LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT .......................
Empowering All Students To Make Meaningful Contributions To The World
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................
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Superintendent’s Message............................................................ 1 Sugarland’s Relationships Build Achievement................................ 2 2019 Principal of the Year: Jennifer Short..................................... 4 Past Teachers and Principals of the Year...................................... 5 2019 Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Rodgers................................. 6 Best New Teachers of the 2018-19 School Year........................... 7 Mangogna is New Secondary Teacher of the Year....................... 7 Bourscheid Top New Elementary Teacher.................................... 7 Outstanding Substitutes Recognized............................................ 8 Russell Art Educator of the Year................................................... 8 Martin Honored by Association of Science Teachers................... 8 Secretary of Education Visits Academies...................................... 9 Academies of Loudoun Dedicated.............................................. 10 Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC)... 12 2019-20 Student School Board Representatives........................ 13 Virginia’s 2018-19 Largest School Systems................................ 13 2018-19 State Team Champions................................................. 14 Individual State Champions........................................................ 15 500 Wins & Counting................................................................... 16 Breinig Named AD of the Year..................................................... 16 Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF)......................................... 17 School-Business Partnership Executive Council........................ 18 Department of Instruction Fosters Deeper Learning................... 18 LCPS Students Outperform State, Nation on SAT Exam............ 19 Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)......................... 19 LCPS to Celebrate Sesquicentennial in 2020............................. 20 Yu Wins National Chess Championship...................................... 24 Gandhari Captures 2019 Spelling Bee........................................ 24 Custodians of the Year................................................................ 24 70 LCPS Buildings Achieve ENERGY STAR Rating.................... 25 6 LCPS Schools Receive Virginia Naturally Designation............... 25
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2018-19 Cost Per Pupil Comparison............................................ 25 VIP Honors 37 LCPS Schools..................................................... 26 Pupil Services Serves the Whole Child....................................... 26 LCPS Among Best for Music Education..................................... 27 LCPS Secondary Music Programs Receive VMEA Award.......... 27 Loudoun County School Superintendents Since 1888............... 27 Loudoun Student Population...................................................... 27 LCPS Has 14 Blue Star Schools................................................. 28 All LCPS Schools Fully Accredited............................................. 28 6 Re-Designated as Schools to Watch....................................... 28 LCPS Schools Capture 8 Cappie Awards................................... 28 Susarla Wins 2019 State Geography Competition...................... 28 3 LCPS Teams Honored at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals... 29 Lovettsville Among America’s Healthiest Schools...................... 30 LCPS Receives Well-Being Award.............................................. 30 LCPS Honored by Green School Challenge............................... 30 HRTD: Bringing Professionalism, Diversity to the Classroom..... 30 LCPS Receives 8th Straight ENERGY STAR Award................... 31 Digital Innovation Expands Learning Environment...................... 31 LCPS Hiring Statistics................................................................. 32 Budget Revenue Sources............................................................ 32 The Physical Scope of LCPS...................................................... 33 Support Services Meets Many Community Needs..................... 33 Class of 2019.............................................................................. 34 Class of 2019 Earns $63.1 Million in Scholarships..................... 35 The Edwin Washington Project................................................... 36 Business and Financial Services Enhances Transparancy......... 36 FY20 Cost Per Pupil by State Category...................................... 36 Loudoun County School Board................................................... 37 2019-2020 LCPS School Calendar............................................. 38
Loudoun County Public Schools Public Information Office 21000 Education Court • Ashburn, VA 20148
(571) 252-1040 • www.lcps.org
Indicates that LCPS also has produced an online video story on a subject included in this annual report. Use the following URL to access the LCPS Annual Report video album, https://vimeo.com/channels/lcps2018.
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE .......................
We thank our community for its continued support as we work toward these goals and beyond.
Loudoun County Public Schools, still one of the fastest-growing public-school divisions in the Commonwealth, continues to deliver exceptional opportunities for every student to excel and develop skills that make them positive contributors to society, now and in the future. We’re emphasizing authentic, projectbased learning in each of our schools. When students tackle authentic projects and solve challenging problems, they are more committed to their work, their learning is deeper and they are more likely to develop as knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators and contributors. Waxpool Elementary, for example, which is new for the 2019-2020 school year, is a wall-to-wall project-based learning school with an emphasis on computational thinking, which is complex problem-solving with and without coding. We also opened Independence High School this year, supporting the continued growth of our student enrollment with modern, energy-efficient facilities. Also for the new school year, we issued Chromebooks to 20,000 students in grades three through 12. When we start school in 2020, all 70,000-plus students in grades three through 12 will have an individual learning device. This initiative is not about the devices, it is about empowering students. Empowered students, using contemporary tools, can create, collaborate and solve authentic problems, thereby experiencing deeper learning. Individual learning devices also promote equitable access to educational resources for all students. This summer we started a three-year secure-vestibules project to improve student safety at all our campuses. These improvements will ensure that all 94 schools have similar secure entry configurations, requiring visitors to check in with administrative staff before going to any other part of the building. We also hired and welcomed hundreds of teachers new to Loudoun County Public Schools, reflecting our efforts to employ a high-performing, diverse teacher workforce. And to encourage students to embrace education as a career opportunity and create more future recruiting candidates, we worked with Teacher Cadet-program sponsors and counselors to increase cadet participation by 20 percent.
In the stories that follow in the Annual Report, you’ll see a variety of the 2018-2019 accomplishments that highlight our commitment to student success. Among these accomplishments are: • The Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Class of 2019 earned $63,186,640 in scholarships. A total of 2,075 students earned some type of scholarship or grant to further their education. • The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) fully accredited all LCPS schools for the 2018-19 school year. • Park View High School and Sugarland Elementary were designated as Model Schools by the International Center for Leadership in Education. • LCPS has been named a National Schools to Watch District because all its eligible middle schools have received this designation. • LCPS received the 2019 Cigna Outstand ing Culture of Well-Being Award. • Three Odyssey of the Mind teams from LCPS received top honors at the 40th annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. • Nine Loudoun County Public Schools secondary music programs received the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Blue Ribbon Award. The list of accomplishments is long for your school division, and we are proud of the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the many employees who work to create a rich and rewarding learning environment for students. Loudoun County Public Schools is about making sure all our students are educated, and all our staff work in, a safe, equitable environment. We thank our community for its continued support as we work toward these goals and beyond. Warm Regards,
Eric Williams, Ed.D. Superintendent @ewilliams65
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SUGARLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL .......................
Sugarland’s Relationships Build Achievement “Relationships.” That’s the key ingredient Dr. Gail Brady, the principal of Sugarland Elementary, says transformed the academic performance of her school. “If you don’t have relationships, you can have all the strategies in the world, programs, all the money thrown at you; if you don’t have relationships with your teachers and your students and parents, it’s not going to work. We invest in our people first.” Brady, who is starting her seventh year at Sugarland, faced some bleak academic statistics early in her tenure at the school. Sugarland was identified as “an accredited school with warning” by the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) in reading during the 2013-2014 school year and science in 2015-2016. Under Brady’s guidance, reading achievement scores improved from 63 percent (2013-2014) to a three-year average score of 92 percent (2017-2018).
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Mathematics achievement scores improved from 58 percent (2012-2013) to a three-year average score of 91 percent (2017-2018). Science achievement scores improved from 63 percent (2015-2016) to 80 percent in the years 2016 to 2018. These gains were recognized when Sugarland was named a Model School by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Sugarland is the first Loudoun County elementary school to earn this designation. The Sugarland team delivered a presentation at the 2019 Model Schools Conference in June. It highlighted the school’s journey toward implementing authentic and personalized learning, while meeting the needs of students with a communityschool approach. Brady said the testing gains can’t be ascribed to changing students’ attitudes toward academics. “We transform schools, not students. Parents send us their best and, as adults, it’s then our responsibility
to take those kids and give them the best possible educational journey that we can give them. We don’t try to transform kids. We try to transform our school.” To transform Sugarland, Brady began by having courageous conversations with her staff. She asked them, “Are you making your greatest impact? “They had to come to their own conclusion: ‘This is not where I want to be.’… “I started seeing people who were really in it to win it. We talk a lot about teamwork; that we are one team with one dream. It’s all about the kids. “I just made it a mandate that it all be about the kids… “We don’t want good teachers at Sugarland, because we have great challenges. We need great teachers at Sugarland… “Our school was set up for the adults to be comfortable. I said ‘Guys, we’ve got to change the game. Talk to your kids, ask them how they want their classroom to look. What
makes you happy at school? What do you not want to see?’ Then we’re going to make school comfortable for kids. “When we did that, we took ourselves out of the equation. Our job is to make these kids feel safe and feel happy.” Which doesn’t mean staff members are unhappy. Brady trusts her staff and has a simple instructional directive for them: “Have fun with the curriculum and get it done. Don’t focus on testing, because – if you’re having fun with the curriculum – the test is a given. I don’t talk ‘SOL, SOL, SOL…” “Teachers have to be intentional. We have no time to waste here. I always say – it may seem dramatic – we’re in a state of triage constantly. There’s no time to waste. We say, ‘Everything is for a purpose and on purpose.’ If it’s not, we’re not doing it. There’s no fluff time. Every second counts for our kids.” (Continued on page 3)
SUGARLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ....................... (Continued from page 2) Sugarland serves a large number of undocumented families. Brady doesn’t retreat from this challenge. “What we do is a lot of collaboration through coteaching every day. We have 12 ELL (English language learner) teachers. In every classroom, there is coteaching going on. The classroom teacher is going to have an ELL teacher with them in there, SPED (special education needs) teacher or SPED assistant.” Two parent liaisons are a key to getting parents, including those who are undocumented, into the building. Brady added that she and her assistant principal, Dr. Gregory Mihalik, are always outside the building during arrival and dismissal to hear any concerns parents may have. “Parents can give you a concern right then and there. We tell them the door is always open. You can come in and talk to us
about anything. The word support for improving spreads.” Sugarland, with the bulk of When she first arrived, the help coming from the Brady said she wanted Department of Instruction. Sugarland to be the first 90, “Anything I need; all I have 90, 90 school: 90 percent to do is pick up the phone… free and reduced-price “It’s a given ‘You tell lunch, 90 percent diversity us what you need and we’ll and 90 percent pass rates make it happen.’ I love on standardized test scores. that… There’s nothing that I “We’re there.” need at Sugarland that a call Well, not technically. won’t fix. Every time. 85 percent of “That goes for Sugarland’s students take maintenance, transportation, part in free and reducedwhatever.” price lunch programs. Brady Because of its said that’s only because demographics, Brady said there are parents too people outside the proud to Sugarland apply for ‘Everything is for a purpose community assistance. have a (Sugarland negative and on purpose.’ is the only image of Loudoun County public the school. She’s happy to school to provide its show anyone with such a students breakfast, lunch perception they are wrong. and dinner.) “We’re not here to change “Kids are hungry – people’s minds. How you whether you have a form change people’s minds; filled out or not – we’re going you show them numbers. to feed them.” Data doesn’t lie. If you want Nutrition Services is just people to respect you, put one central administration in the work. Then your name department that’s given will be great.”
