A paid supplement to the Loudoun Times-Mirror 2015-2016 Academies of Loudoun Business Advisory Board Ground Broken for

This board is tasked with: • Support the Academies of Loudoun’s mission and vision; Academies of Loudoun • Strengthen the Academies of Loudoun business and community partnerships; • Advocate for the Academies of Loudoun instructional programs. Members of this board include: Cynthia Ambrose, LCPS Assistant Superintendent of Instruction David Asai, Senior Director Science Education, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Ara Bagdasarian, Chief Executive Officer, Omnilert Shirley Bazdar, former LCPS Supervisor of Career & Technical Education Bob Bisson, Vice President, Novec Janet Clarke, LCPS Transition Specialist James Dallas, LCPS Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Doyle, LCPS Supervisor, Content, Competencies and Community Connections Christian Fabian, Chief Executive Officer, REHAU From Left to Right: Nereida Gonzalez-Sales, LCPS Director of High Dr. Eric Williams, Beth Huck, Vice Chairman Brenda Sheridan, Chairman Eric Hornberger, School Education Jeff Morse, Jill Turgeon, Eric DeKenipp, and Dr. Michael Richards Melvin Greer, Managing Director and Senior Research Fellow Greer Institute Paula Harper, Executive Director, Program An essential part of a long-standing dream Academies of Loudoun will lead to more learning Development & Management, GW took place on an isolated construction site off opportunities for students. Science and Technology Campus Sycolin Road on Friday, June 17th. “In this celebration, we celebrate a big step Mike Lo Presti, President, Presti & Company Members of the Loudoun County School forward for the young people of Loudoun and, Cheryl Marin, former Business Development Principal & Board and Board of Supervisors gathered to break ultimately, for Loudoun itself. We take a big Senior Proposal Manager, Lockheed Martin ground for the Academies of Loudoun, set to open step forward in empowering students to make Heather Mason, Organizational Development for the 2018-19 school year. meaningful contributions in the fields of science, Manager, REHAU School Board Chairman Eric Hornberger technology, engineering and mathematics. The Dawn Meyer, Executive Director Loudoun (Ashburn District) spoke about the unique vision Academies of Loudoun will bring students together Education Foundation (LEF) for this facility. to innovate, to explore, to research and collaborate Virginia Patterson, LCPS Director of School Administration “What is so exceptional about the Academies as they solve real STEM problems. Richard Robinson, Director of Innovation & Chief of Loudoun? The Academies of Loudoun will be “At Academies of Loudoun, students will do Technology Officer, Telos three distinct, but inter-related, academies meaningful, purposeful work. They will have an au- Tim Sargeant, Public Affairs & Community housed in one facility. If we didn’t have one dience for their work beyond their teacher. Because Relations, Dominion Resources facility we could still have three academies, but of the authentic nature of their work, students will Julie Schwab, Assistant to Christian Fabian, CEO REHAU we couldn’t foster the collaboration that is part experience a strong sense of ownership and, as Odette Scovel, LCPS Science Supervisor of the vision for this facility.” a result of that, their learning will be deeper and Ray Singletary, LCPS Mathematics Supervisor Monroe Technology Center (MTC), the longer lasting… Neil Slevin, LCPS Director of Education Loudoun Academy of Science (AOS) and the “Our students will have multiple pathways to Debbie Smith, Telos, Assistant to John Wood new Academy of Engineering will share the post-secondary degrees, certificates, licenses and, Joanne Theurich, Chief Administrative Officer, three-story, 300,000-square-foot building. ultimately, careers.” Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes (The Academy of Engineering will be Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Ralph Medical Institute launched this fall at Tuscarora High School.) Buona (Ashburn District) praised the cooperation Andrew Turner, Visa, Senior Vice President Cybersecurtiy The Academies of Loudoun will house between the School Board and Board of John Wood, Chief Executive Officer, Telos 2,500 students on an alternating-day Supervisors that led to the ground-breaking. Wendy Wooley, Joint Board of Supervisors/School Board schedule. “I also want to acknowledge the very Committee’s Volunteer Citizens “This is really a long-term vision of the cooperative effort that happened between Work Group, Ashburn Representative county,” Hornberger said. county staff and school staff, because that’s “This is a huge accomplishment, where the real work gets done. The elected just getting to this point and we know officials take all the credit, but staff does all the it’s only the beginning. Of course we work. In this case, it couldn’t have been better to have two years of construction, but see the two staff entities working to make all of then the real work happens when the this happen… students come and we actually “In the end, this is really about community; make use of this facility to further about our community coming together…Without the vision that we have around the support of our citizens, this couldn’t be a these three distinct, yet inter- reality. Everybody, of all political persuasions came related, academies.” together. Nobody I talked to said ‘Why are we Loudoun County Public doing this?’ Everybody said ‘We must do this.’ ” Schools (LCPS) Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams noted how (Continued on page 13) the unique nature of the Table of Contents Ground Broken for Academies of Loudoun...... 1 Academies of Loudoun Business Advisory Board...... 1 Strategic LCPS Strategic Framework...... 2 A Year of Accomplishments and Firsts for LCPS...... 3 Framework 2015-16 Honors and Awards LCPS Students and Staff Receive State, National Honors...... 4 Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence..... 5 Pellegrino 2016 Principal of the Year...... 6 Past Principals of the Year...... 6 6 LCPS High Schools Best at Teaching Personal Finance...... 6 Tuck 2016 Teacher of the Year...... 7 Past Teachers of the Year...... 7

16 State Championships for Eric Williams, Ed.D. LCPS Athletic Teams...... 8 Superintendent Saving Loudoun’s Past One Record at a Time...... 10 Our Mission Empowering all students to make meaningful contributions Class of 2016 Earns $59.4 Million to the world. in Scholarships...... 15 Heritage’s Reluctant Runner...... 16 1. A culture of continuous improvement drives the fulfillment Loudoun Education Foundation...... 16 Core Beliefs of our mission. Freedom’s Prom Highlights Year of Giving...... 17 2. Strong partnerships with families and our community Loudoun County School Superintendents Since 1888...... 17 enhance our excellence. Loudoun County Public Schools 3. An inclusive, safe, caring, and challenging learning School Bond Referenda – 1987-2015...... 18 environment serves as the foundation for student growth. 2016 Bond Referendum...... 19 4. Transparency and good stewardship of resources LCPS Steps Up Suicide Awareness...... 19 strengthen public trust and support. Woodgrove Wins Wells Fargo Cup...... 19 Loudoun’s Salary Ranking in 1. Develop knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, Northern Virginia...... 22 Strategic Goals collaborators, creators, and contributors. School-Business Partnership Executive Council...... 23 2. Cultivate a high-performing team of professionals Virginia’s Largest School Systems...... 23 focused on our mission and goals. Record 55 LCPS Facilities 3. Deliver effective and efficient support for student Receive ENERGY STAR...... 23 success. Energy Savings...... 23 6 LCPS Middle Schools Named Schools to Watch...... 24 LCPS High Schools Ranked by Washington Post...... 24 Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee...... 24 Special Education Advisory Committee...... 25 Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents (LEAP)...... 25 Student Population Growth...... 25 Relieving Middle School Overcrowding...... 27 New Principals for 2016-17...... 29 Published by: LCPS-TV Celebrates Honors...... 30 Who Uses the Schools?...... 30 Loudoun County Changes in Cost Per Pupil in Public Schools Northern Virginia...... 30 Public Information Domokos-Bays Named President of Office School Nutrition Association...... 31 21000 Education Court School Meals Served...... 31 Ashburn, Virginia 20148 LCPS Historic Cost Per Pupil...... 31 Dominion Receives Sportsmanship Award...... 31 For More Information: Loudoun County School Board...... 32 (571) 252-1040 Student School Board Representatives for 2016-2017...... 32 www.lcps.org 2016-17 LCPS School Calendar...... 32

PAGE 2 A Year of Accomplishments and Firsts

The 2015-16 for LCPS school year along with the color guard stration, chants, cheers and master chef, taught the caf- for a spirited performance dancing – lots of dancing. eteria managers about knife saw LCPS break new ground and that ended 13 months of The school held a pep rally to skills and a whole lot more. consolidate its reputation for work. Loudoun County Public celebrate the return to school Blue food, for instance…“In excellence. Here is some of what went on… Schools (LCPS) Superin- and to reinforce the school’s my experience kids do like tendent Dr. Eric Williams, Positive Behavior Intervention blue food, think tortilla chips. Principal Doug Fulton, Dulles and Support (PBIS) program. The point is kids like foods District School Board member September 6: The Loud- that are fun or different. Jeff Morse and oun County High School Na- Purple, yellow and pink car- Supervisor Matt Letourneau val Junior ROTC unit sent 35 rots are fun.” cut the ceremonial ribbon cadets to The Marshall House September 21: The for the new wing along with to perform more than 100 annual Loudoun Education members of the Freedom Ea- hours of community service. Foundation (LEF) Golf Classic gle Leadership Team (FELT). The Marshall House and the raised more than $82,000. Fulton then led a tour of the cadets share the principles The Golf Classic was held at 11-room, two-story addition. espoused by Gen. George the 1757 Club and was the August 28: Park View C. Marshall, who served as LEF’s major fund-raiser. High School dedicated its Army Chief of Staff during September 23: Seldens new turf field with a vic- World War II, oversaw imple- Landing Elementary received tory. The football Patriots mentation of the European the first-ever Global Impact beat Manassas Park 26-21 Recovery Program (“Marshall Award from the International to snap a 10-game losing Plan”) as Secretary of State Coalition to Eradicate Hunger streak. The honor of scoring (1947-49) and returned to final and Abuse (ICEHA). The the first touchdown on the public service as Secretary of award was presented in honor new field went to Park View Defense (1950-51). of the school’s donation of quarterback Chase Jefferson, September 14: First more than 1,200 pounds of who ran 67 yards for a score Lady of the Commonwealth school supplies to ICEHA. with 26 seconds left in the Dorothy McAuliffe visited The supplies were given to first quarter. “I tell my teach- Sugarland Elementary to students in Nigeria, Cam- ing staff, the parents and the learn more about the school’s eroon and Ghana to meet a students that the sports field Breakfast in the Classroom need that many families in is an extension of the class- program. Sugarland imple- those countries are unable to room,” Park View High School mented the program at the meet. Principal Kirk Dolson told a start of the school year. Each September 24: Sully full house at a dedication cer- day, fifth grade students who Elementary, Rock Ridge High emony prior to the game. “I serve as safety patrols report School and LCPS admin- the red-carpet treatment gotta say, this is a pretty awe- to the cafeteria to pick up istrators were visited by August as they entered the school some classroom.” The syn- insulated coolers on wheels Lord Knight of Weymouth. August 14: At Rock building. The John Champe thetic turf field was installed to deliver breakfast to the Lord Jim Knight is a former Ridge High School they serve marching band, cheerleaders as the result of a $100,000 classrooms. Students report minister of education in Great pizza with a side of principal. and mascot performed for the grant from the Washington directly to the classrooms Britain, a member of Parlia- Rock Ridge Principal John new teachers, creating a pep Redskins Charitable Founda- to eat instead of going to ment and chief education ad- Duellman and School Coun- rally atmosphere. Administra- tion, a $100,000 grant from the cafeteria. Principal Gail viser for TES Global. He was seling Director Kevin Terry tors from the district’s schools the NFL and $800,000 from Brady said the meal in the accompanied on his journey delivered pizza to the home and central office were on the Loudoun County Board classroom has heightened the to Loudoun County by Mina of two students who won hand to clap and cheer for of Supervisors. The School sense of community among Patel, founder and executive the Pizza with the Principal the new employees. Princi- Board expedited the process the students and has virtu- director of Video Conferenc- contest. To win this presti- pals and assistant principals by moving the turf installation ally eliminated tardies at the ing for Global Learning. Lord gious prize, students had to handed out school T-shirts, to the top of its construc- school. Because the school is Knight and Patel began their answer questions such as leis, boas and other tokens tion projects. “Tonight marks experiencing a higher partici- visit to Loudoun County with “How many foreign language of appreciation to their new the culmination of a project pation rate for the breakfast a breakfast meeting hosted credits do you need for an hires. Superintendent Dr. Eric between a premier business program, the School Nutrition by school division leaders Advanced Studies diploma?” Williams donned his tuxedo partner, the Board of Supervi- Department receives ad- at the LCPS Administrative (There are two answers for to shake hands and greet sors and the School Board,” ditional federal subsidies to Offices in Ashburn. Super- this: three years of credit in the teachers as they entered Loudoun County Public cover the cost. intendent Dr. Eric Williams one language or two years Champe. Schools (LCPS) Superinten- September 15: Kids like highlighted the district’s One of credit in two languages. August 20: Freedom dent Dr. Eric Williams told the blue food. You can take an to the World instructional ini- They’re tricky at Rock Ridge.) High School had the most- crowd. “We are so thrilled to expert’s word for it. “They go tiative and offered examples August 14: Nearly 700 spirited hallway in all of see this come to fruition.” crazy when they see food that of several One to the World licensed employees were Loudoun County. A powerful is blue,” Willowsford Culinary projects under way in LCPS welcomed into the LCPS summer thunderstorm forced Advisor Bonnie Moore told classrooms. In response, Lord family at the New Employee the dedication of Freedom’s September a group of Loudoun County Knight stated, “You’ll do really Orientation (NEO) at John Public Schools (LCPS) school well on test scores because new wing inside. The school’s September 4: Leesburg Champe High School. nutrition services managers in everything else is right.” band, the Spirit of Freedom, Elementary ended the first Teachers lined up to receive jammed into a hallway leading Willowsford Farm’s demon- (Continued on page 11) week of school with a high- stration kitchen. Moore, a to the addition’s entrance flying tae kwon do demon-

PAGE 3 2015-16 Honors and Awards LCPS Students & Staff Receive State, National Honors The 2015-16 school year saw LCPS students and staff honored for their work in, and beyond, the classroom.

Loudoun Valley High School was named one of five Grand Prize Winners in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. Valley received $120,000 in technology from Samsung as a part of this honor. Valley was previously named one of 51 state fi- nalists and received $20,000 in technology, including a video camera with which to produce a video about their project for the next round of competition. The project proposed by the students at Lou- doun Valley is to design and create a safety alert system for the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. The system will be wireless, solar-powered and weatherproof. If they are successful, the students hope their invention could be expanded for use in other rural areas with poor cell phone coverage, such as national parks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Liam McGranaghan of Loudoun Val- ley High School with the Presidential Innovation Loudoun County Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). As an School Board Vice avid naturalist and environmentalist, McGranaghan Chairman Brenda emphasizes that students need to recognize the Sheridan (Sterling surrounding world beyond what can be learned District) was elected from textbooks. He engages students in hands-on to a two-year term on learning opportunities that include bringing raptors the National Parent and reptiles into the classroom to reinforce lessons, Teacher Association identifying suitable owl habitats in the community, (PTA) Board of developing an informational brochure on owl nesting Directors. for local landowners, and locating owls and gather- Two Loudoun County Public Schools students Sheridan’s ing nesting data in the field. McGranaghan’s students won Grand Prizes and Best in Category Awards at involvement with also work with the community to maintain a nature the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair the PTA is extensive trail that the school uses as an outdoor classroom (ISEF) held May 8th through 13th in Phoenix. and stretches back where students learn about topics that include native Sophomore Marissa Sumathipala of Broad Run more than a decade. flora and fauna, stream monitoring, tree identifica- High School won the Best in Category Award in the She began serving tion, the importance of pollinators and the impact of category of Cellular and Molecular Biology. Marissa’s the PTA at the school erosion. project was entitled, “FOXO Transcription: A Novel level at Forest Grove Therapeutic for Cardiometabolic Disease.” The Best Elementary. She in Category Award is a $5,000 prize. Marissa also served as Forest Grove’s PTA vice president for three received the Intel Foundation Cultural and Scientific years and president for two years. Sheridan also Visit to China Grand Prize Award. served on the PTSA at Sterling Middle School. Senior Wyatt Pontius of the Academy of Sci- ence and Potomac Falls High School won the Best in Category Award in the category of Environmental Engineering. Wyatt’s project was entitled, “Reinvent- ing the Leaf: A Manufactured Biohybrid Photosyn- thetic System.” Wyatt also won $5,000 for winning his category. Wyatt’s Grand Prize Award was the Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award, which is a trip to Stockholm to attend a “multidisciplinary seminar highlighting some of the most remarkable achieve- ments by young scientists from around the world.” Marissa and Wyatt earned the right to attend the Intel ISEF by being named finalists in the LCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair in March. Jack Shangraw, a senior at Potomac Falls High School, served as a delegate to the 54th annual The NFL and Washington Redskins announced United States Senate Youth Program held March 5th Head Football Coach Michael Burnett of Tuscarora through 12th in Washington, D.C. High School as the recipient of the Don Shula NFL Karrie Rinder was named the Virginia Asso- Shangraw was one of two students from Virginia High School Coach of the Year. ciation of Teachers of English’s 2015 High School who were sponsored by senators Mark Warner and This award was created to honor exemplary high Teacher of Excellence. Tim Kaine. The event is supported by the Hearst school football coaches who demonstrate a com- Rinder has been a teacher at Dominion High Foundation. mitment to player health and safety and the integrity, School for 10 years. During more than 20 years of The United States Senate Youth Program is a achievement and leadership exemplified by the win- teaching, she has not only served as a classroom merit-based program that brings 104 students to the ningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula teacher but also as a conference speaker, team capital for a week-long study of federal government Nominated by the Washington Redskins, Burnett leader, acting assistant principal, club sponsor and and the people who lead it. Activities at the event was one of three high school football coaches select- developer of curriculum. included speeches and discussions with senators ed as finalists from a group of coaches nominated by During her tenure in Loudoun County, students, and congressional staff; private tours of NASA God- NFL clubs and players. As the national Shula Award peers, parents and administrators have benefited dard, the National Archives, the Supreme Court and winner, Burnett received $25,000 from the NFL from their interactions with Rinder. Students have the State Department; and meetings with President Foundation, $15,000 of which will go to Tuscarora’s noted that she was by far the most challenging, yet Barack Obama and Supreme Court Justice Ruth football program. He was a guest of the NFL during rewarding, teacher from whom they grew the most. Bader Ginsberg. Super Bowl 50. She fostered in them a love of reading and writing, (Continued on page 5) which strengthened their writing skills and prepared them for the real world.

