In April 2025, a new Virginia State Law was passed that restricts the use of all personal student technology for students in all grades during the school day. Key terms from this law include:
"Bell to bell" means after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day. "Bell to bell" includes lunch and time in between class periods.
"Smart device" means any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets.
This new law will impact our existing practices and will restrict student access to personal technology during the school day, except for those students with documented accommodations. For additional details on Policy 8655, review the Student Personal Device Use Fact Sheet.
The School Board will discuss updates to Policy 8655 - Student Personal Device Use that align with the new state law. The updated draft policy was an information item at the October 27, 2025, Student Behavior and Accountability committee meeting. The target completion of a new school board-approved policy is during their December 16, 2025 board meeting.
Any potential changes would most likely be implemented when students return from winter break on January 5, 2026. The policy will be open for feedback in the committee and School Board processes. A ThoughtExchange in September gathered initial school and community feedback. For additional details, review the Student Personal Device Use Fact Sheet.
Join us for School Nutrition Services' Food Show: Flavor Forward: Powered by Students. Driven by Nutrition, next Monday, November 3, from 12-2 p.m. at Riverside High School. Help shape the future of meals at your school, meet LCPS’s own Chef Erik and try new recipes like our fall-inspired Sweet Potato Cornbread! More: lcps.org/foodshow
Your Feedback and Participation Welcomed for the LCPS 2032 Strategic Plan Development
Loudoun County Public Schools developed a strategic plan, the One LCPS: 2027 Strategic Plan for Excellence, to guide our work through 2027. It is now time to begin developing a 2032 Strategic Plan to help guide LCPS decisions and clearly define priorities in our work together. Our goal every day is to support student excellence and well-being, be responsive to and supportive of our staff (the largest workforce in the county) and foster positive interactions across our community to build trust.
Loudoun County Public Schools is seeking input from students, families, staff and community members to help shape the future of our school division to ensure we provide the best education possible for our students.
Right now, we are entering the first phase of listening and feedback. On November 5, you’ll receive a link to the survey, and there are two ways you can help!
Take the survey. We will be sending our families, staff and students a survey about how you feel and what you might suggest as we reexamine our mission, vision, and core values, and how to bring them to life in the coming years to improve student achievement and future pathways.
Participate in a focus group. We envision that the 2032 strategic plan will continue to allow for school improvement, better student outcomes, and increased parental involvement in the school communities and the division. We would love to hear your voice in the process.
It is easy to get involved. When you take the survey, indicate you wish to be considered for participation in a focus group. If selected, you would need to be available in person January 12 - January 16 at the Administration building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn. More information is included in the survey. We will also be asking parents and community members to become involved in a Strategic Planning Team to support this process.
Please join us as we work together to align our guiding plan for the future. Look for a link to arrive on November 5 from me to invite you to take the survey.
We value your feedback.
With appreciation,
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent
The most recent graduating class has a lot to be proud of. 97.2% of the senior class of over 6,900, now LCPS alumni, graduated on time! Read our full report: lcps.org/annualreport2025
Your Student’s Passport to Global Learning Starts Here
Loudoun County Public Schools is introducing the Academy of Global and Linguistic Studies, a new special high school program that combines global studies, world languages and real-world experiences to prepare students for college, career and life in a global society.
Join our free informational webinar, “Your Passport to Global Learning: Inside the Academy of Global and Linguistic Studies,” to learn more.
Date: November 12, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Webex)
Register to receive the access link by email. https://lcps.pub/47XFkCq
Family Liaisons Support Families in Accessing and Navigating Resources
Every LCPS school has a Family Liaison dedicated to helping families access and navigate community resources. Whether you need assistance with food, housing, health services, employment or other needs, your school’s Family Liaison is here to help.
How Family Liaisons Support Families
Family Liaisons connect families to resources, nonprofit services and community programs throughout Loudoun County.
They help families navigate LCPS programs and resources such as weekend backpack meals, fee waivers, free & reduced meal applications and more.
They support families when a confidential referral or support is needed.
Guidance for Working with Your Family Liaison
Reach out early if your family could use support.
Share your needs so the Family Liaison can connect you with the right help.
Stay in touch to ensure continued access to resources.
Visit your school’s website or the LCPS Family and Community Engagement website to find your Family Liaison.
Why It Matters
When families feel supported, students are more confident and ready to learn. The Family Liaison helps strengthen that connection between home, school and community.
Additional Resources
Loudoun County Government’s Resources for Federal Workforce page lists help with food assistance, housing support, insurance and more.
To help us celebrate, students share what makes LCPS special to them! #WeAreOneLCPS
Join us for School Nutrition Services' Food Show: Flavor Forward: Powered by Students. Driven by Nutrition, on Monday, November 3, from 12-2 p.m. at Riverside High School. Help shape the future of meals at your school, meet LCPS’s own Chef Erik and try a special chef-inspired recipe just for you. More: lcps.org/foodshow
We’ve Extended the Survey!
There’s still time to share your feedback. The deadline for the LCPS Special Programs and Capital Budget Survey has been extended to October 6. Your input will help guide future programs and projects across the Division.
Provide your feedback today: https://survey.k12insight.com/p/SpecialPrograms2025
Congratulations to the 69 LCPS students who have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. These LCPS students were among the 1.3 million high school juniors who entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 PSAT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. National Merit semifinalists are eligible to compete for one of the three National Merit Scholarships: National Merit $2,500 scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships. Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in phases next spring and summer. Read more: https://lcps.pub/4mMT6f7
New this year, we’ve prepared a report on the Innovation and Achievement happening across LCPS, highlighting the milestones we reached and the people and partnerships that made them possible. Read it here: https://lcps.pub/4nTvPsT
In our ongoing commitment to “ See Something, Say Something, Do Something,” please report any concerning information to your principal, to law enforcement or anonymously through the Safe2Talk app. Report – Don’t Repost, do not repost perceived threats or safety concerns on social media.
Volunteer Opportunity: Review Challenged Materials
Loudoun County Public Schools is seeking parents and staff to serve on committees reviewing challenged instructional materials. Volunteers will be contacted when a challenge arises and selected randomly from the eligible pool.
Sign-up is year-round, Aug. 1, 2025–July 31, 2026. Learn more and apply: Challenged Instructional Resources.
Class is back in session, and so is opportunity! This September, The Family Academy is charting the course to success with a look at special programs, centers and alternative pathways that can elevate your student’s journey.
Don’t miss Opportunities Ahead on Sept. 17 at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Fall into a new school year with confidence. To learn more or register: lcps.org/familyacademy
All sessions are free and open to LCPS families with students in grades K-12.
The Code of Virginia Section 22.1-79.3:1 was amended in April to address student cell phone and smart device possession and use at school. The new law further defines “smart devices" as any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process and transmit data, including smart watches, tablets, personal computers or Macs. Students will still be able to use specific personal technology as required for documented accommodations to support Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, medical needs, or English Learners.
We are asking for your feedback on potential positive and negative impacts, so we can address any gaps and unintended consequences due to aligning LCPS policies with the new state law.
Please provide your feedback by participating in this ThoughtExchange.