Despite the successes of recent years, Brady says Sugarland’s journey is far from over. “You set the bar high and you expect the adults and the kids to reach that bar… “My journey here is just that; it’s a journey. I’m not trying to get to a destination at the end of the school year; it’s ongoing. We’re forever learning. We’re forever making mistakes. We’re forever saying, ‘I was wrong and I need to make that right.’ We’re very transparent. Everything that happens here, we put our cards face-up on the table. “We get stronger every year. We’re not trying to reach somewhere. What happens when we get to 100 percent? Then what? Do we stop teaching? No. We keep rolling. We push our kids. We expect more out of our parents. It’s just one step at a time. “On a journey, you just continue one step at a time.”
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PRINCIPAL .......................
2019 Principal of the Year: Jennifer Short The fact that there is no job too big or small for Mrs. Short is something I truly admire about her.
Sterling Elementary Principal Jennifer Short is Loudoun County Public School’s 2019 Principal of the Year. In their nominating letters, Sterling Elementary staff and parents highlighted Short’s incredible work ethic. “Not only does Mrs. Short know every child’s name, but she also knows the academic, behavioral and social needs of each student,” wrote first grade teacher Kathy Hayden. “From her first year at Sterling, she made sure she was in classrooms and attending grade-level meetings. Mrs. Short maintains a visible presence throughout the school and works behind the scenes to find resources to support struggling families.”
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“If you were to visit our school, you might find Mrs. Short anywhere in the school,” wrote school counselor Suzanne Hunt. “If there is a need for a substitute in the cafeteria, you may find her serving up breakfast or lunch. Or if there is a snake in the building, she may be found assisting with the removal. The fact that there is no job too big or small for Mrs. Short is something I truly admire about her.” “We are a family at Sterling Elementary School and that starts with Mrs. Short’s leadership,” wrote Assistant Principal Colt Fletcher. “Her heart and passion make it easy for others to follow her lead. Staff know that there isn’t anything that she would ask them to do that she wouldn’t do right alongside them or hasn’t already done.”
Parent Jessica Garcia said Short’s devotion to her students and their families goes far beyond the curriculum. “Her students are not just a number and a name. She takes the time to get to know her families, so she can better assist them with their needs. I have witnessed Mrs. Short pausing an assignment she was currently working on to address a distressed parent who needed assistance. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, and makes every attempt to be available to parents.” Short holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from James Madison University and a master’s in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University. She has served as Sterling’s principal since 2013.
PAST TEACHERS & PRINCIPALS .......................
Teachers of the Year
Principals of the Year
Recipients of the Loudoun County Teacher of the Year Award include:
Recipients of the Loudoun County Principal of the Year Award include:
1984
Linda P. Sheffield, Loudoun County High School
1985
Fritz J. Scholz III, Loudoun County High School
1986
Shirley G. Lynn, Elementary Gifted Program
Mary Lee Phelps
1987
Harold D. Berry, C.S. Monroe Technology Center
Bernice M. Nicewicz
1988
Margaret W. Vaughan, Loudoun Valley High School
William L. Whitmore Jr.
1989
Elizabeth R. Doerken, Sully Elementary School
Francis R. Fera
1990
Edith J. Middleton, Loudoun County High School
Terrence W. Hill
1991
Everett W. Sutphin, C.S. Monroe Technology Center
Dennis A. Young
1992
Dean T. Drewyer, Loudoun Valley High School
Kenneth W. Culbert
1993
Richard T. Gillespie, Loudoun Valley High School
Michael A. Megeath
1994
Mary V. Young, Loudoun County High School
Ronald E. Dyer
1995
Mary Carol Elgin, C.S. Monroe Technology Center
No Award was Presented
1996
Lee Daniel Kent, Loudoun County High School
James E. Person
1997
Laura L. West, Meadowland Elementary School
Mary B. Morris
1998
Ann S. Haring, Farmwell Station Middle School
Wayne C. Mills
1999
Elizabeth “Lyle” Skarzinski, Loudoun Valley High School
Charles J. Haydt
2000
Lora A. Buckman, Meadowland Elementary School
Laurie C. McDonald
2001
Betty Hill Rankin, Sterling Middle School
Nancy E. McManus
2002
Ronald W. Richards, Broad Run High School
Dr. Virginia M. Minshew
2003
Rachel P. Newell, Hillside Elementary School
Dr. Edgar T. Markley
2004
Douglas M. Dillon, Harper Park Middle School
Dr. Susan P. Browning
2005
Victoria L. Lascomb, Evergreen Mill Elementary School
Dr. Jack Robinson
2006
Elizabeth N. Korte, Stone Bridge High School
Margaret A. Huckaby
2007
Sue Ann Gleason, Cedar Lane Elementary School
Eric L. Stewart
2008
Patricia R. Herr, Smart’s Mill Middle School
No Award was Presented
2009
Jim G. Jenkins, Mountain View Elementary School
Paul L. Vickers
2010
Rhonda L. Alley, Douglass School
Dr. John Brewer
2011
Kenneth David Keller, Stone Bridge High School
Timothy J. Flynn
2012
Andrea M. Schlegel, Heritage High School
James E. Dallas
2013
Lisa A. Roth, Dominion Trail Elementary School
Janet A. Platenberg
2014
Allison M. Alison, Stone Bridge High School
Andrew J. Davis
2015
Dawn M. Blevins, Guilford Elementary School
Sherryl D. Loya
2016
John T. Tuck, Rolling Ridge Elementary School
Michael A. Pellegrino
2017
Kathleen N. Thompson, Stone Bridge High School
John G. Gabriel
2018
Denise Corbo, Sugarland & Steuart Weller Elementary Schools
Paul Pack
2019
Jennifer Rodgers, Dominion High School
Jennifer Short
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TEACHERS .......................
2019 Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Rodgers Her reach and fine example knows no borders.
Jennifer Rodgers, a social sciences and global studies teacher at Dominion High School, is the 2019 Loudoun County Teacher of the Year. Rodgers, who has taught at Dominion since 2005, founded the Loudoun International Youth Leadership Summit in 2012 and serves as its director. This event brings more than 100 students from 24 countries to Loudoun for 10 days of examining world issues (eight Loudoun high schools now host international students and teaching staff for the event). Rodgers has secured more than $40,000 in grants for the International Youth Leadership Summit. In addition to her teaching duties, Rodgers has sponsored Dominion’s Global Ambassadors Club since 2010; served as freshman and junior varsity girls’ basketball coach from 2005 to 2012; and served as assistant track and field coach from 2010 to 2012.
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Dominion Principal Dr. John Brewer said Rodgers’ efforts in the field of international education have profound effects on the school community and beyond. “Dominion High School students who have hosted international students and those who have traveled abroad frequently experience life-altering encounters with cultural difference and global interdependence that would be impossible to teach in a traditional classroom setting.” Parent Amy Curran commented on Rodgers’ dynamic teaching style. “She leads discussions within the classroom that evoke conversations to open the minds of her students. She encourages the students to listen to other viewpoints and relates this back to current and past events. She will take the time to listen and provide thoughtful feedback. I see her working long hours before and after school
with students inside and outside of her classroom.” Kate Gorbach, a 2012 Dominion graduate, wrote of the personal investment Rodgers made in her. “I applied for many scholarships based on government and politics. She helped craft my arguments through her own personal time (and explained) concepts and played the other side of arguments. She helped prepare me for interviews. I specifically remember she helped me memorize the cabinet secretaries for the test portion of an internship interview… “She gives this same care to all her students. It doesn’t seem humanly possible until you witness Mrs. Rodgers in action. Not only does she give that care and personal investment to each of her everyday Dominion students, she cared and meticulously planned for the international students. Her reach and fine example knows no borders.”
TEACHERS .......................
Best New Teachers of the 2018-19 School Year Mangogna Is New Secondary Teacher of the Year
Bourscheid Top New Elementary Teacher
Christopher Mangogna, a sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher at Stone Hill Middle School, was the 2019 Secondary New Teacher of the Year. Comments from Mangogna’s nomination packet included: “Mr. Mangogna’s clear mastery of the science curriculum, his ability to establish relationships and connections with his students, and his embracing of new educational initiatives would be impressive for a teacher with any level of experience, but is truly astounding in a first-year teacher.” “Mr. Mangogna goes above and beyond the role of the teacher. He can frequently be found at the school after hours seeing students at events in our cluster and co-coaching our Science Olympiad.” “Mr. Mangogna’s enthusiasm and love for students, science, and learning is infectious. “He is dynamic and innovative and is always creating activities to engage his students in their learning.”
Jessica Bourscheid, a fourth-grade teacher at Evergreen Mill Elementary School, was the recipient of the 2019 Elementary New Teacher of the Year Award. Bourscheid is a former Evergreen Mill student and her mother, Janine, is a second-grade teacher there. (Janine Bourscheid knew about this award three weeks before its announcement and said keeping it a secret from her daughter was excruciating.) Statements of support for Bourscheid included: “Well, Loudoun County Public Schools has done it again! They have hired one of the most vibrant, caring, and dedicated new teachers that we have and will continue to learn from. Jessica Bourscheid is a natural in the classroom.” A student wrote, “She has the passion and care for every one of us students. She always listens to us and cares for us the most. When we need help, she helps. When we need to be challenged, she challenges us.” Bourscheid attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate studies. She earned her Master of Arts degree from Shenandoah University.
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TEACHERS .......................
Outstanding Substitutes Recognized The top Loudoun County Public Schools substitute teachers for the 2018-19 school year were: • Karen Rios, Sterling Elementary School • Barbara Lindemeyer, Discovery Elementary School • Jennifer Holzbach, Belmont Ridge Middle School • Adam Riley, Briar Woods High School The award recipients were selected from among 55 nominees for their commitment and professionalism.