PAGE 4 2015-16 Honors and Awards

Matthew Poth, a social science teacher at Park Shenandoah View High School, was one of 18 middle and high University presented school educators selected by National History Day its Teacher of the (NHD) to participate in Understanding Sacrifice, a Year Award to highly competitive, year-long professional develop- Janette Johnson, ment program sponsored by the American Battle a health and physical Monuments Commission (ABMC). During this pro- education teacher at gram educators learn about America’s involvement Sterling Middle during World War II in the Mediterranean region. To School. drive home a deeper understanding of the personal Johnson arrived sacrifice experienced on the front lines, each teacher at Sterling Middle will select one American service member who is School in 1977 buried or memorialized at an ABMC cemetery in and has dedicated Southern Europe or North Africa. Participants then her entire 39-year spend a year conducting in-depth research on the career to the school. life of this fallen hero using both local and archival In addition to her historical resources. duties as a teacher, she has served as chair of the Health and Physical Education Department for more than 10 years and as a wellness ambassador for more than five years. Freedom High School senior Brian Ko was Prior to her time at Sterling, she taught classes in named one of the 125 best high school marching history, sociology and the psychology of sport at the band musicians in America as a member of the University of California, Berkeley. All-American Marching Band. For more than 10 years, Johnson spearheaded “Project Graduation” for all LCPS high schools. She also authored and implemented the school division’s family life education (FLE) curriculum for and authored and piloted the mental health curricu- lum for all eighth graders. Johnson is a founding member of the Sterling Middle School Advisory Committee, which provides each student with an advisor for their entire middle school career. She has been published in “Who’s physics teacher Myron Who in Education” and nominated as “Volunteer of Hanke was named Educator of the Year at the the Year” for Park View High School. Loudoun Times-Mirror Citizen of the Year reception held Tuesday, May 17th, at the River Creek Club in Leesburg. The reception was hosted by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and benefited Loudoun Inter- faith Relief. Hanke is in his second year as a science teacher at Rock Ridge after spending six years at . This is his 32nd year as a teacher (he also spent 17 years in business). In a video tribute to his teaching, Hanke stated that the best part of his Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) School job is knowing that “something exciting is going to Nutrition Services received a “One in a Melon” happen in my classroom every day.” He said that he Award from the United States Department of pulls from current events to help him teach physics. Agriculture (USDA) for its efforts to bring fresh, local Hanke said that he tried to instill the good habits of Kathy Koscinski, Health and Physical Educa- produce to the students eating in school cafeterias preparation, organization and critical thinking in his tion Department chair at Freedom High School, was each day. students. He is best known for his visual demonstra- named the 2015-2016 Driver Education Teacher of One district per state received the honor. tions of scientific principles, including lying on a bed the Year by the Virginia Association for Driver Educa- LCPS was selected from among all of the schools in of nails while colleagues place bricks on his chest. tion and Transportation Safety (VADETS). Virginia with similar initiatives.  Farmwell Station, Lunsford Earn Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence Two Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) middle schools – The 10 LCPS schools that earned the Board of Education Farmwell Station and J. Michael Lunsford – are among only eight Excellence Award include: Virginia schools to win the 2016 Governor’s Award for Educational Belmont Ridge Middle School Little River Elementary Excellence, the highest award under the Virginia Index of Performance Belmont Station Elementary Mill Run Elementary (VIP). Rosa Lee Carter Elementary Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the state Board of Education announced Emerick Elementary that 278 schools earned VIP awards for advanced learning and Legacy Elementary Sycolin Creek Elementary achievement. The VIP incentive program recognizes schools that 166 schools earned the Board of Education Distinguished exceed state and federal accountability standards and achieve excel- Achievement Award. These schools met all state and federal bench- lence goals established by the governor and the board. marks and made progress toward the goals of the governor and the To earn the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools Board of Education. must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks and achieve The 18 LCPS schools that earned this award are: all applicable excellence goals. “These schools epitomize academic Aldie Elementary Lucketts Elementary excellence and the innovation, teamwork and commitment to high Arcola Elementary Meadowland Elementary standards that have made Virginia’s public schools among the nation’s Broad Run High School Mountain View Elementary best,” McAuliffe said of the Governor’s Award winners. Buffalo Trail Elementary Pinebrook Elementary 104 schools earned the 2016 Board of Education Excellence Eagle Ridge Middle School Round Hill Elementary Award. This is the second-tier honor in the VIP program. These Hamilton Elementary Sanders Corner Elementary schools also met all state and federal accountability benchmarks and Stone Hill Middle School made significant progress toward goals for increased student achieve- Loudoun Valley High School Waterford Elementary ment and expanded educational opportunities set by the board. Lowes Island Elementary

PAGE 5 Pellegrino 2016 Principal of the Year accepted the position and ‘dress-down’ days, Mr. Pel- has noticed that may be use- tirelessly to set up hundreds took on the challenge. He did legrino is still dressed profes- ful for others, and commend of flags (and) booths parents so with dignity, empathy and sionally. I am not sure he even the teacher he noticed using can use to showcase their thoughtfulness, earning him owns a pair of jeans.” the idea. This has helped cultural roots.” the respect of staff, students Familiarity doesn’t breed change how teachers think Pellegrino holds a Bach- and community members. contempt where Pellegrino is when he is in a room com- elor of Science degree from This helped to foster the concerned. pleting walk-throughs. They East Stroudsburg Univer- building block of strong man- “He has gone above and are no longer scary observa- sity and a master’s degree in agement, trust.” beyond to learn the name tions, but rather a welcomed administration from Shenan- The following quotes of every child in the school. chance to showcase the great doah University. He began about Pellegrino came from (Evergreen Mill has more than things they do.” his career in Loudoun County his nomination packet to The 600 students.) This is evident He embraces diversity. as a third grade teacher at Post. as he manages and leads our “He introduced a Global Sanders Corner Elementary. The nominators praised bus-duty/dismissal every day, Adventure Night, dependent Pellegrino also has served as Michael Pellegrino, the Pellegrino for being a visible no matter what the weather on school and community a third and fifth grade teacher principal of Evergreen Mill leader. happens to be. If you listen in cooperation to be successful. at Cool Spring Elemen- Elementary, was Loudoun “Effectively managing to his conversations, they are This event, that correlates tary; an assistant principal County’s nominee for The a school doesn’t all come more than just ‘how was your to Virginia standards and at Meadowland Elementary, Washington Post 2016 Distin- from work in the office. Mr. day?’ but rather are indi- showcases many of our Pocono Elementary Center in guished Educational Leader- Pellegrino makes that clear vidual to the student and his/ grade levels’ One to the World Tannersville, Pa., and Ball’s ship Award. by having a visible presence her interests and current life projects (and) encourages Bluff Elementary. He served This Post nominee is in the school. He commits events.” parents and students to show as principal of Lucketts designated as Loudoun 50 percent of his time in the Pellegrino is active in the a bit of their own heritage Elementary before coming to County’s Principal of the Year. classrooms. This can range community life of his school. and culture too. He works Evergreen Mill.  Pellegrino became from observations and walk- “He makes a point to at- principal of Evergreen Mill in throughs, to simply stopping tend every after-school event 2011 after the death of Laurie by to help a teacher or see or fundraiser…All this while McDonald, the 2000 Principal how they are doing. By doing remaining a loving husband Past Principals of the Year. His nomination so, he is able to understand and father of three.” packet notes more than 50 the needs of teachers on an He shares good news of the Year percent of Evergreen’s staff individual level and support and best practices. had followed McDonald from them to his fullest potential.” “To share great ideas he Recipients of the Loudoun County her previous schools, lead- He also leads by finds around Evergreen Mill, Principal of the Year Award include: ing to some nervousness example. Mr. Pellegrino will often e-mail about her replacement. “The “Managing is not just messages titled ‘My Eyes.’ Mary Lee Phelps (1986) Dr. Edgar T. Markley (2003) odds were definitely stacked verbal... He expects complete These brief messages share Bernice M. Nicewicz (1987) Dr. Susan P. Browning (2004) against him. However, he professionalism. Even on a great idea or bright spot he William L. Whitmore Jr. (1988) Dr. Jack Robinson (2005) Frances R. Fera (1989) Margaret Huckaby (2006) Terrence W. Hill (1990) Eric L. Stewart (2007) 6 LCPS High Schools Best at Dennis A. Young (1991) Paul Vickers (2009) Kenneth W. Culbert (1992) Dr. John Brewer (2010) Teaching Personal Finance Michael A. Megeath (1993) Timothy J. Flynn (2011) Six LCPS high schools (Briar Woods, because students scored among the highest Ronald E. Dyer (1994) James Dallas (2012) Broad Run, John Champe, Freedom, Loudoun in the country on the w!se Financial Literacy James E. Person (1996) Janet Platenberg (2013) County and Potomac Falls) earned a place on Certification Test. The 2016 rankings are based Mary B. Morris (1997) Andrew Davis (2014) the 2016 100 Best w!se High Schools Teaching on school achievement in the 2014-15 school Personal Finance. year. Wayne C. Mills (1998) Sherryl Loya (2015) This national ranking was created by This national ranking is the first of its kind Charles J. Haydt (1999) Michael Pellegrino (2016) Working in Support of Education (w!se), a lead- in the country. Its purpose is to showcase Laurie C. McDonald (2000) ing provider of financial education programs. schools of excellence in the w!se national *No award was presented The six LCPS high schools were ranked network that are teaching personal finance and Nancy E. McManus (2001) in 1995 or 2008. measuring student knowledge. Dr. Virginia M. Minshew (2002)

PAGE 6 Tuck 2016 Teacher of the Year each one of them, despite Tailoring his instruction to and Problem-Based Learning Shenandoah University. He any problems they may have each student’s needs is one (PBL) Committee. Tuck began teaching in Cumber- had in the past, (that they) of Tuck’s hallmarks. “The way also has been part of a land County in 2007 before can understand and use math John plans and approaches review team for the school moving to Bacon District successfully throughout life.” his lessons is to target the division’s math curriculum Elementary in Saxe in 2010. Tuck’s classroom rou- needs of all students, from and serves as a summer Tuck came to Rolling Ridge tines – and classroom itself lowest to highest. John school principal. in 2011. He has been a lead – is out of the ordinary. One strives to ensure that the four Tuck holds a bachelor’s mentor since 2013, the team thing that makes the class- stations provide each one of degree in liberal studies from lead in fifth grade since 2012 room unique is that it has no his students with the oppor- Bridgewater College and a and served as a summer desks. Students’ place their tunity to learn the concept. master’s degree in educa- school principal in 2013 and belongings in containers Tuck John truly understands the tional administration from 2015.  has personalized with their needs of his students, dif- names. He then walks them ferentiating each lesson to through four Guided Math meet their instructional needs, Past Teachers of the Year stations. “They don’t need encouraging them from wher- John Tuck, a fifth grade desks, he tells them. They just ever they begin their journey Past winners of the Loudoun County math and science teacher need to be mentally present in a unit of study to reach Teacher of the Year Award include: at Rolling Ridge Elementary and to try their best at every high.” Linda P. Sheffield, Loudoun County High School (1984) School, is Loudoun County’s station.” Traci Levine, the mother Fritz J. Scholz III, Loudoun County High School (1985) nominee for The Washington Tuck makes his lessons of a special needs student, Post’s Agnes Meyer Award. relevant by creating real-life remembered the effect Tuck Shirley G. Lynn, Elementary Gifted Program (1986) The nominee also is Loudoun situations involving math. had on her child in a nomina- Harold D. Berry, C.S. Monroe Technology Center (1987) County’s Teacher of the Year. “His students learned about tion letter. “My recollection Margaret W. Vaughan, Loudoun Valley High School (1988) In their nomination elapsed time and practiced of Mr. Tuck is that he was Elizabeth R. Doerken, Sully Elementary School (1989) packet for this award, Roll- their basic math skills through always an excellent teacher, Edith J. Middleton, Loudoun County High School (1990) ing Ridge’s fifth grade team a flight activity. He had them mentor and role model for (my Everett W. Sutphin, C.S. Monroe Technology Center (1991) (Haley Morris, Lesia Thomas, plan a business trip to child), who can be challenging Dean T. Drewyer, Loudoun Valley High School (1992) Jacquelyn Olson and Martha California, requiring online at times. There was always Richard T. Gillespie, Loudoun Valley High School (1993) Olson) noted Tuck’s individual research into the cost of the perfect combination Mary V. Young, Loudoun County High School (1994) attention to every student. round-trip flights from differ- of empathy, discipline and Mary Carol Elgin, C.S. Monroe Technology Center (1995) “John Tuck does not ent airlines, calculating the classroom management when Lee Daniel Kent, Loudoun County High School (1996) ask the students to share travel time from departure to things got difficult.” their stories – he has already Laura L. West, Meadowland Elementary School (1997) arrival, extending the activity Tuck shares his exper- Ann S. Haring, Farmwell Station Middle School (1998) reviewed their files and knows by introducing them to time tise in Guided Math through Elizabeth “Lyle” Skarzinski, Loudoun Valley High School (1999) each student’s background zones through a mini-lesson professional development Lora A. Buckman, Meadowland Elementary School (2000) and where each one stands imbedded into his planning workshops at Rolling Ridge. Betty Hill Rankin, Sterling Middle School (2001) academically, especially in and challenging them to find He is the Team Lead, Data math. He knows about their the most cost-effective and Contact and Lead Mentor at Ronald W. Richards, Broad Run High School (2002) diversity, their language time-efficient method for that Rolling Ridge and works with Rachel P. Newell, Hillside Elementary School (2003) and academic gaps and the trip.” the Technology Team Douglas M. Dillon, Harper Park Middle School (2004) similarities in their lives as Victoria L. Lascomb, Evergreen Mill Elementary School (2005) 9- and 10-year-old children. Elizabeth N. Korte, Stone Bridge High School (2006) Most importantly, he knows Sue Ann Gleason, Cedar Lane Elementary School (2007) the challenges yet before Patricia Herr, Smart’s Mill Middle School (2008) them and the life-long need Jim Jenkins, Mountain View Elementary School (2009) that each will have for solid Rhonda Alley, Douglass School (2010) math concepts…With the Kenneth David Keller, Stone Bridge High School (2011) mindset of a mathematician Andrea Schlegel, Heritage High School (2012) and the heart of a teacher, he challenges them, from day Lisa Roth, Dominion Trail Elementary School (2013) one, to become the drivers Allison Alison, Stone Bridge High School (2014) of their own learning. He tells Dawn Blevins, Guilford Elementary School (2015) John Tuck, Rolling Ridge Elementary School (2016)

PAGE 7 16 State Championships for LCPS Athletic Teams

It was another banner year for Loudoun County Public Schools var- sity teams and student-athletes. The 2015-2016 school year saw Loudoun teams hoist 16 state championship trophies, by far the most in a single year for Loudoun programs. In addition, 21 area athletes claimed individual championships in statewide competition. Loudoun Valley High School senior Drew Hunter took it a step further, garnering national headlines in track and field. Hunter ran a sub- four-minute mile February 6 at the Armory Track Invitational in New York. In the process, Hunter set the national high school record in the indoor mile with a time of 3 minutes, 58.25 seconds, eclipsing by more than a second the 3:59.88 mark set by Alan Webb in 2001. A future student and athlete at the University of Oregon, Hunter said after the race “I think this is just the beginning and I hope to just progress from here.” Tuscarora High School also was in the spotlight as its head football 2015-16 coach, Mike Burnett, was selected as the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year. Burnett has guided Tuscarora’s program since the Sports Review school opened in 2010. The Huskies produced a 27-2 record in the last two seasons combined. Burnett was nominated for the award by the Washington Redskins. LCPS alums also made their mark at the collegiate and in one case, the professional level. Broad Run graduate Conor Mullee made his Major League Baseball debut May 16 with the New York Yankees. Mullee pitched an inning in relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks - highlighted by striking out Paul Goldschmidt. “That was a special moment for me and my family,” Mullee said of being called up to the big league. “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve wanted to be a major league baseball player.” On the collegiate playing fields, Woodgrove alum Brittany Basinger started all 27 games on Penn State’s national champion women’s soccer team and Stone Bridge alum Jonathan Allen was an elite pass rusher on Alabama’s national champion football team.

Following is a rundown of the LCPS year in athletics:

Tuscarora senior quarterback assistant coach Van Graves stated. committed to the University of North Fall Sports Daniel Smith passed for 300 yards and “Under Coach Dawson’s leadership, Carolina-Chapel Hill as a freshman, Football totaled five touchdowns in his final they sacrificed, prepared, competed becomes the first Raider to play on An impressive late season run varsity game. “This program is going and kept grinding every day to leave a four state championship teams. “Every helped Stone Bridge claim its sixth to be good for years,” Smith said. legacy for others to follow, a football year is a new team and we always regional championship and advance to “Coach Burnett’s got a good thing program at Champe.” have the same goal to make it here the state final for the sixth time since going here ... 27 out of 29 wins in the Briar Woods, Broad Run, Heri- and hopefully win,” Borup said. “This 2005. The Bulldogs’ bid for a second past two years isn’t too bad. I told tage, Potomac Falls and Woodgrove year was the most special because we state title fell short in a 27-7 loss to the younger guys as we were leaving, also qualified for the postseason in had the newest team and it seemed Highland in the Virginia 5A state final they’re going to doubt you, they’re go- 2016. we wanted a bit more to prove our- at the ’s Scott ing to say you can’t do it. But believe selves and show we could do it.” Stadium. me, you can and go prove everyone Volleyball Overall, 10 players factored in Stone Bridge won four playoff wrong.” “Eight is great,” Loudoun County the stat sheet as the Raiders put the games to reach the state final – high- John Champe also enjoyed a High School coach Sherrilyn Hanna finishing touches on a season that lighted by a 54-41 victory over previ- season to remember. The Knights, just said following the Raiders’ 25-20, also saw them win a 10th consecutive ously undefeated Tuscarora in the 5A three years removed from a winless 22-25, 25-20, 25-18 victory against region championship and ninth confer- North Region championship game. campaign in their inaugural season, Jamestown in the Virginia 4A state ence tournament title in the last 10 Senior quarterback Joe Thomp- went undefeated during the regular volleyball final at the Sigel Center in seasons. son described the moments after the season on their way to advancing Richmond. Loudoun County (24-2) Area volleyball fans were treated 13-point victory against Tuscarora as to the 4A West Region semifinals. claimed its fourth consecutive state to a match for the ages between surreal. “Everyone on our team deep Despite a 34-7 loss to eventual state championship and eighth in the last Loudoun schools in the Virginia 5A down believed. This unit from the champion Salem in the third round nine seasons, a Virginia High School state final. Stone Bridge’s 25-23, 23- beginning of the year to now is com- of the playoffs, John Champe head League record. 25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-3 victory against pletely different. We’re such a close coach Jason Dawson, his players and Senior Taylor Borup capped an Potomac Falls offered it all. In the end, football team and it’s incredible to win staff have much reason to hold their outstanding varsity career with a it was the Bulldogs (23-5) hoisting the it with them.” heads high. “What’s most important, match-high 17 kills, along with 22 digs (Continued on page 9) is these seniors believed,” Knights’ and nine service points. Borup, who

