Superintendent’s Message - See Page 2 Table of Superintendent’s Contents Page 2015 Annual Report Message Superintendent’s Message...... 2 Year in Review...... 3 I have many reflections to share the World initiative. One to the World is This Annual Report offers a small Farmwell Station’s Loya with the Loudoun community as I enter an approach to teaching and learning sample of the many ways LCPS Principal of the Year...... 5 my second year as superintendent of that stimulates intellectual curiosity in students are engaged in learning Guilford’s Blevins schools. Last year, I spoke of the great all students and empowers children to critical content and competencies and Teacher of the Year...... 5 accomplishments of those who came use their content knowledge to effec- extending their learning into the world. Accomplishments and Honors...... 6 before me, and I challenged all of us tively engage the world around them. In addition, the Report illustrates the A Banner Year for Athletics...... 8 to think of ways we can sustain those Our One to the World initiative sustains myriad ways that our community and The Past Catches Up to a prior successes while continuing to and builds on the content knowledge business partnerships support our mis- Man of Letters...... 13 improve the education we provide to of our students while empowering sion to empower all students to make Loudoun’s children. Let’s consider how them with competencies that will serve meaningful contributions. Loudoun Education Foundation..... 14 we are sustaining and building on the them well as citizens of the 21st I look forward to collaboratively Record 47 LCPS Schools Receive excellence of our schools. century. One to the World is designed working with students, parents, staff Energy Star Certification...... 19 This past spring, after gathering to develop graduates who are members and other community mem- Who Uses the Schools...... 19 input from the community, the School knowledgeable critical thinkers, bers to continue to sustain and build 8 Schools Earn Honor Board adopted our Vision 20/20 communicators, collaborators, on our excellence. We are a successful Band Distinction...... 19 Strategic Plan, which contains the creators, and contributors. school system with an even brighter School Board Elections...... 20 following Mission Statement: Over the summer, all of our princi- future ahead. Minority Student Achievement pals engaged in intensive professional Advisory Committee...... 20 learning around the four components Eric Williams, Ed.D. Empowering of One to the World: teaching sig- Superintendent Past Teachers of the Year...... 23 all students to nificant content and competencies; Past Principals of the Year...... 23 providing authentic problems and Loudoun Education Alliance make meaningful tasks; empowering students to de- of Parents...... 25 velop products to present to the world; All Eligible LCPS Schools Rated contributions to and connecting students in meaningful by Challenge Index...... 25 the world. ways to broader venues for learning Cost Per Pupil...... 25 through technology. All of our teachers The Last Patriot...... 26 To accomplish this mission, the participated in an overview related to School Board adopted three Strategic One to the World, and many teachers 2015-16 Student School Board engaged in three intensive sessions Members Named...... 27 Goals: of project-based learning, one means 5 LCPS Middle Schools 1. Develop knowledgeable critical to providing One to the World experi- Designated School to Watch..... 28 thinkers, communicators, ences. Other teachers participated Schools Opened Since 2000...... 28 collaborators, creators, and in professional learning relating to contributors. Special Education Advisory students creating digital content as Published by: Committee...... 28 2. Cultivate a high-performing team part of learning critical content and Loudoun County LCPS Administrative of professionals focused on competencies. Reorganization Plan...... 29 our mission and goals. Public Schools The photography in this publication LCPS Sees Gains on SAT...... 29 3. Deliver effective and efficient was provided by Public Information Office Robo Loco: The Little Team support for student success. 21000 Education Court That Can...... 30 The Loudoun Times-Mirror, The approach that Loudoun Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Claude Moore Commitment to County Public Schools is taking to ful- Javier Pierrend, LCPS Passes $3.54 Million...... 31 fill its Mission and to address the three Victoria Bellerose, For More Information: Bond Referendum...... 31 Strategic Goals is multi-faceted, but and other I would like to draw your attention to LCPS School Calendar...... 32 anonymous sources. (571) 252-1040 one part of that approach – our One to Loudoun County School Board...... 32 www.lcps.org 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 2 lcps.org Loudoun County Public Schools reached an official school population of 73,461 during the 2014-15 school year. Three new schools (Cardinal Ridge Elementary, Trailside Middle School and Rock Ridge High School) opened, bringing the total number of LCPS schools to 87. Here’s a recap of the school year:

September to help take care of you this year. We Students and staff gathered to on the school grounds, a silent auc- stand together this morning as one dedicate four stained-glass windows tion, student musical performances September 11: Newton-Lee school, as one community and as one depicting the history of the site Har- and a student-staff volleyball game Elementary, named for two victims of country, because people all over our mony stands on. (the staff won in straight sets). Mem- the attacks on America on Septem- country are doing the same thing we’re The art project was used as a his- bers of the community were invited to ber 11th, 2001, was the site of a very doing this morning.” tory lesson to depict Harmony “back in attend and many future Eagles mingled special ceremony. Newton-Lee is named after time.” with current students, staff and Princi- Principal Shawn Lyons told the Christopher Newton and Dong Chul The sixth grade was tasked with pal Doug Fulton. student body and community members Lee, who died when American Airlines depicting Harmony’s location as it September 26: Trailside Middle gathered outside the building that he Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. would have appeared during the Civil School Principal Bridget Beichler used was living just north of New York City September 11: Woodgrove High War. Seventh-graders depicted what a Cherokee parable to illustrate the on the day of the attack. He remem- School volleyball coach Carmel Keilty Harmony’s site looked like during feeling she wants to engender at the bered the effect the tragedy had on passed a milestone only one other the 20th century and eighth-graders newly opened school. those living in the metropolitan area. Virginia volleyball coach has reached. depicted what the land looked like just A young boy came to his grand- “All the adults behaved differently. When the Wolverines defeated before Harmony was constructed. father filled with anger at another boy When we were driving to work, we all Jefferson County, W.Va., Keilty became The fourth panel was the subject who had done him an injustice. The drove a little slower. When we were in only the second coach in the state to of a school-wide competition; how grandfather told the boy hate wears the grocery store, we all held the door record 400 volleyball victories. (Albe- Harmony Middle School appears you down and does not hurt your for each other. It was like that sad day marle High School’s Mark Ragland is today. enemy. The grandfather said he often reminded us of what the best of who the other coach to accomplish this.) September 18: Freedom High experienced conflicting emotions. “It’s we are should look like. September 17: A $5,000 Hugh School began its celebration of a de- as if there are two wolves inside me. “That’s why we come together this McKee Grant from the Loudoun cade as a school community with the One wolf is good and does no harm. morning. Look around you; all around Education Foundation (LEF) led to an Freedom 10 event. He lives in harmony with all around him you are your friends, your neighbors impressive permanent art display at Freedom 10 featured an inflatable and does not take offense when no and maybe even your family. You have Harmony Middle School. obstacle course and other attractions offense was intended. He will only fight teachers who love you and are going (Continued on page 4) 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 3 (Continued from page 3) its full (place) as an elementary school When it represents a commitment dedication and ribbon cutting of the in Loudoun County. Most importantly, to a life of healing. school’s new inclusive playground. when it is right to do so and in the right one of the ‘firsts’ we must never lose Fifty-five Monroe Technology “We are here to say to Discovery way… sight of at Cardinal Ridge is that we Center students joined the ranks of ‘We are a community school,’ ” said “The other wolf is full of anger. The put our students first, always. They are future medical professionals during Dallas as he greeted students, parents littlest thing will send him into a fit of the reason for our work and all of our the Claude Moore Scholars Program and community supporters in front of temper. He fights everyone all the time decisions are made with them in mind. seventh annual White Coat Ceremony the playground. “We are celebrating for no reason. He cannot think be- “So thank you Red Wings for al- at the LCPS Administrative Offices in inclusion. Everyone has access to this cause his anger and hate are so great. lowing us to serve you. Ashburn. playground. This playground will foster It is helpless anger, because his anger “Our expectations are high for Monroe Principal Wagner Grier friendships and social opportunities… will change nothing. ourselves and our students.” said putting on the white lab coat that’s what it is all about.” “Sometimes it is hard to live with October 10: The uniqueness of begins a transition for the students these two wolves inside me because Loudoun County Public School’s 87th into “medical professionals of the both of the wolves try to dominate my school was celebrated at its dedica- best kind.” The students “coated” at November spirit.” tion. the ceremony join more than 400 who The boy asked which wolf would Rock Ridge High School Principal have graduated from the program. November 11: Former Washing- win this internal struggle. John Duellman said not only did his The ceremony’s keynote speaker, ton Redskin wide receiver Art Monk, “The one I feed,” answered the students choose a unique mascot – Dr. Grace Keenan, also spoke of the who was inducted into the Pro Football grandfather. the Phoenix – and not only was their coat’s symbolic importance. “It does Hall of Fame in 2008, spoke to Park “Here at Trailside, we make the building unique; the opportunities of- separate you from people in other pro- View High School’s top athletes. choice to feed the good wolf.” fered by the school were unique. fessions in that you’re there to care for Monk’s visit was part of the Pro Beichler relayed this tale during “Staff and students, we are at the people when they’re down and when Football Hall of Fames’ Educational Trailside’s dedication. beginning of a dynasty. It’s not always they need you. They will never forget Outreach – Video Conference Pro- Later in the program, she spoke going to be easy. There is truly no you for the little, simple things that gram, which connects student athletes about what Loudoun’s latest middle reward without great struggle. At Rock sometimes you don’t even remember… across the country with Hall of Famers school means to the community at- Ridge High School, the greatest gift we “It is a rite of passage…You really via technology. Park View students large. “Trailside was a vision for so can give our students is to teach you are entering a great profession at what were joined by three other regional many parents. When I became the resiliency and the ability to face life’s I think is a great time.” schools as they heard a presentation principal, I embraced their vision for toughest challenges socially, academi- October 22: It’s not often that you by Monk followed by a question-and- a community school… We wanted cally and otherwise. We will support find a program that applies to every- answer session. Trailside to be the heart of this Ash- you along the way with respect, integ- one. Monk challenged the athletes not burn community… You envision and rity, service and excellence… Books for Babies is one such to let their talent outweigh their char- dream of building a place where young “We’ve been given this gift and we program. acter. “Your talent is temporary…but people wanted to be; where teachers need to maximize our time and seize “At one time or another, every- your character will speak to who you loved to come every day.” this opportunity.” body in this room was a baby,” LCPS are forever.” October 17: A project nearly two Supervisor of Outreach Wendall T. November 17: Twenty-five years years in the making came to fruition Fisher told a gathering at Loudoun after it left the German landscape, the October with the dedication of a new play- Inova Hospital. Students, parents, Berlin Wall made an appearance at ground at Creighton’s Corner Elemen- educators and hospital personnel Woodgrove High School during Ameri- October 9: Principal Ricardy tary. came together for the annual Books for can Education Week. Anderson noted the many firsts that Principal Chris Knott said before Babies kickoff. A 12-by-32-foot replica section of went into the opening of Cardinal the construction of the new playground Since 1997, Books for Babies the wall was erected outside Wood- Ridge Elementary – everything from – the school’s second – Creighton’s has donated approximately 3,000 grove’s main entrance. (The six pillars the first time the electricity was turned Corner had enough playground equip- books (in both English and Spanish) to at the school’s entrance stood in for on to the day the building was cleared ment to accommodate 42 students. parents of babies born at the hospital. the six pillars of Berlin’s famed Bran- for its first occupants – at the school’s With a student body of more than a Community and hospital volunteers denburg Gate). dedication. thousand, those numbers weren’t go- assemble book packages that The The creation of the faux wall was But she also mentioned another ing to work. “You (had) more students Birthing Inn staff gives to new parents. the brainchild of Woodgrove Ger- meaning of the word “first” for the than you can put on a playground in a This is an effort to help parents under- man teacher Effie Hall, the chair of “First Flock” of Cardinal Ridge Red day, or two days.” stand the importance of early reading. the school’s World Languages and Wings. Knott added the playground was (More than 2,000 babies are born at Cultures Department. Hall enlisted the “I am looking forward to many more than just a place to play. “It says The Birthing Inn each year.) help of students and staff throughout other firsts for our school. Our first pro- to our community, we care about stu- October 24: A dream of Discovery the Woodgrove community to teach motion ceremony for our outstanding dents.” Elementary Principal James E. Dallas three important lessons through this fifth grade students, our first field trip October 21: When is a coat not and the school’s parent-teacher orga- living history project: and generally ushering our school into just a coat? nization (PTO) came to fruition with the (Continued on page 15) 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 4 lcps.org Farmwell Station’s Loya Guilford’s Blevins Principal of the Year Teacher of the Year

Sherryl Loya, the principal of Farmwell Station Middle School, is the recipient of the 2015 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. This honor also serves as the Principal Dawn Blevins, a third grade teacher at Guilford of the Year Award for Loudoun County Public Elementary School, is the 2015 recipient of The Schools (LCPS). Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Loya’s nomination packet speaks of a Teacher Award for Loudoun County. principal who is energetic, committed and a This also serves as Loudoun County Public true instructional leader. School’s Teacher of the Year Award. “Success is not…simply defined by a concept, but rather it is demonstrated In her nomination packet, Blevins was cited through examples,” wrote Farmwell Station Assistant Principal Tonya Edwards for enthusiastically teaching the grade few teachers in her nomination letter. “Sherryl Loya has served Farmwell Station Middle want to teach. “When students enter the third grade, School as principal for the last 10 years. Throughout her tenure, Farmwell has it is their first experience with state testing and all experienced unparalleled growth throughout countless areas and demograph- the preparation that comes with it. For some educators, it is the grade they never ics, including students, faculty, staff and the community – confirming to us the want to teach, solely for this reason. However, that is not the case with Dawn timely need to honor and thank her.” Blevins. She takes on the challenge of preparing these students to, not only be “Mrs. Loya acknowledges that she can’t do it all, so she allows her staff of successful on the tests, but to be life-long learners who have the same high ex- professionals to be professionals and do their jobs,” wrote learning specialist pectations for education Dawn does. Dawn shares this passion for learning in all Germaine Henderson. “The expectation is often unspoken, but understood. Her she does at Guilford.” management style says ‘be you, but be all you can be.’ ” The nomination packet also describes the individual attention Blevins gives to Eighth-grader Hodan Mohamed wrote about Loya’s energy. each student. “She seems to be at every school function, whether it is a concert for “Our students at Guilford Elementary come to school with many obstacles to orchestra, guitar and band, or programs such as ‘Girls on the Run.’ I am not learning. Dawn Blevins spends significant time getting to know her students and is sure how she manages to fit it all in, but it shows me that she cares about her proactive in finding ways to fulfill the needs of her students. She sends food home, students and cares about her school. This energy and commitment affects her donates her own children’s clothes and stays with students after school to provide staff as well, as I see the same involvement from other staff members.” tutoring support.” “Mrs. Loya is very open-minded and entertains our suggestions without Blevins’ influence extends beyond her own classroom. bias,” wrote seventh grade science teacher Tracy Rossi. “Whatever is best for “Dawn does not work or serve for awards or accolades, but simply to inspire the development of the students, she allows us to try. I love to hear her say ‘Go and impact all those she comes in contact with each day,” wrote her principal, for it!’ She is always enthusiastic about venturing into unchartered waters.” David Stewart, in his nomination letter. “She has mastered the elusive art of being Farmwell Station has 35 activities and clubs. Most of the clubs meet after firm but fair; having rules, yet maintaining relationships, and keenly remembering school with volunteer teacher sponsors. “Students feel invested in the school,” that though she teaches numerous students she is really teaching ‘children’ whom wrote sixth grade social studies teacher Susan Godfrey. “At Farmwell, we offer a she freely offers love, acceptance and grace… very challenging curriculum and many, many extracurricular activities as well.” “Dawn’s students consistently make significant gains in all areas. A majority “Mrs. Loya is one of the most powerful people I have ever met,” wrote of her students make beyond a year’s worth of growth each year in all academic student Nandhini Nallamotu. “My principal is powerful in the way that she instills areas. This is noteworthy because her class is comprised of second-language happiness, courage and strength in every person she meets.” learners and students whose families have economic challenges.” Loya has been Farmwell Station’s principal since 2005. Before coming to LCPS, Parent Amy Thomas wrote this of Blevins: “Mrs. Blevins has the heart of a she was principal of Point Isabel Junior High in Port Isabel, Texas. Under Loya’s teacher; not just any teacher, a truly exceptional one. Her extraordinary teaching leadership, the school went from “academically unacceptable” under the Texas has earned her a reputation as one of Guilford’s strongest assets.” Education Agency ratings to “recognized” in only two years. Prior to that, she Blevins first came to Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in 1991 as a served for two years as the principal of Los Fresnos High School in Los Fres- second grade teacher at Catoctin Elementary. She then served as a second and nos, Texas. fourth grade teacher at Sully Elementary (1994-98); as a homebound instructor Loya holds a bachelor’s degree in education from North Dakota State (2001-2009); and has been at Guilford since August 2009. Blevins holds a bach- University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas/Pan elor’s degree in early childhood education from James Madison University. ■ American. ■ 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 5 Digital Promise, a national, independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to accelerate innovation in education, named Loudoun County Public Schools as one of 11 new members accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national coalition of school district superintendents committed to innovation. LCPS was selected from a national pool of ap- plicants based on its leadership, evidence of results, innovative vision for learning and commitment to col- laboration. In joining the League, members commit to share lessons learned, participate in national and regional forums and partner with research institu- tions, technology developers and one another to deliver better results for students. The League aims to foster greater innovation in learning and leadership practices. Monroe Technology Center graphic communica- The Mountain View Elementary PTA received tions instructor Pam Smith received the 2014 Freder- two prestigious honors. ick D. Kagy Education Award of Excellence from the First, it became one of only 170 PTA’s nationwide and coaches the Belmont Ridge science and math Printing Industries of America. to receive the National PTA School of Excellence des- Olympiad teams and VEX robotics teams. This award honors Smith’s commitment to ignation for the 2014-16 school years. (More than 800 The purpose of the Master in the Middle Teacher lifelong learning and dedication to preparing students schools sought this honor.) Mountain View was the of the Year Award is to recognize teachers who for careers in the graphic communications industry. only school in Loudoun County to receive this award have demonstrated a devotion to teaching young The Kagy Award was established in 1992 to honor and one of only 23 in Virginia. adolescents and a commitment to best middle-level a longtime professor at Illinois State University who The Mountain View PTA also became the only practices. inspired thousands of students to enter the printing school nationwide to receive the 2014 Phoebe Ap- industry. person Hearst Merit Award for Innovation in Family Smith, a Monroe graduate, worked in the graphic Engagement. Named after National PTA’s co-founder, design field at the Loudoun Times-Mirror, BDM, PRC, this award is the highest honor presented to a local Cowles History Group and as communications direc- PTA for implementing the organization’s National tor at Grandiflora before returning to Loudoun County Standards for Family-School Partnerships. (Founded Public Schools as a technology assistant at Harmony on February 17, 1897, PTA is the oldest and largest Intermediate School. She began shadowing her child advocacy group in the nation.) former graphics instructor, Jim Price, until his retire- ment from Monroe. Smith became Monroe’s graphic communications instructor in 2006.