Martin Honored by Association of Science Teachers Steve Martin, a fifth-grade teacher at Leesburg Elementary, has been named a recipient of the 2018 Recognition In Science Education (RISE) Award from the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST). VAST RISE awards are presented to spotlight the excellent work done by science educators across Virginia. They recognize service to science education in the recipient’s school, school division and VAST district.
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Russell Art Educator of the Year Ball’s Bluff Elementary School art teacher Scott Russell was named the 2019 Virginia Art Educator of the Year by the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA). Russell was honored for his leadership of the professional organization. He has served as the Virginia Art Education Association president, past-president, treasurer and archivist, as well the National Art Education Association Southeastern Region’s elementary division director and Southeastern Regional vice president-elect and vice president. In Loudoun County, Russell is involved in his school’s Positive Behavior Intervention Support System and has mentored many teachers throughout his teaching career. Russell also is an accomplished artist, participating in a large number of art exhibits, adjudicating exhibitions and regularly showcasing his students’ work.
VIP VISITORS .......................
Secretary of Education Visits Academies
“I guarantee one thing: this is not a normal high school and it’s not like any school you’ve ever seen. We are striving to provide some very unique learning opportunities for our students.” That was the introduction given by Academies of Loudoun Principal Dr. Ti-
nell Priddy to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on Tuesday, February 26th. DeVos visited the Academies as part of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. After a roundtable discussion involving Loudoun County Public
Schools administrators, Academies’ staff and students and business leaders, DeVos had a question for Priddy. “Dr. Priddy, you said up front this isn’t a normal high school. My question is, ‘Why shouldn’t it be?’”
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ACADEMIES OF LOUDOUN .......................
Academies of Loudoun Dedicated Academies of Loudoun Principal Dr. Tinell Priddy put her facility’s role in perspective during its dedication on October 30, 2018. “The Academies of Loudoun is trailblazing a new approach to STEM education by broadening the traditional lens often evident in STEM magnet programs. The mission of our Academies of Loudoun is to empower students to explore, research, collaborate and innovate to make meaningful contributions to the world in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.” Students are the basis of every-
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thing that drives the Academies, she added. “We must never forget the ‘why’ behind all of our efforts. Why are we trailblazing? Why explore, research, collaborate and innovate? We care about (students). And we want this Academies of Loudoun experience to be the very best learning experience.” School Board Chair Jeff Morse (Dulles District) mused about how close the Academies came to not being constructed. “It’s hard to believe that eight years ago, the Academies were actually removed from the Capital
Improvements Program. In the same year, there was a committee that was evaluating if we would have LCPS Online Academy; that’s what this almost became. We are so fortunate that the leadership on both boards at the time – (Board of Supervisors) Chairman Scott York and Eric Hornberger for the School Board – drove to this solution... Even in tight fiscal years, both boards knew that the opportunity for the prioritization of education for the trades and for gifted education were woefully lacking. The Academies were needed to place educational opportunity in Loudoun on a trajectory to world class.”
ACADEMIES OF LOUDOUN .......................
YEAR ONE
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STUDENTS .......................
Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC)
The Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) is a Loudoun County School Boardappointed advisory group. MSAAC advises the School Board on matters that will further the academic, social and cultural development of every student and ensure that the needs of all minority students are met. MSAAC augments School Board and Loudoun County Public School (LCPS) staff initiatives and parent efforts to ensure that our school community becomes culturally competent, providing the cornerstone for fair and equitable instruction to all LCPS students. MSAAC speaks out on behalf of LCPS students and their families to encourage the development of school cultures that afford every minority student the opportunity to achieve their full potential, feel welcome and be recognized as an integral member of the Loudoun County academic community. MSAAC Objectives and Initiatives • Ensure advocacy on behalf of minority issues within the LCPS community; • Promote parental involvement through focused parent opinion surveys and meaningful meeting topics; • Develop and bridge networks across various stakeholder groups to address parental concerns and questions;
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• Emphasize the need for increased minority staff and volunteer presence in schools to achieve cultural and social awareness and sensitivity and provide role models to assist minority students in developing self-esteem; • Disseminate information regarding issues of interest, educational opportunities, strategies and support data; • Participate in, and host, forums to encourage awareness and sensitivity and provide needed information to parents and staff; • Increase school involvement/ accountability by ensuring each LCPS school has a delegate to represent their school community needs; • Facilitate collaboration with local and national organizations and community resources; • Advise the Loudoun County School Board regarding systemic issues affecting minority achievement to include: (1) discipline disproportionality; (2) equitable representation of diverse students in gifted and talented programs; (3) unconscious bias training for all faculty and staff; (4) equitable technology access and usage; and (5) diversity in hiring; • Facilitate communication between the community and Loudoun County Public Schools; • Support School Board minorityachievement goals and activities within the school system and at participating schools as needed;
• Review test-result data on an annual basis and make recommendations; • And submit an annual report to the Loudoun County School Board. All general MSAAC meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Loudoun County Public School Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, in the School Board Meeting Room. For more information about MSAAC and how to become positive change agents in our academic community, please follow MSAAC on social media and/or contact the MSAAC Executive Board: Twitter: @lcpsmsaac Facebook: www.facebook.com/ lcpsmsaac/ Instagram: @lcpsmsaac
The MSAAC Executive Board: Chair Katrecia Nolen MSAACChair@lcps.org Vice Chair Andrea Weiskopf MSAACViceChair@lcps.org Secretary Charlene Buensuceso MSAACSecretary@lcps.org Communications Committee Chair Susan Hayden MSAACCommunications@lcps.org Membership Committee Chair Wande Oshode MSAACMembership@lcps.org Immediate Past Chair Wendy Caudle-Hodge MSAACPastChair@lcps.org
STUDENTS .......................
2019-20 Student School Board Representatives
Student School Board members are non-voting members of the board that serve on a monthly basis. They may comment on issues before the School Board and are offered the opportunity to make formal comments at each meeting.
The 2019-2020 student School Board representatives are: Sunya Qamar, Briar Woods High School Catherine Lynch, Broad Run High School Kaylie Halsey, John Champe High School Evelyn Campos-Nunez, Dominion High School Austin Roberts, Freedom High School Alexander Luong, Heritage High School Ainsley Hathaway, Independence High School Oliver Olsen, Loudoun County High School Fairfax County: 187,830 Prince William County: 90,876 Loudoun County: 82,238 Virginia Beach: 68,624 Chesterfield County: 61,608 Henrico County: 51,523 Chesapeake City: 40,898 Norfolk City: 30,087 Stafford County: 29,485
Newport News City: 28,654 Arlington County: 27,434 Richmond City: 24,763 Spotsylvania County: 23,683 Hampton City: 19,594 Hanover County: 17,727 Alexandria City: 15,968 Suffolk County: 14,265 Portsmouth City: 14,006
Naomi Fraser, Loudoun Valley High School Matthew Chesnutt, Park View High School Lilliana Quinones, Potomac Falls High School Alexis Legan, Riverside High School Jacob Conway, Rock Ridge High School Aili Hou, Stone Bridge High School Jackson Mattingley, Tuscarora High School Benjamin Alter, Woodgrove High School Roanoke County: 14,121 Albemarle County: 14,013 *As of September 30, 2018
2018-19 Largest School Systems* 13
ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE .......................
2018-19 State Team Champions 5A Cheer, Briar Woods High School 5A Girls’ Cross-Country, Tuscarora High School 4A Boys’ Cross-Country, Loudoun Valley High School 5A Gymnastics, Freedom High School 4A Boys’ Indoor Track, Loudoun Valley High School 5A Boys’ Lacrosse, Briar Woods High School 5A Girls’ Lacrosse, Freedom High School 4A Girls’ Lacrosse, Dominion High School 4A Boys’ Outdoor Track, Loudoun Valley High School 5A Girls’ Soccer, Briar Woods High School 4A Girls’ Soccer, Loudoun County High School 4A Softball, Woodgrove High School 4A Boys’ Tennis, Riverside High School 5A Volleyball, Tuscarora High School 4A Volleyball, Loudoun County High School Athletic photographs provided by Chas Sumser Photography www.sumserphotography.com
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ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE .......................
Individual State Champions Sam Affolder
Loudoun Valley High School
4A Cross Country
Sam Affolder, Luke Affolder, Mateo Barreto, and Jacob Hunter
Loudoun Valley High School
4A Track and Field, 4x800 Relay
John Birchmeier
Broad Run High School
5A Wrestling, Heavyweight Champion
Ashley Bogushefsky, Kelli McMillan, Natalie Schlemmer and Rachel Schlemmer
Dominion High School
4A Swimming, 200 Medley Relay
Sean Conway
Loudoun Valley High School
4A Swimming, 200IM/100 Freestyle
Jack Creamer
Dominion High School
4A Wrestling, 113 Pounds
Garret Dunn-Ford
Freedom High School
5A Indoor Track, Shot Put
Ricky Fetteroff
Loudoun Valley High School
4A Cross Country
Bethany Graham
John Champe High School
5A Indoor Track 3200 Meter Run, Outdoor Track 1600 & 3200 Meter Run
Kayla Graham
Broad Run High School
5A Swimming, 200 IM
Abby Harter
Briar Woods High School
5A Swimming, 100 Breaststroke
Jacob Hunter
Loudoun Valley High School
4A Indoor Track 1600 & 3200 Meter Run
Marianne Jayaraj, Bethany Graham, Mythri Madireddy and Sayda Coleman
John Champe High School
5A Outdoor Track, 4x800 Relay
Momin Khan
Rock Ridge High School
5A Tennis, Singles
Allison Kopac
Riverside High School
4A Swimming, 100 Freestyle
Greg Manternach
Rock Ridge High School
5A Wrestling, 195 pounds
Mackenzie McConagha
Briar Woods High School
5A Swimming, 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke
Mackenzie McConagha, Abby Harter, Katie Winklosky, and Jordan Wenner
Briar Woods High School
5A Swimming, 200 Freestyle Relay
Mackenzie McConagha, Jordan Wenner, Abby Harter and Mackenzie Cunnane
Briar Woods High School
5A Swimming, 200 Medley Relay
Hayden Miller
Heritage High School
4A Golf
Jack Moore
Briar Woods High School
5A Swimming, 200 Freestyle
Claire Nguyen
Riverside High School
4A Swimming, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle
Claire Nguyen, Ashley Bae, Hannah Ye and Allison Kopac
Riverside High School
4A Swimming, 400 Freestyle Relay
Sam Oliver
John Champe High School
5A Swimming, 500 Freestyle
Callie Pratt, Marianne Jayaraj, Mythri Madireddy and Bethany Graham
John Champe High School
5A Indoor Track, 4x800 Relay
Tyler Pride
Potomac Falls High School
5A Track and Field, Long Jump
Brecan Sau
Tuscarora High School
5A Wrestling, 132 pounds
Carlos Schulz
Loudoun Valley High School
4A Track and Field, 3200 Meters
Trace Wall
Rock Ridge High School
5A Swimming, 50 Freestyle
Jacob Windle
Loudoun Valley High School
4A Track and Field, 1600 Meters
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ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE .......................