PAGE 8 Sports Review to go out and execute today,” Heritage Competition Cheer Region tournament titles along the (Continued from page 8) head coach Doug Gilbert said. “They Briar Woods capped a stellar fall way. knew what to expect coming in. They season by taking home the Virginia The most anticipated game of the state championship trophy for the first just had to stick together and move winter surfaced when Loudoun Valley time in program history. High School League Group 5A state forward.” competition cheer championship. The hosted John Champe in the region fi- “It just feels surreal right now,” Kelati and Hunter would go on to nal. Fans lined up outside the entrance said Jill Raschiatore, Stone Bridge’s Falcons scored 235.5 points on their win titles December 12th at the elite final routine, 12.5 points more than to Loudoun Valley’s 90 head volleyball coach since the school Foot Locker Cross-Country Cham- minutes prior to tip. The home sup- opened in 2000. “I’m happy for the runner-up Glen Allen. pionships National Finals. For the Stone Bridge and Tuscarora also porters were treated to a 95-74 Viking girls that have been with me for four first time in the 37-year history of the win. years on varsity and the ones that are competed in the 5A state competition. event, the title winners of the boys’ Stone Bridge advanced to the final Three Viking seniors – Trey new to this and fought so hard. I don’t and girls’ races hail from the same McDyre, Jason Yoxthimer and Daniel think it has fully sunk in yet. It feels and placed fourth overall with a score state; more impressively the same of 187. Traub – played on their home court for good.” county. Hunter said that the the last time. “It means a lot getting Potomac Falls senior Holly Briar Woods claimed its fifth phenomenon of both male and state cheer championship in program the regional championship and being Carlton was a force once again in her female national champions residing able to hang a banner,” McDyre said. final varsity match. Carlton, who will history. The Falcons cheered to four in Loudoun “shows the potential for consecutive state titles from 2009 to “For me, Jason and Daniel ending it on continue her volleyball career at the our county to have the best distance a victory here at home is a pretty good University of North Carolina-Chapel 2012. The Falcons won the Loudoun runners. Weini deserved it. She’s awe- County Public Schools Championship feeling. It’s pretty sweet.” Hill, slammed a match-high 22 kills, some. That was a special moment for Loudoun Valley girls, Potomac while displaying her versatility all over and the Conference 14 Championship, both of us to be up there. That can in addition to a runner-up finish at the Falls’ boys and Tuscarora girls each the court. It also was the final match inspire younger kids in our area to claimed conference tournament titles for Potomac Falls veteran coach 5A North Region meet earlier in the want to be a part of it.” 2015 season. on their way to advancing to the state Linda Lachey-Helms, who previ- Hunter was later honored as playoffs. ously announced this would be her the Gatorade National Boys’ Cross- final season. Lachey-Helms and her Country Runner of the Year. 2004 U.S. seniors can go out with their heads Olympian Alan Webb presented Hunter Winter Sports Wrestling held high after the Panthers (21-9) won with the award during a ceremony at Basketball Four local wrestlers brought home their first-ever regional championship Loudoun Valley. John Champe followed up its state championships in 2016. Broad and advanced to their first state title magical football season with a break- Run’s Brandon Steel and Johnathan match. “She’s a friend,” Raschiatore Golf through campaign in boys’ basketball. Birchmeier stood atop the podium at said of Lachey-Helms. “It’s one of For a third consecutive year, The fourth-year Knights, coached the Group 5A championships, while those things where it would have been Loudoun Valley boasted the state’s by Bill Maher, won a Conference 22 Loudoun Valley’s Cade Kiely and John a storybook ending for her. But I think individual golf champion. Senior championship, reached the finals of Champe’s Elijah Boldin each won state as a friend and a coach, she under- Brandon Weaver drained an 8-foot the 4A West Region tournament and crowns at the Group 4A champion- stands we are both fighting for it.” putt for birdie on the final hole at won their first-ever state playoff game ships. Glenrochie Country Club in Abingdon in 2015-2016. And all four wrestlers did so in Cross-Country to secure his second consecutive “It means a lot to us seniors,” thrilling fashion. It was truly a banner year for individual crown. In addition, the John Champe forward Sean Pren- Steel, a senior, edged Thomas Loudoun cross-country runners and Vikings put the icing on the cake by dergast said of advancing to state Parsons of Massaponax by a 3-2 deci- teams. Four local high school teams taking home the team championship semifinals. Prendergast, along with sion in the 182-pound final. Birch- (Loudoun Valley’s boys, Heritage’s at the Virginia 4A state tournament. fellow seniors Zach Burdick, Scott meier, a freshman, pinned Glen Allen’s girls, Tuscarora’s girls and Stone Loudoun Valley finished one stroke Collier, Owen Cosenke, Max Murray Shamont Golden at the 3:58 mark of Bridge’s boys) raced to state cham- better than E.C. Glass to win its fifth and Conner Ryan have been a part of the 220-pound final. pionships at Great Meadow in The tournament title of the season and the Knights’ basketball program since Kiely had to work overtime to cap Plains. first state championship since the beginning. “We were there the an undefeated senior season. Kiely Three of those teams placed one 1994. first year when we won one game,” scored a takedown in sudden victory of their runners at the top of the day’s “They really put in the time,” Prendergast continued. “We just kept to record a 4-2 decision win versus podium. Valley senior Drew Hunter Viking coach Troy Mezzatesta said thinking by the time we are juniors and Matt Laird of Eastern View in the (15:04), Heritage senior Weini Kelati of his dedicated roster that includes seniors we are going to do really well.” 152-pound title match. (17:22) and Tuscarora sophomore Ryan Hammer, Max Cave, Adam Another boys’ team that per- Boldin, a junior, also went to over- Emma Wolcott (17:55) all blazed the Lockhart, Garrett Jenkins, Josh formed really well in 2015-2016 was time in an all-Loudoun 285-pound final 3.1-mile oval track, besting the rest of Bowles and Weaver. “It’s a special the Loudoun Valley Vikings. Loudoun versus Enes Karaaslan of Freedom. the field with plenty of room to spare. group of guys and a special season, Valley set a program record for wins Boldin, who lost to Karaaslan a week Tuscarora senior Fitsum Seyoum pretty amazing. I’m really happy for in a season with 26 on its way to ad- earlier in the 4A West Region final, (15:56) took second overall in the them and their families.” vancing to the state tournament. The produced the decisive point in sudden boys’ Group 5A race. Heritage’s girls Stone Bridge senior Eli Robert- Vikings won 26 consecutive games victory for a 4-3 decision win. achieved the first state championship son placed eighth individually at the before falling to eventual state cham- Along with Karaaslan, Potomac for any team in the school’s history. 5A state tournament, while Loudoun pion Monacan 57-55 in the quarterfinal Falls’ Spencer Hurrell (126 pounds) “They knew they were the best team in County sophomore Ryan Monastero round. Coach Chad Dawson’s squad and Broad Run’s Nicholas Taylor the state and felt like it. They just had finished 16th at the 4A level. netted Conference 21-B and 4A West (Continued on page 14)

PAGE 9 Saving Loudoun’s Past One Record at a Time Edwin Washington is level existed… far more than a long-dead “People are complex. personage to Larry Roeder. They’re not just one thing or To Roeder, Washington another. I think that’s part represents a part of history of the story. It’s about black that was almost lost. A part and white people, but it’s not of history that – with Roeder’s black and white in terms of help – is coming back to life. what the people were as peo- Roeder, who’s trained as ple. I’d like to paint that story a library forensic scientist, has accurately, using evidence… spent much of the past year “There are communities exploring and preserving the in the world who are going school records of Loudoun through the same thing. I County’s African-American think there are lessons here population; primarily from that can be used even today.” the years 1914 to 1964. The Roeder said he was records were discovered in particularly impressed by the the semi-abandoned former work done by Oscar Emerick, Douglass School (also known Delegate John Bell (left) presents who was Loudoun’s super- as the Leesburg Colored Larry Roeder with a resolution intendent between 1917 and School), which was built in honoring the work Roeder 1957. Roeder said Emerick 1884 on Union Street in Lees- spearheaded in saving Loudoun’s was especially deft at stretch- endangered student records. burg. ing meager resources. “It’s Fortunately, Roeder, a also a story about school Loudoun resident who had management.” become involved with African- Problems such as redis- American history initiatives, tricting students – a hot topic knew exactly what should be in Loudoun today – have been done with the fragile records. around for decades, accord- Roeder had worked for the ing to the records Roeder is State Department as a policy cataloging. There are many advisor on disaster manage- documents regarding the ment. “Part of that was advis- consolidation process for ing countries how to preserve one- and two-room school cultural things; libraries for houses. “It was painful any- example, museums…You where in the country.” often times are thinking of Delegate John Bell (87th everything but that, and I can District) honored Roeder and understand why, particularly the LCPS Student Records in poor countries.” Department (Sue Hall, Cheryl After retiring from the Butler, Kroiz, Rachel Johnson State Department, Roeder and Dr. Rich Contartesi) for became aware of the Black The Edwin Washington Proj- “Douglass High Students, April 1953” History Committee of the ect with a General Assembly Winslow Williams Photograph Collection (VC 0003), 1925-1980, Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, Virginia. Friends of the Balch Library. House Joint Resolution at the He was writing a history of Thus, Roeder began Roeder came across Roeder’s research also May 24th School Board the Conklin community in sifting through the records Washington when reading uncovered a portrait of meeting. what is now South Riding found at the former teacher accounts of their Loudoun’s early educational Roeder said the when he inquired about the Douglass School, which is students in old newspapers. system that went far beyond honor is far from a capstone African-American school in where Washington comes Washington was quoted the African-American commu- for the project. He wants to the community with Donna in. Edwin Washington, born about the importance of nity. “I’ve always seen segre- create an online database on Kroiz, Loudoun County Public into slavery, was 16 years old education and respecting gation as hurting both whites all Loudoun’s schools, the Schools’ record manager, and right after the Civil War. While your teacher. “I thought and blacks; creating racial students who studied in them searched through records in working at a hotel, he was ‘what a great story that is.’ and cultural stereotypes.” and the teachers who taught the Loudoun County Circuit allowed to go to a Quaker It’s certainly more interesting Roeder discovered how there. “These documents tell Court Clerk’s Office. “What school between his duties. than saying ‘Loudoun During hard it was, whether you were something about our past, I discovered was we really Roeder decided to name Segregation.’ ” African-American or white, which is always important; don’t have a definitive list of his archival activities “The Through his research, to raise money for anything partially so we don’t repeat all the colored schools.” (That Edwin Washington Project” in Roeder discovered African- in what was a very poor it in the future. Nobody’s was the term used at the honor of Washington’s efforts. American students would go to community. “It’s a fascinating expecting us to have segre- time, which is the only reason “We wanted to personalize school during the day and their look at Loudoun County his- gation in the United States Roeder uses it.) it. This is about people. So parents would go to the same tory. How do you maintain a again. But there are people “I thought ‘It’s probably we thought ‘Here was a guy school at night. “There was this school system with very little around the world who study there in the records if you who was determined to go to great yearning to go to school money?... segregation today and won- just sit down and go through school and even wrote and learn to read and write and “We can learn how a rural der if it’s a good thing or a them.’ ” about it.’ ” do mathematics.” society on a certain economic bad thing.” 

PAGE 10 Year in Review October 7: Students at Sanders foster an increased understanding marketing students to create aware- (Continued from page 3) Corner Elementary have a new way of those with special needs and to ness about Loudoun County’s local of learning financial literacy, thanks to celebrate the many special abilities of breast cancer charity and network, September 25: Seventy-seven a branch of Middleburg Bank located all students. Third through fifth grade Loudoun Breast Health Network. In students joined the ranks of the in the school’s lobby. The bank held students rotated through stations New York, they were on the “TODAY Claude Moore Scholars during a coat- a grand opening and ribbon-cutting. that provided them with experiential Show,” and even got a personal inter- ing ceremony at the LCPS Administra- Fifth grade students at the school lessons to build awareness of various view with meteorologist Dylan Dreyer. tive Offices in Ashburn. Overseen by have been trained to serve as bank disabilities. Students learned what November 3: 20 students from Monroe Technology Center (MTC), the tellers. They donned their Middleburg it was like to be visually or hearing Seneca Ridge Middle School got the Claude Moore Scholars program is a Bank aprons and name tags for the impaired or to lose the use of a limb full NFL experience. They took part in partnership between LCPS, Inova Lou- first time and unlocked their money or limbs. These activities enabled the Get the Ball Rolling Flag Football doun Hospital and the Claude Moore boxes. students to become more aware of Experience at Redskins Park. Spon- Charitable Foundation. The focus of October 14: The fourth annual the environmental barriers and real-life sored by Coca-Cola, this event took the program is to develop and expand Freedom High School Senior Day of challenges people with disabilities the students far beyond the playing programs for secondary students that Service took students from the school encounter daily. field of the Redskins’ indoor practice lead to careers in the fields of health to nine community venues to com- October 23: “You don’t have facility. The three-hour experience and medical science. The four career plete service projects. Principal Doug any food allergies, right?” asked Sully began with games of touch football pathways explored by the program Fulton said he started the project at Elementary Principal Colleen O’Neill of “captained” by some of the Red- include practical nursing, medical Potomac Falls High School while he Gus the Goat as she fed him an apple skins. Players mentoring the students laboratory technology, pharmacy tech- was an assistant principal and brought in the school’s gazebo as part of the included quarterback Robert Griffin III; nology and radiology technology. it to Freedom when he was appointed school’s first Food Day. Food Day is running back Alfred Morris; fullback September 27: The LCPS Col- principal in 2012. On one day each an event sponsored by Real Food Darrel Young; wide receiver Ryan lege Fair was held at Rock Ridge High October, freshmen, sophomores and for Kids, a nonprofit organization Grant; linebackers Keenan Robinson School. A crowd estimated at more juniors are engaged most of the day dedicated to collaborating with and Houston Bates; safety Kyshoen than 4,000 had the opportunity to with taking the PSAT. The service day partners to educate students about Jarrett; and kicker Dustin Hopkins. visit with representatives of colleges fills that day for seniors at Freedom. healthy lifestyle choices. Gus helped After the touch games, the students and universities as well as service Fulton also says that the event exem- himself to some greens and a pear went to the team’s training facility academies and LCPS post-secondary plifies the school’s desire to “be seen from a shopping bag in the gazebo, where they first were seated in the programs. There were 172 schools as offering a hand up.” Freedom stu- then roamed about the Sully courtyard Redskins’ meeting room. At the front from around the country represented dents took their talents to the Sprout most of the morning. Gus was joined of this venue were Washington’s long at the College Fair. Therapeutic Riding Center, Oatlands by a hen, whom the students named snapper, Nick Sundberg, Strength and Plantation, Mobile Hope, South Riding “Penny” after a character in a story Conditioning Coach Mike Clark and Home Owners’ Association, Dulles they had read the day before. Executive Chef Jon Mathieson. The October South Food Pantry, J. Michael Lun- October 23: It’s a quadrennial trio spoke about the importance of October 5: The “Ram Fam,” sford Middle School, Hutchison Farm thing…Stone Bridge High School’s conditioning and nutrition. the initial student body and staff of Elementary, Liberty Elementary and marching band will be making its third November 5: Impressive national Riverside High School gathered in Little River Elementary. appearance in the London New Year’s banners were on display at Lovettsville the school’s gym to formally dedicate October 20: Author Aisha Saeed Parade on January 1st, 2017. The Bull- Elementary. Billed as a Positive Loudoun’s 15th high school. As with brought a little-discussed social dogs previously marched in the gala Behavioral Interventions and Sup- any formal event of this nature, it was problem into focus for LCPS students. event in 2009 and 2013. (Stone Bridge ports (PBIS) assembly, things took a a time of reflection and a time to look Saeed spoke about forced marriages was the first Loudoun band to make surprising turn when physical educa- toward the future. Principal Doug during meet-the-author sessions at the trip to this event.) Stone Bridge tion teacher Hugh Brockway revealed Anderson said Riverside was born of John Champe and Park View high was extended an official invitation to Lovettsville had won two prestigious the need to relieve crowding at three schools. Her book “Written in the the event by Bob Bone, the parade’s awards. The Let’s Move! Active high schools (Tuscarora, Stone Bridge Stars” focuses on Naila, a girl of Paki- executive director, and its principal pa- Schools Award is sponsored by First and Broad Run). “We were an unde- stani origins who is forced to return tron, Roger Bramble. “It’s a fabulous, Lady Michelle Obama. It is presented termined number of kids that came to Pakistan to take part in a forced once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Stone to schools that have created an active from three highs schools and a middle marriage. Saeed, a Pakistani Ameri- Bridge Principal Matt Wilburn told school environment where students school (Belmont Ridge). “We were a can who grew up in the Miami area, students gathered in the band room. participate in at least 60 minutes of great idea. Where are we now? We’re stressed that forced marriages are Bone heartily agreed…“We try to make physical activity before, during and an idea put into action. We are 858 not a problem limited to Third World it better every single year.” after school. Only 525 schools across (students) and growing… Now, we are cultures. “It spans the globe. It spans the nation have received this honor. all Rams.” Anderson wasn’t aiming religions too.” Lovettsville also received a Bronze Na- low when he talked about the potential October 22: Walking in some- tional Healthy Schools Award. Lovetts- for Riverside’s future. “Where are we one’s shoes is one thing…Seeing – or November ville is the first school in Virginia to going? We’re going to be the flag- not seeing – through their eyes and November 1: Broad Run DECA’s earn this honor, which was founded by ship school in Loudoun County and feeling the difficulties of various dis- Hurricane PINK project touched down the American Heart Association and beyond. The path will have bumps and abilities is quite another. Students at in New York City. Broad Run market- the Clinton Foundation. Only 376 bruises… As in any family there will be Discovery Elementary School took ing students headed to New York to schools nationwide have earned this highs and lows, but know this…we will part in Celebrating Our Differences promote their project, Hurricane PINK. designation. This award is presented always rally around the family.” Day. The event included activities to The DECA Chapter took 47 passionate (Continued on page 12)

PAGE 11 Year in Review some way and are unable to be re- County, the second-graders thought it of the kindergarten first-semester (Continued from page 11) leased into the wild as a result of those would be important to raise awareness social science objectives. injuries. of this problem in our community. The November 27: A lot of people to those who have made a sustained November 11: Who is a veteran? second grade teachers brought in ex- paid it forward at Leesburg Elementary effort to battle childhood obesity. “It’s someone who at one point in their perts to teach the students about bees School. Pay It Forward Friday col- November 9: The world’s needs life wrote a blank check for an amount and what might be causing our bees lected more than 100 bags of new and go beyond one community service up to and including their life made to disappear. Then the second-graders used clothing items and more than 30 project. That was the message family payable to the great U.S.A.” That was signed up for a project that would dis- boxes of toiletries and baby needs for and consumer sciences (FACS) teach- a definition offered by Maj. Mackland play this knowledge. Every Thursday Mobile Hope. The brainchild of fourth er Teresa Duhring gave her students at Brownell, an Army aviator, at Loud- they split up into project groups and grade teacher Melissa Persil, Pay It Harper Park Middle School. However, oun Valley High School’s 12th annual worked on part of the “BEE-Aware” Forward Friday asked community one community service project is a Veterans Day assembly. Brownell also program. members “to give before they get” good start. Eighth-graders in Duhring’s offered a definition of Veterans Day. November 19: Patrick Ness, the during the holiday season. Donations teen living class presented Ronald “What is Veterans Day? It’s just like critically acclaimed author of “A Mon- were sought for Mobile Hope and McDonald House with blankets to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day; it’s a ster Calls,” entertained the students Friends of Homeless Animals. comfort seriously ill children during a day that we dedicate to those great of Riverside High School with tales brief ceremony.“It provides more than people who helped all of us past, of his literary life. Riverside students December blankets, it provides hope,” Claudia present and future. It’s that easy. They engaged with his work in a variety of Lewis, the director of community gave, they did and they helped.” ways, including reading and acting out December 2: The Udvar Hazy relations for Ronald McDonald House November 16: “Football was the narrative parts in dramatic per- Center played host to some unique Charities of Greater Washington, D.C., easy. People cheered. Nobody formances of sections of “A Monster space vehicles. And no, it wasn’t the told the students. Lewis’ organization cheered in the classroom when I made Calls” as part of their English curricu- Space Shuttle Discovery or Mercury provides the blankets free-of-charge an A.” Former Washington Redskin lum. “If you want to be a writer, you capsule Freedom 7. Fourth-graders as a form of comfort to children facing and current sports commentator can’t have somebody tell you how to at Ashburn Elementary designed long hospital stays and being away Brian Mitchell offered that observation write,” Ness told an assembly of Riv- Space Chariots as their first foray into from home. Working in groups of two, and several others while delivering a erside’s student body. “They can only project-based learning. The Chariots Duhring’s students made 13 blankets. motivational speech to students at tell you how they write.” were designed after teachers Carolyn November 10: They take their the Douglass School during Ameri- November 20: Nothing says Velling and Kimberly Mister assigned unicorns with a side of doughnuts at can Education Week. Mitchell, who is “science” like a potato gun. Imagine if the following task: “design a vehicle Blue Ridge Middle School. That was married to Douglass teacher assistant Einstein had one…Potato guns where that can explore the environment of just one of the many things seventh- Monica Mitchell, shared a number just one of the science, technology, your favorite planet.” (Well, as long as graders revealed about themselves of anecdotes about various times he engineering and math (STEM) projects your favorite planets weren’t Earth or during a Code Walk. The previous overcame adversity and the lessons on display during STEM Day at J. Mars; those were off the board.) school year, the seventh-graders he learned from those experiences. Michael Lunsford Middle School. The December 2: The Briar Woods took a 12-week coding course at the Mitchell, for example, talked about potato guns were part of an engineer- High School Chapter of the Future Middle School (CAMS) that introduced playing quarterback in high school ing problem known as the “Spud Business Leaders of America (FBLA) them to computer coding. Now, they despite being only 5-foot-9. He said Splatter.” Students had to use their met after school in the cafeteria to tie were able to continue their coding he took people telling him that he knowledge of trajectory and force to fleece blankets to donate to Project as an elective. During the Code Walk couldn’t do something as an opportu- hit a target (results definitely varied). ASK. As a “ticket for admissions”, all the students showed off their work. nity to prove them wrong. Engineering problems for the day attending FBLA members were asked For this event, they had to create an November 18: More than 300 included building a bridge, building to bring an unused children’s toy, online scrapbook that presented who LCPS high school juniors spent this boats and building roller coasters. movie or art supply. They made 20 they are to the world (that’s where the day exploring various career paths, November 23: Guilford Elemen- fleece blankets and had 28 members unicorns and doughnuts came in). thanks to Loudoun County businesses tary served a record 927 people at its volunteer. The blankets and gifts were They also had to code prompts that as the Loudoun School-Business Part- seventh annual Community Thanks- delivered to Project ASK in Richmond would play music and write their name nership Executive Council sponsored giving Dinner. The previous record for on the following Saturday. in cursive across the screen. There its Job-for-a-Day program. diners was 718. December 3: A building is just was a lot to see in these scrapbooks. November 19: Second-graders November 24: Kindergartners a building…Waterford Elementary Anime figures and Rob Gronkowski at Mountain View Elementary discov- at Evergreen Mill Elementary learned is a community. Its students were made appearances. There were talking ered there is a problem in the world. you’re never too young to help your reminded of that when the 50th an- balloons and dragons as well. And as part of their One to the World community. They donated 25 niversary of Waterford’s opening was November 10: Fourth-graders project, they did something about it. homemade blankets to Mobile Hope celebrated. “I could tell the minute I at Leesburg Elementary made some Second-graders presented an assem- as part of their One to the World walked through the door that there is scaly, feathery and furry new friends bly on why honeybees are disappear- project. Mobile Hope serves more something different about this school,” when they were visited by animals ing. This project began on the first than 3,000 children and young adults said Principal Andrew Heironimus. in the care of the Blue Ridge Wildlife day of school, when they learned that in need up to the age of 24. Teacher He added the passion the staff puts Center. Animal Rehabilitator Jennifer Loudoun County lost 70 percent of Jane Stockton said this donation into educating the students is unbe- Burghoffer introduced the students to its bee population last year. Assistant had its genesis last summer during lievable. Heironimus said Waterford two turtles, a brown bat, an opossum, Principal Brad Toohill, an avid bee- a project-based learning training she Elementary has tremendous support a corn snake and a barred owl. Most keeper, told the students how he lost attended. The concept of community from its community. Former parents of the animals have been injured in all of his bees. As citizens of Loudoun and community helpers are a big part (Continued on page 13)