Martha Akers, who teaches journalism and photojournalism at Loudoun Valley High School, received the National Federa- tion of State High School Associations’ State Award for River Bend Middle School physical education Outstanding Service teacher Nicole Jordan was named the 2014 Virginia through the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recre- High School League ation and Dance (VAHPERD) Dance Teacher of the (VHSL). Year. She is only the VAHPERD is a professional association of third person in the The Virginia Middle School Association (VMSA) educators that advocate quality programs in health, VHSL’s 103-year selected Bridget Raburn, a science teacher at Bel- physical education, recreation, dance and sport. history to receive mont Ridge Middle School, as the recipient of 2014 Jordan has been an employee of Loudoun this honor, which recognizes a person for significant Master in the Middle Teacher of the Year Award. County Public Schools (LCPS) for 12 years, teaching contributions to, or impact on, high school activity In reading the supporting letters for Raburn’s health and physical education at River Bend. She has programs. nomination, the selection committee was most im- been instrumental in creating the entire dance cur- Akers has been Loudoun Valley’s yearbook pressed with the enthusiastic endorsement given by riculum at River Bend. advisor for 35 years. She is renowned for the incred- one of her former students who said: “she is without Since 2003, Jordan has coached the award- ible bond she develops with her students. Loudoun a doubt the best teacher I ever had.” winning Potomac Falls High School dance team. Valley’s yearbooks invariably receive the highest Raburn was nominated by her principal, Ryan awards at the state, region and national levels. “The Hitchman, who wrote that she is a role model for Loudoun County High School alto sax player Saga” has received VHSL’s Trophy Class award, the middle school teachers across the commonwealth. In Lauren Beard and Dominion High School color guard highest honor bestowed to a school publication (and letters of support, Raburn’s colleagues emphasized member Katie Ledwell were named to the 2015 U.S. one which many equate to a state championship in a her dedication to making learning interesting for stu- Army All-American Marching Band. sport or academic activity), for 30 consecutive years. dents; relying heavily on an inquiry-based approach The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band It has also received top awards from the National in her science lessons. In addition to teaching sixth recognizes the top 125 high school senior marching Scholastic Press Association (the NSPA Pacemaker) and eighth grade science, Raburn volunteers as a musicians and color guard members from across the and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association mentor for the Kids Living Fit Striders running group country. (CSPA’s Gold Crown) dozens of times. 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 6 lcps.org A Year of Accomplishment

Dr. Tiffany Brocious, Loudoun Acad- a reading specialist at emy of Science Kenneth W. Culbert (AOS) Director of Elementary School, was School Counseling installed as the 2015-16 Jayne Fonash Virginia State Reading received the Richard Association (VSRA) L. Apperson Award president. from the Potomac VSRA is a profes- and Chesapeake sional organization of Association for more than 3,000 College Admission educators and interested Counseling individuals actively (PCACAC). engaged in the develop- This is PCACAC’s ment of literacy throughout the Commonwealth of highest honor. It is Virginia. VSRA was established in 1968 and has a rich awarded annually to a history of providing professional development in the member whose career area of literacy to Virginia educators. embodies the ideals Karla Blásquez Soto, a parent liaison at Sterling of the association: providing extraordinary service to Middle School and Countryside Elementary, is the Marissa Sumathipala, a freshman from Broad students, to PCACAC and to the college counseling co-recipient of 2015 Master in the Middle Educator of Run High School, was among the national winners profession. the Year Award. at the 2015 National Junior Science and Humanities The Apperson Award is named in honor of PCA- This award is presented by the Board of Direc- Symposium (JSHS). CAC’s first president. tors of the Virginia Middle School Association (VMSA) Sumathipala, who placed seventh, was among In reading the supporting letters for your nomi- eight winners. She was recognized for her excellence Rock Ridge High School Principal John Du- nation, the VMSA said it was most impressed with in the science research poster presentation. The eight ellman was the recipient of the Educational Theatre a heartfelt endorsement given by one of Blásquez winners came from a field of 121 national competi- Association’s 2014-15 National Administrator’s Soto’s students who said, “I thank her for always tors representing 48 regions. Sumathipala was the Award. trying to keep me warm with the red jacket she gave only Virginia student to win an award at the national Duellman was nominated for this award by Rock me; I honestly do thank (her) for making these years competition. Ridge drama teacher Anthony Cimino-Johnson. The wonderful.” award was presented at the National Thespian Festi- Sterling Middle School Principal Gus Martinez val in Lincoln, Nebraska. called Blásquez Soto “a champion.” He said she un- Duellman was one of three administrators hon- derstands that “although working in a diverse school ored for their history of recognizing, promoting and like this is not easy, (your) sense of urgency leads encouraging educational theatre. (you) to work tirelessly to meet the needs of families.” The purpose of the Master in the Middle Educator of the Year Award is to recognize educators who serve in roles other than classroom teachers, who have demonstrated a devotion to working with young adolescents and have demonstrated a commitment to best middle level practices. ■

Lori DeMark, an art teacher at Harmony Middle School, was honored as the Shenandoah University Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes teachers practicing in specialized areas of education. Teachers nominated for this award have spent as least five years work- ing for LCPS. The finalists for the award have been nominated by their peers, students, parent-teacher Tim Yetter, Loudoun County Public Schools’ organizations and administrators. director of financial services, earned the distinction of This is the 20th time the award has been pre- Certified Administrator of School Finance and Opera- sented in Loudoun County. tions® (SFO). DeMark is a nationally board certified teacher The SFO certification for school business of- with 20 years of experience with nine years in Loud- ficials establishes a nationally recognized standard of oun. Harmony’s Family Arts Night and the charitable excellence in their field. The certification process is “The Empty Bowl Project” owe their existence, in offered through the Association of School Business large part, to DeMark. Officials International (ASBO) and is sponsored by Beyond her work at Harmony, DeMark supports Horace Mann. the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival and the West- Yetter is one of only five business officials in ern Loudoun Artists Studio Tour. She also works with Virginia to hold this certification. the Girl Scouts, church groups, camps and cultural centers. 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 7 From 11 team champions, 10 individual champions and two relay As for the 2014-2015 school year, 11 varsity teams representing seven champions in statewide competitions to Loudoun alums being selected in schools hoisted Virginia High School League (VHSL) state championship trophies. the early rounds of the National Football League and Major League Baseball Stone Bridge led the way with three state championship teams: baseball, boys’ drafts, supporters of Loudoun County Public Schools athletics have plenty to lacrosse and girls’ lacrosse. boast about. Loudoun County (volleyball, girls’ soccer) and Loudoun Valley (boys’ lacrosse, Former Briar Woods standout Alex Carter moved closer to his dream of play- boys’ track and field) both won two state titles, while Briar Woods (volleyball), ing in the NFL when the Detroit Lions selected him with the 80th overall pick of the Broad Run (girls’ soccer), Tuscarora (girls’ cross-country) and Woodgrove (girls’ 2015 draft. Intent on bolstering their secondary, the Lions traded to move up eight lacrosse) each took home one VHSL crown. spots in the third round to secure Carter, who played three seasons at Stanford A host of stellar individual efforts was highlighted by Loudoun Valley junior University after an incredible varsity career at Briar Woods. Andrew Hunter. Along with dominating at the conference, region and state levels, Broad Run alum Taylor Clarke followed suit in the 2015 MLB draft, garnering the runner extraordinaire also continued his ascension on the national scene. selection from the Arizona Diamondbacks with the first pick of the third round. Hunter raced to his second consecutive Penn Relays title, winning the mile run The 6-foot-4, right-handed pitcher led the Spartans to a school-record 22 wins in at the prestigious event in April. Two months later, Hunter paced the field in the 2011. Clarke’s stock rose following a tremendous 2015 season for the College of two-mile run amongst the nation’s top high school runners at the 2015 Brooks PR Charleston. Invitational in Seattle. (Continued on page 9) 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 8 lcps.org (Continued from page 8) career with 6,373 yards and 540 points final, the Falcons overcame a two-set Loudoun Valley’s Hunter set a scored (touchdowns and two-point deficit against Princess Anne in the state-meet record in winning his sec- conversions). VHSL 5A state championship match. ond consecutive VHSL 3A title at Great Fall Sports Tuscarora was not the only Loud- Despite dropping the first two Meadow in The Plains. Hunter crossed oun team to make noise on the football sets and facing a match point in the the finish line on the hilly 3.1-mile field in 2014. John Champe took a big decisive fifth set, Briar Woods out- course in 14:41, 54 seconds ahead of Football step in just its third varsity season. lasted Princess Anne 18-25, 22-25, his nearest competitor. Everyone involved with the Tus- Coach Jason Dawson guided the 25-15, 25-19, 16-14 to secure its first On the girls’ side, senior Ciara carora Huskies program experienced Knights to their first winning season state volleyball title. University of New Donohue (second) and her younger a plethora of emotions before, dur- and initial postseason victory. Mexico commit Lauren Twitty closed sister Kimberly Donohue each posted ing and after the season. Players and Overall, 10 Loudoun teams quali- out the victory with three consecutive top 10 individual finishes to lead the coaches lost a mentor and a friend on fied for the playoffs with Briar Woods, slams. Vikings to a runner-up team finish. July 7, 2014, when defensive coordina- Broad Run, Dominion, Loudoun “When we got this group together, Heritage freshman Weini Kelati - tor Adam Fortune died of cardiomy- County, Loudoun Valley, Potomac we did think we could get here,” a native of Eritrea who made an instant opathy due to an enlarged heart at the Falls, Stone Bridge and Woodgrove Falcon coach Marsha Hermes said impact by winning the Oatlands Invita- age of 37. joining John Champe and Tuscarora. following the win. “We peaked tonight. tional - crossed the finish line second Fortune and head coach Mike Briar Woods, Broad Run, John In the third, fourth and fifth sets, you in the VHSL 4A girls’ race with a time Burnett started the Tuscarora program Champe, Loudoun Valley, Tuscarora saw the best team we could be.” of 17:38. Kelati and Georgie MacKen- when the school opened in 2010. They and Woodgrove each won at least Stone Bridge produced a couple zie (14th) led the Pride to third place in previously worked together at Broad one postseason game. First-year of memorable victories on its way to the team standings. Run, where they helped guide the Rock Ridge played a junior-varsity- a state tournament bid. The Bulldogs Spartans to two state championships. only schedule to allow its senior-less snapped Loudoun County’s 49-match Dedicating the season to Fortune, student body time to physically mature winning streak with a thrilling five-set Golf the Huskies reeled off 14 consecutive before moving up to varsity in 2015. win during the regular season and won For a second consecutive victories - winning their first Potomac the Conference 14 tournament title. season, a Loudoun Valley golfer District regular-season title and 5A Individually, Holly Carlton pro- claimed top individual honors at North Region championship along the Volleyball duced an outstanding junior season for the VHSL 3A state tournament. way. Tuscarora fell just short of winning Potomac Falls. Following the season, Can you say dynasty? The Loud- Viking junior Brandon Weaver the ultimate prize - falling 22-19 to L.C. Carlton, a 6-foot-5 setter/hitter, joined oun County Raiders sure can. Loudoun shot 2-under par in the rain-shortened Bird in the VHSL 5A championship Borup in verbally committing to North County swept James Wood 25-14, state tournament to follow former game. Carolina. 25-20, 25-13 in the VHSL 4A champi- teammate and current Virginia Tech Tuscarora named its football field onship match to claim its seventh state golfer Ian Hildebrand in becoming a “Fortune Field” at an October 10th championship in the last eight years. state champion. game against Broad Run. Cross-Country Weaver’s strong showing helped “He was such a great man to Fifth-year Tuscarora has seen sev- Loudoun Valley place runner-up to be around. Coach Fortune certainly eral of its athletic teams advance deep Hidden Valley in the team competition. played an immense role in the kind of into the postseason. The distinction Adam Lockhart, Max Cave, Ryan kids you saw,” Burnett said following as the Leesburg school’s first team to Hammer, Greyson Rauch and Mike the state final. “It’s not about a score, win a state championship goes to the Shouse also competed for the Vikings. it never will be. This is the winningest Huskies’ girls’ cross-country squad. A fourth-place finish in the 5A team I’ll ever be a part of.” With its five fastest runners plac- state tournament capped a stellar ing in the top 32 in a field of more than season for Tuscarora that included 100 competitors, Tuscarora literally ran winning conference and regional team away with the team title at the VHSL championships. Chad Stocks placed 5A state meet. Coach Becky Puterio’s fourth individually at the state tourna- team was led by top five individual ment, while his teammate Thomas finishes from freshman Emma Wolcott Truluck placed ninth. and senior Anna Wasko. Dominion’s Kurt Funkhouser placed fourth at the VHSL 4A tourna- ment and Jason Guintu of Potomac Falls tied for 10th place in the 5A tourney.

With a roster that includes eight players committed to play in college, Competition the Raiders added to their legacy under the guidance of first-year head Cheer coach Sherrilyn Hanna - previously an Three of the top four Group 5A assistant coach with the team. competition cheer teams reside in Loudoun County completed the Loudoun as Stone Bridge, Broad season at 29-2, also winning Confer- Run and Briar Woods placed second ence 14 and 4A North Region tourna- through fourth, respectively, at the ment titles. Expect the Raiders to be a VHSL cheer championships. force again in 2015 with the return of Stone Bridge’s routine earned several prominent players, including Leading the way for the Huskies them a score of 264.5 points, less University of North Carolina commit was running back/linebacker Noah than 10 points behind state cham- Taylor Borup. Reimers, the Gatorade Virginia Player pion Hickory. The Bulldogs were also Comeback kids? That moniker of the Year. Reimers, set to attend and second at the Loudoun County Cheer goes to Briar Woods. A week after play football at Harvard University, Championships, an event won by rallying from two sets down to defeat rushed for more than 3,000 yards as Tuscarora. Stone Bridge in the 5A North Region a senior and completed his varsity (Continued on page 10) 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 9 (Continued from page 9) Second-team accolades went to Kyle Branch each advanced to the Earlier in the postseason, a Broad Run’s Mariah Leonard (5A), Po- semifinals of the state tournament senior-laden Potomac Falls boys’ team tomac Falls’ Wanya Allen (5A), Stone and posted top four finishes - led claimed a fourth consecutive confer- Winter Sports Bridge’s Nick Barnes (5A), Loudoun by LaRock in second place at 152 ence/district title at the Conference 14 County’s Quad Borup and Elisabeth pounds. meet. Stone Bridge took team honors Basketball Gianelos (4A), Woodgrove’s Matt Stone Bridge senior McKinnon on the girls’ side. Gilson (4A), John Champe’s Ja’Che Bowen - a North Carolina State com- John Champe pulled off the Another state playoff appearance Malone (3A) and Loudoun Valley’s mit - placed second in the 120-pound double of winning the boys’ and girls’ by Loudoun County girls, a first-ever Trey McDyre (3A). class at the 5A state meet, equaling his team titles at the Conference 28 swim trip to the state tournament for Tusca- finish from the previous season. championships, while Woodgrove boys rora girls and breakthrough seasons and Heritage girls won team titles at for boys’ teams from John Champe, Wrestling the Conference 21 meet. Stone Bridge and Woodgrove high- lighted the 2014-2015 season. A pair of Loudoun grapplers took Swimming home the ultimate prize in 2015. Junior Gymnastics Adeeb Atariwa became Dominion’s Woodgrove freshman Keely first state champion wrestler at the Hemminger made a big splash in her Group 4A meet and junior Michael first varsity season. Hemminger struck Battista claimed Broad Run’s first gold twice at the VHSL 4A state meet - state title since 1999 at the 5A winning the 200-meter and 500-meter championships. freestyle events. She joined teammates Meaghan Flynn, Kristen Garner and Kacey Hauck in placing second in a pair of relay races. Sticking with relays, Heritage’s foursome of Caroline Lee, Yaiza Kinney, Emilia Missing and Madison McKay touched the wall first in the 200 medley relay at the 4A meet. Lee also swam to runner-up honors in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke, as did Kinney in the 100 breaststroke.