500 Wins
Counting
Wayne Todd, of Loudoun Valley High School, became only the sixth baseball coach in Virginia High School League (VHSL) history to accumulate 500 victories. (The big win was a 3-2 triumph over Loudoun County.) He’s won state titles at Broad Run and Valley. Todd won 199 games, four region championships and a state championship at Broad Run from 1978 to 1996. In 2014, he led Loudoun Valley to a 3A state title - the first by a Loudoun County team since his Spartans won 23 years earlier and the first for the Vikings since 1972.
Breinig Named AD of the Year John Champe High School Athletic Director Joe Breinig Jr. was named the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (VIAAA) 2019 5A/6A Athletic Administrator of the Year. Breinig’s selection as Athletic Administrator of the Year is somewhat groundbreaking. It marks the first time in the history of the VIAAA that two people with the same name have received this award. His father, Joe Breinig Sr., was the 2007 Athletic Administrator of the Year. (Joe Breinig Sr. is the former athletic director at Loudoun County and Briar Woods high schools.) Joe Breinig Jr.’s career began as the assistant athletic director at Broad Run High School, where he served for two years, followed by six years as the athletic director at Park View High School. In 2012, Breinig helped open John Champe High School as its inaugural AD. Under his guidance, two teams at Park View won state championships and both Park View and John Champe were citied with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Sportsmanship Award.
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SUPPORT FOR LOU DOUN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS .......................
Loudoun Education Foundation The Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that engages businesses and community partners to fund critical and exceptional programs that foster the academic success and well-being of students and teachers in Loudoun County Public Schools. In 1991, four members of the Loudoun County School Board (Fred Flemming, James Callahan, William White and Barbara D’Elia) founded the LEF. Since its formation, the LEF has given more than $6,437,000 to support Loudoun’s students and teachers. The foundation provides funding for teacher and division-wide grants that support innovative programs and special initiative grants that focus on our students’ wellbeing and academic success. LEF’s commitment to help families in need is demonstrated through its Community School model at Sterling Elementary School, which will be extended to five additional elementary schools in need for the 2019-2020 school year, and the Backpack Coalition, which provides food for food-insecure students during the weekend. Annually, the LEF sponsors the Loudoun County Public Schools International Youth Leadership Summit, the Regional Science and Engineering Fair and various professional development opportunities, such as the Inspire Loudoun teacher conference. The LEF awards scholarships to current Loudoun County teachers and classified employees for pursuing graduate degrees, advanced training and teacher licensure. The LEF officers for the 2019-2020 school year are:
President, Scott Miller
Vice President, Rebecca Ottinger
Treasurer, Richard Jollon
Secretary, Lynn Rubin
During the 2018–2019 school year, the Loudoun Education Foundation gave more than $2,027,639 to Loudoun’s schools. Monies distributed included: Teaching in Loudoun County program: .......................$75,000 Claude Moore Scholars program: ...............................$25,000 Claude Moore teacher scholarships:.......................... $25,000 Professional development:............................................ $5,000 Classified employee scholarships: ................................$3,750 Teacher grants: . .......................................................$55,821 HHMI Makerspace grants: ..........................................$21,000 Multicultural grants: . .....................................................$8,647 Excellence in Education sponsorship: ........................$57,860 Claude Moore graduation project support: ...................$3,500 Student college scholarships: .....................................$13,282 Student achievement support: ....................................$30,441 Outstanding teacher recognition: . ................................$6,405 Outstanding teacher recognition grants: . .....................$9,500
Loudoun International Youth Leadership Summit: ......$14,500 Science & Engineering Fair sponsorship: . ..................$21,650 Science Fair Teacher Willowcroft Grant: .......................$5,000 CAMPUS program: .....................................................$12,362 EDGE programs: .......................................................$200,000 Suicide Prevention program: . .....................................$25,000 Title I school support: . ................................................$77,324 STEM support: . ..................................................$1,106,500 School Meal support program: .....................................$9,382 Backpack Coalition: ..................................................$150,760 Community School Outreach programs: ....................$44,060 Inspire Loudoun conference: ......................................$12,775 Language Fluency Mentor grants: ................................$3,500 Flexible seating research grant: ....................................$3,000 Private donation support . .............................................$1,350 Each year, the Foundation hosts the Excellence in Education Banquet to honor high school seniors who are in the top 5 percent of their class academically. The 2019 banquet will be held at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8th, at the National Conference Center. Since 1983, the Excellence in Education Banquet has honored 5,679 of Loudoun’s best students for their academic achievements. The next major event for the LEF will be its 18th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, September 30, 2019, at The Club at Creighton Farms. Sponsorships for this event range between $500 and $20,000, which contributes to this event being the LEF’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Sponsorship information can be obtained at the LEF website, www.LoudounEducationFoundation.org. The Loudoun Education Foundation honored 36 of Loudoun’s best teachers, Teacher of the Year Jennifer Rogers, and Jennifer Short, the 2019 Loudoun County Principal of the Year, during a banquet on Friday, April 26th, at the Belmont Country Club. Each of the 36 honored teachers and the Teacher and Principal of the Year were awarded a $250 grant by the LEF to help them advance learning opportunities within the classroom. The teachers selected for this honor were nominees for The Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year Award. United Way contributions to the Loudoun Education Foundation may be made by designating the funds for Agency No. 8491. Donations may also be made to the Foundation via the Combined Federal Campaign using Agency No. 20049. Information about the Foundation can be obtained from its Executive Director, Dawn Meyer, at 571-252-1102 or lef.meyer@gmail.com. The LEF website is on the school system’s home page, www.lcps.org or www.LoudounEducationFoundation.org.
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THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATION .......................
School-Business Partnership Executive Council The Loudoun School/Business Partnership Executive Council was founded in 1990 by the citizens of Loudoun County as a non-profit organization whose mission is “to provide the leadership to promote the development and success of partnerships between the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) and businesses to help ensure students are prepared to contribute successfully to the ever-changing business and community environments.” The council is composed of corporate executives, business professionals, government agency representatives and LCPS educators. During the school year, the partnership council facilitates networking activities and events with business partners and recognizes outstanding school business partnerships Among its most visible programs is the annual Job for a Day, Community Connections and PBL Workshop and the Partnership Breakfast.
The vision of the School-Business Partnership is “to be a progressive leader in establishing effective and creative partnerships.” Indicators of the Partnership’s success will be if: • Partnerships are thriving; • Students are learning current and relevant skills; • Students are leaders and committed to their communities; • Students are learning interactive and technology skills; • Schools are responsive to partnerships and actively integrate “best practices” in the curricula; • Businesses benefit from having a well-qualified workforce. The mission of the Executive Council is to provide the leadership to promote the development and success of partnerships between LCPS and businesses to ensure that the students are prepared to contribute successfully to the ever-changing business and community environments and to become a valued resource of senior
business executives available to the School Board and Superintendent to advise on ever present challenges. The 2019-2020 officers for the School-Business Partnership Executive Council are: • Donna Fortier, Chairman, Loudoun School-Business Partnership Executive Council, and CEO & Founder of Mobile Hope. • Tony Stafford, Vice Chair, Ford’s Fish Shack • Therese Baker, Secretary, ABBTECH Key Events: • The 2019 Job-for-a-Day Program will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. • The 2019 Community Connections and PBL Workshop will be hold on Thursday, November 14, 2019. • The 2019-2020 Annual Partnership Breakfast will be on March 13, 2020, at 7:30 a.m. at the National Conference Center.
Department of Instruction Fosters Deeper Learning The Department of Instruction supported the opening of three new schools during the 20182019 school year: Goshen Post Elementary, Willard Intermediate and the Academies of Loudoun. Goshen Post Elementary School opened as the first wall-to-wall ProjectBased Learning (PBL) school in LCPS. The Academies of Loudoun brought three unique programs in LCPS – the Academy of Engineering and Technology, Academy of Science and Monroe Advanced Technical Academy – under one roof. LCPS was awarded a National Schools to Watch District Award, as all of our eligible middle schools are designated as
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Dr. Ashley Ellis Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Ashley.Ellis@lcps.org National Schools to Watch. Additionally, Park View High School and Sugarland Elementary were designated as Model Schools by
the International Center for Leadership in Education. As we continue our journey of providing all students authentic learning ex-
periences, the Department of Instruction facilitated the first Community Connections PBL workshop, bringing together teams of teachers paired with community partners to design project-based learning experiences for students. As we look ahead to 2019-2020, we are excited about the opening of Waxpool Elementary, another wall-to-wall PBL school with a focus on computer science. The Department of Instruction continues to focus on Deeper Learning for all students, so that they not only meet the requirements of the Virginia Profile of a Graduate, but also are empowered to make meaningful contributions to the world.
SEAC .......................
Special Education Advisory Committee
The primary role of the LCPS Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is to advise the School Board on unmet needs of special education students. SEAC is composed of 21 members who are parents and at least one educator who volunteer their time to our community. They are appointed for two-year terms by the School Board through an applicationand-recommendation process. The executive committee of SEAC is elected by its 21-person membership to lead the work of SEAC throughout the year. SEAC also requests that a PTA/PTO representative for each LCPS school be appointed each year to attend meetings, participate in discussions and report back to the school on matters that affect special education.
SEAC has a very important role in working with the School Board, administrators, parents and teachers who are responsible for students receiving special education services, help identify unmet needs in LCPS special education and make recommendations to address those needs. SEAC focuses on the needs of the entire special education community and therefore seeks to identify themes and trends, rather than focus on individual issues. According to the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (effective January 27, 2010, page 120 8VAC20-81-230-D), the purposes of SEAC are as follows: 1. Advise LCPS of the needs in the education of children with disabilities;
2. Participate in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting the identified needs of students with disabilities; 3. Submit periodic reports and recommendations regarding the education of children with disabilities to the division superintendent for transmission to the local school board; 4. Assist LCPS in interpreting plans to the community for meeting the special needs of students with disabilities for educational services; 5. Review the policies and procedures for the provision of special education and related services prior to submission to the local school board; and 6. Participate in the review of LCPS’ annual plan.