PAGE 12 Year in Review School Board were honored for honored. This tradition began in 1983, Expeditions brought two classroom (Continued from page 12) their service during a School Board in the Fellowship Hall of Leesburg sets of Google goggles to the school. meeting. The honored School Board Baptist Church where 18 students Google goggles consist of an Android whose children haven’t attended members included At-Large mem- were honored. 4,713 students have phone inside a box that resembles the school in 20 years still regularly ber Tom Reed, who served 16 years; been recognized through the years. the old Viewmaster devices. Instead offer their support. Heironimus is Broad Run District member Kevin December 15: There were almost of looking at a static slide, students Waterford’s 17th principal. Four of its Kuesters, who served four years; Ca- 500 healthy bodies and minds roaming are treated to a 3D experience in an former principals – Sharon Ackerman toctin District member Jennifer Bergel, about Rolling Ridge Elementary. The environment that is new to them. Field (1977-80), Paul Vickers (1997-2000), who served eight years; and Leesburg school’s specialists put together activi- trips for third-graders, for example, Dr. Patricia Lynn (2001-2009) and District member Bill Fox, who served ties and demonstrations that showed included the rainforest, underwater Dr. Ricardy Anderson (2009-2014) – four years. the school community how to keep scuba diving and Washington, D.C., as returned for the 50th anniversary cel- December 13: Students from its body and mind in shape during seen from the top of the Washington ebration. Tolbert Elementary Principal the 14 LCPS high schools with senior Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Night. Monument. Elaine Layman and Moorefield Station classes and Thomas Jefferson High December 17: Aldie Elementary January 13: “Poetry saved my Principal Karen Roche, who are former School for Science and Technology won the Stone Ridge 5K Race for life.” That was the message of award- Waterford teachers, also attended the were honored at the 33rd Excellence Education participation award for winning author and poet Kwame Al- ceremony. in Education Banquet at the National the fourth consecutive year. Students exander as he spoke to the Riverside December 7: The Tuscarora High Conference Center. The Loudoun and staff received their trophy at a High School student body. Alexander, School Marching Huskies marched in Education Foundation is the primary ceremony held at the school. a Herndon resident, is the author of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. sponsor of this event. The high school December 17: Advanced Place- 18 books, including “The Crossover.” Only five other bands from around the seniors honored at this banquet are ment (AP) Government students at “The Crossover” is the recipient of the country were given this opportunity. those in the June 2016 graduating Tuscarora High School met with Virginia 2015 Newbery Medal and the 2015 The Marching Huskies, consisting of class who have ranked in the top 5 Sen. Mark Warner in the Dirksen Sen- Coretta Scott King Honor Award. 46 students, performed with all the percent of their class academically ate Office Building. The session fea- Alexander recounted discovering invited bands and the Marine Corps during the first three years of their tured a drop-in visit from New Jersey poetry at the age of 3 when he first Band in the parade’s opening ceremo- high school career. 36 students were Senator, Cory Booker, whom the stu- heard the works of Dr. Seuss. He said ny. Tuscarora’s drum major honored being recognized for their selection dents learned about in the campaign/ that poetry then became a “turnoff” in Purple Heart recipients with Hawaiian as National Merit Scholarship semi- elections unit when they critiqued the high school when he encountered the leis at the opening ceremony. finalists and seven for selection as a “Street Fight” documentary about works of William Shakespeare. Poetry December 8: Four outgoing National Hispanic Recognition Scholar. Booker’s race for mayor of Newark. In a saved his life for the first time when members of the Loudoun County Altogether, 287 students were very 21st century moment, the senators Alexander was in high school and in shot a selfie with the students. need of a date to the prom. He told Riverside’s students that he stood up Academies of Loudoun on a table in the cafeteria to recite a (Continued from page 1) January poem to the object of his affection. Her response? “I’ll think about it.” Two The Academies of Loudoun will incorporate many unique features: January 4: A newly constituted weeks later, the young woman accept- • The campus will be wired for Wi-Fi and electrical/recharging Loudoun County School Board took ed his invitation so that he didn’t have areas far beyond that of a standard high school campus. its oath of office from Circuit Court to go to the prom with the members of Clerk Gary Clemens. Taking the oath his tennis team. • There will be a “learning stair,” a staircase that will double as a of office for their second consecutive January 17-21: It’s not every classroom and presentation area. terms were Debbie Rose (Algonkian day that you get to rub elbows with a • All classrooms will feature natural light. District), Eric Hornberger (Ashburn group of Nobel Laureates, but that’s District), Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge just the experience shared by two • A theater that can be subdivided for presentations. District), Jeff Morse (Dulles District) Academy of Science (AOS) students and Brenda Sheridan (Sterling Dis- • There will be a “Maker Space,” incorporating 3-D modeling, project and their teacher. Seniors Jasmine Lu trict). Tom Marshall of the Leesburg work tables and tools so that students can construct their ideas. and Matthew Stromberg were ac- District was sworn in for a second, companied by physics teacher Sundar • A communications studio will incorporate the animation and non-consecutive term. (He previously Thirukkurungudi (“Mr. T” to his stu- graphics programs and a full television studio. served on the School Board from 2008 dents) to the 8th International Science to 2011.) Being sworn in for the first • Flexible and specialized laboratory space. Youth Forum in Singapore. The forum time were Beth Huck (At-Large), Joy hosted students from 22 different • Outdoor learning terraces. Maloney (Broad Run District) and Eric countries. Only three schools in the DeKenipp (Catoctin District). U.S. were invited to participate. • Energy-efficient features that will allow the building to use 30 percent January 13: “Shark!” Well, not less energy than required by building codes. exactly. It’s a virtual shark, and the student alerting others to it is on The Academies of Loudoun was designed by Stantec with civil engi- a Google Expedition. Students at February neering from Bowman Consulting. It is being built by Holder Construction Guilford Elementary took virtual field February 12: A Purple Paper Company at a cost of $86.5 million. trips to a number of destinations Chain of Pride linked Belmont Ridge thanks to Google Expeditions. Google (Continued on page 20)

PAGE 13 Sports Review pionship and sophomore Sydney lacrosse championship June 11 with Soccer (Continued from page 9) Wrighte won the all-around title at the a 17-4 win over Western Albemarle in The 2016 Virginia 4A boys’ and Individual Open Championships. the Virginia 4A championship game. (132) placed second in their weight girls’ state soccer champions both hail Freedom, coached by Laura Coach Pete Lenotti’s squad pulled from Loudoun. The Loudoun County class. Wrighte, totaled 144.425 points in the away from Western Albemarle in the Overall, 26 area wrestlers placed Raiders won the girls’ crown and the team competition, more than a point second half, scoring 14 of the game’s Park View Patriots hoisted the boys’ sixth or better at the state level. Broad ahead of runner-up Stafford. Compet- last 15 goals. Lenotti was treated to Run produced a strong team finish, championship trophy. ing for Freedom were seniors Sydney a water-cooler shower as the final Loudoun County repeated as placing fourth in the 5A standings. Stotka and Anna Broussard, junior whistle sounded. John Champe placed seventh and state champions, defeating Salem Cara Fragala, sophomores Sydney “That was the most excited I’ve 1-0 in the title game on a goal by Freedom finished eighth in the 4A Wrighte, Cassie Parks and Lexie Vic- ever been in my life,” Dominion senior standings. Allyson Brown in the 28th minute. chio and freshman Katie MacDonald. Chris Low said. “This is the best day Senior Liz Lazzaro, who missed the Wrighte was a model of consistency ever. I’ve been waiting for this all Swimming 2015 title run with a leg injury, was in the individual competition. Wrighte my life.” thrilled to be back in the lineup on Loudoun student-athletes made a placed third or better in all four events Potomac Falls was nearly as big splash once again at the 2016 Vir- the 2016 championship team. to total 38.550 in the all-around. dominant in winning the VHSL 5A girls’ “They knew how much it meant to ginia High School League state swim- Wrighte was one of five Loudoun lacrosse championship. The Panthers ming championships. Eight swimmers me, how much I wanted this title,” gymnasts to earn a podium finish. lost just one time all season on their Lazzaro said. “We were like, ‘We’re and a relay team touched the wall first Riverside’s Maddy Howell tied for sec- way to the title, culminating with a in one or more events to claim state going to get this together.’ We all ond place on the uneven parallel bars 19-7 victory over George Marshall. The wanted it that bad.” gold. (9.575) and Tuscarora’s Claire Pettit Panthers, coached by Jim Birks, came Heritage junior Michael Burris and Raider coach Kirk Smith talked tied for fourth on the balance beam back even stronger this season after about the meaning of consecutive Tuscarora senior Simon Shi each won with a score of 9.650. falling in the 2015 title game to Stone multiple events. Burris placed first in state championships. “It’s great for the Caela Flake of Stone Bridge Bridge. Senior Sydney Knego scored players, so they know they’re part of both the 200-yard individual medley placed sixth on the balance beam a game-high seven goals in the 2016 and 100 breaststroke at the Group 4A the tradition of our school,” he said, (9.575) and seventh on the bars (9.3), state final. noting his nine graduating players. meet, while Shi paced the field in the while Erika Hurrell of Potomac Falls “It’s the greatest feeling in the 200 individual medley and 500 free- Park View completed an impres- finished sixth on the vault (9.575) and world,” Knego said. “This whole sive postseason with a 1-0 victory style at the 5A meet. eighth on the beam (9.475). season, we’ve pushed ourselves Claire Nguyen became first-year over Chancellor in the state final. so hard after losing states last year. Coach Arturo Jimenez’s squad also Riverside’s initial state swim cham- We’ve been doing conditioning, pion; winning the 200 freestyle at the claimed conference and regional tour- Spring Sports running hills, we’ve worked so hard nament titles after finishing second in 3A meet. Nguyen also finished second for this.” in the 500 freestyle and teamed with Lacrosse the conference regular-season stand- Briar Woods pulled off the most ings. In the 66th minute of the state Rebecca Oh, Yasmine Boswell and The depth and talent of varsity surprising run to a state crown. final, Hector Hernández found open Taylor Body to reach the “A” finals in lacrosse in Loudoun County continues Despite losing seven games in 2016, space as Obdulio Funez kicked a hard two relay races. to soar to new heights. For a second Coach Bruce Lipson’s team displayed roller which the Chargers’ keeper dove Camryn Barry of Briar Woods straight year, Loudoun boasted four the fortitude to prevail when it to deflect. It ricocheted straight toward touched the wall first in the 100 free- Virginia High School League state counted most. Hernández for the game’s only goal. style and Charlotte Fieeiki of Potomac champions in 2016. In the Virginia 5A state boys’ It was the Patriots’ first state soc- Falls won the 100 backstroke at the 5A Three teams (Briar Woods’ boys, championship game, Briar Woods cer crown since 1992. meet. Dominion boys and Potomac Falls’ outlasted Atlee 9-8 in overtime. Goalie “It’s great,” Jimenez said with a Joining Burris as Group 4A state girls) each claimed state supremacy Will Juneau denied a shot from point- big smile. “It’s great for the school, the champions were Dominion’s Matthew for the first time. For Woodgrove girls, blank range early in overtime and Kyle community, and for all the kids that go Popovich (200 freestyle), Loudoun it was their third consecutive state Duffie unleashed a wrist shot into the to Park View; this is for them.” Valley’s Sean Conway (500 freestyle), championship. back of the net about a minute later to Tuscarora also enjoyed a magical Rock Ridge’s Nicole Fye (200 freestyle) Woodgrove rolled past George put the exclamation point on the thrill- postseason run in girls’ soccer, though and John Champe’s 200 medley relay Mason 18-6 in the Virginia 4A state ing victory. “There’s no feeling like it,” it ended on a sour note. Following a team of Kyle Barker, Joaquin Gabriel, title game. Nora Bowen, committed Duffie said. “We came together fourth-place finish in the Conference Michael Kaslik and Andrew Yaunches. to play for the University of Virginia this year like no other. It’s all about 14 standings, the Huskies claimed Briar Woods placed second in the since her freshman year, scored seven the team.” conference and regional tournament 5A girls’ team standings, while John goals and fellow senior Sarah Pantaleo Overall, six Loudoun teams titles on its way to advancing to the 5A Champe boys and Rock Ridge girls tallied four. Wolverine coach Bob Fuller advanced to the state playoffs. state final. each finished third in Group 4A. praised his senior class following the Freedom boys enjoyed a breakthrough After winning its state semifinal win. “I’ve had them all four years, and season at the 4A level and 2015 game in overtime fashion, Tuscarora Gymnastics this is a special class. Four of them are Group 5A state champion Stone was not able to find that same magic The Freedom Eagles swept top going on to play in college, and they’re Bridge won conference and regional in the state final – falling to Mills God- honors at the Virginia High School all exceptionally hard workers and just tournament crowns before seeing its win 4-3 in overtime. “I’m so proud of League state gymnastics champion- great girls.” 30-game win streak snapped in the them,” Tuscarora coach Nicole Brower ships in Virginia Beach. The Eagles The unbeaten Dominion Titans state semifinals. (Continued on page 15) soared to the Group 5A team cham- cruised to their first state boys’

PAGE 14 Sports Review While no area team advanced to champions Fitsum Seyoum (800-meter Dominion (4A boys) and Broad (Continued from page 14) the state playoffs, it was still a season run, 1,600 run) and Elijah Moore (400), Run (5A boys) each qualified as teams to remember for many. One of those Tuscarora won the boys’ title at the 5A for states for the first time in school said. “They dug so deep, and they teams was Briar Woods, which won its North Region meet. history. Broad Run’s doubles team of wanted it so badly. It’s like a lesson first-ever conference tournament title Michael Pollatos and Ved Sheth won a learned, realizing what you have in in 2016. “This was a special team,” Tennis state semifinal match before falling in yourselves.” Briar Woods coach Jason Miller said. Riverside enjoyed a memorable the final. Senior goalkeeper Courtenay “The seniors that just played their last inaugural season in girls’ tennis. Loud- Loudoun County’s Alexa Kling ad- Kaplan set a program record with 226 game, they changed the culture. The oun’s lone Group 3A school, Riverside vanced to the Group 4A state singles saves on the season. culture used to be, hoping to compete, advanced to the state playoffs in the tournament, as did John Champe’s “I’m so happy for us, we were the hoping to scrape out a win, just being team, singles and doubles competi- duo of Anahita Moseberry and Regan underdogs this year, no one thought second-tier. These guys worked hard, tions. The Rams’ top player, Sydney Baltasar in doubles.  we would make it out of the confer- they expected to win.” Sawyer, garnered state tournament ence,” Kaplan said. “I’m so proud of Another was Loudoun County. experience in all three competitions. Sports Photography Courtesy of everyone for working this hard, for The Raiders claimed the Conference Sawyer teamed with Mascha Sokolova Loudoun Times-Mirror putting the time in, I’m so sad though, 21-B championship, their first post- in doubles. that it just wasn’t enough.” season title since 2006. “When I took the job here four years ago, it was to Softball build the program back into a con- The Woodgrove Wolverines tender,” Raider coach Nick Price said. produced another outstanding sea- “We were fortunate enough this year son. For the third time in the last five to put ourselves in a position to play springs, Woodgrove hoisted a state for, and win, a championship. I credit championship trophy. my seniors who’ve put in four years Class of 2016 The Wolverines followed up their here for getting the job done when we 2012 and 2014 titles with the 2016 needed it.” edition, cruising past Fauquier 19-0 in Earns $59.4 Million the title match-up. “This just feels real Track and Field satisfying,” said Woodgrove coach Joe Four student-athletes, five Spicer, thinking of the Wolverines’ 1-0 in Scholarships individual state titles. loss in last year’s state final. “It feels Loudoun Valley senior Drew Hunt- like unfinished business. The girls were er ran to a pair of titles, while Weini The Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Class of 2016 focused from day one, and their goal Kelati of Heritage, Lauryn Helstrom of earned $59,476,537 in scholarships. was to get back here and rectify last Park View and Mikajah Hayes of Rock That represents an increase of 34.8 percent over the $38,792,416 year.” Ridge each topped the podium in one earned by the Class of 2015. The Class of 2016 had 4,981 members at Camryn Dolby, a sophomore event at the VHSL 4A state track and 14 high schools with senior classes, a 6.4 percent increase from the 4,665 already committed to play at Boston field championships. Hunter’s titles in graduates in the Class of 2015. College, was dominant in the pitch- the 800-meter and 3,200-meter runs, Some other facts about the Class of 2016: ing circle and at the plate in the title along with scoring from Peter Morris, 51.36 percent of the class (2,558 students) was male and 48.64 game. Dolby drove in eight runs, while Colton Bogucki, Nathaniel Thompson, percent of the class (2423) was female. tossing a 15-strikeout no-hitter. “I feel Will Smagh, Ben Stapleton and a pair By ethnic group 59.2 percent were white; 14.07 percent Asian; 13.89 great,” said Dolby, who doubled twice of relay teams, led Loudoun Valley to percent Hispanic. 8.43 percent African American; 4 percent multi-racial; and hit her sixth homer of the year. a runner-up finish in the boys’ team 0.24 percent American Indian; and 0.16 percent Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. “That game was so fun, and we were standings. 62.22 percent (3,099) plan to attend a four-year college; 23.75 percent all so excited to play in it.” Second-year Rock Ridge pro- (1,183) will attend two-year colleges; 6.90 percent (344) will take advantage Woodgrove completed the season duced the top local finish in the girls’ of other continuing education opportunities; 1.83 percent (91) will enter the at 25-1 and won its sixth consecutive standings, placing sixth with 34 points. military; 2.33 percent (116) will enter the job market; while 2.97 (148) did not regional tournament title along the Hayes blazed the track to top five fin- list future plans. way. ishes in all three sprints – highlighted Of the scholarships and grants, $33,626,101 (56.54 percent) were college- Broad Run and Loudoun Valley by her first-place sprint in the 400-me- awarded grants; Military/Navy ROTC scholarships accounted for $9,980,849 each enjoyed stellar regular seasons ter dash. (16.78 percent); $9,141,163 (15.37 percent) were scholarships for athletics and claimed conference tournament Kelati earned her state crown in or special talents; and $1,992,852 in Pell Grants were awarded, making up titles in 2016. the 3,200-meter run and Helstrom 3.35 percent of the scholarship and grant total. Other funding came from the elevated past the competition in the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program ($1,758,785, 2.96 percent); national or Baseball high jump, clearing 5-feet, 4-inches to state awards ($1,198,788, 2.01 percent); community and civic service/church Seven area teams (Briar Woods, claim gold. awards ($886,411, 1.49 percent); business/industry scholarships ($385,461, John Champe, Loudoun County, Stone Bridge and Tuscarora 0.65 percent); scholarships honoring a person ($271,472, 0.46 percent); and Loudoun Valley, Stone Bridge, led the local charge at the VHSL 5A local high school grants ($234,655, 0.39 percent). Tuscarora and Woodgrove) advanced state championships. The Bulldogs 904 female graduates received 57.87 percent of the scholarships while to either the 5A North or 4A West and Huskies produced top 20 boys’ 658 males received 42.13 percent. regional tournaments this spring. and girls’ team finishes. Led by event