Loudoun County won the Confer- ence 21 tournament title and a pair of 4A North Region games on its way to qualifying for the VHSL 4A state The Freedom Eagles soared tournament. The Raiders lost a close Atariwa, a standout lineman on throughout the 2014-2015 season. game against Midlothian in the state the Titans’ football team, pinned two Led by Sydney Wrighte and Anna semifinals. of his three opponents en route to win- Broussard, Freedom placed first at the Tuscarora followed suit in Group ning the 285-pound title. In the final, Conference 14 and 5A North Region 5A. The Huskies claimed the Confer- Atariwa pinned Ben Avery of Sherando meets and finished a close runner-up ence 14 tournament championship just 16 seconds into the second round. to Hickory at the VHSL 5A state meet. and delighted the home crowd with an The third time was the charm Wright posted matching overall impressive 77-61 win over Potomac for Battista. After falling to Garrett scores of 37.9 to sit atop the podium in the region semifinals to punch their Griffith - a Potomac Falls senior set in the all-around at the conference and ticket for the state playoffs for the first to continue his wrestling career at the regional meets. Broussard - along with time. University of Maryland - in the finals Morgan Marrocco of Potomac Falls John Champe boys, Loudoun of both the conference and regional and Tuscarora’s Claire Pettit - also Valley girls, Stone Bridge boys and tournaments, Battista rallied back from held down top-four podium spots in Woodgrove boys also won conference a 5-0 deficit in the 160-pound state the all-around. tournament titles and followed that championship match to defeat Griffith Heritage edged Woodgrove and up with victories in the first round of 8-7 in overtime. Dominion’s J.P. Popovich won Loudoun County for the team crown at the regional playoffs. Each team came Battista’s title, along with runner- the 200 individual medley title in 4A the Conference 21 meet and Loudoun within one win of earning a trip to the up finishes by seniorsTimmy Brown boys, Potomac Falls’ William Lin Valley topped John Champe for Con- state playoffs. and Ewen Riordan, helped Broad Run showed the way in the 500 freestyle ference 28 team supremacy. Victoria John Champe’s Kuony Deng (3A), place second in the team standings. for 5A boys and Andi Mack of Stone Miner of Loudoun County and Hallie Stone Bridge’s Jason Jolly and Tus- Woodgrove also enjoyed a ban- Bridge touched the wall first in the 200 Nichols of John Champe won all- carora’s Alexis Bailey - both 5A - each ner season. The Wolverines won the freestyle for 5A girls. around titles at the conference level. garnered first-team All-State honors. Loudoun County Public Schools and Gabby Zhang excelled for first- (Continued on page 11) The 5-foot-7 Jolly was a spark plug Conference 21 tournament champion- year Rock Ridge at the 3A state meet. throughout the season for the Bulldogs ships and placed fourth at the Group Zhang placed third in both the 200 - highlighted by his 50-point perfor- 4A state tournament. individual medley and 100 butterfly. Sports photographs are mance in an 88-83 overtime victory Woodgrove’s Joseph LaRock, Loudoun Valley’s Sami Morency was courtesy of against Edison in the region tourna- Jacob David, Dylan Shockey and second in the 200 IM. Loudoun Times-Mirror ment. 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 10 lcps.org (Continued from page 10) With VHSL 4A Player of the Year Soccer Emily Littell being tightly marked, sophomore Allyson Brown stepped Spring Sports up and netted a hat trick to allow Loudoun County to turn a 1-0 halftime Lacrosse deficit into the 3-1 win. It was a special victory for coach Kirk Smith and several seniors who were freshmen on the Raiders’ 2012 team that lost to Woodgrove in the state final. Loudoun County also defeated Heritage in the finals of the Conference 21 and 4A North Region tournaments. Outside of five losses to Loudoun County, Heritage enjoyed a tremen- dous season under first-year coach Holly King, a former soccer standout at Broad Run and the University of North Section tournament champions, Florida. Virginia Tech commit Zoe Stone Bridge build a 7-3 halftime lead Foxhall drew rave reviews throughout in the state final on the strength of The streak continues… the year for her play in goal. four first-half goals byCade Groton. For eight consecutive seasons, Broad Run surprised a lot of That lead was trimmed to one as the one or more Loudoun girls’ soccer people in its return to the 5A boys’ A nice haul… game entered the closing minutes of teams have won a state champion- state final, but ultimately fell one win Four of the 11 state champion- regulation. ship. Broad Run and Loudoun County short of repeating as state champions. ships won by Loudoun schools in That’s when senior goalie Logan extended that string in 2015. Mills Godwin scored two goals in the 2014-2015 were claimed by lacrosse Broadbent and the Bulldogs defense For Broad Run, it was a return to final 10 minutes of regulation to top teams. An impressive number for sure. stood tall, denying Atlee’s bid at the prominence. State champions for four Broad Run 2-0 in the state final. An even more impressive number tying goal. Stone Bridge held on for a straight seasons from 2008 to 2011, John Champe won the 3A East when you consider prior to this year, 10-9 victory and its first lacrosse title. Broad Run reclaimed the top spot with Region championship on its way to only one Loudoun school had won a For Loudoun Valley, it was simply a 3-0 victory against Ashburn rival an appearance in the VHSL 3A girls’ state title. a case of a large group of seniors who Stone Bridge in the VHSL 5A girls’ semifinals. The Knights also advanced Woodgrove broke through in 2014 were not going to be denied. Build- final. to the final of the Conference 28 tour- winning the VHSL 5A girls’ title to be- ing up to this point and understanding A week earlier, Stone Bridge nament, dropping a heartbreaker in come Loudoun’s first state champion what it took to get to the next step, handed Broad Run its lone loss of the overtime to Loudoun Valley. lacrosse team. The Wolverines accom- Loudoun Valley topped Western Albe- season in the North Region champion- plished the magical feat of repeating marle 15-10 in the final. ship game. as state champs in 2015, this time at MidfielderJohn Skinner was This state championship had the 4A level. one of 20 seniors on the Viking roster, special significance for CoachClaire Joining Woodgrove as Virginia’s many of whom had played together Collins and the Spartans. Their season best in 2015 were the boys’ and girls’ for nearly a decade on youth teams. was dedicated to the memory of Madi- teams of Stone Bridge in 5A, and Lou- “We’ve been together for so long. It’s son Small, a respected Broad Run doun Valley’s boys in 4A. just amazing,” said Skinner, the VHSL classmate and softball player who died Previously lumped together in 4A Player of the Year. “Going out on April 7 from a sudden infection of neis- Group 5A, Loudoun schools made the top in your last high school game and seria sepsis. most of the opportunity provided when sharing it with so many other seniors is Senior striker Caroline Kerns, VHSL created another classification for special.” the 2015 VHSL 5A Player of the Year, the growing sport in 2015. With Group Loudoun Valley, coached by said Small was one of her best friends. 4A added this year, Loudoun teams Logan Cutshall, claimed Dulles Group Kerns has signed to play at Virginia combined to win four of the overall six and 4A North Section championships Tech, the same school Small planned state titles awarded. leading up to the state tournament. to attend. “A game has never meant so Woodgrove now holds Loudoun’s Having graduated 13 seniors from much to me than this one,” said Kerns, After the boys’ teams of Broad distinction as first team to win a state their 2014 team and starting the 2015 who switched to uniform number 24 Run and Briar Woods dueled for title and first team to repeat as state season with just two wins in its first - Small’s number - after her friend’s regular-season bragging rights in champions. Junior Nora Bowen, a seven games, Stone Bridge appeared death. Conference 14, Tuscarora showed its University of Virginia commit, netted a to be in the midst of a rebuilding sea- Loudoun County won its first state form in the postseason. The Huskies game-high six goals as Woodgrove de- son. championship in 2015 and did so in won conference and regional tourna- feated Western Albemarle 16-8 in the Fast forward two months and the dominant fashion. A 3-1 victory against ment titles on their way to the state final. Bulldogs were proudly displaying the Leesburg rival Heritage in the 4A state semifinals, where they fell to eventual Coach Bob Fuller guided the VHSL 5A girls’ state championship final capped an undefeated season for champion Mills Godwin. Wolverines to Dulles Group, 4A North trophy for the first time. A remarkable the Raiders. (Continued on page 12) Section and VHSL 4A state tourna- job by second-year coach Monika ment titles in 2015. Woodgrove senior Guerrero and her players culminated goalie Ashley Morris was awarded as in a 15-12 victory against Potomac the VHSL Group 4A Player of the Year Falls in the state final. for her stellar play. Stone Bridge and Potomac Falls Stone Bridge boys’ coach Scott were clearly the class of the 5A girls’ Mitchell preached for his team to field throughout the postseason. Stone embrace adversity throughout the sea- Bridge defeated Potomac Falls in the son. The Bulldogs were put to the test Loudoun Group final before the Pan- in the fourth quarter of the 5A state thers earned revenge in the 5A North championship game against Atlee. Section title game. Already Conference 14 and 5A 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 11 Briar Woods, 2011 state champi- Travis Hugg, Alexander Galloway (Continued from page 11) ons, reached the championship game and Jayden Bunting set a state meet in the 5A North Region tournament record (42.17 seconds) in winning the Baseball and played in the 5A state semifinals. 400 boys’ relay title. Loudoun Valley enjoyed home cooking in 2015. Playing on a new diamond at the Purcellville school, the Vikings won all 14 of their home games - highlighted by a 6-2 victory over William Monroe in the Conference 28 championship game. Loudoun Valley fell one victory short of a state playoff appearance. With only one senior on the roster, the future looks bright for coach Kristin Thurston and the Vikings. Sam Plank - the only head Woodgrove enjoyed a strong baseball coach in the 15-year history season under first-year coachRusty of Stone Bridge - announced to his Smith. The Wolverines won the Con- Track players in late May that he was step- ference 21 tournament title as the No. Loudoun athletes shined when Heritage distance runner Weini ping down at the conclusion of the 1 seed and advanced to the semifinals it mattered most this track and field Kelati and Loudoun County thrower 2015 season to start up the baseball of the 4A North Region tournament. season. One team, three individuals Jesslyn Manni both produced multiple program and take a teaching position and one relay squad struck gold at the top six finishes at the Group 4A meet. at Riverside High School, set to open VHSL state championship meets. Loudoun County boys, Loudoun in the fall of 2015 in Lansdowne. Softball Behind stellar performances from Valley boys, Rock Ridge girls, Stone Less than three weeks later, the several individuals and all three of its Bridge girls and Tuscarora boys each Bulldogs sent Plank out on top fol- relay teams, Loudoun Valley racked up won team titles at their respective lowing a 9-4 victory against George 56 points to best runner-up Heritage conference meets. Marshall in the VHSL 5A state champi- (Lynchburg) by nearly 10 points for the onship game. It was the first state title VHSL 3A boys’ team championship. for Stone Bridge. Elijah Cooper, Nathaniel Thomp- Tennis Junior Dave Mocabee went the son, Levi Parker, Colin Vitkus, distance on the mound for a complete- Mason Koehler, Nick Mercuro, Ian Dominion took the courts by game victory. Senior Michael Kuzbel Bogucki, Colton Bogucki and An- storm, excelling in team, singles and drove home three runs and junior Eli drew Hunter helped form three Viking doubles competition. As a team, the Quiceno went 3 for 3 with two runs relay teams that produced two runner- Titans won Conference 21 and the scored to spark the Bulldog offense. up finishes and a fourth-place finish. 4A North region before bowing out in “It’s so hard to say goodbye to Hunter paced the field in the 1,600 the Group 4A semifinals, falling 5-1 to these kids,” Plank said following the run with a time of 4:23.62. He also was Hanover. title game. “It’s been 15 great years, runner-up in the 800 run. Thompson Dominion’s eighth-year coach, but I’m so happy for them.” (second in 400 dash), Ben Stapleton Holly Flynn, described the season Stone Bridge - also Conference (third in shot put) and Peter Morris as an “awesome year, exceeded our 14 and 5A North Region tournament (sixth in 3,200 run) added to the Viking expectations.” champions - produced a 246-107-1 The power of five… scoring total. In addition to the team success, record during Plank’s 15 seasons. Five seasons, five region cham- Dominique Huynh won the region Pitching, defense and timely pionships and five trips to the state singles title and teamed with Melissa hitting fueled another deep postseason title game for Woodgrove. Freshman Liu to claim the region doubles crown. run for coach Wayne Todd and Camryn Dolby struck out seven in a Briar Woods’ tandem of Noelle Loudoun Valley in 2015. complete-game shutout to lead the Ihanainen and Rebecca Hang fol- Liberty University commit Jack Wolverines to a 2-0 victory against lowed suit in the 5A North Region. DeGroat struck out 17 in a 6-0 semi- Carroll County in the 4A North Region Ihanainen and Hang prevailed in three final win against Rustburg to advance final. sets for the region doubles champion- the Vikings to their second straight A week later, the two teams met ship. VHSL 3A state final. Playing at the again in the VHSL 4A state final. Car- Briar Woods and Loudoun County stadium of his future college home, roll County turned the tables in the each advanced to the state tourna- DeGroat’s fastball was clocked at 95 rematch as freshman pitcher Sydney ment as teams in 5A boys and 4A boys miles per hour and regularly sat in the Nestor limited Woodgrove to two hits respectively. Both squads were runner- low 90’s. in a 1-0 victory. ups at the regional level. ■ Loudoun Valley faced an uphill It was the third state runner-up fin- climb in its quest to repeat as state ish for the Wolverines and coach Joe champions the following day - trailing Spicer. Woodgrove, state champions Lafayette 4-0 after three innings. The in 2012 and 2014, won the Confer- Vikings rallied valiantly to pull even at ence 21 tournament title earlier in the Moving over to the girls’ side of 4-4 before Lafayette took the lead for postseason. the 3A meet, Loudoun Valley’s Ciara good on a two-out solo home run in A season after a senior-laden Donohue (3,200 run) and Rock Ridge’s the top of the seventh inning. group advanced to the state final, Briar Ashlyn Nolan (100 hurdles) each raced Junior catcher Hunter Gore Woods was back in the mix in 2015 to individual titles. Overall, Nolan pro- sparked the comeback with consecu- with a youthful roster. Coach Chris duced top five finishes in five events. tive doubles to plate three runs. The Starke guided the Falcons to a repeat Loudoun’s other state champion Vikings conclude the season as Con- championship in Conference 14 and surfaced in the Group 5A meet. ference 28 champions and 3A East another trip to the state playoffs. Broad Run’s Marcel Sinsel-Mingo, Region co-champions. 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 12 lcps.org The Past Catches Up to a Man of Letters