2019-2020 SEAC Executive Committee Sharon Tropf, Chair Dr. Carol Williams-Nickelson, Immediate Past Chair Craig Metz, Vice Chair Communications Heidi Bunkua, Vice Chair Membership Shehnaz Khan, Vice Chair Planning Alison MacArthur, Secretary
LCPS Students Outperform State, Nation on SAT Exam Loudoun County Public Schools’ 2018 graduates who completed the SAT outperformed the state and national averages based on data released by the College Board. The average total score for the LCPS class of 2018 was 1184, 29 points higher than the class of 2017 average total score of 1155. LCPS graduates scored 67 points higher than students from all school types (public, private, parochial, and home school)
in Virginia. The LCPS average exceeded the national average total score for all school types by 116 points. The maximum score is 1600. These results reflect scores earned on the new SAT exam, which was implemented in March 2016. The SAT now consists of two sections: EvidenceBased Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math, with an optional essay.
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LCPS HISTORY TIMELINE .......................
LCPS to Celebrate Sesquicentennial in 2020
Leesburg High School - April 1926
Before Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) The first school in Loudoun was probably built by James and Rebekah Dillon near present-day Purcellville in 1782 to educate their five children. This school was along the “Great Road,” which was little more than a cow path between Leesburg and Williams Gap. In 1815, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of Loudoun County’s children received an education. In 1831, Loudoun had 75 schools for 900 children with a school year that lasted, on average, 70 days. Education during the early 1800s often centered around the various religious sects that had settlements throughout Loudoun. From the dawn of the 19th century until about 1830, Loudoun’s premier school was run by the Rev. William Williamson near Middleburg. One of his former students described Williamson as “a Scotch Presbyterian Divine, of the genuine blue-stocking order.” William-
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son also was known as a strict disciplinarian as well as a scholar of the first order. The Society of Friends, or Quakers, provided much of the tutelage of Loudoun’s youth in the days before the Civil War. Benjamin Franklin Taylor maintained a combination boarding and day school near the village of Hughesville from 1825 to 1860. In 1839, Samuel M. Janney opened a school for girls at Springdale near the village of Lincoln. The school lasted for about 20 years. Quakers also started a school at Waterford and Oakdale School in Lincoln. Oakdale School was very unique in its day. It educated children of both genders, all religions and all ethnicities. It was one of the only, if not the only, schools of its time where the children of slaves were educated with their white counterparts. The most noted school for girls was operated by Margaret Mercer, the daughter of Maryland Gov. John Francis Mercer, on the Belmont estate east of Leesburg. She operated this boarding school from 1836 until her death
a decade later. An abolitionist, Mercer used the proceeds from her school to emancipate her family’s slaves and send them to Liberia. In Leesburg, the Leesburg Academy was erected in the early 1840s adjoining the “courthouse green” and was used as a school until 1873 when it was sold to the county for use as offices. The proceeds from this sale went toward the construction of a threestory brick building to serve as a public school. In 1869, Virginia’s General Assembly mandated public schools for all white children.
1870
LCPS opened it’s doors for the first time. John Wildman served as the first superintendent and presided over 55 schools, 46 of them for white children and nine for African Americans, who made up 27 percent of the county’s population of 21,000. (Continued on page 21)
LCPS HISTORY TIMELINE ....................... (Continued from page 20)
1873
LCPS completes construction of 55 school buildings, most of which were one-room school houses.
1887-1888
LCPS had 5,405 students enrolled, but only 2,963 attended school. There were 117 schools in the school division with many of the one- and two-room variety.
1890s
The number of elementary schools in the district exceeds 100 before school division leaders begin a process of consolidation that would take decades to complete. The first high school classes are offered.
1909
By this time, three accredited high schools are operating in Leesburg, Lincoln and Waterford.
1911
Middleburg Elementary (now Charter School) opens.
1916
The number of high schools increases to a dozen before another consolidation process begins. This consolidation will reduce the number of high schools to four by 1944. LCPS has an enrollment of 4,598 students, but only 2,967 of those students are attending regularly in the absence of compulsory attendance legislation.
1916-1917
LCPS had 81 schools (many were one- and two-room) with 4,598 students enrolled (2,967 attending).
1917
Oscar Emerick becomes superintendent – a position he will hold for 41 years – at an annual salary of $1,800. The school division he leads has 78 schools, including 11 high schools, and a transportation system of five horsedrawn wagons. Emerick’s original office was in his home at the corner of Orchard and Main streets in Purcellville. He moved his office to a space above N.G. Miller’s Purcellville Pharmacy a year later. He remained there until moving to an office behind the Loudoun County Courthouse in 1935.
When the Loudoun Times-Mirror conducted a poll of the community to determine the most influential member of the community during the 20th century, Emerick was the choice.
1920
Emerick organizes the first centralized School Board.
1922
Emerick appoints his sister, Ruth, to become clerk of the school board, a position she would hold for the next 40 years. Besides Emerick, she was the School Board’s only employee.
1925
LCPS purchases its first motorized school buses.
1926
Lincoln Elementary opens.
1928
Aldie Elementary opens.
1940s
A full, 12-grade system began during this decade. There were 23 schools in Loudoun, serving an average enrollment of 4,059 students. The average school budget was $500,000. During the 1943-44 school year, the 121 teachers earned an average salary of $1,143. For the first time there was a salary scale for teachers and principals. Supplemental courses – including home economics, industrial arts and agriculture – were added to the curriculum. To heat schools during the early 1940s, $7,100 was spent to purchase 200 tons of “stove coal” and wood to heat two schools.
1941
Frederick Douglass High School opens in Leesburg, offering a threeyear program for African-American students. John Wanzer, representing a group calling themselves “colored citizens of Loudoun County,” presented the School Board a check for $4,000 on Dec. 6, 1940, to purchase the eight acres of land needed for the school’s construction. The first school buses made available to African-American students were purchased in 1941.
1947
Banneker Elementary opens.
1950s
The average budget was $1.3 million to serve an average student body of 4,881. Art and music were added to the budget. A master’s degree track was added to the salary scale. Workman’s compensation and Social Security appear for the first time as budget line items. Electricity was budgeted for, at a rate of 2 cents per kilowatt. LCPS sets aside $250 per year for textbooks for students who can’t afford them. This is 2 percent of the total textbook bill paid by parents. Virginia’s appropriation to Loudoun for school lunches was $16,000 for 1951-52. Seventeen LCPS schools participate in the federal lunch program at $1,029 per school.
1952
Hamilton Elementary opens.
1954
Loudoun County High School opens. It replaces four regional high schools: Aldie, Leesburg, Lincoln and Lovettsville. On September 14, 1954, the high school opened its doors to 979 students, housing grades eight through 12 (there were no middle schools at the time). At a cost of $1,170,745, it was the most expensive building project in the county. The school opened with the bare minimum of classrooms ready on time. The cafeteria, auditorium and gym opened at later dates.
1957
Clarence Bussinger becomes Superintendent of a school division of 5,156 students and an overall budget of $1.1 million. Base teacher pay in 1957 was $3,240.
1958
The original Douglass Elementary opens. Fred Drummond is the school’s first principal. Drummond was an LCPS principal for 36 years (1953-89). He finished his career with 18 years as the (Continued on page 22)
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LCPS HISTORY TIMELINE ....................... (Continued from page 21) principal of Catoctin Elementary. Drummond spoke at the dedication of the new Frederick Douglass Elementary on October 11, 2012. (Principal Drummond Way, the official address of the new school, is named in his honor.)
1960s
The average LCPS budget is $3.8 million per year with an average enrollment of 7,421. The National Defense Education Act funds foreign language, math, science and guidance programs at the high school level. Brick-laying, cosmetology, general mechanics, electronicselectricity and drafting are added to the vocational curriculum. Driver education is added to the budget. State law requires textbooks be provided to low-income students. A budget increase from $250 to $1,000 reflects this mandate.
1962
Loudoun Valley High School opens.
1963
Loudoun Valley High School becomes the first school to integrate with the enrollment of 10 African-American students. The students enrolled without incident.
1964
Sterling Elementary opens. One African-American student enrolls at Loudoun County High School.
1965
Waterford Elementary opens. Ten African-American students enroll at Loudoun County High School. A federal court orders the integration of all Loudoun schools by the 1968-1969 school year.
1966
Catoctin Elementary, Guilford Elementary and Hillsboro Elementary (now Charter School) open.
1967
Emerick Elementary opens in Purcellville. Students and staff completed the move from the previous Purcellville Grade School by carrying their desks and books across the street to their new location. Oscar Emerick
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watches the move to the school named in his honor.
1968
1972
Lovettsville Elementary and Lucketts Elementary open.
Sully Elementary opens. A new rule is implemented requiring that adults serve as bus drivers because of child labor laws. Previously, 42 students had been employed as bus drivers. The final class of 40 students graduates from the all African-American Douglass High School. Their graduation theme was “A Past to be Proud of.” All Loudoun schools become integrated in compliance with the 1965 court order.
1975
1969
Robert Butt becomes superintendent. Broad Run High School opens. When he retired in 1988, Butt had served 19 years as Loudoun’s superintendent and was the longest-serving superintendent among Virginia’s 140 school divisions. When he left the school system, LCPS had 31 schools and was the 16th-largest school district in Virginia with nearly 14,000 students. Fourteen new schools were built during Butt’s tenure. In addition, kindergarten, vocational and adult education, special education and the middle school and alternative school programs were started.
1970s
The average budget is $17 million with an average enrollment of 12,465. The 1970-71 budget emphasizes subject-area teachers. For the first time, employee health insurance is mentioned. The School Board sets aside $15 per month per employee to pay for health and accident insurance. Summer school is offered for the first time; expanding from high school to elementary school by decade’s end. Adult education is made available. Textbooks are furnished for free and made available to all students.
1970
Enrollment is increasing by 600 students per year, and inflation is at six percent. LCPS now needs to add $1 million to the budget annually in order to address growth and debt service.
1971
Blue Ridge Middle and Sterling Middle open.
Rolling Ridge Elementary and Sugarland Elementary open.
1976
J. Lupton Simpson Middle School and Park View High School open.
1977
Seneca Ridge Middle School opens.
