloaded at: lcps.org/freeandreduced. Once the application is complete, return it to your student’s school, or scan and email to freeandreduced@lcps.org.

Eligibility
If a family receives benefits from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are Medicaid recipients with a household income that meets the USDA National School Lunch Program guidelines for free or reduced-price meals, their student may automatically qualify for free meals. If a student has been automatically enrolled in the free and reduced meal program, the student’s family should have received an eligibility letter/email from LINQ School Nutrition before the start of the school year. Families who have already received an approved eligibility letter should not submit another application. Families are advised to keep a copy of the letter to provide to third parties (CASA, YMCA, Internet Benefits, etc.) for the extra benefits if they wish to participate. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Cardinal Ridge Elementary School earned a Green Ribbon School Award for commitment to environmental sustainability and environmental education. As the only school in Loudoun County and one of just two in Virginia to receive this distinction in 2025, Cardinal Ridge joins a select group of nearly 800 schools nationwide recognized by the program since its launch in 2010. For Principal Dr. Mojisola Adejumo, this recognition is a reflection of the school's efforts to create a sense of belonging. “The first ingredient in our Green Ribbon journey was love, for our staff and our scholars,” Dr. Adejumo said. “We’re creating opportunities for belonging and showing that we’re in this together.” Read more about Cardinal Ridge's Green Ribbon School Award.

Jonathan Schiffler, Band Director at Freedom High School, is this month’s SHINE award winner! Mr. Schiffler was nominated by a Freedom parent for his extraordinary support of her student, helping him overcome challenges and shine on the field with the Spirit of Freedom Marching Band. The parent wrote in her nomination that Mr. Schiffler “made my son feel heard and understood. He turned what could have been a very upsetting situation into a successful one…My son has learned so many valuable lessons from Mr. Schiffler, and we are so grateful to him for bringing out the best in our son.” In celebration of his selection as the SHINE monthly winner, Mr. Schiffler received a gift coordinated by LEF and sponsored by Ace Handyman Services.

SHINE, which stands for Spotlighting Heroes in Education, is a joint Loudoun Education Foundation and LCPS initiative that recognizes LCPS staff members who go above and beyond in support of LCPS students and the community. Members of the LCPS community – including other staff members, students, and parents – are invited to nominate LCPS staff who shine! Learn more about SHINE.

Did you know that empathy, compassion and kindness are essential skills students are learning in LCPS? These life tools help us understand the world and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Here’s a quick look at what each one means:

• Empathy: Stepping into someone else’s shoes and feeling what they may be feeling.

• Compassion: Feeling empathy and wanting to help.

• Kindness: Compassion in action.

When we practice these qualities, research shows that we strengthen our health, well-being and relationships. They also help build stronger families and communities.

Below are a few simple ways your family can practice compassion and kindness at home and in your neighborhood:

Three Kind Things

• Encourage everyone to share or write down three good things they did for someone else that week. This builds compassion and helps children think of new ways to support others.

Family Volunteering Spotlight

• Invite each family member to suggest one simple, low-effort way to help the community each month, such as donating a canned good, writing letters to older adults or picking up trash during a walk. Choose one to do together first.

Thank You Mail Mission

• Write a note or draw a picture for someone who serves your community. Ideas include mail carriers, delivery drivers, garbage or recycling collectors, crossing guards, bus drivers or animal shelter staff.

A Screen-Free Hour

• Set aside one hour each week when all phones and screens are put away. During dinner or a game, practice active listening by asking follow-up questions and hearing what others have to say.

Reflect and Connect

• Think of a time when you understood how someone was feeling. What helped you understand? Share your experiences with one another.

The LCPS Podcast is taking a short break for the Thanksgiving holiday, but we’ll be back in December with new episodes, including one hosted by Superintendent Aaron Spence on Thursday, Dec. 4.

In the meantime, catch up on episodes you may have missed or revisit your favorites. Each week, the LCPS Podcast takes you behind the scenes with educators and students to explore trends shaping K–12 education and highlights incredible moments you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes drop every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio. Visit the LCPS Podcast webpage to browse the full library.

Families of are invited to attend an upcoming information night to learn more about the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, which begins in kindergarten. The Dual Language Immersion program, which is offered at Potowmack Elementary and Sanders Corner Elementary, fosters bilingualism, biliteracy and cultural competence. All Loudoun County residents with a rising kindergartener may express interest in having their child participate.

Dual Language Immersion Information Nights

• Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Potowmack Elementary
• Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Moorefield Station Elementary
• Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Arcola Elementary
• Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Leesburg Elementary
• Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Sanders Corner Elementary
• Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Sully Elementary

All information night sessions will start at 6 p.m. Register to attend. For more information, see the LCPS Dual Language Immersion webpage.

The next Family Academy virtual session will help guide families through the course selection process and how it connects to each student’s academic journey and future goals. Learn how to support your child in choosing classes that align with their interests, strengths and long-term plans. Families will gain tips on using the course planner, understanding prerequisites and asking the right questions to ensure thoughtful, personalized decisions.

Webinar Details

• Title: Course Selection: Helping Your Student Make Informed Choices

• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 10, Noon and 6 p.m.

• Location: Virtual – Register to receive webinar link

Hosted by the Division of Family and Community Engagement, the Family Academy offers expert-led discussions on topics such as academic pathways, home-school partnerships, college and career readiness and learning at home. See the Family Academy webpage for workshop registration information.

• Course Planner Learning Webinar for Parents/Guardians
  Thursday, Nov. 20 -- tonight! -- 6 p.m. & 7 p.m. See the LCPS SchooLinks webpage for webinar links and details

• Welcome to LCPS English Learner Family Workshop
  Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m., The Historic Douglass High School (407 E. Market St., Leesburg)

• Kindergarten Connection: Moving on from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten with an IEP
  Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:30-8 p.m., LCPS Administration Building

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

Visit the Academies of Loudoun (42075 Loudoun Academy Dr., Leesburg) for their annual Holiday Plant Sale from Tuesday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 4. Shop a festive selection of poinsettias, fresh wreaths and greenery, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, holiday arrangements and more. In addition, enjoy:

• Baked goods prepared by the Culinary Arts class

• Handmade cards from the Graphic Communication class

• Crafts, gifts and demonstrations from the Academies Future Farmers of America

All proceeds benefit scholarships for seniors in MATA’s Environmental Plant Science and Biotechnology program.

• Wednesday, Nov. 26 to Friday, Nov. 28 is Thanksgiving Break and student and staff holidays.
• 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.

School Board Summary and Meeting Schedule

Read a summary of the School Board's Nov. 11 meeting. The next regular School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2. All School Board meetings are live-streamed. The full meeting agenda will be available on the Loudoun County School Board website (under Meetings).

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 4190, Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) Funding Policy - NEW

• Policy 4170, Insurance Management

• Policy 4310, Purchasing Authority

• Policy 4350, Vendor Relations

• Policy 4340, Procurement Procedure Exemptions

• Policy 5140, Advanced or Accelerated Mathematics - NEW

Please see 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.

• Ask the Superintendent
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• Family and Community Engagement
• LCPS News Stories
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• Comment and Complaint Form
• Loudoun Education Foundation
• Join the LCPS Team

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

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