Reimers’ Eighth-Grade Dreams Came True

What would you think if you got a ment; losing to L.C. Bird 22-19 in the school and finishing my work on time, do the things you want to do.” letter from your past self? Group 5A Championship. (Tuscarora it’s really been important to balance all With a schedule as busy as his, Would you be embarrassed by did, however, finish its football season my things very well – family time, friend Reimers said there’s still a degree of your naiveté? 14-1.) “We had a fantastic season time, school time – so that I can ac- peacefulness in his life. “People find Would you feel you let your past regardless. I would not trade any of the complish as much as I can in 24 hours. their peace in different places. A lot of self down? years I had here – especially the senior Freshman year was a big adjustment, my peace is on the football field.” Noah Reimers, a 2015 graduate year – for anything.” starting varsity football as a freshman, Switching between the elevated aca- of Tuscarora High School, had this Reimers’ football statistics were starting the Academy of Science. It demic atmosphere of the AOS and the experience recently. certainly beyond anything he could was very tough at first… Tuscarora locker rooms isn’t as hard as Looking back, he’d have to say have imagined as an eighth-grader. As “Freshman year at AOS really got one might think, Reimers added. things turned out just fine. a senior, he rushed for 3,005 yards, my mind focused with the academics. “It’s kind of two mind sets… A lot When Reimers was in eighth sixth on the Virginia High School It was a big adjustment for me, but of kids in the locker room – we had a grade civics at Smart’s Mill Middle League’s single-season rushing list, once I did it, I settled in and knew what very smart team this year – so it wasn’t School, teacher Rhonda Robeson had while scoring 49 touchdowns. He cap- I had to do… a huge change. The people at AOS are the students in Reimers’ class write tained Tuscarora’s football and track “Once things kind of fell into so much different than the people in a letter outlining their goals for high teams. place, I could do them pretty well. It the locker room, but at the same time school. Shortly after they graduated, Reimers was named the Group was just balancing my schedule and there were a lot of people in the locker Robeson sent her former students their 5A Male Athlete of the Year, the high- being very committed to what I had to room who I could connect with on an eighth-grade letters. est honor given by the Virginia High do. I wasn’t watching TV for a couple intellectual level… It’s a big switch, but “It’s crazy to see how your life School League (VHSL). This honor is hours every night; it was go to football it’s something I kind of developed my changes after four years,” Reimers presented to students who have ex- practice, come home, eat, go to sleep, freshman year. I was able to turn off said recently as he sat outside Tusca- celled in the classroom and in athletic do my homework if I had it. There was my AOS lingo and connect to people rora. “What your goals were then and and academic activities. Reimers also a lot of structure to my life. Once you on the football team.” what they’ve become now.” was the VHSL 5A Offensive Player of get into a rhythm and a schedule, it’s Reimers plans to major in eco- Reimers, who will be playing the Year in 2014; The Washington Post really easy to do.” nomics at Harvard. What future goals football at Harvard in the fall, said he All-Met Offensive Player of the Year, Facing the challenges of Harvard is he setting for himself? “If I was to believes he met or exceeded the goals DC Touchdown Club Virginia Player isn’t daunting, Reimers added. write myself a letter, I’d obviously grad- of his eighth-grade self. of the Year and the 2014-15 Virginia “Not at all. I don’t think people re- uate in four years then look to work “It’s better. I had a lot of goals Gatorade Player of the Year. alize in this area the education we get somewhere – maybe Wall Street – for a back then, but I don’t think I really had In the classroom, he had a 4.29 here and how prepared you really are. couple of years and then go back and a plan yet. My letter said ‘You better go GPA. Reimers also attended the Loud- The big thing that helped me is AOS. get my MBA; whether it be at Harvard to Stanford or U.Va. to play football.’ oun Academy of Science (AOS). We do lab reports throughout the year or Stanford. Hopefully, five or 10 years Back then my goal was to go to one of Reading through his list of aca- and so I’ve done a lot of college-style after that, own my own business. I’m those two schools and play football. At demic and athletic accomplishments writing that will prepare me well for not sure what yet. I really enjoy solar the same time, I don’t think Harvard is leads to one natural question: How? next year. The structure that has been energy; maybe something like that. I’d too bad of a decision.” “It’s been maximizing my 24 in my life for the past four years will like to own my own business.” Another goal was to win a state hours. Whether that’s waking up early help immensely in college. You do the Given his record with setting and football championship. The Huskies to get a lift in or run, then going to things you need to do first, then you meeting goals, Reimers would seem a came up just short in that depart- good bet to meet these. ■ 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 13 Loudoun Education Foundation

The Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation Information about the Foundation can be obtained from its Executive Director, that raises private funds to enhance the quality of education in Loudoun County Dawn Meyer, at 571-252-1102 or [email protected] . The LEF Web page Public Schools. The Foundation supports projects that stimulate students’ curios- is on the school system’s home page, www.lcps.org or www.lef-va.com. ■ ity and create exceptional learning opportunities. In 1991, four members of the Loudoun County School Board (Fred Flemming, James Callahan, William White and Barbara D’Elia) founded the LEF. The founda- During the 2014–2015 school year, tion was modeled after a similar organization in Fairfax County. Since its formation, the Loudoun Education Foundation the LEF has given more than $2,390,000 to Loudoun’s students. The foundation supplies funds for teacher grants for innovative programs and gave more than $390,000 to Loudoun’s schools. Standards of Learning enhancement; assistance to families who needed help with summer school tuition; and sponsors the Loudoun County Public Schools Social Monies distributed included: Studies/History Fair and Regional Science Fair. The Loudoun Education Foun- dation celebrates academic excellence by hosting the Excellence in Education • Teaching in Loudoun County program: ...... $65,000 Banquet in December and the Outstanding Teacher Dinner in the spring. • Claude Moore Scholars program: ...... $25,000 The LEF awards scholarships to qualified graduating seniors of Loudoun • Claude Moore Future Leadership Scholarships: ...... $20,000 County’s public high schools. Current Loudoun County teachers are eligible to re- ceive scholarships for pursuing graduate degrees or advanced training. Classified • Claude Moore teacher scholarships: ...... $25,000 employees are eligible to receive scholarships for pursuing teacher licensure. • Classified employee scholarships: ...... $ 2,500 The LEF officers for the 2015-2016 school year are: • Teacher classroom grants: ...... $35,886 President: Wade Tetsuka Vice President: Jesse Watters • Multicultural Education Grants: ...... $ 3,175 Treasurer: Wesley Clark • Excellence in Education sponsorship: ...... $47,100 Secretary: Becky Ottinger • Claude Moore graduation project awards: ...... $38,000 The Foundation is the primary sponsor of the annual Excellence in Education • Student college scholarships: ...... $ 9,400 Banquet, which honors high school seniors who are in the top 5 percent of their • Student achievement support: ...... $10,000 class academically. This year’s banquet will be held at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sun- • Reality Store sponsorship: ...... $ 8,000 day, December 13th, at the National Conference Center. Since 1983, the Excel- • Outstanding teacher recognition: ...... $ 3,700 lence in Education Banquet has honored 4,426 of Loudoun’s best students. The next major event for the LEF will be its 14th Annual Golf Classic on Mon- • Outstanding teacher recognition grants: ...... $ 3,500 day, September 21st, at the 1757 Golf Club. Sponsorships for this event, LEF’s • Social Sciences Fair sponsorship: ...... $ 1,000 major fund-raiser, range between $350 and $15,000. Sponsorship information can • Arts Festival award: ...... $ 500 be obtained at the LEF website, www.LoudounEducationFoundation.org. The Loudoun Education Foundation honored 13 of Loudoun’s best teachers • Science & Engineering Fair sponsorship: ...... $ 7,450 and Sherryl Loya the 2015 Principal of the Year, during a banquet on Friday, April • Science Fair Teacher Willowcroft Grant: ...... $ 3,000 17th, at the Belmont Country Club. • Summer School Scholarships: ...... $ 2,000 Each of the 13 honored teachers, including Teacher of the Year Dawn Blevins of Guilford Elementary School, was awarded a $250 grant by the LEF to enhance • Summer reading camps: ...... $ 1,200 their class offerings. The teachers were selected for this honor because they were • Middle school mentoring program: ...... $ 5,500 nominees for The Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award for • Elementary School Grant: ...... $ 3,000 Loudoun County. • Backpack Coalition: ...... $54,156 United Way contributions to the Loudoun Education Foundation may be made by designating the funds for Agency No. 8491. • RoboLoco: ...... $15,000 Donations may also be made to the Foundation via the Combined Federal • ActivLoudoun+: ...... $ 2,317 Campaign using Agency No. 20049 and the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign • Corporate Matching Funds Support:...... $ 2,819 using Agency No. 08397.