1979
Meadowland Elementary opens.
1980s
Enrollment grows to an average of 13,290 with an average budget of $57 million. LCPS sees a decrease in students for the last time. The student population doesn’t return to its 1979 level until 1988. The teacher workforce of 862 earns an average salary of $22,200. By law, family life education and elementary guidance program are added. Required testing of students for special needs also is mandated. A new keyboarding program is funded for students in seventh and eighth grade. State and federal funding ($400,000) is provided to reimburse LCPS for lunch and milk costs. Waterford and Arcola elementary schools add pre-school programs.
1980
Leesburg Elementary opens.
1988
Dr. David Thomas becomes Superintendent.
1989
Algonkian Elementary and Cool Spring Elementary open.
1990s
Enrollment increased by more than 57 percent during the decade. 1998 alone saw the hiring of over 400 new teachers to keep up with population growth (hiring was difficult because the area’s unemployment rate was 1.1 percent). (Continued on page 23)
LCPS HISTORY TIMELINE ....................... (Continued from page 22) Telecommunications were (computer with modem) added to all schools for student access. LCPS is among the first Virginia districts to meet Standards of Learning (SOL) in instructional technology, giving every student access to instructional computers with controlled Internet access (four computers in all regular-sized classrooms, one computer lab per elementary school, three computer labs per middle school, six to nine labs per high school). The Head Start program begins, serving 68 4-year-olds in the first year.
1991
Dr. Edgar Hatrick becomes superintendent. A 1963 graduate of Loudoun County High School, Hatrick will serve in this role for 23 years. Loudoun changed dramatically during Hatrick’s tenure as superintendent; growing from a student population of 15,118 in 1991 to 70,858 in 2013. Loudoun went from being the 13th-largest school division in Virginia to the third-largest. That meant building 52 schools (33 elementary, 10 middle schools and nine high schools).
1992
Ashburn Elementary opens.
1995
Ball’s Bluff Elementary, Potowmack Elementary, Sanders Corner Elementary and Farmwell Station Middle School open.
1997
Elementary open. The school division is now the eighth-largest in Virginia with an enrollment of 34,571 students.
2002
Forest Grove Elementary, Heritage High School, Hutchison Farm Elementary, River Bend Middle School and Harmony Intermediate (now Middle) School open.
2003
Belmont Ridge Middle School, Countryside Elementary, Mountainview Elementary, Frances Hazel Reid Elementary and Dominion High School open.
2004
Belmont Station Elementary, Smart’s Mill Middle School and Mercer Middle School open.
2005
Briar Woods High School, Freedom High School, Pinebrook Elementary, Newton-Lee Elementary and Legacy Elementary open. The LCPS Administrative Offices on Education Court in Ashburn opens.
2007
Stone Hill Middle School, Arcola Elementary, Sycolin Creek Elementary and Rosa Lee Carter Elementary open. Enrollment reaches 54,047 students.
2008
Creighton’s Corner Elementary, Steuart Weller Elementary and Liberty Elementary open.
Dominion Trail Elementary, Lowes Island Elementary and Potomac Falls High School open.
2009
1998
2010
Evergreen Mill Elementary and Hillside Elementary open.
1999
Buffalo Trail Elementary, Woodgrove High School and Tuscarora High School open.
2011
2000
2012
2001
2013
Eagle Ridge Middle, Seldens Landing Elementary and John Tolbert
Dr. Eric Williams becomes superintendent. With Williams’ guidance, the School Board adopts the Vision 20/20 Strategic Plan on June 23, 2015, to accomplish the division’s mission of empowering all students to make meaningful contributions to the world. The Vision 20/20 plan outlines strategic actions to achieve three overarching goals: to develop knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators, and contributors; cultivate a high-performing team of professionals focused on our mission and goals; and deliver effective and efficient support for student success.
2015
Riverside High School opens.
2016
Madison’s Trust Elementary opens.
2017
Brambleton Middle School opens.
2018
The Academies of Loudoun, Willard Intermediate and Goshen Post Elementary open. The school division is the third-largest in Virginia with an enrollment of 83,105 students.
2019
Independence High School and Waxpool Elementary open.
2020
LCPS will celebrate its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of meaningful contributions.
Kenneth Culbert Elementary opens.
Cedar Lane Elementary, Horizon Elementary, Round Hill Elementary and Harper Park Middle School open. Stone Bridge High School, Little River Elementary and Mill Run Elementary open.
2014
History photos courtesy of Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, Virginia
J. Michael Lunsford Middle School open. Frederick Douglass Elementary and John Champe High School open. Enrollment reaches 68,289. Discovery Elementary and Moorefield Station Elementary open.
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HONORS & AWARDS .......................
Yu Wins National Chess Championship
Gandhari Captures 2019 Spelling Bee
Stone Bridge High School junior Jennifer Yu won the 2019 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship during a tournament held from March 18th to April 1st at the Saint Louis Chess Club. The 17-year-old won nine matches with two draws in a field of the dozen strongest female chess players in America. Yu became the first teenager to win the title since 2000.
“B-R-E-A-T-H-E.” That’s the advice Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Ashley Ellis gave the 80 competitors in the 37th annual Loudoun Regional Spelling Bee, held on February 28th at Stone Bridge High School. And it was terrific advice for a contest that stretched nearly four hours and 16 dramatic rounds before both a champion and a runner-up could be named. Ashrita Gandhari, a sixth-grader from Stone Hill Middle School, correctly spelled “séance” in round 13 to be named champion.
Jackson and Mogolbay are Custodians of the Year Becky Jackson, of Woodgrove High School, and Marco Mogolbay, of Stone Hill Middle School, shared the 2018-19 LCPS Custodian of the Year Award. Jackson was part of Woodgrove’s inaugural staff and takes exceptional pride in keeping the 9-year-old building looking like new. Maintaining that look takes an exceptional amount of work. “Basically, this school doesn’t close; it’s 24 hours. People don’t realize when
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(students and staff) leave, we’re still here. When they come in, we’re still here. They don’t understand the concept of summer clean
ing. What needs to be done, what has to be done in order for them to come back in.” “When you have a good team and work like a
team, that is the result,” said Mogolbay. A native of Peru, Mogolbay has worked at Stone Hill since it opened a dozen years ago. The team spirit at Stone Hill goes beyond his crew of seven custodians, he added. “We work like a team between custodians, administrators… Everyone says ‘Hello.’ Everybody is nice with the custodians. All my crew is happy to work here… “I like everything in this school. This is my second home.”
HONORS & AWARDS .......................
70 LCPS Buildings Achieve ENERGY STAR Rating Seventy LCPS Schools were certified with an ENERGY STAR® rating in 2018 by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Broad Run High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School, Loudoun County High School,
Madison’s Trust Elementary, Rolling Ridge Elementary and Sugarland Elementary were certified for the first time. Since 2008, LCPS has secured a total of 489 ENERGY STAR building certifications. ENERGY STAR is the national symbol for energy efficiency in the United States. Buildings that are ENERGY STAR certified save energy, save money, and help protect the environment by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings.
The following LCPS schools are ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings: Potowmack Elementary Frances Hazel Reid Elementary Riverside High School Rock Ridge High School Rolling Ridge Elementary Round Hill Center Round Hill Elementary Sanders Corner Elementary Seldens Landing Elementary Seneca Ridge Middle School J. Lupton Simpson Middle School Staff Training Center Sterling Elementary Sterling Middle School Sugarland Elementary Sully Elementary Sycolin Creek Elementary John W. Tolbert Elementary Trailside Middle School Tuscarora High School Waterford Elementary Steuart Weller Elementary Woodgrove High School
6 LCPS Schools Receive Virginia Naturally Designation
Prince William County - $11,633
The “Virginia Naturally” designation is conferred by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Schools submit a plan of work, carry out the plan and meet additional criteria to be recognized in additional years after initially receiving the designation.
Loudoun County - $14,260
• Park View High School, eight years • Sully Elementary, one year • Tuscarora High School, one year
Fairfax County - $15,293
• Algonkian Elementary, two years • Cedar Lane Elementary, six years • Dominion High School, 14 years • Middleburg Community Charter School, one year
Arlington County - $19,348
Six LCPS schools have been designated “Virginia Naturally” schools in recognition of their efforts in supporting environmental conservation and stewardship. These schools, with the number of years they have received this honor, are:
2018-19 Cost Per Pupil Comparison
Alexandria - $17,606
Guilford Elementary Hamilton Elementary Hillside Elementary Horizon Elementary Hutchison Farm Elementary Leesburg Elementary Legacy Elementary Liberty Elementary Lincoln Elementary Little River Elementary Loudoun County High School Lovettsville Elementary Lowes Island Elementary Lucketts Elementary J. Michael Lunsford Middle School Madison’s Trust Elementary Meadowland Elementary Mill Run Elementary Moorefield Station Elementary Mountain View Elementary Newton-Lee Elementary Park View High School Pinebrook Elementary Potomac Falls High School
Algonkian Elementary Arcola Elementary Ashburn Elementary Balls Bluff Elementary Belmont Station Elementary Broad Run High School Buffalo Trail Elementary Cardinal Ridge Elementary Rosa Lee Carter Elementary Cedar Lane Elementary John Champe High School Cool Spring Elementary Countryside Elementary Creighton’s Corner Elementary Kenneth Culbert Elementary Discovery Elementary Dominion Trail Elementary Frederick Douglass Elementary Eagle Ridge Middle School Emerick Elementary Evergreen Mill Elementary Forest Grove Elementary Freedom High School
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HONORS & AWARDS .......................
VIP Honors 37 LCPS Schools Thirty-seven Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) were honored in the 2019 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. VIP recognizes schools that exceed state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and Virginia Board of Education. Six schools earned the Board of Education Excellence Awards. These schools met all state and federal accountability benchmarks and made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the board.