PAGE 15 Loudoun Education Heritage’s Foundation The Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that raises private funds to enhance the quality of education in Loudoun County Public Schools. The Foundation supports projects that stimulate students’ curios- Reluctant Runner 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- tion was modeled after a similar organization in Fairfax County. Since its forma- tion, the LEF has given more than $2,878,900 to Loudoun’s students. The Foundation supplies funds for teacher grants for innovative programs that help students learn and for grants that support STEM education. Focus- ing on helping families in need, LEF offers grants for summer school tuition and provides food for students over the weekend through the Backpack Coalition Program. LEF sponsors the Loudoun County Public Schools International Youth Leadership Summit, the Regional Science and Engineering Fair and the Senior Art Show. The Loudoun Education Foundation celebrates academic excellence by hosting the Excellence in Education Banquet in December and the Outstanding Teacher Dinner in the spring. The LEF awards scholarships to current Loudoun County teachers for pursu- ing graduate degrees or advanced training. Classified employees are eligible to receive scholarships for pursuing teacher licensure. The LEF officers for the 2016-2017 school year are: • President: Wesley Clark • Vice President: Jesse Watters • Treasurer: Casey Holm • Secretary: Becky Ottinger

During the 2015–2016 school year, the Loudoun Education Foundation gave more than $488,900 to Loudoun’s schools. Monies distributed included:

Teaching in Loudoun County program: ...... $65,000 Claude Moore Scholars program: ...... $25,000 Claude Moore Future Leadership Scholarships: ...... $10,000 Claude Moore teacher scholarships: ...... $25,000 Claude Moore grants: ...... $55,000 At five-foot nothing, 19-year-old Weini Kelati is an unlikely star of the Classified employee scholarships: ...... $2,500 long-distance running world. Teacher Professional Development: ...... $2,000 By her own account, she was reluctant to start running. Yet the Heri- Staff Leadership scholarships:...... $2,500 tage High School junior just capped a season that included winning the Teacher Classroom grants: ...... $45,000 girls’ high school 300 meters at the Penn Relays, the Footlocker Cham- Multicultural Education Grants: ...... $1,000 pionships in San Diego and being named The Washington Post Female Excellence in Education sponsorship: ...... $34,800 Cross Country Athlete of the Year. Claude Moore graduation project awards: ...... $30,351 Weini says she started in running after being encouraged by her physi- Student college scholarships:...... $6,000 cal education teacher in her home country of Eritrea. She told him, “I’m not Student achievement support: ...... $29,000 going to run.” The teacher persisted, and Weini finished first in a 200-meter Outstanding teacher recognition: ...... $5,500 run held in her class. The teacher then entered her in a 1500-meter run Outstanding teacher recognition grants: ...... $5,000 with students from the whole school. Social Sciences Fair Sponsorship: ...... $1,250 Again, Weini finished first. Arts Festival Award: ...... $500 The teacher then wanted to enter Weini in a 1500-meter race with stu- Science & Engineering Fair sponsorship: ...... $7,450 dents from 25 villages. The teacher told her that he would dismiss her from Science Fair Teacher Willowcroft Grant: ...... $3,000 school if she didn’t run. Her family originally did not want Weini to run, but Elementary School STEM labs: ...... $9,000 her mom eventually conceded that it wouldn’t hurt her. Weini ran and again Summer School Scholarships: ...... $2,000 won first place. Backpack Coalition: ...... $103,625 Perhaps the funniest anecdote about these three early victories is that Community Outreach Coordinator: ...... $14,175 Weini won the races while wearing long pants and sandals. She said she ActivLoudoun+: ...... $1,750 didn’t want to wear the shorts and sneakers that make up the traditional Corporate Matching Funds Support: ...... $2,586 running uniform. Weini then entered her first national race in Eritrea. She finished third, The Foundation is the primary sponsor of the annual Excellence in Education even without practicing. It was at this point that she knew she needed to Banquet, which honors high school seniors who are in the top 5 percent of their start training with professional runners. class academically. This year’s banquet will be held at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sun- At the age of 12, Weini ran her first national 6K cross country meet day, December 4th, at the National Conference Center. Since 1983, the Excellence against the 70 best runners in Eritrea. She finished 12th that day, noting in Education Banquet has honored 4,713 of Loudoun’s best students. that she was young. The next major event for the LEF will be its 15th Annual Golf Classic on Weini eventually moved to Leesburg where she resides with a cousin Monday, September 19th, at The Club at Creighton Farms. Sponsorships for this who is her legal guardian. She says she enjoys the running culture in the event, LEF’s major fund-raiser, range between $500 and $20,000. Sponsorship U.S. She said that people cheer for her and that she’s making new friends. information can be obtained at the LEF website, www.LoudounEducationFounda- She says that people take pictures with her at races and that this makes tion.org. her happy. She also enjoys traveling to different states to race. The Loudoun Education Foundation honored 19 of Loudoun’s best teachers Weini noted that her second year of running at Heritage has been and Michael Pellegrino, the 2016 Principal of the Year, during a banquet on Friday, much better than her first, as she adjusted to a new country and school. May 6th, at the Belmont Country Club. The 2015-2016 athletic season will be the last scholastic season for Weini, Each of the 19 honored teachers and the Principal of the Year was awarded as her eligibility from the Virginia High School League expires due to a $250 grant by the LEF to enhance their class offerings. The teachers were her age. selected for this honor because they were nominees for The Washington Post’s Weini says she hopes to finish high school expeditiously so that she Agnes Meyer Award from Loudoun County. may continue to compete in college and maybe even the Olympics. She United Way contributions to the Loudoun Education Foundation may be hopes to try marathon running after college. made by designating the funds for Agency No. 8491. In the meantime, Weini continues to train. She says she prefers Donations may also be made to the Foundation via the Combined Federal practicing with the boys because “it’s fun to beat them.” She says her Campaign using Agency No. 20049. small size doesn’t matter because running is all about “mind and legs.” Information about the Foundation While at the Penn Relays, Weini may have encountered her new can be obtained from its Executive running role model. One-hundred-year-old Ida Keeling of New York set a Director, Dawn Meyer, at 571-252-1102 new world record for the 80 and up 100-meter race. Keeling ran the race in or [email protected] The LEF Web 1:17.33. Weini watched her race and said, “That was awesome. That’s page is on the school system’s home insane! She’s amazing to me.”  page, www.lcps.org or www.lef-va.com. 

PAGE 16 Freedom’s Prom Highlights Year of Giving

Freedom High School seventh grade students raised $48,656 at its first donned pink and ran a total of “Hats on Charity Prom” to 221 miles in one day. benefit St. Jude Children’s • Through a coin and Research Hospital and local food collection, students at organizations fighting pediat- Legacy Elementary raised ric cancer. $763.12 and brought in 451 This was just one of pounds of food for the recent many efforts by Loudoun Ashburn Cares Food Drive. County schools to give back Legacy’s PTO donated an ad- to their community. ditional $1,000. It is estimated Freedom’s class officers that the food donated by the and their sponsors began Legacy students will feed 45 planning the event early in the people three meals a day for school year because a num- three days. The donations ber of changes were needed will pay for more than half of to move the prom from its Loudoun Interfaith Relief’s ex- traditional venue and recon- pense for a month of milk and figure it to be a fundraiser. eggs for the people it serves. The biggest opportunity for • Sixth-graders at Blue savings was in moving the Ridge Middle School had a prom to the school gym. The successful One to the World leadership at the Washington Project “What WE Do Mat- Dulles Hilton refunded the ters.” The students collected deposit the school placed on 1,348 items for Project Mobile the ballroom to provide the Hope. Project Mobile Hope is seed money to get the project a nonprofit organization that started. helps precariously housed Whole Foods then of- and food-insecure children fered to cater dinner to all and adults in Loudoun County of the guests. Prom tickets by bringing food and clothing were now cheaper than they in their mobile bus to various had been in previous years locations.  and included dinner. Freedom students had an opportunity for Relay for Life. Teachers dedicated and passionate High School staff members to tour the facility and learn Makin’ Tracks, headed by about making a difference for rolled up their sleeves to pro- more about the good work librarian Denise Higgins, local families. vide some of the labor for the done there each day. sponsors events throughout • On May 4th, special event, including serv- Principal Doug Fulton the year that weave together Tuscarora High School hosted ing dinner and parking cars. summarized it best when he community and fellowship a Harlem Wizards basketball All tips to the staff members said, “Everybody involved with fundraising. game; raising $5,000 for the went toward the fundraiser. with this is going to remember • Broad Run High Make-A-Wish Foundation. Loudoun County An online silent auction that they did something for School’s 2015-16 breast can- The event was organized by School with items donated by various the greater good. They had an cer awareness and fundraiser Laurie Dunham’s Leader- local businesses went live, incredible time. But 20 years campaigns, Hurricane PINK ship Class for their One to Superintendents providing the community from now when they look and Believe in a Cure Cheer the World (OttW) Project. The Since 1888 with an opportunity to bid on back on it, they’re not going Invitational, are donating goal of the project was learn- items to benefit the charity. to say I don’t really remember $17,094.40 to the Loudoun ing how to lead and taking a L.M. Shumate The prom king and queen my high school prom. They Breast Health Network. On stand and make change. 1888-1908 selection also was rethought. are going to say my prom had Monday, February 8th, Broad • Trailside Middle W.A. Edmondson The male and female students a purpose. It made a differ- Run students presented a do- School raised $2,380 for the 1909-1916 who raised the most money ence. And who knows? If it nation to Susan Mills; who ac- Susan G. Komen For the Cure Oscar L. Emerick for pediatric cancer would does catch on, they might be cepted on behalf of Loudoun during its Pink Out on Friday, 1917-1957 now wear the crowns. able to say we were the first.” Breast Health Network. The October 9th. T-shirts were Clarence M. Bussinger Once the proceeds from Other notable fund-rais- donations are a culmination designed by staff member 1957-1968 the April 23rd prom were tal- ing efforts included: of various events sponsored and Stone Bridge Graduate Robert E. Butt lied, students and sponsors • The Pinebrook El- by Broad Run DECA, Fitwize Tyler Unikewicz. All proceeds 1968-1988 boarded a plane for Memphis ementary Relay for Life team, 4 Kids and the Broad Run from the sale of T-shirts is Dr. David N. Thomas to deliver the check directly Teachers Makin’ Tracks, was varsity cheer team. (DECA is being donated to this charity. 1988-1991 to the St. Jude Children’s informed that it is the first an association of marketing Trailside’s hallways were full Dr. Edgar B. Hatrick III Research Hospital. While on Loudoun County team not students.) The donations will of pink on Friday, October 1991-2014 the hospital’s campus, the from the private industry to go directly to local women 9th. Student spirit was at a Dr. Eric Williams raise more than $100,000 and families who are battling premium this day as the 2014- breast cancer. Broad Run is PAGE 17 Madison’s Trust Elementary School (opens 2016)

Loudoun County Public Schools School Bond Referenda – 1987-2015

Since 1987, Loudoun County’s voters have voting yes for the school bonds, voters have given build a new high school and elementary school in approved 24 school bond referendums that have the Board of Supervisors the quickest, most-cost- Dulles North. funded 90 school construction projects, including effective way to seek bond funding. building new schools, renovating older buildings In 2015, 70,914 people (63 percent of those Following is a summary of Loudoun and acquiring the sites for future schools. By voting) cast a ballot in favor of bonds that will County’s school bond referendum history:

November 2015 November 2006 November 2001 Million Million Million Elementary School (ES-31) Dulles North...... Liberty Elementary School...... $ 19.800 Countryside Elementary School...... $ 12.500 High School (HS-11) Dulles North...... $150.995 Steuart Weller Elementary School...... $ 19.800 Belmont Station Elementary School...... $ 12.500 Tuscarora High School...... $ 74.800 Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School...... $ 12.500 Renovation (Phase II) to Mountain View Elementary School...... $ 14.100 Blue Ridge, Seneca Ridge, Simpson Mercer Middle School...... $ 27.100 November 2014 and Sterling Middle Schools...... $ 12.400 Million Renovation/Addition – Land Purchase – Madison’s Trust Elementary Round Hill Elementary School ...... $ 0.900 2 Middle Schools and Brambleton Middle School Renovation/Addition – 1 High School...... $ 43.300 Academies of Loudoun...... $162.900 Lovettsville Elementary School...... $ 7.300 Renovation/Addition – Park View High School...... $ 10.700 November 2005 9 Portable Classrooms...... $ 0.500 November 2013 Million Million Arcola Elementary School...... $ 19.300 Mercer Middle School Addition...... $ 3.880 Kenneth Culbert Elementary School...... $ 16.300 Freedom High School Addition...... $ 4.510 November 2000 Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School...... $ 16.300 Stadium Renovation Million J. Michael Lunsford Middle School...... $ 35.700 Loudoun County High School...... $ 2.365 Hutchison Farm Elementary School...... $ 11.700 Renovation to Forest Grove Elementary School...... $ 11.100 Hillsboro Elementary School...... $ 2.400 Belmont Ridge Middle School...... $ 24.600 November 2012 Renovation to Smart’s Mill Middle School...... $ 25.100 Rolling Ridge Elementary School...... $ 13.000 Dominion High School...... $ 41.700 Million Renovation to Rock Ridge High School...... $ 81.220 Middle School Improvements Sugarland Elementary School...... $ 14.000 (4 existing middle schools)...... $ 5.300 Cardinal Ridge Elementary School...... $ 28.820 Woodgrove High School...... $ 63.500 Renovation School parking lot paving...... $ 0.400 Loudoun Valley High School...... $ 26.120 November 2004 Million November 1999 Million November 2011 Creighton’s Corner Elementary School...... $ 12.900 Seldens Landing Elementary School...... $ 6.600 Million Stone Hill Middle School...... $ 25.400 River Bend Middle School...... $ 18.200 Moorefield Station Elementary School...... $ 22.830 Renovation to existing middle schools...... $ 31.600 Harmony Middle School...... $ 23.900 Discovery Elementary School...... $ 22.830 Renovation/Addition – Heritage High School...... $ 39.900 Trailside Middle School...... $ 39.380 Loudoun County High School...... $ 10.000 Addition – Riverside High School...... $ 81.010 Land Purchase – Lucketts Elementary School Renovation 2 Elementary and 2 Middle Schools...... $ 12.500 Park View High School...... $ 3.570 (6 classrooms)...... $ 1.300 HVAC Replacement...... $ 10.400 (Leesburg and Meadowland Elementary, November 2003 Simpson and Seneca Ridge middle schools) November 2010 Million North Street Addition...... (Failed) $ 5.300 Million Newton-Lee Elementary...... $ 13.300 Frederick Douglass Elementary School...... $ 27.800 Sycolin Creek Elementary...... $ 14.000 November 1998 November 2008 Million November 2002 Mill Run Elementary School...... $ 11.400 Million Million Little River Elementary School...... $ 11.400 Buffalo Trail Elementary School...... $ 21.800 Freedom High School...... $ 52.100 Eagle Ridge Middle School...... $ 24.800 John Champe High School...... $ 82.200 Briar Woods High School...... $ 52.900 2 Portables – Loudoun County High...... $ .080 Renovation/Addition – 2 Cottages – Rolling Ridge Elementary...... $ .120 Broad Run High School...... $ 13.900 November 2007 Gym/Classroom Additions – Million Guilford Elementary School...... $ 3.170 Land Purchase – Sully Elementary School...... $ 3.170 2 Elementary Schools and 1 High School...... $ 15.500 (Continued on page 19)

PAGE 18 Riverside High School (opened 2015)

2016 Bond Referendum Bond funding for school construction will be up for voter approval in the Tuesday, November 8th, election.

On the referendum this year are three schools: ES-28 (a Dulles South people moving into Loudoun will help pay for the schools that will be built for the elementary school co-located on the site of John Champe High School that is county’s increasing school population. scheduled to open in 2018); MS-7 (a Dulles South middle school located near If the bond referendum is not approved, the Board of Supervisors must find the intersection of Lightridge Farm Road and Braddock Road that is scheduled other means of funding for these projects that is typically more expensive and less to open in 2018); HS-9 (a Dulles South high school, scheduled to open in 2021); timely. and three-classroom additions to six elementary schools (Arcola, Rosa Lee Carter, Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8th. Creighton’s Corner, Legacy, Liberty and Pinebrook). The maximum amount in capital improvement bonds this referendum would authorize is $233,070,000. This money would be used to finance the cost to design, construct and equip these Voter Deadlines: schools and additions. • In-Person Voter Registration Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday, October 17th. This is not a referendum on whether these schools should be built. They • Last day to apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you is 5 p.m. have already been approved by the School Board and Board of Supervisors. Tuesday, November 1st. This referendum seeks the authority to issue general obligation bonds to fund • Last day to vote an absentee ballot in person is Saturday, November 5th these projects. (Registrar’s Office will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The Board of Supervisors has selected general obligation bonds as the method of funding these projects. General obligation bonds have historically been For more information, contact the Voter Registration and Electoral Board among the least-expensive means of financing school construction and are sold Office at 703-777-0380. This office is located at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C, with a 20-year repayment schedule for construction projects. Using this method, Leesburg, VA 20175-8916.