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 14 lcps.org (Continued from page 4) Among the most popular demon- That’s exactly what more than 80 even got to meet and pet the presiden- strations was that presented by Fairfax volunteers did during the annual com- tial dogs. For many of these students, The events leading to and follow- County Search and Rescue. The star munity Thanksgiving dinner at Guilford learning is accomplished through ing the end of the Cold War. of that show was Xander, a Belgian Elementary. sensory experiences and having the The personal effects the wall had Malinois. Xander exhibited the science Led by Principal David Stewart, opportunity to touch the presidential on those trapped behind it. of dog training by climbing the afore- the volunteers served up an impressive dogs and see the White House lit up The peaceful methods of demon- mentioned ladder and finding a man amount of donated food. for the holidays made this field trip stration used by the East Germans. hiding in a sealed tube. Xander added even more special. The wall was constructed by a truly international flare to the event; December 7: A total of 271 technical education teacher John Jose he comes from Slovakia and responds December students were honored at the 32nd An- and his students using lumber and ply- to commands in German. nual Loudoun County Public Schools wood donated by Loudoun Lumber of November 21: Forty-one Rock December 4: One of Catoctin (LCPS) Excellence in Education Purcellville and TW Perry of Leesburg. Ridge High School students got a big Elementary’s special education classes banquets at the National Conference It was covered by graffiti-laden strips surprise at the end of the school day. took a very special field trip to the Center in Leesburg. of paper created by 130 students and They were called to the gym White House. Thanks to a donation by The banquets are sponsored by staff members. The paper was held in without a stated reason. There, they Jenkins Restorations of Sterling and the Loudoun Education Foundation place by packing tape and staples and found Principal John Duellman and Rockville, Md., six students and their (LEF). covered with sealant. assistant principals Dawn Dickerson families were able to make the trip to These banquets honored students November 19: Four elementary and Michael Fitzgerald, who pre- the Nation’s Capital. LCPS’ Depart- in the Class of 2015 who are in the top schools – Guilford, Rolling Ridge, sented the students with the first RISE ment of Transportation accommodated 5 percent of their class academically Sugarland and Sully – took part in a Character Award. Staff members were the six wheel-chair-bound students by for their first three years of high school Fuel Up To Play 60 Mini-Combine at each asked to nominate one student adapting three school buses to safely or who have been recognized as a Redskins Park. who exemplified some of the aspects and securely fit students’ chairs and National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, The Washington Redskins Chari- of RISE (respect, integrity, service or personal-wellness equipment. a National Achievement Scholar, or a table Foundation (WRCF) and Mid-At- excellence). Field trips are rare for this class National Hispanic Scholar. Through the lantic Dairy Association teamed up to The first award-winners were of students with multiple disabilities. years, 4,426 LCPS students have been host the event for 200 students inside presented with a ceremonial cupcake Students and their families were able honored at Excellence in Education the Redskins’ indoor practice facility. topped with a construction-paper to take a tour of the White House and (Continued on page 16) The students were led through four dif- Phoenix, the school’s mascot. ferent very active activities by a group November 24: “Diary of a Wimpy of Redskins players that included Kid” author Jeff Kinney shared his running backs Alfred Morris and Silas influences, inspirations and methods Redd Jr.; fullback Darrel Young; tight during surprise assemblies at Culbert end Niles Paul; linebacker Everette Elementary and Blue Ridge Middle Brown; cornerbacks Chase Minnifield School. and E.J. Biggers; safeties Akeem Davis Kinney’s appearances were ar- and Brandon Meriweather; long snap- ranged by his brother, Scott, who lives per Nick Sundberg; kicker Kai Forbath; in Purcellville. and punter Tress Way. His presence at the schools was November 19: Retired Loud- a surprise to the students. But the fact oun County Public Schools (LCPS) that he was around was announced Superintendent, Dr. Edgar B. Hatrick by the presence of a bus decorated III returned to Loudoun County High in honor of his latest book, “The Long School, his alma mater and location of Haul,” outside the school. his first teaching post, for the unveiling Kinney told students being a of a plaque presented in tribute to his children’s author wasn’t on his radar more than 47 years of service to LCPS growing up. His original goal was to and Loudoun County High School. be a newspaper cartoonist; inspired (Hatrick also served as the school’s by the classic comics from the 1950’s principal.) his father collected. (Kinney also liked November 21: Dogs climbing lad- newspaper comics such as “Calvin ders… and Hobbes” and “The Far Side.”) Hair dryers serving as a means of November 24: For those who propulsion… dread an influx of holiday company, Assembly line cup stacking… imagine preparing Thanksgiving dinner J. Michael Lunsford Middle School for 718 people. celebrated its annual STEM Day. 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 15 (Continued from page 15) While in London, 60 members of kind acts throughout the week. They “Boy were you wrong,” said the band program performed a concert were provided a checklist of activities, Hannah. banquets. (The first banquet, in 1983, at Cadogan Hall in London. Cadogan but could create their own good deeds A devoted Eagles fan, Hannah honored 18 students in the Fellowship Hall is home to the Royal Philharmonic as well. started tweeting Acho’s teammates Hall of Leesburg Baptist Church.) Orchestra and London Chamber Or- to get some help. Soon safety Mal- December 18: “Tell your lawyer chestra. colm Jenkins, guard Evan Mathis and the truth.” January 5: Eric Hornberger February quarterback Matt Barkley were helping That was one of the many (Ashburn District) was unanimously Hannah make her prom dream come sage bits of advice passed on at re-elected as chairman of the Loudoun February 9-13: Park View High true. “All the guys who would like to Douglass School’s first “Street Law County School Board. School set a record for Spirit Link get a good chuckle out of me at a high Day.” The reasoning behind this His election came during the donations. Park View began its Spirit school prom,” said Acho. advice: “If you send in your lawyer School Board’s annual organizational Link campaign in 1992 to raise money February 27: Surprises can be a without full knowledge, you’re meeting. for the Loudoun Chapter of the United good thing… hindering the only person who can Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge District) Way. In 24 years, the Patriots have …Unless they involve snakes. help you.” was unanimously re-elected as the raised a total of $71,653. Leesburg Elementary Principal Students asked a variety of board’s vice chairman. Hornberger and Until this year, the school record Angela Robinson discovered this the questions to 14 attorneys and one Turgeon have held those respective was $5,560 raised after the tragedy hard way. law enforcement official. The one law roles since the current School Board on September 11, 2001. This 14-year Throughout February, Leesburg’s enforcement official, Purcellville Police took office in January 2012. record was shattered this year when students read 150,000 minutes as part Chief Darryl Smith, was a student at January 9: Col. Paul Lockhart, Park View raised $7,500 during the of the “Fill Your Heart with Reading” Douglass between eighth and 11th a former NASA astronaut visited fourth five days of Spirit Week. The theme reading challenge. As a reward for grades when the secondary alternative grade students at Steuart Weller for Spirit Week was “Park View Has meeting their goal, Robinson said she school served as a high school. Elementary School. Heart.” would allow herself to be surprised in Some other legal observations His visit served as a culminating February 20: Here’s one of life’s front of the student body. made during the two-hour activity for the students’ study of earth great lessons: Never make a bet with a At the appointed hour, the princi- discussions: patterns, cycles and changes. Lock- teenage girl. pal was led blindfolded into the multi- Defense attorneys are not hart shared a video of one of his trips Especially when prom is on the purpose room and placed in a seat defending what their client did. They aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour line… on the stage. As she sat, Robinson merely want the state to prove its case. to the International Space Station Philadelphia Eagles linebacker allowed that there are only two things If a defendant is found guilty after a (ISS). Emmanuel Acho learned this the hard she’s afraid of: mice and snakes. vigorous defense, it means the system January 26-30: Little River El- way. Uh-oh… worked. ementary participated in the National Acho came to Woodgrove High Still blindfolded, Robinson was What do you do if you find a Great Kindness Challenge. Throughout School to formally ask junior Hannah instructed to hold out her hands. At satchel full of cash? Turn it in, it could the week, students were encouraged Delmonte to the school’s prom May that point, Becky Shore, the owner and be stolen. If it’s not stolen, it could be to perform as many acts of kindness 9th. How he got to that point is quite a director of Wildlife Ambassadors in yours in 30 days if left unclaimed. as possible. story. Purcellville, placed Jada, a Ball Python, Innocent people who end up At school, teachers shared It started when Hannah tweeted in Robinson’s grasp. incarcerated are very rare. What you books and facilitated conversations Acho asking him if he’d go to the prom The 500-plus students, who had see on TV doesn’t reflect reality. about ways to spread kindness as her date if she got 2,000 re-tweets been silent to that point, erupted in throughout our world. Writing of her request. laughter as Robinson squirmed. activities and creative posters were After reading it, Emmanuel Acho February 27: Loudoun Valley High January completed as class projects and decided to up the stakes. School held its eighth annual Partners displayed in hallways. At home, “I was like ‘She might get 2,000, Club Ball. January 1: The Broad Run High students were invited to participate in but if I say 10,000 there’s no way.’…It Partners Club promotes School Marching Spartans performed the Challenge by completing numerous never happens.” socialization between disabled and in the London New Year’s Day Parade. their non-disabled peers in order to The parade route passed famous his- facilitate friendships and positive torical sites including Piccadilly Circus, interactions. Active club members Trafalgar Square, Downing Street and from Woodgrove and Loudoun County culminated at Parliament Square. The high schools helped spread the word Marching Spartans entertained specta- to current high school students and tors at the grandstands with a per- alumni throughout the county. Twelve formance of Maroon 5’s “Moves Like high schools were represented by Jagger.” The London parade features more than 150 dancers. Many staff 10,000 performers from across the and family members also attended to world, hundreds of thousands of spec- support the fun. tators and a TV audience approaching (Continued on page 17) 300 million. 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 16 lcps.org (Continued from page 16) of the Loudoun community, including incorporated it into a mural facing and $200 in prizes were awarded. students, in need. the cafeteria. Among the featured The grand-prize-winning team The “Make a Difference Award” sites in the mural are the Settle-Dean of Zachary Hilberath and Isabella March recognizes Loudoun school-business Cabin, the Conklin Colored School Mehrotra designed a tuxedo with a partners and individuals who make a and Prosperity Baptist Church. There technology theme. The jacket was March 9: What’s the difference significant, lasting, positive difference are cows that roamed the pastures covered with computer keys, the between a dugong and an agama? in the lives of our children, our commu- and the hot-air balloons that roamed bow tie was made of different-colored At the 33rd Annual Loudoun Re- nity and our future through innovative the skies in the 1980’s. There’s also a wires, the belt buckle was a computer gional Spelling Bee it was 105 words programs, leadership and partnerships portrait of Jennie Dean, a freed slave mouse and the cuff links were and two hours and 44 minutes. benefitting Loudoun County Public and preacher who founded Prosperity batteries. Dugong was the first word spelled Schools. Baptist Church. March 26: Students and teachers by Wassim Bouhsane, a sixth-grader Mayes, the former president March 23: 200 students at Sully at Algonkian Elementary took a minute at Mercer Middle School. Agama was of Colorcraft of Virginia, is the fifth Elementary School will receive back- – literally a minute – to match wits and the final word spelled by Shiv Lamba, recipient of the J. Hamilton Lambert packs filled with healthy food each skills. Students won the right to take an eighth-grader at Loudoun Country Exemplary Leadership in Education weekend throughout the school year on the teachers in a “Minute to Win Day School, to claim the title as the and Community Service Award. through a Cigna Foundation grant to It” contest after earning 1,000 tickets county’s best speller. In between those March 14: Students and their Blessings in a Backpack. through the schools Positive Behav- words, 74 spellers spent 14 rounds families had an opportunity to be The national child hunger-relief ioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) determining who would represent Lou- immersed in STEM for an entire day non-profit will implement a three-year program. doun County at the Scripps National during Liberty Elementary’s fifth annual program as part of LCPS’ Backpack Among the bizarre games they Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. STEMmerday! Coalition Program. Backpack Coali- played were: March 12: The Loudoun Educa- Elementary STEM education, tion supports existing school programs Blowing cups off a table using tion Foundation honored the top artists which integrates concepts from sci- that provide food for hungry students only a straw. in the Class of 2015 at the Art Institute ence, technology, engineering and during the weekends and extended Tossing semi-full water bottles so of Washington-Dulles. mathematics into hands-on, student- breaks. that they would land upright. The $500 Purchase Award pre- directed activity, is a part of the daily The program at Sully kicked off Stacking dice on a Popsicle stick sented at the sixth annual Senior Art curriculum at Liberty. However, the ex- with an assembly for the school’s 500 held in one’s mouth. Show went to Abigail Lockhart of Lou- citement and fanfare of STEMmerday!, students in the multi-purpose room. Pulling Kleenex out of a box one doun Valley High School. Lockhart’s which included more than 30 different “This is a great way to start the day,” at a time and seeing who has the work, “Copy Cat” is a self-portrait with STEM activities, brings the community Sterling District School Board member larger pile at the end of a minute. her sister. “My younger sister always together to celebrate STEM in a big Brenda Sheridan told the students. Putting a pedometer on your head wants to copy me,” she said, “so my way. “Ensuring students are not hungry and jumping up and down in a game artwork reflected that.” March 19: It’s hard to imagine a will ensure that students are ready to called “Bobblehead.” Andy Pena, of Dominion High school that’s less than four years old learn.” Sliding animal crackers off your School, received second place. Her delving deep into its past. March 26: Farmwell Station forehead and into your mouth. concentration this year focused on But that’s what the History Club of Middle School hosted its third annual Knocking ping pong balls into a hands, so her artwork featured a fellow J. Michael Lunsford Middle School did. “Trashion” Show. bucket with flippers on your hands. artist’s hands colored with charcoal. The result is a mural of Conklin, The event is meant to highlight the Stacking Oreos on your forehead. Third place went to Saghar Shoaei the village that once occupied the spot importance of re-using and recycling Shaking gumballs between two of Broad Run High School. Her paint- Lunsford now occupies. materials, while showcasing student linked bottles. ing depicts her background as an Lunsford’s History Club creativity and smart fashion sense. March 27: Nine students enrolled Iranian, featuring her favorite colors researched Conklin’s history and Seventeen models walked the runway, in the CAMPUS program at Loudoun and patterns. County High School visited the Senior Honorable mention was awarded Center of Leesburg to assist seniors to Caroline McKinney. Her artwork is a in learning to navigate new, hand-held painting of her dog, Darby, illustrating technology. The students volunteered McKinney’s belief that “all dogs go to to work with the seniors in operat- heaven.” ing their personal iPads, iPhones and March 13: Donna Fortier and Jim Smartphones. Mayes received the top two awards – CAMPUS is an LCPS academic the Make a Difference and J. Hamil- and college-preparation program ton Lambert Exemplary Leadership designed to meet the specific needs Award, respectively – at the Loudoun of students from historically under- School-Business Partnership Recogni- represented populations in higher tion Breakfast Program at the National education and prospective first- Conference Center. generation college students. Fortier is the founder and CEO of (Continued on page 18) Mobile Hope, which serves members 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 17 (Continued from page 17) us,” said Rock Ridge Principal John championships for the Governor’s offered her the best experience of her Duellman in welcoming the visitors to Economics Challenge at Virginia Com- professional career. “I work here with his school. “Your families, your teach- monwealth University in Richmond. some of the best administrators I have April ers and communities have given us One of Freedom’s teams, com- ever had the pleasure to meet. Any one this unprecedented time together to peting in the David Ricardo Division, of them could win this award because April 7: It’s the rare United States allow us to, literally, change the world.” emerged as the state champion. The they are so terrific… senator that knows his way around a The Loudoun International Youth David Ricardo Division is for students “I love my school. I love my blow torch. Leadership Summit began during the who have completed the Introductory teachers. It’s an exceptional thing to Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) visited 2011-2012 school year at Dominion Economics course, but have not taken wake up every morning and be super Monroe Technology Center to take an High School. Students, inspired by Advanced Placement (AP) Economics. happy, no matter how tired you are… extended tour of the facility. Kaine’s fa- their experiences at the Asia Pacific Freedom’s Maddie Sugg, Rahul Adma- You’re just excited and happy to go ther, Albert, was a welder who owned Youth Leadership Summit, hosted by la, Joe Reeves and Owen McCafferty to work.” a small iron-working shop. During his the Hwa Chong Institution in Singa- finished first after defeating Buffalo Teacher of the Year Dawn Blevins visit, Kaine took some time to have an pore, were eager to create opportuni- Gap High School 16-4 in the finals. of Guilford Elementary spoke of the extended talk with Monroe welding in- ties for their classmates to expand April 17: The Loudoun Education passion that goes into teaching and structor Damon Putnam. He also took their perspectives on global issues and Foundation honored Loudoun’s the special place where she teaches. time to see what was cooking in Joy consider their roles as global citizens. Teacher of the Year, Principal of the “Good teaching is most often found Anderson’s culinary arts class and An- That year, Dominion High School Year and the nominees for the Agnes in the feeling, the mood and the tone drew Lincicome’s Computer Integrated hosted six delegations in the Dominion Meyer Award during a dinner at Bel- of the classroom. Guilford is a Title I Engineering & Design (CIED) class. International Youth Leadership Sum- mont Country Club. (Presented by The school that happens to have high pov- Kaine taught at a career and mit, the first student-initiated, student- Washington Post, the Agnes Meyer erty and a high ELL (English language technical center in Honduras during planned, student-facilitated summit of Award goes to Loudoun’s Teacher of learner) population. The bottom line is a year-long break from Harvard Law its kind in Loudoun County. Eager to the Year.) that these children want to learn and School. He said promoting career and expand the learning experiences cre- Loudoun County Public Schools their families want them to learn just technical education was one of his ated by the summit, Dominion part- (LCPS) Superintendent Dr. Eric Wil- like every other school in Loudoun primary focuses in the Senate. nered with neighboring schools. LCPS liams said the honorees brighten every County. Working with these families is April 10: Fourth-graders at high schools participating in this year’s aspect of their school community. “I truly an honor… Meadowland Elementary presented the event included Broad Run, Dominion, want to thank our honorees this eve- “It’s a school where going above culmination of their lobbying, fund- Freedom, Park View, Potomac Falls ning for never losing touch with why and beyond is just doing your job.” raising, research, analysis, exploration, and Rock Ridge. (they became educators). By doing April 22: The Tuscarora High creation of models and voting for the During the 10-day event students so, not only do you make a difference School team captured the champion- playground design that will officially held forums on topics such as “Access in the lives of young people, but you ship title at the 10th Annual Loudoun be built over the summer of 2015 by to Education” and “Eliminating Stereo- make a difference in the lives of your County Public Schools (LCPS) Battle the LCPS Construction Department. types”; visited Washington, D.C.; put colleagues in helping them stay con- of the Books in the Briar Woods High Following Virginia Standards of Learn- on cultural performances; and partici- nected when they see your shining School auditorium. ing (SOL) guidelines, the fourth grade pated in social events, such as a Glow enthusiasm.” During the final competition of teaching team led the students in a Dance. Principal of the Year Sherryl Loya the 2015 Battle of the Books, six research, development and design April 17: Students from Freedom of Farmwell Station Middle School, a teams from LCPS high schools process. High School attended the state Texas transplant, said Loudoun has competed by answering questions April 11: Harmony Middle about the 10 selected books. To School’s “Bunsen Burner Beauties” prepare for the battle, student teams travelled to Foxcroft School for the jointly read the selected books, drafted K2M STEM Summit for Middle School practice questions and practiced Girls. mock battles while drawing upon their Lizzie Clark, Calle Junker, Grace shared love of reading. Kostal and Shelby Kostal, led by Tuscarora’s team led throughout coach Wendy Ricci, took first place the entire five rounds of the competi- overall amongst approximately 20 tion. The 2015 Battle of the Books final teams, scoring highest in two of the six scores were: events. Tuscarora High School: 530 April 13: Sixty-five delegates Briar Woods High School: 460 representing 13 overseas schools were Woodgrove High School: 455 welcomed to the Loudoun Youth Lead- Freedom High School: 450 ership Summit at Rock Ridge High Potomac Falls High School: 430 School. Stone Bridge High School: 400 “This is an incredible gift of unin- (Continued on page 21) terrupted study and growth for all of 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 18 lcps.org Record 47 LCPS Schools Building Usage Receive Energy Star Who Uses the Certification Schools? Besides LCPS students, Loudoun County’s Department A record 47 Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) buildings have been awarded the 2014 of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, churches, ENERGY STAR label by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). homeowners associations, PTA’s and PTO’s, youth and ENERGY STAR is the national, official symbol of energy efficiency in America. A building that adult sports leagues, the YMCA, 4-H, adult education earns an ENERGY STAR award uses less energy than 75 percent of similar buildings in the U.S. classes, civic organizations and the Boy and Girl Scouts use Department of Energy’s Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey. the interior facilities and athletic fields of the public schools. The attainment of the ENERGY STAR awards is the result of work by the LCPS Support Servic- es Department and its Energy Education Program. The number of LCPS ENERGY STAR buildings Some facts about building use: has grown from seven in 2008 to its current number. In addition to the ENERGY STAR designations, LCPS received Premier Membership in the • 2,248 facility use requests were processed EPA’s Certification Nation program. Certification Nation honors private and public entities that have during the 2014-2015 school year. achieved high ENERGY STAR participation as part of ENERGY STAR’s 15th anniversary. To achieve Premier status, a company or government agency must have 15 or more ENERGY STAR buildings. • 66 schools operated as polling places for Since 1999, more than 24,000 buildings have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR. (LCPS has 58 buildings general, primary, town and special elections. that have achieved this status.) LCPS buildings that have received 2014 ENERGY STAR recognition (with previous years of • 13 elementary and middle schools served as recognition) include: sites for Loudoun County’s before- and Arcola Elementary- 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 after-school programs. Ashburn Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012 Ball’s Bluff Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 • 62 school gymnasiums were used by Belmont Station Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 community groups for recreational basketball, Buffalo Trail Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012 volleyball and other indoor activities. Rosa Lee Carter Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Cedar Lane Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 • 56 school athletic fields were used for John Champe High School - 2014 community recreational programs. Cool Spring Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Kenneth Culbert Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 • 48 churches utilized LCPS facilities. Dominion High School - 2014, 2013 Dominion Trail Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 Douglass Elementary - 2014 Emerick Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Evergreen Mill Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010 8 Schools Earn Forest Grove Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 Freedom High School - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Honor Band Guilford Elementary - 2014, 2013 Hamilton Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Distinction Hillsboro Elementary - 2014 Hillside Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Eight LCPS high school band programs received the Horizon Elementary - 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010 designation Virginia State Honor Band during the 2014-15 Hutchison Farm Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 school year. Leesburg Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 In order to do this, a band must display a superior Liberty Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 performance in both marching band and concert band. This Lincoln Elementary - 2014 is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a program Little River Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 in Virginia. Lovettsville Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 Following are the schools that earned this honor: Lowes Island Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008 • John Champe • Rock Ridge Lucketts Elementary - 2014 • Freedom • Stone Bridge Meadowland Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 • Loudoun County HS • Tuscarora Middleburg Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 • Potomac Falls • Woodgrove Mountain View Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Newton-Lee Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009 Pinebrook Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Potowmack Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Round Hill Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010 Sanders Corner Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009 Seldens Landing Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Sterling Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2011 Sully Elementary - 2014, 2013 Sycolin Creek Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Tolbert Elementary - 2014, 2013 Tuscarora High School - 2014, 2013, 2012 Waterford Elementary - 2014 Steuart Weller Elementary - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Woodgrove High School - 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 19 Minority Student Achievement School Board Advisory Committee Elections MSAAC believes “All students can learn and succeed, but not on the same day, or not in the same way” – William Spady

November 3rd The Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) is dedi- All seats for the Loudoun County School Board are up for election on cated to work in partnership with the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), Tuesday, November 3rd. Those elected will serve a four-year term beginning parents and the community to further the academic, social and cultural devel- January 1, 2016. opment of every student and to ensure that the needs of all minority students Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. are met. The committee was created to serve in an advisory capacity to the Loudoun County School Board, with a primary focus, to encourage and advo- Following are the candidates who are seeking election: cate for the development of school cultures of all students – especially those reflecting the growing diverse, multi-cultural background – are afforded the At-Large (elected county-wide) Catoctin District opportunity and resources to achieve and feel welcomed in their learning com- Beth A. Huck Eric J. DeKenipp munity. MSAAC supports School Board, staff initiatives, and parent efforts to Stephan F. Knoblock Dusty Sparrow Reed ensure that our school community becomes culturally competent to ensure fair and equitable instruction to all LCPS students. Algonkian District Dulles District Ryan A. Myers Jeffrey E. Morse* Debbie K. Rose* Kenya Amira Savage MSAAC GOALS: • Provide a forum of safe and respectable communication between Ashburn District Leesburg District parents, teachers and administrators. Eric D. Hornberger* William D. “Bill” Fox* • Assist parents and educators to collectively understand the importance Tom C. Marshall of nurturing a climate of cultural sensitivity in an academic/social Blue Ridge District Nels A. Pearsall environment that is increasing in diversity each year. Jill A. Turgeon* • Help parents and teachers recognize, honor and teach to those Sterling District differences. Broad Run District Brenda L. Sheridan* • Help cultivate an equitable educational experience for all students Kevin J. Kuesters* that will positively impact achievement gaps. Joy R. Maloney *Incumbent • Increase school participation/accountability by ensuring each LCPS school has an active delegate to represent their student body needs. In-Person Voter Registration Deadline: 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 13. (Registrar’s office closed Columbus Day, Monday, October 12.) All general MSAAC meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the third By-Mail Voter Registration Deadline: Postmarked no later than October 13. 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 or to find out how you can become involved with MSAAC, please contact: Executive Committee: Chairperson MSAAC Staff Liaisons: Zerell S. Johnson-Welch Assistant Superintendent of [email protected] Instruction

Vice Chairperson Wendall Fisher Increase in local funding for the School Board’s proposed Position open Supervisor of Outreach Programs 571-252-1460 budget. The FY16 budget would be $982.1 million Secretary [email protected] compared to the current budget of $912 million. Robin Burke [email protected]