Schools receiving Board of Education Excellence Awards include: • Briar Woods High School • Cardinal Ridge Elementary • Legacy Elementary • Lowes Island Elementary
Achievement Awards include: • Belmont Ridge Middle School
• John W. Tolbert Jr. Elementary
• Belmont Station Elementary
• Little River Elementary
• Blue Ridge Middle School • Brambleton Middle School • Broad Run High School
• Liberty Elementary • Lincoln Elementary • Loudoun County High School
• Madison’s Trust Elementary
• Buffalo Trail Elementary
• Loudoun Valley High School
• Sycolin Creek Elementary
• Cedar Lane Elementary
• Mercer Middle School
• Creighton’s Corner Elementary
• Mill Run Elementary
• Eagle Ridge Middle School
• Riverside High School
• Emerick Elementary
• Rosa Lee Carter Elementary
• Freedom High School
• Sanders Corner Elementary
• Hamilton Elementary
• Seldens Landing Elementary
• Hillside Elementary
• Stone Bridge High School
• J. Michael Lunsford Middle School
• Stone Hill Middle School
Thirty-one schools and the entire LCPS school division earned Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Awards. These entities met all state and federal benchmarks and made progress toward the goals of the governor and the state Board of Education. Schools receiving Board of Education Distinguished
• John Champe High School
• Newton-Lee Elementary
• Trailside Middle School
Pupil Services Serves the Whole Child The Department of Pupil Services leads with their “whole child” approach to education to support and enhance the LCPS mission of empowering all student to make meaningful contributions to the world. Through enhanced staffing, Pupil Services added seven social workers, seven psychologists, and 17 school counselors under a plan to create “unified” mental health teams in each middle school as a natural next step following a very successful launch of the high school mental health initiative during the 2018-2019 school year. The middle school mental health initiative builds on existing efforts to promote
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Dr. Asia Jones Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services Asia.Jones@lcps.org mental wellness and resiliency, increase early detection, provide social and emotional support, and encourage help-seeking behavior and access to mental health treatment. Pupil Services continued to enhance its
parent and community outreach effort by hosting the second annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference in October followed by a series of parent/guardian seminars on various mental health topics throughout the
school year. The goal of these seminars is to improve awareness and promote mental health wellness, prevention, and treatment for our students. In addition, a Community School Initiative (CSI) is in the first phase of implementation in six Title I elementary schools. This initiative is a partnership between LCPS, 100 Women Strong and the Loudoun Education Foundation. It will include an additional social worker and full-time parent liaisons as part of the goal of enhancing student learning through closer family connections, improved access to resources, and extended learning opportunities for students.
HONORS & AWARDS .......................
LCPS Among Best for Music Education Loudoun County Public Schools was honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the 12th year in a row LCPS has received this recognition. The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. LCPS has been recognized with the designation every year since 2007.
Loudoun County School Superintendents Since 1888 L.M. Shumate, 1888-1908 W.A. Edmondson, 1909-1916 Oscar L. Emerick, 1917-57 Clarence M. Bussinger, 1957-68 Robert E. Butt, 1968-88 Dr. David N. Thomas, 1988-91 Dr. Edgar B. Hatrick III, 1991-2014 Dr. Eric Williams, 2014-Present
LCPS Secondary Music Programs Receive VMEA Awards
Nine Loudoun County Public Schools secondary music programs received the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Blue Ribbon Award. In order to receive this award, one ensemble from band, chorus and orchestra in each school must receive a superior rating in Assessment. The Blue-Ribbon schools for 20182019 are: • Brambleton Middle School • Eagle Ridge Middle School • J. Michael Lunsford Middle School • River Bend Middle School • Broad Run High School • Briar Woods High School • Dominion High School • Freedom High School • Rock Ridge High School
Ten LCPS high schools also received Honor Band Awards. In order to receive Honor Band status, a band must display a superior performance in both marching band and concert band. The schools receiving this award for 2018-2019 are: • Briar Woods High School • Broad Run High School • John Champe High School • Dominion High School • Freedom High School • Park View High School • Riverside High School • Rock Ridge High School • Stone Bridge High School • Tuscarora High School
Loudoun Student Population
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HONORS & AWARDS .......................
LCPS Has 14 Blue Star Schools
All LCPS Schools Fully Accredited
6 Re-Designated as Schools to Watch
Fourteen Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) high schools were named W!se Blue Star Schools for the 2017-2018 school year. To earn the Blue Star award, a school must have achieved a minimum 80 percent pass rate on the W!se Financial Literacy Certification test and meet at least one additional criteria: A majority of students on a given grade level completed the test, or the school achieved a minimum average score of 85 percent or better. The LCPS schools that attained this honor are: • Briar Woods High School • Broad Run High School • John Champe High School • Dominion High School • Freedom High School • Heritage High School • Loudoun County High School • Loudoun Valley High School • Park View High School • Potomac Falls High School • Riverside High School • Rock Ridge High School • Stone Bridge High School • Woodgrove High School
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) fully accredited all Loudoun County public schools for the 2018-19 school year. The revised Standards of Accreditation implemented by VDOE measure performance on multiple school-quality indicators, including overall proficiency and growth in English and mathematics; proficiency in science; achievement gaps among student groups; chronic absenteeism; and graduation. Schools also receive credit for the progress made by their English learners toward English-language proficiency. Previously, accreditation was based on the percentage of all students who passed the Standards of Learning tests and graduation. The new standards provide a more comprehensive perspective of school quality. Statewide, 92 percent of schools were fully accredited by VDOE for 2018-19.
Six middle schools have been re-designated as National Schools to Watch by The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. • Eagle Ridge • Farmwell Station • Harper Park • River Bend • J. Lupton Simpson and • Sterling Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) has been named a National Schools to Watch District because all its eligible middle schools have received this designation. The Schools to Watch designation must be renewed every three years to show continuous growth in these areas. As the three-year cycle comes around, the staff at the schools must again selfassess and re-evaluate their practices.
Susarla Wins 2019 State Geography Competition Anish Susarla, an eighthgrader from Belmont Ridge Middle School, took top honors at the 2019 National Geographic GeoBee Virginia State Competition on Friday, March 29th, at Longwood University.
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LCPS Schools Capture 8 Cappie Awards Loudoun County high schools took home eight honors at the 20th annual Cappie Awards, held Monday, May 27th, at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Freedom High School’s team of Ryan Burke, Miguel Davila and TJ Hartless earned the trophy for Special Effects and/or Technology for “Singin’ in the Rain.” Ethan Van Slyke won in the category of Male Dancer. Heritage High School’s Lyndsay Snider won two awards – Choreogra-
phy and Female Dancer. The “Mamma Mia” Orchestra also won the Orchestra category. Loudoun Valley High School’s team of Bryan Ly, Trevor Schoeny, Nick Tortora and Maddy Wade won in the Marketing category for their work on “Freaky Friday.” Stone Bridge High School’s Ainsley Steger won Comic Actress in a Musical for “Legally Blonde.” Tuscarora High School’s Samuel Barthel won Comic Actor in a Play for “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
HONORS & AWARDS .......................
3 LCPS Teams Honored at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Loudoun Valley High School
Harmony Middle School
Belmont Ridge Middle School
Three Odyssey of the Mind teams from Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) received top honors at the 40th annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals held on May 25th at Michigan State University. A Loudoun Valley High School team won first place in “Hide in Plain Site,” the technical problem. Harmony Middle School’s classics team won fifth place in “Leonardo’s Workshop.” Belmont Ridge Middle School’s team was honored with the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award for their solution to the “Opposites Attract” problem. A total of 892 teams representing 16 countries took part in the World Finals. One of those volunteer judges from Loudoun County was honored at World Finals for his contributions to the Odyssey of the Mind program. Dennis Godfrey, a former regional director for Loudoun County and state director for Virginia, was the recipient of this year’s Odyssey Spirit Award. The Spirit Award is presented to “an individual involved in the Odyssey of the Mind program who, through personal action, demonstrates the encouragement and development of cooperation, self-respect, and the appreciation and understanding of others.”
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HONORS & AWARDS .......................
Lovettsville Among America’s Healthiest Schools “Let’s hear it for water!” is not something you hear every day. But it was heard on Friday, October 12th, at Lovettsville Elementary as students and staff celebrated being named one of the healthiest schools in America. As the culmination of Wellness Week, physical education teacher Hugh Brockway presided over an awards
ceremony during which Lovettsville joined the ranks of “America’s Healthiest Schools,” a designation given by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Lovettsville is one of just two schools in Virginia to receive this designation. Altogether, 461 schools from 26 states and the District of Columbia were ranked among America’s Healthiest Schools.
LCPS Honored by Green School Challenge Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) was awarded a Platinum Certification as part of the Virginia School Boards Association’s (VSBA) Green Schools Challenge. The Green Schools Challenge is a friendly competition designed to encourage implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce the carbon emissions generated by both the local
school division and the broader community. This is the 10th year the awards were presented. Earning a Certified Green School Division rating is achieved by implementing new actions and adopting new policies that earn school divisions “green points.” The Platinum Certification is attained by earning 175 to 200 green points.
LCPS Receives Well-Being Award Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) received the 2019 Cigna Outstanding Culture of Well-Being Award. This honor recognizes organizations for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and wellness of their employees through workplace wellness programs. Well-Being Award applicants are evaluated on key components of their wellness programs, including leadership, organizational goals, policies and environment, program implementation and health promotion participation data. The LCPS Employee Health, Wellness & Benefits Office works to identify creative ways to increase wellness activities and engagement to promote a healthier lifestyle for employees and their families.
HRTD: Bringing Professionalism, Diversity to the Classroom The Department of Human Resources and Talent Development prioritizes cultivating a highperforming team of professionals for LCPS focused on our mission and goals. Because more applicants are available early in the recruitment year, we partnered with principals to hire more than half of our projected number of needed teachers by April 30th. We also have been engaged in a multi-year, market-based compensation review and look forward to the analysis of additional positions this year. We offered unconscious bias sessions using an interactive-theatre approach to further embed best hiring practices and reach more teachers and new staff members
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Dr. Kimberly Hough Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Talent Development Kimberly.Hough@lcps.org who serve on interview panels. The diversity of our new teacher hiring class increased 23 percent
this school year. We also have worked with Teacher Cadet program sponsors and counselors to increase teacher cadet participation by 20 percent and increase diversity among teacher cadet participants by 4 percent. We began work with the Diversity Recruitment Champions Network and look forward to its continued efforts to help us network, diversify our recruitment marketing materials, and involve diverse community groups and businesses in our onboarding processes. The Department of Human Resources and Talent Development empowers student to make meaningful contributions to the world by recruiting and retaining a mission-focused workforce.
HONORS AND AWARDS .......................
LCPS Receives 8th Straight Energy Star Award Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) has been named a 2019 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award winner for the eighth consecutive year. The 2019 ENERGY STAR Awards were held recently at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. LCPS has been an ENERGY STAR Partner for 20 years and is committed to reducing costs while promoting energy efficiency. LCPS is receiving Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence recognition for its long-standing commitment to reducing costs while promoting energy efficiency through ENERGY STAR and for demonstrating efficient stewardship of public resources.