November 1994 School Bond Referenda Million (Continued from page 18) Gym Addition Loudoun County High School...... $ 4.020 LCPS Steps Up November 1997 Renovation/Addition Million Loudoun Valley High School...... $ 12.440 Suicide Awareness Stone Bridge High School...... $ 41.100 Potomac Falls High School...... $ 29.300 Round Hill Elementary School...... $ 9.825 Loudoun County Public Schools’ Horizon Elementary School...... $ 11.025 Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention Computer Technology...... $ 12.600 November 1993 program is based on the SOS Signs of Suicide® HVAC, library upgrades, Million High School Prevention Program, (http://www. Catoctin ES gym addition...... $ 11.900 Potowmack Elementary School...... $ 7.030 mentalhealthscreening.org), which is the only Plus VPSA funding for two evidenced-based program that has shown a elementary schools (Balls Bluff 40 percent reduction in self-reported suicide November 1996 and Sanders Corner, each costing $7.03 million) Million attempts. Hillside Elementary School...... $ 10.100 Through classroom instruction and an Addition November 1992 educational video (“Friends for Life”), Emerick Elementary School...... $ 2.700 Million students are taught to identify the signs Home Ec. Lab Renovations Farmwell Station Middle School...... $ 15.400 of depression, suicidality and self-injury in Blue Ridge Middle School, Seneca Ridge Middle School...... $ 1.300 themselves and their peers and to take March 1987 help-seeking actions using the simple and Million easy-to-remember ACT® (Acknowledge-Care- November 1995 Cool Spring Elementary School...... $ 5.100 Million Algonkian Elementary School...... $ 5.100 Tell) technique. The program is implemented Harper Park Middle School...... $ 19.200 by school-based mental health professionals in Dominion Trail Elementary School...... $ 8.970 all high schools...... Lowes Island Elementary School...... $ 8.970 Total $1,955,510,000 In late 2015, Loudoun County Public Schools began working with a nationally recognized suicide researcher and clinician to Woodgrove Wins Wells Fargo Cup evaluate our suicide prevention program and make recommended changes. All school-based Woodgrove High School has the school that has achieved the forensics, debate, film festival, mental health professionals who are respon- been named the Class 4A winner best overall record in the 12 aca- broadcast, newspaper, yearbook sible for conducting suicide screenings and of the Wells Fargo Cup for Aca- demic competitions. Some call and magazine. Points are award- prevention efforts will be retrained in best prac- demics. it the “state champion of state ed in two ways. Scholastic bowl, The Wells Fargo Cup (for- champions.” creative writing, debate, theatre tices and LCPS protocols and procedures this merly the Wachovia Cup) has This is the first time a and forensics points are awarded August in a collaborative effort with this expert. been presented in each of the Loudoun County Public Schools for placing in the top eight spots Additionally, LCPS is seeking funding to pilot last 25 years to one academic (LCPS) high school has won this of the respective competitions. the American Foundation for Suicide Preven- and one athletic winner in each of honor. Publications earn points based tion’s More Than Sad program as it relates to the enrollment classifications of This Wells Fargo Cup for on rankings from the VHSL’s training teachers to recognize signs of mental the Virginia High School League Academics recognizes excel- evaluation service. health distress and how to make referrals for (VHSL). The cup is awarded to lence in scholastic bowl, Woodgrove earned its points assistance.  creative writing, theatre, in the areas of film festival, foren- sics, yearbook and newspaper.  PAGE 19 Year in Review student in the South in 1960 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the like hyperbole. That’s not the case with (Continued from page 13) she began a career in the civil rights White House. The Loudoun County Rubin Sztajer. The survivor of three movement that would span more than Public Schools (LCPS) students were years in Nazi death camps, Sztajer and Middle School and Riverside High three dozen sit-ins and protests. guests of the United States Depart- his wife, Regina, spoke with a selected School. While others work in stone to ment of Education at the Rose Garden group of students at Farmwell Station create marvels, dedicated students ceremony. Middle School. from the two adjoining schools had March March 11: The Loudoun County March 15: A dedicated group of nothing but construction paper and School-Business Partnership Execu- students at Lucketts Elementary cre- staples with which to work. The chain March 3: Rishubh Kaushal, a tive Council presented three major ated a small project that could have a was constructed to honor an appear- seventh-grader at Seneca Ridge awards during its annual recognition big impact. The 17-member Rudy Jr. ance by Chris Herren. A former NBA Middle School, won the 34th breakfast at the National Conference Club – an offshoot of the Lucketts Ru- player, Herren’s work against sub- annual Loudoun County Regional Center. Former Monroe Technology ritan Club – unveiled its Little Library. stance abuse includes Project Purple, Spelling Bee at Stone Bridge High Center Principal Wagner Grier was the The wooden-framed library box allows which encourages people of all ages School. The championship word was recipient of the J. Hamilton Lambert students to take and deposit books, to stand up to substance abuse. The xerophobous, which the Merriam Exemplary Leadership in Educa- free of charge. The Little Library has chain constructed between Riverside Webster Dictionary defines as tion and Community Service Award. children’s and adult shelves stocked and Belmont Ridge took some high- “having little capacity to resist The Washington Redskins Chari- with books the Rudy Jr. Club collect- level logistics. Students had to carry drought.” Kaushal correctly spelled the table Foundation was the recipient ed. It was built and painted during the the purple paper links – with messag- word in the ninth round of the compe- of the Executive Council’s inaugural course of three months with the help es of hope and student names written tition just before 10 p.m. Legacy Award. This award recognizes of parents Jay Frankenfield and David on them – very carefully lest they snap. March 9: Stone Bridge High previous recipients of the Business Petruzzi. Battling 20-degree cold and wind, the School held its annual Ethics and Partnership Recognition Award who March 17: Seldens Landing students advanced the chains from Leadership Day at the National Con- have exhibited a continued devotion Elementary hosted “The Washington the corners of their respective schools. ference Center. This event provided to Loudoun County Public Schools. Capitals Hockey School.” Capitals February 26: Students at Dou- opportunities for all students in the The Washington Redskins Charitable Hockey School is a free, interactive glass School got a lesson in reality. Stone Bridge senior class to discuss, Foundation won the Business Partner- program that teaches floor hockey The Reality Store, sponsored by the make decisions and reach consensus ship Recognition Award in 2009. The skills, teamwork, game strategy and Virginia Cooperative Extension and the on thought-provoking topics. It also “Make a Difference Award” recognizes sportsmanship. Team representatives Loudoun Volunteer Financial Council asks them to consider the impact individuals or organizations who make and the Caps’ mascot, Slapshot, were with funding from the Loudoun Educa- those decisions can have on society. a significant, lasting, positive differ- on hand to conduct the skills session tion Foundation, gives high school The seniors are divided into groups ence in the lives of our children, our for fifth grade students as a culminat- students a financial look at what life and rotate through three ethical community and our future through ing event to the Physical Education after graduation might be like, de- scenarios: The Mock Court Case, The innovative programs, leadership, and Department’s floor hockey unit. At pending on their circumstances. Those Bad Samaritan and Hazing. partnerships benefitting LCPS on a the conclusion of the skills session, circumstances are determined ran- March 10: United States Depart- comprehensive basis. For the first selected students participated in a domly at the beginning of the exercise ment of Agriculture (USDA) Undersec- time, this award was presented to a floor hockey game accompanied by when students are handed packets retary for Food, Nutrition and Consum- student: eighth-grader Zach Pracher Slapshot and the Caps representa- assigning them a job and a family er Services Dr. Katie Wilson spent part of Belmont Ridge Middle School. Zach tives. situation. For instance, they might find of National School Breakfast Week devised a community service project March 17: Five students earned themselves as a civil engineer with at Frederick Douglass Elementary to he wanted to complete for his Bar Intel Finalist Awards at the 35th Annual two children. The students then have learn how the school has made a 117 Mitzvah. The project? Raising $40,000 LCPS Regional Science Fair held at to navigate the expenses of everyday percent increase in breakfast partici- to provide Kindles to homeless middle Freedom High School. Orbital ATK living (groceries, child care, shopping, pation among its students. Wilson’s and high school students served sponsored the event. The five final- medical insurance, transportation, visit started with a tour of the school’s through Loudoun County’s Mobile ists were Wyatt Pontius (Academy of housing) using a salary for their occu- historic learning center, then moved Hope program. Science/Potomac Falls High School); pation determined by the U.S. Bureau to the cafeteria. There, approximately March 14: You know you’ve won Marissa Sumathipala (Broad Run High of Labor Statistics. There were 40 jobs 170 students participate each day in the lottery when you get to attend an School); Molly Magoffin (Academy of that could be assigned to students. the breakfast program. Last February, event that is described by the Presi- Science/Loudoun Valley High School); Salaries ranged from $18,000 up. Each the school implemented a “grab and dent of the United States as “the hot- Meghna Gorella (Academy of Science/ student was given a family back- go” concept that allows the students test ticket in town.” Sixteen students Dominion High School); and Kyle ground with no, one or two children. to pick up breakfast in the cafete- and two staff members from Loudoun Enriquez (Stone Bridge High School). February 27: In honor of Black ria and take it to their classrooms. County High School certainly felt that LCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams History Month, the Sigma Mu Mu Principal Paula Huffman attributes this way when they learned that they had said the event celebrates the asking of Chapter of Omega Psi Phi and the change to the spike in participation. been selected to take part in a theatre questions and the search for the Loudoun International Youth Leader- She noted that students see other stu- workshop that would be held at the answers to them. He noted the sci- ship Summit teamed up to present dents eating breakfast, so they want to White House and that would be di- ence fair participants inspire us be- a conversation on social justice and eat breakfast, too. rected by the cast of the hit Broadway cause they meet the profile of an ideal the civil rights movement featuring March 10: Students from Rock musical “Hamilton.” graduate and are already empowered keynote speaker Joan Trumpauer Mul- Ridge High School and Harper Park March 15: “If there is a hell, I’ve to make meaningful contributions to holland at Rock Ridge High School. Middle School were on hand as been there and come back.” Coming the world. Mulholland was a white university President Obama welcomed Canadian from most people that would sound (Continued on page 21)

PAGE 20 Year in Review cupcake. Each honorable mention the country. “Instead of maps that structing the masks.) The purpose of (Continued from page 20) winner received $25. are usually in classrooms where the the gathering was to honor Pellegrino April 4: Loung Ung, who survived western hemisphere is in the middle as the 2016 Loudoun County Principal Cambodia’s Killing Fields, was the and then there are these two flaps of the Year. April keynote speaker at the Loudoun on each side, (I insisted) that I have a April 19: Frances Hazel Reid Ele- International Youth Leadership Sum- globe. I would turn the globe around mentary was selected by the Leesburg April 1: The Lowes Island gymna- mit’s Opening Ceremony at Rock and would say most of the people live Tree Commission to take part in its sium was filled with celebrities as the Ridge High School. “The future looks on the other side of the globe. It was Fourth Grade Forester’s Program. Stu- school’s third grade students took part so bright with all of you in it,” Ung really an ideal teaching tool because dents and guests planted the official in the seventh annual Wax Museum. told the Summit’s delegates and Rock we really always think of ourselves as Arbor Day Tree in front of the school. The Wax Museum project is a little like Ridge’s student body at the beginning being in the middle of everything. And A dogwood tree (Virginia’s official tree) visiting Madame Tussaud’s, except the of her address. She went on to under- it’s important to know where all the was selected by fourth grade teachers mannequins are really students who score the importance of such interna- other people live. And it’s really only due to its significance (fourth-graders await the opportunity to share what tional gatherings. Not that long ago, human nature, but the truth is the vast study Virginia history.) they have learned about a famous when I was a child living on the streets majority of the world’s people live in April 20: Ball’s Bluff Elemen- historical figure. Students conduct of Cambodia, eating out of garbage what Americans often think of as the tary opened a branch of Middleburg extensive research into the lives of cans; hating the world and wondering earth’s far side.” Bank during a lively ceremony in the the historical figure they had chosen. why the world hated me and why no April 13: Loudoun County Public school’s multi-purpose room. Ball’s Historical figures at this year’s Wax one cared and why no one reached Schools was honored by the Environ- Bluff is the fourth school to open a Museum included Achilles, Bindi Irwin, out their hands to me. If you found mental Protection Agency (EPA) for its student-run branch bank in conjunc- Abraham Lincoln, Steve Jobs, Laura me then and told me that someday I sustained environmental conservation tion with Middleburg Bank. “Each time Ingalls Wilder and Neil Armstrong. would get to be here, to be alive, to be efforts at the 2016 Energy Star Partner it seems to get bigger and better,” said Students prepared a brief written well, to be healthy and happy, I would of the Year Awards. LCPS received Mike Knotts, Middleburg’s vice presi- report about that figure and dressed not have believed you. But if you told its seventh award from the EPA at an dent and regional manager. “I have a up as the figure on the day of the Wax me that one day I would be a child sol- event for organizations from across the feeling that this one is going to be hard Museum presentation. They delivered dier; that I would have to strap some nation that was held at the Washing- to top. The bar has definitely been set presentations for guests who pressed kind of weapons system on me and ton Marriott Wardman Park. LCPS has very high for the next school.” a sticker/button on the backs of their hurt other people, that I get to grow up twice previously been named Partner April 21: Mercer Middle School hands. The students stood in front of in hate and violence and be damaged, of the Year. For the fifth time, LCPS students learned about three Ameri- elaborate presentation boards they broken, I would have believed you. was recognized for Sustained Excel- can wars from the men who fought prepared that provided additional And yet here I am. I cannot believe it lence. in those conflicts. Mercer’s Living context about the historical figure. sometimes, but I am here. I am here April 14: Not everyone knows History Day brought more than 20 April 1: Three LCPS students because so many leaders like you took what they want to be when they’re 6. local veterans to the school to discuss were among the 10 finalists of the action. Leaders, exactly like you, who Chuck Bell did. The WRC-TV meteo- their experiences during World War II, Virginia Geography Bee held at Long- stood up when I couldn’t, who spoke rologist spoke with second-graders at the Korean War and the Vietnam War. wood University. Austin Copeland up when I couldn’t, who gave me a Round Hill Elementary as the culmina- Lee Smith, a 91 year-old veteran of of Potowmack Elementary won third helping hand so that I could not only tion of their One to the World (OTTW) World War II, described learning to use place in the contest. Anish Susaria of survive but thrive in peace.” project on weather. Bell was a first- a bayonet in hand-to-hand combat Ball’s Bluff Elementary and Smaran April 8: Former Secretary of grader living outside when a during basic training. “I can fight with Pasupulati of Cardinal Ridge Elemen- State and 2012 Presidential Medal of tornado came over his school on April a knife,” he said, “but I hope I never tary were named finalists. Freedom recipient Madeleine Albright 3, 1974. (Bell noted that this was then have to.” April 1: Five LCPS students were addressed the delegation of the the most active tornado season in April 22: Carl Azuz doesn’t visit honored for creating moving works International Youth Leadership Summit American history and that his tornado schools often. But when he does, he of art at the 2016 Loudoun Education at Woodgrove High School. Albright, was number 127 of 150 that year.) A visits Belmont Ridge Middle School. Foundation (LEF) Senior Art Show at who was the first female Secretary of thought popped into the young Bell’s Azuz, the anchor of CNN Student the National Conference Center. First State, addressed the issue of gender mind as a result of the storm. “Any- News, visited Belmont Ridge – the place was awarded to Alena Titova of equality, among other topics, during thing that can get you out of school is only school he’ll visit outside the Dominion High School for a realistic her remarks. She recounted her per- worth knowing about.” Atlanta area this school year. He told oil painting of her grandmother. First sonal efforts at international education, April 19: Some people have students at Belmont Ridge this was prize was $200. Second place went starting when she was in high school. trouble facing themselves in the morn- the first time he had visited a Virginia to Kaitlyn Perkins of Heritage High “I have long believed in the necessity ing. Imagine facing 640 of yourself. school. (Started in 1989, CNN Student School for a wide-eyed pastel portrait of incorporating a global perspective That’s what Principal Michael Pel- News is regularly viewed by 3 million of her cousin. Second prize was $150. into education. In fact, going back legrino did at Evergreen Mill Elemen- students and young adults around the Third place went to Adam Urbina of to the time that I was in high school, tary. Students and staff held Pellegrino world. In foreign countries it’s often Loudoun Valley High School for a floral I started an international relations face-on-a-stick masks to their face used as a tool to learn English.) landscape painted on a shutter. Third club and made myself president and as the surprised principal walked into April 28: “It’s so nice to have you prize was $100. Honorable mention insisted that everybody come,” she the multi-purpose room. (Elementary in our house.” With those words, prizes went to Kellyn Peterson of Briar joked. On a more serious note, she re- Supervisor Teri Finn held Pellegrino in Sterling Elementary Principal Jennifer Woods High School for a work entitled called creating a program called “The his office on an “emergency” as the Meres welcomed a packed house to “Blind” and to Sean Bontempo of Secretary in the Classroom” through school community gathered for the the school’s Family Traditions Night. Heritage High School for a serigraphy which she visited schools across celebration. The PTA spent hours con- (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 21 Year in Review honored LCPS teachers nominated for she learned that she had walked into the same dream you have. Dream big. (Continued from page 21) The Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer a school-wide gathering to honor her Dream with your eyes wide open… Outstanding Teacher Award. The as a Virginia Lottery Super Teacher. Dream when you’re taking your The evening began with a favorite Loudoun nominee for this honor also The fact that the SOL pep rally wasn’t tests; ‘I’m going to ace this thing.’ family tradition; a big meal. In addi- serves as Loudoun’s Teacher of the really a pep rally wasn’t the only And, most importantly, have the plan… tion to homemade foods, food was Year. Teacher of the Year John Tuck of surprise the morning had in store for The worst thing you can do is dream, sponsored by Costco, Nan’s Best Rolling Ridge Elementary and Princi- Warren. Paula Otto of the Virginia Lot- not have a plan, and then put that Friend Pet Care and Pollo Inti. Miroslav pal of the Year Michael Pellegrino of tery presented Warren with a $2,000 dream into action. That’s going to Loncar and World View Guitar from Evergreen Mill Elementary were among check, while Dutch Jones of Supply be called a nightmare. I promise neighboring Park View High School the evening’s honorees. LEF President Room Companies presented her with you that.” supplied the dinner music (performers Wade Tetsuka summed up the un- another $2,000 in school supplies from May 19: The Special Education included Elias Belloso, August Muller derlying reason for the dinner. “Every his company. Lottery employees, who Advisory Council (SEAC) paid tribute V, Haydee Portillo, Alyssa Wilcox and best-in-class organization openly would volunteer at Sugarland later in to retiring LCPS Special Education Riley Soos). After-dinner entertainment celebrates successes and recognizes the day, unfurled a banner honoring Director Mary Kearney and 34 other was provided by Mosaique Center for the people who make that excellence Warren as a Super Teacher. students, staff, parents and commu- Cultural Arts Youth Performance, possible.” May 17: The 85 seniors honored nity organizations at the Annual SEAC Professional Martial Arts Academy May 10: The nominees for the at the 2016 CAMPUS Senior Celebra- Awards. Kearney retired on June 15th Wushu and a dance team made up LCPS Outstanding Substitute of the tion got some wise words on the value after 41 years of service to students of Sterling Elementary staff (leader Year Award were honored by the Lou- of planning. The keynote speaker for with special needs in Loudoun County. Giovanna Huaman, Meres, Jessica doun County School Board. Samantha the evening, former NFL safety Jason She was recognized by Assistant Garcia, Nichole Croxton, Kelly Howell, Girardi, of Legacy Elementary School, Belser, spoke about the relationship Superintendent for Pupil Services Dr. Valerie Long, Danielle Ward, Jeanine and Rose Marie Lee, of Sycolin Creek between dreaming and planning. “I Mary Kealy and received a standing Wavelet and Kim McLaughlin). Elementary School, were named El- want each and every one of you – ovation. SEAC also honored Allyson April 30: Tuscarora High School ementary School Substitute Teachers CAMPUS 2016 students – to dream Pate of the Parent Resource Center, students, the Junior Woman’s Club of the Year. Jane Ensminger of Harper big. Dream big, because if you don’t, who also retired. of Loudoun, Bartlett Tree Experts and Park Middle School was named Mid- somebody else (will). They may have (Continued on page 26) other community members planted 65 dle School Substitute Teacher of the trees as part of the Journey Through Year. Janet Endres of Potomac Falls Hallowed Ground Partnership’s Living High School was named High School Legacy Project. This ambitious effort Substitute Teacher of the Year. Loudoun’s Salary Ranking in seeks to plant or dedicate a tree for May 12: More than 2,000 years each of the 620,000 soldiers who died of service to Loudoun County Public Northern Virginia* during the American Civil War. Each Schools was honored at the 2016 tree is geotagged to share the name of Service Awards at Trailside Middle the soldier, where he was born, where School. “You each have unique skills Manassas Park City $57,633 he died and include the story of the and talents that make a difference 92.6% soldier’s life. in the world,” LCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams told the honorees. Manassas City $64,121 “Those contributions are greatly ap- 92% preciated.” Thirty-one employees were May Prince William County $64,523 honored for 25 years of service; 21 for 91% May 2: The Washington Red- 30 years; six for 35 years; and nine for skins Charitable Foundation kicked 40 years. Loudoun County $65,581 off Teacher Appreciation Week with a May 14-15: Loudoun County High 92.4% special surprise for LCPS Teacher of School’s Navy Junior ROTC program Fairfax County the Year John Tuck. The foundation volunteered at the 2016 “Food Fight,” $67,589 partnered with Michelle Johnson of held at the Dulles Expo Center. Sixty 93.2% Loudoun Learning to give Tuck a $500 cadets took part in the event to help Alexandria gift certificate to the teacher supply package five million meals for Feed My $74,431 store. But just giving the fifth grade Starving Children. The cadets joined Falls Church City 88.6% teacher at Rolling Ridge a check isn’t representatives from more than 440 the Redskins’ style. They had a large organizations to meet this ambitious $76,495 check printed and personally delivered goal. Feed My Starving Children is a Arlington 92.3% to Tuck’s classroom by wide receiver national non-profit organization that $78,002 Pierre Garcon. has spent the last 30 years working to 91.3% May 6: The Loudoun Education break the cycle of poverty in 70 coun- Average Teacher Salary Foundation (LEF) honored some of tries around the world. the top teachers in Loudoun County May 17: Sugarland Elementary Public Schools during its annual Out- fifth grade teacher Jennifer Warren standing Teacher Recognition Dinner thought she was taking her class to Percentage of School-Based Positions *Source: Washington Area Boards of Education (WABE) FY 2016 Guide at Belmont Country Club. The dinner the gym for an SOL pep rally. Instead,