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 20 lcps.org (Continued from page 18) included members and officers of the Elementary, thought she was going to The Teacher Cadet Program, Global Ambassadors Club at their an SOL pep rally. first proposed by LCPS Director April 23: Books for Benghazi, a respective high schools. Students se- Things certainly got peppy where of Career and Technical Education campaign spearheaded by Farmwell lected to attend this ceremony played she was concerned. Shirley L. Bazdar, is in its 13th Station Middle School reading special- an integral part in coordinating the A few minutes into the year of operation after its beginnings ist Lisa Brunson and English language 2015 International Leadership Sum- assembly she was named one of at Park View and Potomac Falls high learner (ELL) teacher Shahrazad mit through which students from 11 eight 2015 Virginia Lottery Super schools with 34 students in 2002. In Kablan, concluded with the collec- countries visited six Loudoun County Teacher Award winners. A look of 2015, the Teacher Cadet Program tion of 2,400 books to be donated to high schools for 10 days. The students shock shot over Christie’s face as trained 150 future teachers in 13 students in Benghazi, Libya, and a visit left Dominion High School at 5 a.m. for Paula Otto, the executive director of LCPS high schools. from the charge d’affairs (ambassador) this exciting event. the Virginia Lottery, announced Christie LCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric of the Libyan Embassy in Washington, During the full pomp diplomatic had won a $2,000 cash prize and a Williams welcomed the teacher cadets, D.C. ceremony, some of the students $2,000 cash credit from The Supply their families and friends. “To those Libyan Ambassador Wafa received the opportunity to shake the Room Companies. of you who are being honored here Bugaighis visited Farmwell Station to hands of both President Obama and May 13: A Park View High School today…I want to commend you for accept the books for the students in Prime Minister Abe. graduate and former English language your participation in this program. Lou- her country and to thank the Farmwell April 30: The annual Loudoun learner (ELL) student returned to read doun literally rolls out the red carpet students for their efforts. County Middle School Battle of the the children’s book she recently for new teachers. Last August at the April 24-25: The Loudoun Valley Books took place at Trailside Middle authored to a pre-school class in the New Employee Orientation, as a new High School Debate Team won the Vir- School. school’s library. superintendent, I asked the teachers ginia High School League (VHSL) state The teams competing were Children’s book author Aditi Verma present, who had graduated from Lou- championship at Liberty University. Trailside, Eagle Ridge, Stone Hill and graduated from Park View High School doun County Public Schools? I was This competition encompassed Harmony middle schools. Harmony in 1997 and, as a recent immigrant pleased to see that more than a dozen groups 1, 2 and 3A. Middle School won the final competi- from India, studied as an ELL student were LCPS graduates.” This is the team’s second state tion after winning a regional competi- while a student there. May 22: Students from Cardinal championship; it also won last year. tion against Blue Ridge and Simpson Verma accepted an invitation to Ridge, Lovettsville, Lucketts and Their specialty is Lincoln Douglas and middle schools. This is Harmony’s first return to her alma mater to encour- Potowmack elementary schools Public Forum debate. Their coach is year competing in Battle of the Books. age current ELL students and read her took part in a Fuel Up to Play 60 Julie Hildbold who teaches English at The finals scores were Harmony book, “Sal, Let’s Help,” to a classroom Mini-Combine in the indoor practice Loudoun Valley. (575 points), Stone Hill (540 points), of pre-schoolers and their high school facility at Redskins Park. The event Team members and their standing Eagle Ridge (480 points) and Trailside teacher cadet and teacher assistants. was sponsored by the Redskins at states include: (475 points). (“Sal, Let’s Help” tells the story of Charitable Foundation and the Samuel Burridge, sophomore, This competition is based on stu- Sal Greene, who likes to help around Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. Lincoln Douglas, first place dents answering questions on selected the house. When there’s a chore Sal Students worked out with mem- Ariel Santikarma, sophomore, books. doesn’t like, his mother finds a way to bers of the Redskins’ 2015 draft class, Public Forum, third place make it fun.) including No. 1 pick Brandon Scherff. Isabella Tucker, sophomore, Public May 22: The Loudoun County Together, they tackled an obstacle Forum, third place May Public Schools Teacher Cadet Pro- course, a hip-hop exercise session, a Noah Mussmon, senior, captain, gram Class of 2015 was honored in the shuttle run and a nutrition/calisthenics Public Forum, first place May 11: Sara Christie, a first grade School Board Meeting Room of the station. Ian Gallagher, senior, captain, teacher at Creighton’s Corner LCPS Administrative Offices. May 27: The 2015 CAMPUS Public Forum, first place Senior Celebration honored the The team has been expertly academic achievements of 101 coached by captains Mussmon and seniors who make up the organiza- Gallagher. tion’s Class of 2015. CAMPUS is an April 28: 21 students from four academic and college-preparation Loudoun County high schools, Domin- program designed to meet the specific ion, Broad Run, Park View and Rock needs of students from historically Ridge, had the opportunity to join Presi- under-represented populations in dent Obama and First Lady Michelle higher education and prospective Obama for the Official Arrival Ceremony first-generation college students at- of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo tending LCPS high schools. In 2002, Abe, and his wife, Akie Abe, on the CAMPUS began with an enrollment of South Lawn of the White House. 36 students. In 2015, CAMPUS served The students were official more than 500 students throughout the guests of the federal Department of school division. Education. The participating students (Continued on page 22) 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 21 (Continued from page 21) M. Kearney; and Blue Ridge Middle The second-graders donated the Fifth-graders disabling the drones’ School counselor Maureen M. Sullivan- fruits of their labor – $800 – to the guidance systems. May 28: Twenty-five years Burns. Dulles South Food Pantry at a cer- What exactly was going on at from now, students and staff at emony attended by kindergartners and Liberty Elementary? John Champe High School will get a first- and second-graders. Well, first of all a lot of learning look into the culture of the school’s June Food Bank President Charlene and fun. founders. These insights will come Jones said the money would be put to Three representatives of Emerging courtesy of a time capsule buried June 2: The Steuart Weller work that very night, helping to feed 65 Technology Advisors (ETA) – co-found- under a hundred-pound granite slab Elementary community captured families (approximately 200 people). ers Glynn LoPresti and Chris Williams near the flagpoles at the front of the the most-participants title in the first “We help people through rough times and software engineer Linda Nichols school. Draft Day Dash on May 2nd at FedEx because we don’t want anybody to be – recently introduced Liberty’s fifth- Students who collected the Field. That earned Weller a $10,000 hungry.” graders to the wonders of unmanned memorabilia to be placed in the check from the Washington Redskins Del. David Ramadan (87th District) flight. time capsule gathered in Charitable Foundation at school-wide extended the students’ generosity; giv- The trio used quadcopters Champe’s library to view the items assemblies. ing a 50 percent match – that’s $400 (miniature drones with four rotating to be saved in their last appearance A really big check… for those doing the math – to the food propellers) to demonstrate an emerg- for the next quarter century. Among Redskin punter Tress Way pre- bank. ing technology students may use in the the items in the capsule were the sented students who participated June 3: The Farmwell Station Mid- future. First, they disabled the manual original Champe T-shirt, a ceremonial in the Dash with a check as big as dle School Young Entrepreneurs Club, controls so that students would have ribbon from the school’s opening, Weller’s effort. He also gave them a bit under the sponsorship of business to fly the drones using a computer pro- homecoming tickets and staff photos. of advice on how to redeem it; “You education teacher David Stephenson, gram. Next the students programmed The most personalized item will be a have to cash it at the really big bank.” gathered in a computer lab to present the drones to fly through an obstacle photo album featuring pictures taken June 3: Bling is the thing that a check for $1,300 to the Loudoun Ani- course in the school’s multi-purpose by Champe students transmitted drives the economy of Liberty Elemen- mal Services’ Animal Trust Fund. room (some free-style flying also was through Twitter. tary. The Young Entrepreneurs raised done). May 28: Two of the newest mem- Second-graders made “backpack the money by managing concessions The flights culminated two days bers of the Loudoun County Public bling” as a way to learn the principles at the Farmwell Station spring musi- in which the students were introduced Schools family honored some of its of economics. (The bling consists of cal and the Trash to Treasure Fashion to drones, 3D printing, 3D design and veteran members. metal bottle caps with pictures cov- Show. programming. LoPresti, a longtime “I am appropriately awed and I am ered in plastic inserted in them. The June 5: Fifth-graders and Loudoun resident, said this course of pleased to join you in this ceremony,” bottle caps then are affixed to back- drones… instruction is usually offered in high LCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams packs to give them a little extra flair.) At first that would seem like a school, but that Liberty’s fifth-graders told the participants at the 2014-15 Altogether, the second-graders recipe for disaster. took to it naturally. Service Awards, which honor employ- produced 1,700 pieces of bling in 123 But wait… June 5: Students at Legacy ees with 25 or more years of experi- varieties. Elementary learned one of life’s se- ence, at Rock Ridge High School. The crets; there’s a real person behind the event honored 83 LCPS employees cartoon characters they see on TV; at with a total of 2,375 years of service. least where the character’s voice is (Williams and Rock Ridge are finishing concerned. their first year with the school division.) They learned this through Rodger Of those honored, 43 had 25 years Bumpass, the voice of Squidward of service; 26, 30 years of service; (among others) on the ever-popular nine, 35 years of service; four, 40 years “SpongeBob Square Pants.” of service; and one, Sandra R. Dennis, Former Legacy parent Mark 45 years of service. Dennis began Maxey brought Bumpass by working for LCPS as a bus driver in the school just in time to kick off December 1970. In the 45 years since, Legacy’s field day. After doing she has served as a clerk/dispatcher, some school-wide announcements – maintenance controller and information as Squidward – Bumpass went specialist, all for the Department of up and down the hallways doing Support Services. his famous voice and giving out The four 40-year employees some insider information on “Sponge- included Susan K. Blissert, the librar- Bob.” (Yes, there are new shows ian at Aldie and Hamilton elementary coming up and, yes, they will be schools; Karen M. Elliott, a STEP funny.) teacher at Rolling Ridge Elementary; (Continued on page 23) Director of Special Education Mary 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 22 lcps.org Teacher of the Year Past winners of The Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award for Loudoun County (this also serves as Loudoun County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year Award):

Linda P. Sheffield, Loudoun County High School (1984) Fritz J. Scholz III, Loudoun County High School (1985) Shirley G. Lynn, Elementary Gifted Program (1986) Harold D. Berry, C.S. Monroe Technology Center (1987) Margaret W. Vaughan, Loudoun Valley High School (1988) Elizabeth R. Doerken, Sully Elementary (1989) (Continued from page 22) ceremony at George Mason Univer- Edith J. Middleton, Loudoun County High School (1990) sity’s Patriot Center. Smith began Everett W. Sutphin, C.S. Monroe Technology Center (1991) June 10: The Purcellville Town teaching family and consumer sci- Dean T. Drewyer, Loudoun Valley High School (1992) Council declares Blue Ridge National ence at Loudoun Valley High School Science Day. in 1977 before coming to Park View Richard T. Gillespie, Loudoun Valley High School (1993) Mayor Kwasi Fraser and members in 1979. She has been the Patriots’ Mary V. Young, Loudoun County High School (1994) of the Town Council signed a proc- school activity coordinator since 1991 Mary Carol Elgin, C.S. Monroe Technology Center (1995) lamation designating this holiday to and helped found Loudoun’s Teacher Lee Daniel Kent, Loudoun County High School (1996) honor a team of 13 Blue Ridge Middle Cadet Program in 2002. Laura L. West, Meadowland Elementary (1997) School seventh grade science stu- She talked about the emotion Ann S. Haring, Farmwell Station Middle School (1998) dents for placing 11th in the National that goes with watching her students Elizabeth “Lyle” Skarzinski, Loudoun Valley High School (1999) Science League. The competition graduate; something she’s done 37 Lora A. Buckman, Meadowland Elementary (2000) consisted of a rigorous test with 50 times at Park View. “I take great pride Betty Hill Rankin, Sterling Middle School (2001) questions in the areas of earth science, in being in a profession that experi- physical science and chemistry. ences that sense of accomplishment Ronald W. Richards, Broad Run High School (2002) Team member Justin Zhang had every year… Rachel P. Newell, Hillside Elementary (2003) the highest score in the country. Blue “Something that I like about today Douglas M. Dillon, Harper Park Middle School (2004) Ridge Middle competed against other is that we are all equal. It’s an equal Victoria L. Lascomb, Evergreen Mill Elementary (2005) seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders playing field. Everyone who walks Elizabeth N. Korte, Stone Bridge High School (2006) across the nation. across this stage can make choices Sue Ann Gleason, Cedar Lane Elementary (2007) Team members included Justin on the path they take…No one is more Patricia Herr, Smart’s Mill Middle School (2008) Zhang, Ronan Tegerdine, Alexis Ed- superior; today everyone matters.” Jim Jenkins, Mountain View Elementary (2009) dinger, Lorien Kelso, Wyatt Marvil, June 14: Broad Run High School Rhonda Alley, Douglass School (2010) Caitlin McCabe, Will Oppenhimer, valedictorian Kiranpreet Kaur noted Johnathan Grossi, Kelsey Blake, Alisa the true nature of graduation during Kenneth David Keller, Stone Bridge High School (2011) Geise, Elyse Ricafort, Emily Simpson the Spartans’ graduation ceremony Andrea Schlegel, Heritage High School (2012) and Stone Zhang. at George Mason University’s Patriot Lisa Roth, Dominion Trail Elementary (2013) June 14: Dominion High School Center. “Graduation is only a concept. Allison Alison, Stone Bridge High School (2014) held its 11th commencement exercises In real life, you graduate every day. Dawn Blevins, Guilford Elementary (2015) in the school’s gymnasium and audito- Graduation is a process that goes on rium. until the last day of your life. If you can “During our short four years grasp that, you can make a differ- together we have been pleased to ence.” Principal of the Year observe your extraordinary personal June 15: Principal Ed Starzenski growth, while collecting overwhelming looked far into the future at the com- Past winners of The Washington Post evidence that suggests you are the mencement exercises for Briar Woods Distinguished Educational Leadership most accomplished graduating class High School at George Mason Univer- to leave your mark on Titan Territory,” sity’s Patriot Center. “In 40 years, Briar Award for Loudoun County include: said Principal Dr. John Brewer. “… Woods High School will be celebrating Mary Lee Phelps (1986) Nancy E. McManus (2001) Please remember that the greatest its 50th anniversary and you’re going achievements of an extraordinary life to be about 58. You’re going to be Bernice M. Nicewicz (1987) Dr. Virginia M. Minshew (2002) are almost always found within the invited to come back. I’m going to be a William L. Whitmore Jr. (1988) Dr. Edgar T. Markley (2003) selfless service on behalf of others hundred and three. I intend to be there; Frances R. Fera (1989) Dr. Susan P. Browning (2004) who are more vulnerable than you are,” if not in body, then certainly in spirit.” Terrence W. Hill (1990) Dr. Jack Robinson (2005) Brewer added. “Titans in the Class of June 15: Stone Bridge Social Dennis A. Young (1991) Margaret Huckaby (2006) 2015 may you lead a life of extraordi- Science Department Chair Brian Miller Kenneth W. Culbert (1992) Eric L. Stewart (2007) nary significance…we are very proud left the Class of 2015 with a wish dur- Michael A. Megeath (1993) Paul Vickers (2009) of you.” ing their commencement ceremony Ronald E. Dyer (1994) Dr. John Brewer (2010) June 14: When Pam Smith was at George Mason University’s Patriot James E. Person (1996) Timothy J. Flynn (2011) given the assignment to give Park Center. View’s 2015 commencement address, Love life. Mary B. Morris (1997) James Dallas (2012) she knew exactly what she had to do. “If you don’t love life, then aca- Wayne C. Mills (1998) Janet Platenberg (2013) “I did what all good teachers do: I demic achievement and potential are Charles J. Haydt (1999) Andrew Davis (2014) made a lesson plan.” of no value. It’s the little things in life Laurie C. McDonald (2000) Sherryl Loya (2015) Smith ended a 40-year career in *No award was presented in 1995 or 2008. education (virtually all of it in Loudoun (Continued on page 24) County) with Park View’s graduation 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 23 (Continued from page 23) “Maintain a sense of wonder… June 17: Sometimes graduation oddly fitting. We are currently at a “Always take part in charitable requires a trip to the attic. jumping-off point. We are packing up that really matter. Walking across the endeavors. By doing this, you’ll learn That was the case for Virginia At- our bags, saying our goodbyes and stage tonight is a milestone, it’s some- to be selfless and, at the same time, torney General Mark Herring, who dug going our separate ways… thing you should be proud of. Howev- have a heightened awareness of your out his varsity tennis letter and gradu- “Success comes to those who er, I hope you leave Stone Bridge with true and best self… ation cap for Loudoun Valley High strive for it. Find that passion, that more than just a piece of paper. “Have a foolish dream and invest School’s commencement exercises in thing that excites you most in this “It is my sense that you will be yourself fully in it… foolish dreamers all Leonard Stadium. “The Class of ’79 is world and then go for it. Strive for able to leave with a sense of who you have one thing in common; a passion doin’ fine!” Herring said as he held his success.” are and an understanding that you are for what they do.” tasseled cap aloft. June 18: Potomac Falls High more than just a number. Moreover, Byard concluded his remarks with June 18: Chris Consaul’s senior School held its 2015 commencement I hope you leave Stone Bridge that, a suggestion on how to deal with life’s address at Potomac Falls High School’s exercises in the school’s football while knowing times are tough, it is still pitfalls. “All situations in life do not commencement exercises centered on stadium. possible to love life.” have a Hollywood ending. Trust your a theme familiar to every Wolverine. Potomac Falls High School June 16: Sanders Corner Elemen- heart. Always trust your heart.” “I will be focusing this speech on business teacher Ryan Khatcheressian tary honored a former student during June 17: Loudoun County High just three words: work, honor, strive. gave the address to the graduating its fifth grade promotion ceremony. School Principal Dr. Michelle L. Luttrell Three simple words that have been seniors. He pointed out to the Joshua Justin attended Sanders ended her first year as principal with said by (Principal Sam) Shipp over the class that their first day of high Corner Elementary from first grade commencement exercises on the front morning announcements more times school was also his first day at through early December of this school lawn of the high school. than any of us could count. Three Potomac Falls as well as his first year as a fifth-grader. Joshua passed “I want you to know how honored words that have been said so often day as a teacher. “Like you, I was away during the winter break. and proud I am to have been your they can just sound like noise. Work, nervous. I was in the midst of a career The Fifth Grade Promotion Com- principal this year. You have made honor, strive, work, honor, strive…Is it change, unsure and excited about mittee, led by Jen Cramer and Toni my first year at County and your final just a catchy refrain, or do these three what was in store. I remembered Hansen, teamed up with Marcus year of high school memorable. I have words really have relevance to us? asking myself that first day, ‘Did I make Sattler, den leader for Cub Scout Pack learned in my brief time with you, that Well, I believe they do.” a mistake?’ The answer is absolutely, 1154 out of Ashburn, to come up with you are a class that possesses creativ- Consaul then elaborated on this ‘No.’ I have never looked back.” a “Buddy Bench” in honor of Joshua. ity, confidence in self, a strong sense thought. June 18: “Respect, service, Students who need a buddy can sit of purpose, service, spirit, athleticism, “You are all sitting here because integrity and excellence have been the at this bench and wait for one of their intellect and the courage to ask inter- of the hard work you did over the past character traits of this class,” Tuscaro- classmates to invite them to play. This esting questions of your leadership. four years… ra High School Principal Pamela Croft was one of the qualities that Joshua “You are amazing individuals and “Honor means more than not tells her graduates. “You genuinely demonstrated, even as a young boy; an outstanding group of young men cheating on a test. It means being able care about each other. I have watched the need to make sure that all students and women. It is my hope that we have to live with integrity. It means being you place the needs of others in front were included. been able to help each of you achieve able to admit when you’ve made a of yourselves. These are the character June 16: Freedom High School your goals, celebrate and appreciate mistake. But don’t worry, making traits that will make you successful in salutatorian Joseph Yong Jin Kim had your successes and inspire you to mistakes only reassures that you are life. some words of wisdom during com- never settle or compromise the things still human; just like everyone else. “RISE…respect, integrity, service mencement exercises for Freedom and ideas you believe deeply in, for “The final letter in the WHS acro- and excellence…please carry that with High School at George Mason Univer- anyone or any situation.” nym stands for strive, which seems you. I am so proud…so honored…so sity’s Patriot Center. humbled to have served as your princi- “We have an entire community pal.” vested in our success and our futures, June 18: John Champe High who have helped get us to this point. School celebrated the school’s second Most people in this world will never graduation in the Champe gymnasium. have the chance to even pursue an Champe Principal John Gabriel education to such a degree and with had some special words for the class so much support (that) so many of of 2015. “I learned that some seniors us take for granted; all of these good felt like the middle child; that you were things that are only available because not the first to graduate from JCHS, of the investments made by our com- you were not the first class to be here munity.” all four years …Indeed, you were not a June 16: LCPS Public Information part of those hallmarks, but the point Officer Wayde Byard had some tips you are missing, and the point I want for the Heritage High School Class of you to leave here today knowing, is 2015 during commencement exercises how much I have genuinely enjoyed in the school’s gym. this class.” ■ 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 24 lcps.org Loudoun Education All Eligible LCPS Alliance of Parents (LEAP) Schools Rated by The Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents (LEAP) is a non-partisan network that promotes interaction between parents, teachers, School Board members Challenge Index and members of the Loudoun County Public Schools administrative team. LEAP All 12 eligible Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) high schools meetings provide a forum for the discussion and sharing of common educational have been rated among the best in the nation by The Washington Post’s concerns and ideas. Challenge Index. LEAP meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the School America’s Most Challenging High Schools ranks schools through an Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn. The first meeting of index invented by Washington Post education columnist Jay Mathews. the 2015-2016 school year will be on Wednesday, September 9. Each two-hour The index formula is a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement, program features a panel discussion on topics of interest to parents and members International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of of the community-at-large and an update from LCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Wil- Education tests given at a school in 2014, divided by the number of liams. graduates that year. Each LCPS school elects two delegates from its PTA or PTO to attend LEAP The list encompasses more than 2,300 schools nationwide. meetings. In addition, the meetings are open to all parents of LCPS students and The two newest LCPS high schools, John Champe and Rock Ridge, members of the public. are not yet eligible to be ranked by the Challenge Index. LEAP was founded in 1989 with former 20th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Following are the LCPS high schools and their Challenge Index Thomas D. Horne serving as its first president. rankings: Following is a list of the LEAP officers for the 2015-2016 school year: • President: Rennea Butler Briar Woods (298) Loudoun Valley (456) • Vice President Communications/Secretary: Phil Lo Presti Broad Run (632) Park View (1,584) • Vice President Programs: Eileen Altenburger • Treasurer: Juana Kazmierczak Dominion (412) Potomac Falls (620) • Secretary: Melissa Ganz Freedom (999) Stone Bridge (564) • Past President: Maura Walsh-Copeland Heritage (1,236) Tuscarora (1,034) The 2015-2016 LEAP meeting schedule and the topics that will be discussed are Loudoun County (566) Woodgrove (534) as follows: • September 9: “Meet the Candidates,” School Board Candidate Forum • October 14: “Can You Hear Me Now?” Communicating with Your Child’s School Cost Per Pupil • November 11: “The Future Is Now,” College and Beyond Following is the average cost per pupil for a Loudoun • December 9: “Building a Strong Team,” Teacher Diversity County Public Schools student from the 2007-2008 • January 13: “To Your Health,” Student Nutrition and Physical Education school year through 2015-16. The formula for determining these costs is used by the Washington Area Boards of • February 3: “Let’s Get Together,” Joint LEAP/MSAAC/SEAC Meeting Education (WABE). (snow date February 17) 2007-2008: $12,751 • March 9: “Beyond the Transcript,” LCPS Guidance Counseling 2008-2009: $12,780 • April 13: “BYOT,” One to the World and Student Technology • May 11: “LEAP Ahead,” Town Hall Meeting or Make-Up Meeting 2009-2010: $11,997 2010-2011: $10,883 2011-2012: $11,014 2012-2013: $11,770 2013-2014: $11,638 2014-2015: $12,195 2015-2016: $12,700