Key 2018 accomplishments include: • Saving more than $5 million dollars in energy costs and • Continuing to focus the attention of the Metropolitan preventing the emissions of more than 25,000 metric Washington Council of Governments on ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager as the benchmarking tool for use in tons of carbon dioxide in 2018. • Earning ENERGY STAR certification for 70 buildings in initiatives. 2018, the most LCPS has certified in a single year. • Certifying 100 percent of all new construction projects as Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR and speaking on a • Benchmarking 100 percent of facilities in EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool, totaling panel to promote the use of ENERGY STAR during the design and construction phase. more than 10 million square feet.
Digital Innovation Expands Learning Environment
Vince Scheivert, Assistant Superintendent for Digital Innovation • Vince.Scheivert@lcps.org The Department of Digital Innovation (DDI) is committed to delivering a robust digital learning environment that fosters creativity, boosts efficiency, and enables access to the world. DDI prioritized and completed several high-impact initiatives during the 2018 - 2019 school year. DDI has empowered LCPS school administrators to make data-informed decisions through the implementation of the Qlik data analytics tool. Qlik allows staff to easily combine district data sources
to visualize relationships in the data and answer important instructional questions related to student success. The LCPS wireless network has been upgraded at all secondary schools to provide an improved digital experience. Wireless coverage has been expanded to non-traditional educational spaces, allowing staff and students to engage in unique learning opportunities in locations not previously available. DDI also deployed Individual Learning devices to all students,
grades three through 12, at 56 schools across the division. Providing modern touch-screen devices to all students ensures equitable access to technology, enabling students to expand their learning outside of the classroom and become effective communicators, collaborators, and creators. Introducing these initiatives has vastly improved the ability for schools to successfully implement instructional initiatives, such as personalized learning, and enables all students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
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LCPS Hiring Statistics
Loudoun County Public Schools hired 2,984 new employees for the 2018-19 school year. The LCPS hiring season ran from October 1, 2017, until September 30, 2018. Following is the breakdown of the new employees hired: • Licensed employees (including teachers): 854 • Classified employees: 653 • Administrative employees: 66 • Part-time employees: 207 • Substitutes/Trainees: 1,083 • Coaches: 121
The number of new hires grew from 2,316 for the 2016-17 school year to 2,708 in 2017-18 to 2,984 in 201819. Among the licensed new hires, 56.79 percent had a master’s degree; 40.40 percent a bachelor’s degree; 2.69 percent a doctorate; and 0.12 percent an associate’s degree. 153 of the licensed new hires (17.92 percent) were LCPS graduates. 34 (3.98 percent) were former LCPS teacher cadets.
Among licensed new hires, the top last school attended was George Mason University. There were 102 Patriots among new hires. Rounding out the top 10 for most popular schools were James Madison University (56); University of Virginia (32); Shenandoah University (31); Virginia Tech (29); Radford University (25); Liberty University (19); Marymount University (18); and Pennsylvania State University and West Virginia University (tie, 16).
Budget Revenue Sources County Transfer 68.1% Beginning Balance 0.9% Other Revenue 0.9%
State Revenue 30% Federal Revenue 1%
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The Physical Scope of LCPS
Loudoun County Public Schools opened two new school buildings for the 2018-19 school year, Willard Intermediate School and Goshen Post Elementary. For the 2019-20 school year, LCPS will open Independence High School and Waxpool Elementary, bringing its
total number of schools to 94. Lightridge High School is now under construction for the 2020-21 school year. The LCPS Department of Support Services maintains: • 104 school campuses and support buildings;
• 12.1 million-plus square feet under roof; • 3,200 acres of grounds. Support Services also provides 6.7 million meals to LCPS students and maintains 13,000 security cameras and radios.
Support Services Meets Many Community Needs
Kevin Lewis, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services • Kevin.Lewis@lcps.org The Department of Support Services supports the LCPS learning environment by providing high-quality, safe, comfortable, well-maintained educational facilities and grounds; safe student transportation; and highquality, affordable, nutritious school meals. During the 2018-2019 school year, LCPS successfully opened three new facilities – the Academies
of Loudoun, Willard Intermediate School and Goshen Post Elementary – while readying two new schools (Independence High School and Waxpool Elementary ) for 2019-2020. School Nutrition Services – “the largest restaurant in town,” with more than 400 employees – provided nutritious meals to students every day, including breakfasts and dinners for the food insecure. This
department was recognized for excellence in several categories by the School Nutrition Association of Virginia. The Transportation Division accommodated nearly 900 requests for “alternative transportation” opportunities, helping families meet before- and after-school obligations through alternative school-bus pickup or drop-off locations for students. The “Congestion Must Go” campaign was launched to help inform families about student-transportation alternatives than can help reduce congestion in communities around schools. All aspects of the school system – physical plant, classroom furnishings, materials utilized in maintaining facilities and the nutritious meals served – are provided with efficiency and effectiveness. Providing timely, responsive and professional support to our students, teachers, staff and community is the department’s goal and its core value.
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GRADUATION .......................
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GRADUATION .......................
Class of 2019 Earns $63.1 Million in Scholarships
The Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)
Class of 2019 earned $63,186,640 in scholarships. A total of 2,075 students earned some type of scholarship or grant to further their education.
Here are some other facts about the Class of 2019: • The class had 5,754 graduates; • The largest graduating classes were Rock RIdge (492), Freedom (457) & John Champe (456) high schools; • 3,872 (67.30%) plan to attend a four-year college; • 1,232 (21.39%) are going to a two-year college; • 144 (2.50%) are enrolling in other continuing education opportunities; • 90 (1.56%) have enlisted in the military; • 337 (5.86%) are going directly into the work force; • 79 (1.37%) marked “gap year” on the Senior Survey.
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The Edwin Washington Project Since late 2015, the Edwin Washington Project’s volunteer team has studied records previously lost at the Training Center on Union Street, Leesburg, a former segregated school. The massive trove of records, including hand-written petitions by African-American parents and teachers, had to be organized. These records cover Loudoun’s efforts at education back to poverty programs before the Civil War up to 1968 and segregation’s demise. The project is led by Larry Roeder, a former U.S. diplomat and at one time chief librarian at Blair House. He leads a team of volunteers (more are requested) who are pouring through thousands of files. The Edwin Washington Project also collaborates with Virginia State University and many local historical societies that have additional records, as well as the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Balch Library. The Edwin Washington Project is incorporated in the State of Virginia as a 501(c)(3) and has a board of directors. All of its funds are raised through private donations. All of its work is done by volunteers, many with advanced degrees; but most ordinary citizens just wanting to preserve history and tell the story of the African-American experience. Some are students from high schools. Loudoun County Public Schools has supported the Edwin Washington Project’s efforts to explain the African-American experience prior to integration and relate lessons to today’s world.
Business and Financial Services Enhances Transparency During FY19, the department was recognized for its commitment to excellence by receiving the Meritorious Budget Award and Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association and the CIGNA Outstanding Culture of Well-Being Award. For the 2019-2020 year, the department has several initiatives to benefit parents, employees and the business community. A few examples are: Sharon V. Willoughby Assistant Superintendent for Business and Financial Services Sharon.Willoughby@lcps.org The Department of Business and Financial Services provides support, leadership and direction on financial matters to other departments, the superintendent and the School Board in support of the core belief that transparency and good stewardship of resources strengthen public trust and support. The department has a wide breadth of responsibilities ranging from formulating the annual budget to preparing financial reports to administering employee-benefit programs.
• Parents will no longer be assessed a credit card user fee when paying for their student’s fees or meals.
• Employees will benefit from a second year of flat health insurance premiums and three health insurance premium holidays.
• Businesses can engage with LCPS easier through the online bid portal.
The department remains steadfast to continually seeking opportunities to benefit parents, employees and the community.
FY20 Cost Per Pupil by State Category CATEGORY
1
2
3
4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
Instruction................................. $12,171 Operations & Maintenance......... $1,180 Pupil Transportation...................... $767 Administration, Attend. & Health... $525 Technology.................................... $535 Facilities........................................... $63 Total Projected FY18 CCP..... $15,241
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LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD .......................
The School Board The nine-member Loudoun County School Board began its term on January 4, 2016. Four-year terms of elected School Board members listed here expire December 31, 2019. To contact School Board members collectively, you may e-mail LCSB@LCPS.org.
Jeff E. Morse
Brenda L. Sheridan
Chair Dulles District (571) 420-2243 Jeff.Morse@lcps.org
Vice Chair Sterling District (571) 233-0307 Brenda.Sheridan@lcps.org
Debbie K. Rose
Eric D. Hornberger
Algonkian District (571) 439-9651 Debbie.Rose@lcps.org
Ashburn District (571) 291-5685 Eric.Hornberger@lcps.org
Beth A. Huck At Large (571) 206-8216 Beth.Huck@lcps.org
Jill A. Turgeon Blue Ridge District (571) 420-3818 Jill.Turgeon@lcps.org
Joy R. Maloney
Chris Croll
Tom C. Marshall
Broad Run District (571) 577-0439 Joy.Maloney@lcps.org
Catoctin District (571) 509-8400 Chris.Croll@lcps.org
Leesburg District (571) 528-9610 Tom.Marshall@lcps.org
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2019-20 LCPS SCHOOL CALENDAR .......................
August 22
First Day of School for Students
August 30
School Holiday
Sept. 2
Holiday (Labor Day)
Oct. 14
Holiday (Columbus Day)
Oct. 28
Student Holiday (County-wide Staff Development)
Nov. 1
End of First Grading Period
Nov. 4-5
Student Holidays (Planning/Records/Conference Days)
Nov. 27-29
Holiday (Thanksgiving)
Dec. 23-Jan. 3 WINTER BREAK (Classes Resume Jan. 6) Jan. 17
End of Second Grading Period
Jan. 20
Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Jan. 21
*moveable Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Days)
Feb. 17
Holiday (Presidents’ Day)
March 3
Student Holiday (County-wide Staff Development)
March 26
End of Third Grading Period
March 27
Student Holidays (Planning/Records/Conference Days)
April 6-10
SPRING BREAK
May 25
Holiday (Memorial Day)
June 10
Last Day of School for Students/ End of 4th Grading Period
* Date of moveable student holiday/teacher workday between first and second semesters may change, if the school calendar changes due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Parents with childcare or other scheduling concerns should be prepared.
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