PAGE 22 School-Business Partnership Executive Council

The Loudoun School-Business Among its most visible programs The mission of the Executive The 2016-2017 officers for Partnership Executive Council was is the annual Job-for-a-Day and the Council is to provide the leadership the School-Business Partnership founded in 1990 by the citizens of Partnership Breakfast. to promote the development and Executive Council are: Loudoun County as a non-profit The vision of the School-Business success of partnerships between • Michael Lo Presti, Chairman, organization whose mission is “to Partnership is “to be a progressive LCPS and businesses to ensure Loudoun School-Business provide the leadership to promote leader in establishing effective and that the students are prepared to Partnership Executive Council, the development and success of creative partnerships.” Indicators of contribute successfully to the ever- and President of Presti & partnerships between the Loudoun the Partnership’s success will be if: changing business and community Company, Inc. County Public Schools (LCPS) and environments and to become a valued • Partnerships are thriving; businesses to help ensure students resource of senior business executives • Al Nielsen, Vice Chair, • Students are learning current are prepared to contribute successfully available to the School Board and AOL and relevant skills; to the ever-changing business and Superintendent to advise on ever • Students are leaders and community environments.” present challenges. • Donna Fortier, Vice Chair, committed to their communities; The council is composed of Mobile Hope • Students are learning interactive The 2016 Job-for-a-Day Program corporate executives, business and technology skills; will be held on Wednesday, November • Karen Russell, Secretary, professionals, government agency • Schools are responsive to 16, 2016. ECHO Inc. representatives and LCPS educators. partnerships and actively During the school year, the partnership The 2016-17 annual Partnership Director of Middle School integrate “best of practices” in council facilitates networking activities Breakfast will be on March 10, Education Neil Slevin is the staff the curricula; and events with business partners 2017, at 7:30 a.m. at the National liaison for the School-Business • Businesses benefit from having and recognizes outstanding school- Conference Center. Partnership. He can be reached at a well-qualified workforce. business partnerships. 571-252-1090 or [email protected]. Record 55 LCPS Facilities Receive ENERGY STAR A record 55 Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) buildings have been awarded the ENERGY STAR label by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR is the national, official symbol of energy efficiency in America. A building that earns an ENERGY STAR award uses less energy than 75 percent of similar buildings in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey. The attainment of the ENERGY STAR awards is the result of work by the LCPS Support Services Department and its Energy Education Program. The number of LCPS ENERGY STAR buildings has grown from seven in 2008 to its current number. LCPS buildings that received 2015 ENERGY STAR recognition include: Algonkian Elementary Little River Elementary Arcola Elementary Lovettsville Elementary Ashburn Elementary Lowes Island Elementary Ball’s Bluff Elementary Lucketts Elementary Belmont Station Elementary Meadowland Elementary Buffalo Trail Elementary Mill Run Elementary Rosa Lee Carter Elementary Moorefield Station Elementary Cedar Lane Elementary Mountain View Elementary Cool Spring Elementary Newton-Lee Elementary Countryside Elementary Park View High School Creighton’s Corner Elementary Pinebrook Elementary Kenneth W. Culbert Elementary Potowmack Elementary Discovery Elementary Frances Hazel Reid Elementary Dominion Trail Elementary Round Hill Elementary Emerick Elementary Sanders Corner Elementary Evergreen Mill Elementary Seldens Landing Elementary Forest Grove Elementary Seneca Ridge Middle School Freedom High School Simpson Middle School Guilford Elementary Staff Training Center Hamilton Elementary Sterling Elementary Hillsboro Elementary Stone Bridge High School Hillside Elementary Sully Elementary Horizon Elementary Sycolin Creek Elementary Hutchison Farm Elementary Tolbert Elementary Leesburg Elementary Tuscarora High School Legacy Elementary Waterford Elementary Liberty Elementary Steuart Weller Elementary Lincoln Elementary Energy Savings Loudoun County Public Schools comprehensive energy management saved more than $4.6 million in energy program. When the paid term of the con- costs during the 2015-16 school year. tract ended, LCPS continued to moni- This represents a 28.9 percent reduction tor its energy use with a goal of saving in utility costs for the school division. energy wherever possible. The latest figure added to more than LCPS is a seven-time ENERGY two decades of documented cost avoid- STAR Partner of the Year, a two-time ance in excess of $70 million. winner of the Virginia Governor’s Envi- LCPS hired its first energy manager ronmental Excellence Award and also in 1993, teaming up with Energy Educa- earned the Metropolitan Washington tion (now Cenergistic) for a four-year Council of Government’s (MWCOG) First Annual Climate and Energy Leadership Award. 

PAGE 23 6 LCPS Middle Schools Minority Student Named Schools to Watch Achievement Six LCPS middle is receiving Re-Designation II status. alliances with families and promotes schools, Eagle Sterling Middle School received the development of citizenship skills. Advisory Ridge, its first designation in 2012 and this Farmwell year is receiving Re-Designation I 3. High-performing middle Committee Station, Harper status. schools are socially equitable. Every Park, River J. Lupton Simpson Middle School student is provided with high-quality The Minority Student Achieve- Bend, J. Lupton received its first designation. teachers, resources, learning opportu- ment Advisory Committee (MSAAC) Simpson and nities and support systems. is dedicated to work in partnership Sterling, were The goal of Schools to Watch with the Loudoun County Public recognized as Schools to Watch by (STW) is to identify and recognize 4. High-performing middle Schools (LCPS), parents and the The National Forum to Accelerate outstanding middle schools across the schools incorporate organizational community to further the academic, Middle-Grades Reform in 2016. nation based on the following research structures that support these philoso- social and cultural development of Eagle Ridge Middle School based criteria: phies including school improvement every student and to ensure that received its first designation in 2007, planning, interdisciplinary teaming, use the needs of all minority students Re-Designation I in 2010, Re-Designa- 1. High-performing middle of data, culturally responsive instruc- are met. The committee was tion II in 2013 and this year is receiving schools are academically excel- tion, exploratory curriculum offerings, created to serve in an advisory Re-Designation III status. lent. All students are expected to grade-level houses and places where capacity to the Loudoun County Farmwell Station Middle School meet high standards and all teach- time is allocated and scheduled to School Board. Its primary focus is also received its first designation in ers use instructional strategies that meet these goals. to advocate for the development 2007, Re-Designation I in 2010, Re- include a variety of challenging and of a positive school climate that Designation II in 2013 and this year is engaging activities. The Schools to Watch designation supports and nurtures our growing, receiving Re-Designation III status. must be renewed every three years diverse, multicultural community. Harper Park Middle School 2. High-performing middle to show continuous growth in these MSAAC wants to make certain received its first designation in 2010, schools are developmentally areas. As the three-year cycle comes that all students are afforded the Re-Designation I in 2013 and this year responsive to the unique needs of around, the staff at the schools must opportunities and resources to is receiving Re-Designation II status. the middle school-aged student. again self-assess and re-evaluate their achieve and feel welcomed in their River Bend Middle School also The school creates a personalized practices.  schools. received its first designation in 2010, environment, provides access to MSAAC supports School Re-Designation I in 2013 and this year comprehensive services, encourages Board, staff and parent initiatives to make our schools culturally com- petent. MSAAC strives to ensure fair and equitable instruction for all Fast Fact: Most Challenging Schools LCPS students. MSAAC believes in this quote from William Spady: “All students LCPS High Schools Ranked by can learn and succeed, but not on the same day, or not in the same way.” Washington Post MSAAC Goals All 13 eligible Loudoun County by the number of graduates that year. “The list reveals many schools that • Provide a forum of safe Public Schools (LCPS) high schools Also noted are the percentage of have decided thinking and writing and respectable communication have been listed in The Washington students who come from families that are as important as reading,” said between parents, teachers and Post’s rankings of America’s Most qualify for lunch subsidies and the Mathews in a release announcing the administrators. Challenging High Schools for 2016 percentage of graduates who passed rankings. “With good teaching, they (Rock Ridge and Riverside high at least one college-level test during have found ways to convince even the • Assist parents and educa- schools are not yet eligible for this their high school career. most laid-back, average students of tors to collectively understand the performance measurement). Formerly known as “The Chal- the necessity and importance of those importance of nurturing a climate of America’s Most Challenging High lenge Index,” America’s Most Chal- subjects, too.” cultural sensitivity in an academic/ Schools are determined by the number lenging High Schools has been Following are the rankings (state, social environment that is increas- of college-level tests given at a school compiled for the past 18 years by Post regional and national) for the eligible ing in diversity each year. in the previous calendar year divided education columnist Jay Mathews. LCPS high schools: • Help parents and teachers recognize, honor and teach to 2016 America’s Most Challenging High School those differences. Rankings for LCPS Schools • Help cultivate an equitable educational experience for all High School Virginia Washington Region Nationally students that will positively impact achievement gaps. Dominion 9 20 272 • Increase school participa- Briar Woods 17 41 420 tion/accountability by ensuring each LCPS school has a delegate Stone Bridge 21 46 469 to represent their student body Tuscarora 22 48 477 needs. All general MSAAC meetings Loudoun County 26 51 502 are held at 7 p.m. on the third John Champe 27 52 511 Wednesday of each month at the Loudoun County Public School Loudoun Valley 29 56 539 Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, in the Potomac Falls 41 70 702 School Board Meeting Room. For more information or to find Broad Run 43 73 717 out how you can become involved with MSAAC, please contact: Woodgrove 48 81 828 Vice Chairman Jamie Johnson, Freedom 54 88 961 [email protected]. 

Heritage 66 108 1,232 Park View 69 114 1,303

PAGE 24 Special Education Advisory Committee The Individuals with Disabilities an opportunity to share successful 2016-17 SEAC Executive Education Act (IDEA) requires that educational experiences and express Committee Members each state establish and maintain concerns regarding educational issues an advisory panel for the purpose of for students with disabilities. Chairperson providing guidance with respect to Lorraine Hightower special education and related services SEAC Members: Delegate subcommittees to moni- [email protected] for children with disabilities. Every tor programmatic issues and future school division is required to have a The role of the SEAC member is items of concern in order to make Vice Chairs: Special Education Advisory Commit- to work with other members of the recommendations to the full commit- Open, Communications tee as detailed in Regulations Govern- committee to fulfill the local SEAC’s tee and district; [email protected] ing Special Education Programs for functions as assigned in the Virginia Helpful and timely information Children with Disabilities in Virginia regulations. SEAC members identify via the SEAC website and Facebook April Redmon, Planning (effective 2010). needs in the education of students page at www.lcps.org/seac and www. [email protected] In Loudoun County Public with disabilities and develop advice facebook.com/loudounseac; Schools (LCPS), this panel is known as and recommendations about how the Annual recognition for Excel- Sharon Tropf, Membership and “SEAC” (Special Education Advisory school division can meet these needs. lence in Supporting Special Education PTA Reps Committee). The work and activities of SEAC members are appointed to two- Awards Program honoring award re- [email protected] SEAC are directed by the established year terms by the SEAC officers. The cipients who demonstrate excellence by-laws. The major purpose of SEAC Virginia Regulations indicate school in making a meaningful difference in Jodi Folta, Past Chair is to provide an opportunity for parents personnel serve only as consultants to the lives of individuals in the special [email protected] and other appointees to have a voice SEAC and are non-voting participants. education community; in the way school divisions provide Individuals interested in applying for SEAC PTA/PTO representative Secretary services to students with disabilities. SEAC membership should complete appointment is encouraged at each Bridget Gorey SEAC works with the School Board, the application at www.lcps.org/seac. school. Check the listing on the SEAC [email protected] administrators and teachers who are web page to confirm whether your School Board responsible for students receiving school is represented; What SEAC Does: Debbie Rose special education service as well as Receive input from parents, care- Advise LCPS of the needs in the [email protected] parents. education of students with disabilities; givers, educators and other interested Participate in the development of stakeholders during monthly meetings LCPS Staff When Are Meetings? priorities and strategies for meeting and through public comments, town Dr. Suzanne M. Jimenez the identified needs of children with hall meetings and community surveys. Director of Special Education SEAC meets monthly during disabilities; This input assists SEAC in identifying [email protected] the school year, generally the first Assist LCPS in the development the needs of LCPS students with (571) 252-1011 Wednesday of the month, from 7 to of long-range plans, which will provide disabilities.  9 p.m. at the Loudoun County Public needed services for children with Schools (LCPS) Administrative Offices, disabilities; 21000 Education Court, Ashburn. Submit reports and recommen- Meetings include a presentation on dations regarding the education of topics related to services for students students with disabilities to the School with disabilities. Current information Board. The current and past annual about meeting dates and location, as report recommendations are available well as meeting presentation informa- at www.lcps.org/seac; tion, is available at www.lcps.org/seac. Review the policies and pro- cedures for the provision of special Who May Attend education and related services prior to Meetings? submission to the local School Board; Loudoun Education Alliance Review annually the LCPS Special All meetings are open to the Education Plan and Application for public. SEAC welcomes anyone inter- Federal Funding. of Parents (LEAP) ested in special education. Seating is The Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents (LEAP) is a non-partisan set up by school cluster, so there is network that promotes interaction between parents, teachers, School an opportunity to connect with other How We Do It: Board members and members of the Loudoun County Public Schools ad- parents and staff from your school. Informative presentations for ministrative team. LEAP meetings provide a forum for the discussion and There is a designated time for public parents and educators at the monthly sharing of common educational concerns and ideas. comment during the meeting. This is meetings; LEAP meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the LCPS School Administrative Offices, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn. The first meeting of the 2016-2017 school year will be on Wednesday, Septem- ber 14th. Each two-hour program features a panel discussion on topics of interest to parents and members of the community-at-large. Each LCPS school elects two delegates from its PTA or PTO to attend Student Population LEAP meetings. In addition, the meetings are open to all parents of LCPS students and members of the public. Growth LEAP was founded in 1989 with 20th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Thomas D. Horne serving as its first president. Following is a list of the LEAP officers for the 2016-2017 school year: • President: Rennea Butler • Vice President Communications: Juana Kazmierczak • Vice President Programs: Dennis Kellen • Treasurer: Jasmin Moser • Secretary: Truphelia Parker The 2016-2017 LEAP meeting schedule and the topics that will be discussed are as follows*: September 14 – “What’s New at LCPS” Overview and Volunteering October 12 – “Mental Health and Parenting” November 9 – “Student Safety” - Cyberbully, gangs, dress code December 14 – “LCPS Curriculum” - How It Prepares You for College January 11 – “Budget” – Where Are Your Dollars Going? February 8 – “Boundaries and Open Enrollment” March 8 – “SOL’s and Other Assessments” April 12 – “Joint Town Hall” May 10 – Elections and The Year In Review Visit LEAP at www.lcps.org, under the Parents section, for more information.  *Estimated Student Population *The schedule and topics are subject to change.

PAGE 25 Year in Review it. Teachers helped students generate sembly concluded. While the seniors age to become friends, family. We all (Continued from page 22) creative, unique ideas, flesh out their were still in their caps and gowns, love each other very much.” characters, figure out how to end their they walked next door to Sterling June 7: Take two! Being a good May 20: Loudoun County Public stories and how to keep writing every Elementary to the accompaniment buddy means be willing to repeat Schools celebrated the careers of day in order to get to that goal. In the of the marching band’s drum line. something if someone forgot to put a 192 employees who have retired this end, the entire eighth grade collective- (Sterling Elementary is the school microphone on you. That was an in- school year or who will retire at the ly wrote more than 1.5 million words. many of the seniors once attended.) advertent lesson Potowmack Elemen- close of the school year during a May 30: On Memorial Day, The elementary students lined the tary Principal Jennifer Rule taught on banquet held on Friday, May 20th, at cadets of the Loudoun County High hallways, holding good luck signs they Tuesday, June 7th during the dedica- the Lansdowne Resort. The employ- School Navy Junior ROTC unit took had created while clapping and cheer- tion of the school’s new Buddy Bench. ees had a combined 3,516 years of part in the Town of Leesburg’s annual ing for their older counterparts. The WJLA-TV covered the dedication, but service to the children of Loudoun ceremony remembering those who elementary and high school students forgot to wire Rule for sound before County. Two retiring employees tied have died in service to our nation as exchanged high fives and fist bumps she began telling the fifth grade about for the most years of service. Loudoun part of America’s armed forces. For as the high-schoolers marched past the significance of the Buddy Bench. County High School social studies the seventh year in a row, the NJROTC each class. Being the good buddy that she is, Rule teacher Patricia A. Simms and Water- Color Guard opened and closed the June 2: Kashvi Ramani, a fourth- put on a microphone and repeated ford Elementary secretary Judith A. commemoration with the traditional grader at Belmont Station Elementary her address to the fifth grade. It was Florance are retiring after 43 years of presentation and retirement of the already has a nationally ranked chart- a message worth repeating. The service. colors. Additionally, several cadets topper. Kashvi’s rap to environmental Buddy Bench is a simple idea to help May 20-22: River Bend Middle volunteered to serve as re-enactors, consciousness, “Outdoor Saviors,” eliminate loneliness and foster friend- School was one of only four schools wearing historical military uniforms was the third to fifth grade winner in ship on the playground. Students who chosen nationwide to participate in representing those who served in dif- the “Be a Backyard Super Hero” con- feel lonely or need a friend can sit on the Ultimaker Bay Area Maker Faire ferent wars and periods in America’s test sponsored by the Outdoor Power the Buddy Bench at recess and think Gumball Machine Challenge at the history. Joining with several adult re- Equipment Institute and Scholastic. about what they would like to do next. 2016 Maker Faire in San Francisco. enactors, the cadets lent an air of au- The result of her winning entry was a Students who want to help a class- The Bay Area Maker Faire is one of the thenticity and realism to the ceremony $5,000 donation to help landscape the mate feel welcome or reach out to largest in the world. It brings together in that they are much closer in age and green spaces at Belmont Station. Part someone can join their classmate on hobbyists and professionals to show- appearance to those soldiers, sailors of the prize package was a visit from the Buddy Bench and invite the class- case innovation and creativity from and Marines who have typically borne TurfMutt, aka Lucky, a rescue dog who mate to join their game. Potowmack’s simple crafting to complex products. the brunt of the fighting in our nation’s serves as the face of the “Backyard staff incorporated lessons about the Those attending the Maker Faire were wars. Super Hero” campaign. Kashvi’s rap Buddy Bench into the school’s Posi- able to purchase 3D-printed items May 31: Loudoun County Public started out with a shout out to this tive Behavioral Interventions and Sup- designed by River Bend students. Schools hopes the 135 seniors gradu- environmentally conscious canine: ports (PBIS) lessons so students know The items are put into small plastic ating from the Teacher Cadet program “TurfMutt is the leader of the band; the new addition is more than just a capsules and loaded into one of four will be returning in search of a job four Always lends a helping hand.” Kashvi’s spot to sit down. gumball machines at the Maker Faire. years from now. The teacher cadets entry marked the first time a musical June 8: The thing about outdoor The school whose machine collected were honored during a ceremony at piece had won the competition. classrooms is that they are, y’know, the most money won a new Ultimaker the LCPS Administrative Offices in June 7: Faculty musical outdoors. That led to some unsched- 3D printer. Each of the participat- Ashburn. Superintendent Dr. Eric Wil- performances, heartfelt testimonials uled excitement at the rededication ing schools got to keep the money liams noted that, of the 714 licensed and a plethora of awards were the of Harmony Middle School’s outdoor earned. Although River Bend did not personnel the school division hired mainstays of the Douglass Senior classroom. No sooner had Principal win the printer, it sold out its nearly last year, 100 were graduates of LCPS Awards Ceremony. Math teacher Eric Stewart and art teacher Lori 700 items and earned about $350 for schools. “We hope to hire many of Jon Covel sang an original composi- DeMark finished outlining the work its Tech Ed program. you in four years…We truly do hope tion, “Perspective,” accompanied that went into renovating the wooded May 25: A crowd of 65 fam- that you decide to pursue a career as by school counselor Brett Lesher on area east of the school than a summer ily members, 17 writers, two English a teacher and – that if you do – you’ll guitar and substitute teacher Luis Ra- squall blew through, sending everyone teachers and one principal gathered apply for work in Loudoun County.” mos, a former middle school student scurrying to the library. (Flip flops and in Harmony Middle School’s cafeteria at Douglass. Later in the program heels gave way to bare feet as eighth- to celebrate a major milestone. Thirty Assistant Principal Sherri Simmons graders and guests scrambled down students at Harmony, through a grant June sang Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” the hill leading from the outdoor class- from the PTA and the efforts and en- June 1: “I’m gonna cry!” That accompanied by guitar teacher Tom room.) A little wind and rain couldn’t couragement of their family and teach- was the reaction of one member of the Briner. The teachers serenaded the 58 dampen or blow away the enthusiasm ers, had gotten their creative writing Park View High School Class of 2016 graduates in the Class of 2016. Senior that went into this project, however. pieces published through Fast Pencil, as she stepped through the doors of Robert Nigh, who attended Douglass Harmony partnered with the Loudoun a self-publishing software. The begin- Sterling Elementary School to strains for seven years, spoke on behalf of his Education Foundation (LEF), Loudoun ning of the idea was the eighth grade’s of “Pomp and Circumstance” play- classmates. He dispelled the notion Milling and Home Depot to design and participation in National Novel Writing ing over the school’s public address that Douglass was a collection point construct an educational kiosk for the Month, or NaNoWriMo. All eighth system. All 237 members of the Park for “bad” students. “I’ve seen a lot of outdoor classroom (benches also were grade students were required to set a View Class of 2016 paraded through kids come and go; none of them are repaired and replaced). The work be- word-count goal and then spend the the halls of the neighboring elementary really bad. They’re all amazing…We’re gan as an eighth grade 3D art project month of November trying to achieve school just after the Senior Awards As- all very different, but we all still man- (Continued on page 27)