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 25 The Last Patriot Walker Last of Original Park View Faculty to Leave

“You’re not dead!” involvement into their life. That means That’s always good to hear. the staff has to take on a different role A jogger was running past Park for their students. View High School recently when he “We have kids who maybe don’t saw Beth Walker standing next to a have parents at home all the time, who ceremonial plaque with her name and don’t have food to eat, who don’t have image on it near the school’s softball clothing and people to take care of field. The man had seen the plaque them. Every school has got its issues, before and assumed it was a memorial ours is just a little different... to a departed staffer. “It’s tough to be mom and dad to Walker has departed, but only them outside of the day. We can only through retirement. do so much for them between 9 and When she retired on June 30th, 4. Then they leave; they have jobs at Walker became the last member of home, they have jobs outside, they Park View’s inaugural faculty to leave take care of younger siblings and I the ranks. (The school opened in think people looked at us more and 1976.) more to pick up the parenting… That Walker didn’t intend to stay became very difficult. We do a lot of anywhere near 39 years when she outreach programs here. We try to joined Park View’s staff straight out of make sure our kids have meals and college. “I was going to be here three some kind of support system in place years, just until I paid off my college when their own parents cannot do loans. I had a state teacher’s loan that that… A lot of the parents of these kids was good for three years. Once I paid work two jobs, so they’re not home that off, I was out of here. I was movin’ in the evenings. I could see our staff on. I had a plan; three years and becoming very connected to the kids movin’ on.” because they sometimes took on the Pay was a big reason Walker role of the parent. Not just in educa- didn’t see herself staying around. Her tion; they took on the role of advising initial contract was for $8,900 per year. them on personal issues. It was just a Money was very, very tight. “My mom very challenging situation and contin- used to make my lunch and I’d drive ues to be.” by the house and pick it up. I couldn’t Walker dismisses those who dis- even afford to buy lunch at school.” miss Park View because of its demo- To make ends meet, Walker worked graphics. at a jewelry store in Tyson’s Corner for “They’ve never been here. The a decade; Monday, Wednesday and people who often say that are the Saturday and one Sunday a month. people who don’t come in and walk “Almost everybody worked a sec- the halls and see our kids, see our ond job.” teachers busting their butts every day Something changed Walker’s with these kids, see an administration plans, however. “The three-year plan that’s structured to put the best educa- pretty much ended after three years. I tion we can every day out there for decided I liked it. I liked teaching.” these kids.” She also liked the feeling of family Walker’s coaching career also is a that developed among Park View’s fac- severe study in contrasts. ulty. When Park View opened, physical This year, Loudoun County Public education coaches had to coach two Schools (LCPS) will open its 15th high on her career and life in “The Park,” Demographically, Park View is an varsity sports. Softball came natu- school (Riverside). It’s hard to believe she can say a lot has changed while entirely different school than the one rally to Walker, who was a standout in that after Park View opened, it was 21 much has remained the same. Walker came to in 1976. Then, it was that sport at Broad Run. Her second years before Loudoun opened another “We moved here because it was almost all white and middle class. “We sport… high school (Potomac Falls). “A lot an affordable living environment, which had a lot of parent involvement. It was Walker became an assistant girls’ of the friends I made when I was first is what it is now; that never changed… a total community buy-in at that point. soccer coach, even though she’d teaching, I’m friends with now because “The diversity is, obviously, the I don’t remember us having any wor- never played – or even seen – the we all stayed here for 20 years before biggest change. I live here in the Park ries about anything.” sport. Softball at Park View also was a anything else opened up.” and I like it. I like it not all being the Park View is now 80 percent little different than the version played Walker became a legendary soft- same and learning different cultures diverse with 63 percent of the students today. ball coach for the Patriots, posting a and having access to different people. being classified as economically disad- Bases were placed 40 feet down 354-156-1 record between 1976 and That’s why I’ve liked Park View over vantaged. “No two days are the same. the line on the boys’ baseball field. 2003 while winning three state champi- the years. It changed, but it was al- The challenges are different than you That meant the baseball pitching onships. She also transitioned from ways full of people who wanted to get find in any other school in the county.” mound became a defensive hazard being a health and physical education a good education, parents who wanted Helicopter parents aren’t some- with fielders climbing up and down it teacher to being a technology resource their kids to get a good education, thing you’ll see at Park View. Walker to catch fly balls. If it was time for the teacher (TRT). teachers who truly cared about it. It said many parents work multiple jobs baseball game to start, the umpires Walker and her family first moved became a home for me.” and have a hard time fitting school would tell the softball teams they to Sterling Park in 1969. Looking back (Continued on page 27) 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 26 lcps.org (Continued from page 26) Walker was only 22 when she could play one more inning or, in some started coaching high school softball, cases, that the score would revert to which led to a misunderstanding with 2015-16 Student the last inning. (This situation lasted her first team. “Who’s the new kid? until the late ’80’s when the Virginia Hey, I’m your coach...They thought I School Board High School League said having a was the new kid trying out.” pitcher’s mound in the midst of a soft- And the one tie? Members Named ball game was a safety hazard.) That came against Loudoun Valley The softball Patriots never got during Walker’s final season. The Patri- The Loudoun County student School Board members for the 2015-16 to practice on the baseball diamond, ots and Vikings were tied 1-1 after 16 school year met with School Board Chairman Eric Hornberger and Vice which led to a rather odd feeling. “It innings when the contest was called Chairman Jill Turgeon on Monday, June 8th, at the School Administrative was odd not having that home-field because Park View’s softball field Offices in Ashburn. advantage. You always felt like you didn’t have lights. The School Board members advised the students on their role with were a visitor on your home field.” Walker’s career switched gears the board and the opportunities their service will provide. The student Beyond the wins and losses, when she went back to school in representatives and their months of service will be: Walker said she wanted to teach her 1999 and 2000 to get her master’s in players long-lasting lessons through instructional technology, setting the softball. “I hope it’s that they learned a stage to become a TRT. “It’s different Angela Yost TBD Woodgrove High School sense of fair play with me. A sense of because you’re working with adults,” Riverside High School September ownership; when you’re playing on a Walker said of her final posting at Park February team, you’re taking ownership for each View. “Technology for me was not only other and taking ownership of that a job, it was an interest and hobby. I Kellie Hartless team and what’s happening on the got into it because I enjoyed it… Evelyn “Evy” Koon Freedom High School Potomac Falls High School field…It’s not just you. I want them to “I’d gone from being a teacher October think about the big picture… to a coach to the computer lady, it March “Winning’s sure fun. Winning can worked out well.” be a part of the big picture. But it’s No matter her job title, it became Sarah Shah Anjali Kunapaneni walking away and knowing you’ve clearer by the year that the pool of Park View High School Rock Ridge High School done the honest thing and had some original Patriots was growing shal- October March integrity and you’ve had ownership of lower. “It’s always been a running joke what was done on that field.” as people have retired over the years… Speaking of the big picture… that As people went down the line, it came Sofia Ackerman Katherine “Katie” came into play in 2002 when Walker’s down to…me.” Broad Run High School last state champion team had to skip Principal Kirk Dolson introduced November-December Van Nuys prom to play in the championship Walker at the first faculty meeting for Loudoun County High School game. “Of course they were devas- the 2014-15 school year as the last Alexis Randall April tated. I said ‘You know what, you don’t original staffer. This declaration Loudoun Valley High School realize it now, but when you look back, brought out Walker’s competitive side. December MacKenzie Swain you won’t know who you went to prom “Yeah, I win; I stayed here the longest. Dominion High School with...but you’re never going to forget “Being here was the grand prize April a state championship.’ ” for me. I loved this school... Kuony Deng “It went by in a blink. I swear, it John Champe High School seems like I just walked in here and January Davis Rosser had an interview…Now it’s 39 years Briar Woods High School later. I never, ever thought I’d be the May last one.” Erin Gladish Walker said deciding to retire was Tuscarora High School a decision made with an eye toward January Sydney Fox going out while she still had something Stone Bridge High School to offer. “You have to go when you’re Georgia “Georgie” May going in a blaze of glory and not a blaze. I felt the same way about coach- MacKenzie ing. Coaching was great, but I left at Heritage High School the right time in 2003. Had I stayed February longer, it might have been a blaze.” ■

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 27 5 LCPS Middle Special Education Schools Designated Advisory Committee ‘Schools to Watch’ The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) works with the School Board, administrators and teachers who are responsible for students receiving J. Michael Lunsford and Seneca Ridge middle schools were designated special education services, and parents. as Schools to Watch in 2015 and Belmont Ridge, Mercer and Smart’s Mill middle schools were re-designated. Sponsored by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, When Are Meetings? the goal of Schools to Watch is to identify and recognize outstanding middle SEAC meets monthly during the school year, generally the first Wednesday of schools across the nation based on the following research-based criteria: the month, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) • High-performing middle schools are academically excellent. All stu- Administrative Offices, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn. Current information dents are expected to meet high standards and all teachers use instructional about meeting dates and location, as well as meeting presentation information, is strategies that include a variety of challenging and engaging activities. available at www.lcps.org/seac. • High-performing middle schools are developmentally responsive to the unique needs of the middle school-aged student. The school creates a personalized environment, provides access to comprehensive services, en- Who May Attend Meetings? courages alliances with families and promotes the development of All meetings are open to the public. SEAC welcomes anyone interested in citizenship skills. special education. Tables are set up by school cluster, so there is an opportunity to • High-performing middle schools are socially equitable. Every student connect with other parents from your school. There is a designated time for public is provided with high-quality teachers, resources, learning opportunities and comment during the meeting. This is an opportunity to share successful educa- support systems. tional experiences and express general concerns regarding educational issues for • High-performing middle schools incorporate organizational structures students with disabilities. that support these philosophies including school improvement planning, interdisciplinary teaming, use of data, culturally responsive instruction, ex- ploratory curriculum offerings, grade level houses and places where time is What SEAC Does: allocated and scheduled to meet these goals. • Advise LCPS of the needs of students with disabilities; Thirteen middle schools in Loudoun County now have earned this • Assist LCPS in the development of long-range plans, which will provide designation. Loudoun County has more schools with this distinction than any needed services for children with disabilities; other school division in the nation. Other middle schools in Loudoun County • Submit reports and recommendations regarding the education of students that have received this award are Blue Ridge, Eagle Ridge, Farmwell Station, with disabilities to the School Board. The current and past annual report Harmony, Harper Park, River Bend, Sterling and Stone Hill. recommendations are available at www.lcps.org/seac; • Review annually the LCPS special education plan and application for federal funding. Schools Opened How We Do It: Since 2000 • Informative presentations for parents and educators at the monthly meetings.

Hot topics this past year included: new discipline procedures, assistive Since the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year, technology, and inclusion practices. Loudoun County Public Schools has opened 44 schools: • Helpful and timely information via the SEAC website and Facebook page at 25 elementary, nine middle schools and 10 high schools. www.lcps.org/seac and www.facebook.com/loudounseac; Elementary Middle Schools • Annual Recognition for Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards 1. Arcola 1. Belmont Ridge Program honoring award recipients who demonstrate excellence in making 2. Belmont Station 2. Eagle Ridge a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in the special education 3. Buffalo Trail 3. Harmony community; 4. Rosa Lee Carter 4. Lunsford • SEAC PTA/PTO representative appointment is encouraged at each school. 5. Cardinal Ridge 5. Mercer Check the listing on the SEAC web page to confirm whether your school is 6. Countryside 6. River Bend represented; 7. Creighton’s Corner 7. Smart’s Mill • Receive input from parents, caregivers, educators and other interested 8. Culbert 8. Stone Hill stakeholders during monthly meetings, and through public comments, town 9. Discovery 9. Trailside hall meetings and community surveys. This input assists SEAC in identifying 10. Douglass the needs of LCPS students with disabilities. 11. Forest Grove High School 12. Hutchison Farm 1. Briar Woods 13. Legacy 2. John Champe 2015-2016 SEAC Board Members 14. Liberty 3. Dominion Jodi Folta, Chair, [email protected] 15. Little River 4. Freedom Lisa Glasgow, Past Chair, [email protected] 16. Mill Run 5. Heritage Melissa Heifetz, Vice Chair, Communications, [email protected] 17. Moorefield Station 6. Riverside Kimberly Jones, Vice Chair, Planning, [email protected] 18. Mountain View 7. Rock Ridge April Redmon, Secretary, [email protected] 19. Newton-Lee 8. Stone Bridge Jill Turgeon, Vice Chair, LCPS School Board, [email protected] 20. Pinebrook 9. Tuscarora Mary Kearney, LCPS Director of Special Education, [email protected] 21. Frances Hazel Reid 10. Woodgrove 22. Seldens Landing 23. Sycolin Creek 24. John W. Tolbert Jr. 25. Steuart W. Weller

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 28 lcps.org LCPS Administrative Reorganization Plan The Loudoun County School Board approved • Charter Schools plan gives the superintendent the authority to deter- Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams’ Reorganization Plan • Educational Technology and mine assistant superintendent salaries on the basis of at its May 12th meeting. Curricular Innovation market and performance variables. The plan is cost-neutral and addresses three • English Language Learners areas: restructuring the Department of Instruction; • Gifted Education Finally, the plan creates a implementing a competitive compensation plan for • Outreach Services administrators; and creating a Cabinet and Senior • Research Superintendent’s Cabinet. Staff for collaboration across the division. • School Improvement and Federal Programs The Cabinet is comprised of: In the Department of Instruction, two new offices • Staff Development • Chief of Staff were created: the Office of Teaching and Learning • Assistant Superintendent for Support and the Office of School Administration. These Salary structures for some administrators also Services offices replaced two previous offices, the Office of have been adjusted under the plan in order to make • Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Career, Technical and Adult Education and the Office the division more competitive with surrounding Services of Research, School Improvement and Accountability. school divisions. The directors of high school and • Assistant Superintendent for Business and Career, Technical and Adult Education and Research, middle school have traditionally been paid on the Financial Services School Improvement and Accountability are now same salary schedule as the principals they super- • Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services supervised by the director of instructional programs. vise. The reorganization plan would place them one • Assistant Superintendent for Technology Testing Services was relocated from the Office of level higher on the administrative salary schedule. Services Research, School Improvement and Accountability The two newly-created positions – the director of • Assistant Superintendent for Instructional to the Office of Diagnostic and Prevention Services teaching and learning and the director of school Services within the Department of Pupil Services. administration, and the director of instructional pro- grams – also will be paid one level higher than other The Superintendent’s Senior Staff also will be The new Office of Teaching and directors. reconfigured. It will include all of the members of The compensation for Loudoun County’s assis- the Superintendent’s Cabinet, along with the Pub- Learning will supervise: tant superintendents has been running approximately lic Information Officer, the directors and a principal • Art $30,000 behind the compensation for comparable representative from the elementary, middle and high • English Language Arts positions in surrounding districts. The reorganization school levels. • Health, PE and Driver Education • Math • Music • Reading • Pathways to Literacy and Writing LCPS Sees Gains on SAT • Science • Social Studies and Global Studies Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) saw its cumulative score on the SAT • World Languages rise five points in 2014, according to statistics released by the College Board. The average score recorded by LCPS students who took the SAT in 2014 was The new Office of School 1611, up from 1606 in 2013. (The Virginia average was 1520 and the national average 1471.) Administration will supervise: LCPS scores rose in critical reading (four points) and mathematics (two points) while dropping • Athletics slightly in writing (one point). • Campus Climate and Discipline Initiatives Following are the LCPS scores compared to state and national scores. • Discipline • Douglass School • School Safety and Security Issues 2014 SAT Scores Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Total • Stakeholder Services LCPS 543 541 527 1611 The Office of Instructional Programs has been reconstituted to Virginia 515 512 493 1520 supervise: • Academies of Loudoun National 492 501 478 1471 • Adult Education • Career and Technical Education, including Monroe Technical Center 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 29 Robo Loco: The Little Team That Can

One of the more inspiring stories recreate months of work in a matter of “The next phone call from them business partner, to see if it could of the 2014-2015 school year was that days to get the robot in competition was telling me that BAE Systems was arrange free transportation to Dulles of Robo Loco, “The Little Team that shape. going to help the Robo Loco team and International Airport. The request Can.” Next, Orbital ATK donated help the Foundation get to $15,000 by quickly went to United’s headquar- This is the story of a robot, a small the $5,000 entry fee for the world giving us $7,000. ters in Chicago and the answer was a band of self-described technology tournament. Orbital ATK Senior “In less than 48 hours, thanks to resounding “yes.” nerds who built it and the community Director of Engineering Operations the generosity of this wonderful com- Here’s where things got tricky. that backed and, ultimately, reunited Sally Richardson said she was munity, we had raised the money.” Because Red Baron is made them. especially pleased to see the BAE Systems Vice President for up of electronic components, Comprised of students from number of young women who Communications Lisa Hillary-Tee said wires, fuel cells and other things that the Loudoun Academy of Science were a part Robo Loco. She also her co-workers were deeply moved alarm the Transportation Security and Monroe Technology Center, Robo noted that the kind of adversity by Robo Loco’s plight. BAE Systems Administration (TSA), it could not be Loco placed second in the FIRST Ro- Robo Loco faced is what engineers sponsors FIRST teams in other juris- shipped as “cargo.” Someone would botics Smoky Mountains Regional on face in the real world and – despite dictions and decided Robo Loco was have to fly to Knoxville and claim it as April 4th in Knoxville, Tenn. It their setback – this was an invaluable worthy of its support. (Hillary-Tee also “baggage.” also captured the Judges Award. learning experience. is a Loudoun County Public Schools Scott Salvie, a 30-year customer This was considered a coup because That still left the team needing parent.) service representative with United, was Robo Loco – in its second year – was $15,000 to fund its trip to St. Louis. While Robo Loco readied Wood- assigned to escort the robot home one of the newest teams in the That’s where the Loudoun Educa- stock, another minor miracle occurred as his personal luggage. He said the competition. It also was one of the tion Foundation (LEF) stepped in. thanks to law enforcement agencies in robot set off just about every detector smallest with about 20 members The Tuesday night after the theft, Tennessee. the TSA had in Knoxville. However, (competitors had teams of 100 LEF sent a message to the community On April 13th, the Red Baron, since United’s Knoxville general man- students and more). stating Robo Loco’s plight and the along with the team’s trophies and lap- ager, Stephanie Marsh, had already The second-place finish allowed money needed to make the team’s top, were recovered in a wooded area inspected the robot and vouched for Robo Loco to advance to the FIRST dream come true. in Cocke County, Tenn. (The SUV was its safety, it was allowed to be loaded World Championships, April 22nd “By Wednesday morning, the long gone and considered the victim of on the plane. (Red Baron was sprung through the 25th in St. Louis. Foundation raised $900 and word a chop shop.) from the lockup by Knoxville Police Then disaster struck… started to spread about the team,” Robo Loco was forced to go to Department Sgt. Chris McCarter and The Loudoun students celebrated said LEF’s Executive Director Dawn the FIRST World Competition with given a police escort to the airport by their regional achievement with dinner Meyer. “We were receiving donations Woodstock (robots had to be shipped Officer Bob Solomon.) and ice cream. that ranged from $5 to $1,000. Dona- to St. Louis well in advance of the Salvie and a United ground crew When they awoke the next morn- tions came from individuals, families competition), but the team didn’t want delivered Red Baron, the Knoxville ing, the SUV containing their robot and businesses. the Red Baron forever consigned to a trophies and the team laptop on April (the Red Barron), laptops and trophies “By Thursday morning, we had police evidence locker. 21st to Dominion High School, home had been stolen. “Everything but the raised $6,642 and by noon we had When they learned of the recov- of the Academy of Science. people,” said Mary Zell Galen, Robo raised a little over $8,000. The sup- ered robot and the need to get it back In St. Louis, Robo Loco finished a Loco’s president. port from the Loudoun community was to Loudoun, Todd Sheller and Dennis respectable 22nd in its division, which However, the “Little Team that amazing. Hazell of the Metropolitan Washington had 74 teams. Can” soon began living up to its motto: “And then, I received a phone call Airports Authority (MWAA) said they Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” from BAE Systems. They heard what would do what they could to arrange visited the team members two days af- And the miracles started happen- happened to the students and wanted transportation to get Red Baron home. ter the Red Baron was stolen and told ing quickly… to help. I shared that we had roughly (MWAA is a longtime business partner them what their dramatic tale would First, FIRST Robotics agreed to $8,000 raised so far. And they said with Loudoun County Public Schools.) ultimately mean. “At the end of the let Robo Loco enter its backup robot, they would see what they could do. Sheller and Hazell contacted Unit- day, it’s not about the robot…it’s about Woodstock, in St. Louis (a huge con- “And BAE Systems really did help. ed Airlines, another longtime school spirit and character… cession in the rigid world of robotics “There is a community out there in competition). Still, Robo Loco had to 2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report the world that is compassionate.” ■ Page 30 lcps.org Claude Moore Commitment to LCPS Passes $3.54 Million With its recent donations, the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation’s commit- Bond ment to Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) has surpassed $3.54 million. Trustees of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation have awarded approxi- mately $2.4 million in direct grant support for LCPS. In addition to these direct Referendum allocations, the Foundation covered all the expenses to research, develop and document the model program for Monroe Technology Center’s Health and Medi- Bond funding for school construction will be up for voter cal Sciences program. Students in the Health and Medical Sciences program are approval in the Tuesday, November 3rd, election. known as Claude Moore Scholars. On the referendum this year are two schools: ES-31 The Foundation provided project management services for the construction of (a Dulles North elementary school) and HS-11 (a Dulles the classroom space for the Claude Moore Scholars at Loudoun Inova’s Cornwall North Area high school). The maximum amount in capital Campus. The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation will make the lease payments improvement bonds this referendum would authorize is on these classrooms through 2020. The Foundation also financed development of $150,995,000. This money would be used to finance the an online teaching tool for the Health and Medical Sciences program. cost to design, construct and equip these schools. With these additional support factors, the Foundation’s total contributions and ES-31 is anticipated to provide primary enrollment relief for commitment to LCPS has exceeded $3.54 million. Creighton’s Corner, Hillside, Legacy, Mill Run, Moorefield Station and This school year’s Claude Moore Charitable Foundation grants to directly sup- Rosa Lee Carter elementary schools. port LCPS total $275,626. These programs, which are funded through the Loud- HS-11 is anticipated to provide primary enrollment relief for Briar oun Education Foundation (LEF), include: Woods, John Champe, and Rock Ridge high schools. This is not a referendum on whether these schools should be built. • Annual lease payment for the Claude Moore Scholars They have already been approved by the School Board and Board of classroom facility, ...... $129,626; Supervisors. This referendum seeks the authority to issue general obligation bonds to fund these projects. • Project Graduation events, ...... $39,000; The Board of Supervisors has selected general obligation bonds • Teacher Scholarship Fund, ...... $27,000; as the method of funding these projects. General obligation bonds • Support for the Claude Moore Scholars program, ...... $25,000; have historically been among the least expensive means of financing • Future Leaders scholarships, ...... $20,000; school construction and sold with a 20-year repayment schedule for construction projects. Using this method, people moving into Loudoun • Making a Difference, ...... $20,000; will pay for the schools that will be built for the county’s increasing • Odyssey of the Mind World Finals competition sponsorship, ...... $10,000; school population. • Support for two technology initiatives at Lunsford Middle School,.... $5,000. If the bond referendum is not approved, the Board of Supervisors must find other means of funding for these projects that is typically more Founded in 1987, the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation’s mission is to expensive and less timely. enhance educational opportunities, including higher education, for young people Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3rd. in the Commonwealth of Virginia and elsewhere. Founded in 1987, the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation’s mission is to Voter Deadlines: enhance educational opportunities, including higher education, for young people • In-Person Voter Registration Deadline: in the Commonwealth of Virginia and elsewhere. 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 13th. Dr. Claude Moore was a pioneer radiologist and the first chairman of the George Washington University’s Radiology Department. Born in Danville on Oc- • By-Mail Voter Registration Deadline: tober 21, 1892, Moore was a World War I veteran who came to Loudoun County Postmarked no later than October 13th. in 1941. He bought a 357-acre tract in Sterling that now serves as Claude Moore • Last day to apply to have a ballot mailed to you is Park. After retiring from the practice of medicine in the late 1950’s, Moore devoted 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 27th. himself to investments and farming. He died at the age of 98 on July 11, 1991, in Charlottesville. • Last day to vote an absentee ballot in person is Moorefield Station Elementary, which opened in September 2013, is named in Saturday, October 31st (registrar’s office will be open his honor. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For more information, contact the Voter Registration and Electoral Board Office at 703-777-0380. This office is located at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C, Leesburg, VA 20175-8916.

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report lcps.org Page 31 Loudoun County School Board

Eric Hornberger Jill Turgeon Chairman Vice Chairman Ashburn District Blue Ridge District 571-291-5685 571-420-3818 August 31: June 12: [email protected] [email protected] First Day of School Park View High School Graduation, 2 p.m. September 7: George Mason University Patriot Center Holiday (Labor Day) June 12: October 12: Broad Run High School Graduation, 7 p.m. Holiday (Columbus Day) George Mason University Patriot Center October 30: June 13: End of the Grading Period Stone Bridge High School Graduation, 4 p.m. George Mason University November 2-3: Patriot Center Student Holidays (Planning/Records/Conference Days) June 13: Tom Reed Debbie Rose Briar Woods High School Graduation, At-Large Algonkian District November 25-27: 571-223-9928 571-291-5983 8 p.m., George Mason University [email protected] [email protected] Holiday (Thanksgiving) Patriot Center December 21-January 1: June 14: Winter Break (Classes Resume January 4) Last Day of School/End of Grading Period January 18: June 14: Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) Freedom High School Graduation, 7 p.m. January 28: George Mason University Patriot Center End of Grading Period June 14: January 29: Heritage High School Graduation, Moveable Student Holiday* 7:30 p.m. Heritage High School (Planning/Records/Conference Day) Kevin Kuesters Jennifer K. Bergel June 15: Broad Run District Catoctin District February 15: Loudoun County High School Graduation, 571-420-1818 571-223-9724 Holiday (Presidents’ Day) 8 a.m. Loudoun County High School [email protected] [email protected] March 21-25: June 15: Holiday (Spring Break) Loudoun Valley High School Graduation, 9 a.m. Loudoun Valley High School April 14: End of Grading Period June 16: Woodgrove High School Graduation, April 15: 8 a.m. Woodgrove High School Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day) June 16: Tuscarora High School Graduation, May 30: 8:30 a.m. Tuscarora High School Holiday (Memorial Day) Jeff Morse Bill Fox June 16: Dulles District Leesburg District June 8: Potomac Falls High School Graduation, 571-420-2243 571-420-0721 Monroe Technology Center Graduation, [email protected] [email protected] 9 a.m. Potomac Falls High School 7 p.m. Tuscarora High School June 16: June 10: John Champe High School Graduation, The nine-member Academy of Science Graduation, 10 a.m. John Champe High School Loudoun County School Board 7:30 p.m. LCPS Administrative Offices began its term on January 3, 2012. June 16: June 12: Four-year terms of the elected Rock Ridge High School Graduation, Dominion High School Graduation, School Board members listed here 5 p.m. Rock Ridge High School 2 p.m. Dominion High School expire December 31, 2015.

To contact School Board members *NOTE: Parents with childcare or other weekday scheduling concerns – collectively, you may e-mail The date of this MOVEABLE Planning/Records/Conference Day between first and second Brenda Sheridan Sterling District [email protected]. semesters may change, if the school calendar changes due to school closings 571-233-0307 for inclement weather or other emergencies. Parents with childcare or other [email protected] scheduling concerns should be prepared.

2014-2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Annual Report Page 32 lcps.org