PAGE 2426 Year in Review lifetime,” Stewart told a packed house because you can’t do it all. I’ll modify cultures and new traditions outside (Continued from page 26) in the school’s gym. that a little by saying you (can do more of my own. I went to Park View and June 10: The “milk bucket run” than two) if you find your balance. I became a fierce Patriot; proud of who under DeMark’s direction. The 3D de- isn’t a drill you’ll find many NFL teams can’t tell you what your balance will I was and the community I represent- sign art students competed in teams running. But that was one of the many be…The one thing I can tell you is ed…It wasn’t until I went to college to create purposeful, cost-effective exercise activities featured at the Fuel always make time to have fun. No that I appreciated many of those les- designs. One design was selected Up to Play 60 Mini-Combine at Park matter how stressful finals are, how sons. It was the lack of those qualities that allows staff and students to post, View High School. Sponsored by busy you are writing that paper, have in other parts of the world that made pen and present educational materials the Washington Redskins Charitable time to say ‘yes’ to an activity.” me want to come back to Park View while being free to learn and explore. Foundation and the Mid-Atlantic Dairy June 12: Dr. John Brewer, princi- as a teacher. I came back here to Park The kiosk features a white board, Association, the event featured a heifer pal of Dominion High School, wel- View even more excited by what we central panel with cork board wings, and calf brought to the area of Park comed the 350 members of the class have here…Part of the reason I’m insect- and weather-resistant building View’s football field to teach students of 2016, their families and friends by standing here today is because I’m materials, hide-away containers for about dairy products and where they acknowledging the graduates’ com- one of you. I am a Patriot. But how sundries and a shingled awning for come from. (It should be noted that mitment to the mission of the school, do we define a Patriot? We don’t all protection against the elements. The while some of the Redskins players “service, leadership, character, and fit into one mold. Our backgrounds winning design for the kiosk and reno- present have no fear about tackling respect while in pursuit of excellence.” and our cultures vary greatly. Even our vations was created by Nick Cooper, Odell Beckham Jr., they were a little Brewer called the attention of the day-to-day lives are different.” Vereb Caroline Catterton, Eliza Peper and skittish around their bovine teammates graduating Titans and their parents went through a long list of the differ- Andrew Thomas. in promoting youth fitness.) about the ending of an era. “On Mon- ent kinds of students who attend Park June 8: Monroe Technology June 10: Katherine Kamus, day, August 25, 2003, you and your View and punctuated each description Center presented 311 Certificates of a 2012 graduate of the Loudoun parents, most of them teary-eyed, with the same words: “I love you and Completion to students who finished Academy of Science (AOS) offered experienced your first day of kin- I’m proud of you.” the requirements of the school’s 26 the 62 members of the AOS Class dergarten and on the very same day June 12: J Ivy has the same con- programs at commencement exercises of 2016 some advice from four years Dominion High School opened for the versation just about every week. He on Wednesday, June 8th, held in the down the road at their graduation at first time…I was one of those teary- meets someone and the talk turns to Tuscarora High School Gym. Principal the Loudoun County Public Schools eyed parents…How quickly the last 13 professions. “What do you do?” “I’m Timothy Flynn delivered welcoming Administrative Offices in Ashburn. years have gone…Today we parents a poet.” “OK, that’s great, so what do remarks. In addressing the Class of “The first exam that you will take in share two powerful emotions, such you do?” “I’m a poet, that’s what I do.” 2016, he said, “This is your night. All of college will be terrifying, but you are pride and joy over what our young The award-winning poet and author you have accomplished great things. so well-prepared. You may not realize Titan has become and the knowledge was the keynote speaker at Broad Run All of you have many more great things it now, but AOS has prepared you that they won’t be here every day any- High School’s graduation at Eagle- to accomplish. The Monroe Technol- incomparably…Remember, while more.” Brewer’s daughter, Abigail, is a Bank Arena. Along with some verse, ogy Center community is very proud of you are well-prepared, sometimes member of Dominion’s Class of 2016. Ivy told the students how hard it was you. It has been a pleasure getting to things don’t go as planned; whether June 12: Michael Vereb is a proud to follow dreams; especially one like know you, watching you succeed and it’s applying for a job or taking a test. Patriot for life. A Park View High his. “I believed in myself and what God serving as your principal. Thank you It’s not the end of the world. Don’t School graduate, Vereb is now a social had given me. With my belief in my for putting in all of the work that has be afraid to fail and don’t panic if you sciences teacher at his alma mater gift, I decided to move forward with gotten you to this night.” do…Make new friendships; reach out, and was the featured speaker at Park poetry because my heart would not June 9: Nothing says 50th an- get out of your comfort zone, ask a View’s graduation ceremony at Eagle- stop thumping for it…It was the belief niversary like an inflatable obstacle random person to get lunch…A home Bank Arena. “Class of 2016, you know that was the fuel and the engine that course…You need an inflatable ob- is wherever the people who matter me. I was born and raised in Sterling I would drive.” Ivy told the graduates stacle course when you have hun- the most to you are; so create a home Park and couldn’t be more grateful. I to believe in themselves and had them dreds of kids bouncing around. And at college or wherever your next step grew up in a top-notch school system repeat it aloud. “Believe in your great- there were definitely hundreds of kids is…In the next four years, you’ll learn and an area wealthy with…character. ness. Believe in your greatness. Life is (of all ages) bouncing around when the importance of balance. There’s a I had teachers who helped me learn filled with ups and downs, challenges Guilford Elementary celebrated its saying about college you’ve probably and they’re around me today. I had and obstacles. These challenges and 50th anniversary. Food, music, funny heard: sleep, grades, fun; choose two classmates who opened my eyes to obstacles, these ups and downs that photos and cake – of course, cake – you will encounter as you move for- were part of the big night. A sizeable ward from this day. You have to know, portion of the crowd was made up of Relieving Middle School Overcrowding you have to believe in your greatness. former administrators. Carol Shackl- Approximately 400 to 500 eighth grade students from Mercer Middle You have to always dream big, even eford, Guilford’s principal from 1988 School and Stone Hill Middle School will attend classes on an alternating-day when it gets hard.” to 1998 was on hand as well as David basis at John Champe and Rock Ridge high schools, respectively. On any June 13: When she was a girl, Stewart, who had just become Guil- given school day, 200 to 250 eighth grade students will attend classes at each Stone Bridge High School’s retiring ford’s principal when it celebrated its high school. The classes for high school students would occur in portions of choral director, Debbie Settle, wanted 40th anniversary. (Stewart left Guilford the building that are separate from the location of the middle school classes. to have the job she’s held at Stone earlier this year to become the first Sufficient classroom space exists at Rock Ridge High School to accom- Bridge for the last 13 years. At Stone principal of Madison’s Trust Elemen- modate the Stone Hill Middle School students. Modular classrooms will be Bridge’s graduation at EagleBank tary.) “There is no better place to be placed at John Champe High School to provide classes for high school stu- Arena, she told the graduates and learn and make friends that last a dents, freeing up a portion of the high school for the middle school classes. (Continued on page 28)

PAGE 27 Year in Review them to expand themselves…Allow She praised the Class of 2016 for its paint anything you want…You are all (Continued from page 27) teachers to teach, allow coaches to willingness to be inclusive and fun- at a new beginning…take risks…pick coach, directors to direct, sponsors to spirited. She greeted the students yourselves back up…You have an how to reach their dreams. “The sponsor…and students to excel inside with one last Lame Joke of the Week adventure before you, take advantage students I teach demonstrate every and outside the classroom. We can to end the school year: “Why did the of it.” day what greatness looks like…With see those memories. We have many scarecrow win a college scholarship? June 16: Tuscarora High School their smarts, their toughness and accolades in our school—many ban- Because he was outstanding in all held its 2016 commencement exer- their incredible amount of savvy and ners, many trophies, many pictures.” fields of study.” cises in the school’s main gymnasium. sophistication (they) have all navigated Pierce’s comments concluded with a June 15: The alphabet finally Principal Pamela Croft began the the treacherous waters of high school standing ovation for Starzenski. worked to Nicklaus Zisk’s advantage ceremony by welcoming the graduates and arrived at this momentous time June 14: Heritage High School at the 54th graduation for Loudoun as well as their friends and families. stronger and better than when (they) valedictorian Jason Rosenthal told the Valley High School. English teacher “Seniors, you’ve set the standards started.” Settle told the graduates it audience at the school’s graduation Wes Dick was reading the senior for excellence very high, and you’ve was good to have a dream, but it also he had one motivation to become his profile when he called Zisk, the last continued to model what it means to was all right if their dreams are not class’ number one student: mak- name listed among the 310 graduates, be a Husky.” She mentioned that the fully formed. “Some of you have had a ing a unique valedictory speech. “As to the stage at Leonard Stadium. “You class of 2016 had earned $4.4 million dream for a long time...You want to be a member of the band, I was able always, being last, have waited. We in scholarships with more coming in. a doctor, a scientist, maybe you want to watch the valedictories for previ- knew that you thought you would be “The skills that you have learned here to join the CIA and be a spy. And you ous years and I noticed they were all last again today. “Surprise...We thank will serve you well as you transition to are all set, knowing this is your des- very similar. They would begin with you for your years of patience and we the next phase of your lives.” tiny. Some of you may be thinking ‘I’m a declaration that the speech would salute you first today for always being June 16: John Champe High not sure where I’m going from here. be different and then repeat the same last.” School Principal John Gabriel has a My path is still undecided.’ Well, that’s clichéd speech about the future.” With June 16: The Potomac Falls special tie to the Class of 2016. “I was OK…You still have some time to figure the help of his bandmates, Rosenthal Class of 2016 will long remember their a freshman when you were a fresh- that out.” To those who weren’t sure offered what was, indeed, a unique graduation ceremony for its change man,” he told the 322 members of the what they wanted to do, Settle had a speech punctuated by snippets of of venue if for no other reason. The class during their graduation in the suggestion: become a teacher, even if “Celebrate,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” ceremony had to be relocated from the school’s gym. “I got to grow with you they weren’t the best student in high “Don’t Stop,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get school’s football stadium due to the in- over four years in a way that few other school. “Sometimes you are the most Around,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” stallation of a new turf field. The event people have the privilege of being able excellent person to come back and “Twist and Shout,” “The Time Warp,” was scheduled for the Rock Ridge to do. And so while some of you have reach that next generation of students “Gonna Fly Now,” and ending with High School stadium but had to be asked me to sign your yearbooks and who are just like you were.” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” moved indoors to the Rock Ridge gym have thanked me for the past four June 13: It may have been June 14: Freedom High School when inclement weather arrived. That years and for opening this school, let the 33rd graduation in Ed Starzen- conducted its 10th commencement change in location provided fodder for me use this as an opportunity to thank ski’s career in education, but it was at EagleBank Arena on the campus of a number of jokes throughout the cer- you for helping to build this school. probably his most memorable. This George Mason University. Senior Class emony. Senior Class President Frank Some of you also asked last week, was Starzenski’s last graduation as president Vivek Ramakrishnan invoked Mazzola, for example, said, “We spent what was my favorite memory over the principal of Briar Woods High School election language in his remarks, four long years working at this school. past four years, and I can tell you truly, as he retires on August 1st. Starzen- saying that both high school and the Well, not this school….” Valedictorian all of it. The taxing times, the trium- ski, the only principal in the school’s presidency are “the most stressful four Alexander Silva quipped, “I would first phant times. The quieter moments, history, and his Briar Woods faculty years of our lives.” He thanked the like to acknowledge how nice it is to the larger-than-life ones. The last four awarded 466 diplomas to graduates PACs (Parental Action Committees) be graduating from a school where years with you have been like read- during commencement exercises held who paid for campus visits, applica- we have worked so hard at these ing a favorite novel, with each year a at EagleBank Arena on the campus of tion fees and entrance exams. He said four years. For the record, I’m talking distinct and different chapter.” George Mason University. Starzenski that students, like candidates, wait about Potomac Falls, not Rock Ridge. June 16: With a finger in the air attributed the Class of 2016’s success to hear the decision of the “electoral After four long years, pulling into Rock forming the number one, Alexander to the school’s faculty, parents and college.” Finally, he likened senioritis Ridge this morning, it felt like the first Amir Abbas became the first-ever students. His remarks were interrupted to a lame duck Congress. Ramak- time I’d ever seen the school. Then graduate of Rock Ridge High School by Assistant Principal Chris O’Rourke, rishnan thanked the Class of 2016 I remembered.” On a more serious during a ceremony held in the school’s who said that Starzenski also was one for its greatest achievement – raising note, he then thanked Potomac Falls gym. The commencement began of the factors in Briar Woods’ success. $48,000 for pediatric cancer research High School Principal Dr. Elizabeth with the introduction of new tradi- O’Rourke introduced Head Football through the Prom for Hope. Noto and her staff for their efforts to tions. Faculty members Alison Allison, Coach Charlie Pierce to highlight some June 15: Loudoun County High conduct the graduation ceremony. Myron Hanke, Kevin Briscoe and of Starzenski’s contributions to the School conducted its 62nd annual June 16: Woodgrove High School Deodato Obregon led the procession school. Pierce said that Starzenski had Commencement Exercises on the held its fifth commencement exercises of teachers carrying flags that spelled a plan when he opened Briar Woods lawn before the school’s pillared main in the school’s gymnasium. Principal out RISE, the school’s acronym for High School and that the plan was to entrance. Clouds and a brief shower Sam Shipp pointed out to the gradu- Respect, Integrity, Service and Excel- create memories. “The question is, threatened to dampen the occasion, ates that they were just starting to lence. The Class of 2016, led by class how do you go about creating memo- but quickly blew over as the ceremony define their lives. “You are leaving sponsors Allison Morgan and Anibal ries? It’s about allowing people to do got underway. Principal Dr. Michelle here with a clean slate. You have an Avalos, then marched under an arch of what they’re supposed to do, allowing Luttrell offered welcoming remarks. open canvas on which to write or cardinal and gray balloons. 

PAGE 28 New Principals For 2016-17

Academies of Loudoun: Aldie Elementary: Brambleton Middle School: Tinell L. Priddy Tracy L. Stephens Renée M. Dawson*

Briar Woods High School: Catoctin Elementary: Frederick Douglass Elementary: Guilford Elementary: Christopher P. O’Rourke Janet A. Platenberg Melissa R. Logan Lauren J. Sprowls

Hillsboro Charter Academy: Hillside Elementary: Lovettsville Elementary: Trisha Ann Ybarra-Peters** Chris A. Mills Dennis V. Racke

Madison’s Trust Elementary: Meadowland Elementary: Seldens Landing Elementary: Seneca Ridge Middle School: David W. Stewart** Herman S. Mizell Garett E. Brazina Kathryn M. Garvey

Stone Hill Middle School: John W. Tolbert Jr. Elementary: Steuart W. Weller Elementary: Kathryn A. Clark Susan M. Ward Julia E. Burton *Opening Fall of 2017 **New School PAGE 29 LCPS-TV Celebrates Honors

NSPRA Awards The LCPS Public Information Office has received two awards in the National School Public Relations Telly Award Association’s 2016 Publications and Electronic Me- LCPS-TV has been awarded a Bronze Telly dia Contest. Award for “My Story: Beth Carter.” The video was An Award of Excellence was presented to first released eight months ago and recounts how “School is Not My Thing—Part I.” This is a video math teacher Beth Carter battled cancer while using production about 4th grader Jose Crespin and his technology to remain connected to her caring school lack of love for school. His teacher, Katie Chris- community at Seneca Ridge Middle School. tiansen, takes up the daunting task of helping Jose With nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and appreciate the value of a good education. View the numerous countries, the 37th Annual Telly Awards award-winning “School is Not My Thing” at: https:// has been one of the most successful and competi- vimeo.com/142509131 . tive in the long history of the Telly Awards. Founded An Award of Honorable Mention was presented in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award to “In a World….” This video was produced as a honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV movie trailer concept to invite the community back- commercials and programs, the finest video and film to-school for the 2015-2016 school year. It features productions, and web commercials, videos and films. a powerful voice over by a local celebrity. Doug Cor- Winners represent the best work of the most bett, a professional voice over artist, lent his voice respected advertising agencies, production to this production. View “In a World…” at: https:// companies, television stations, cable operators, vimeo.com/136640516 . and corporate video departments in the world. This Both videos were produced by the creative team year’s winners include companies, agencies and of Laura Wen and Anthony Cusumano. organizations of all sizes, from large multinational A total of 264 entries were received in the video media companies to small ad agencies and local production category. Only 28 of those videos were production houses. honored with the Award of Excellence. Another 106 “My Story: Beth Carter” was produced by LCPS entries were recognized with honorable mention Videographer Laura Wen. certificates. 

$21,000 – Who Uses the $20,000 – Changes in Cost Per Pupil in Northern Virginia $19,000 – $18,000 – Schools? Besides LCPS students and staff, $17,000 – Loudoun County’s Department of Parks, $16,000 – Recreation and Community Services, churches, homeowners’ associations, PTA’s and PTO’s, $15,000 – youth and adult sports leagues, the YMCA, 4-H, $14,000 – adult education classes, civic organizations and the Boy and Girl Scouts use the interior facili- $13,000 – ties and athletic fields of the public schools. $12,000 – Some facts about building use: $11,000 – $10,000 – • 2,080 facility use requests were $9,000 – processed during the 2015-2016 school year. $8,000 – • 66 schools operated as polling places for $7,000 – general, primary, town and special elections. $6,000 – • 45 elementary and nine middle schools $5,000 – served as site for Loudoun County’s before- and after-school programs. $4,000 – $3,000 – • 39 school gymnasiums were used by community groups for recreational basketball, $2,000 – volleyball and other indoor activities. $1,000 – $0 – $16,880 $17,041 $16,651 $18,878 $19,040 $18,616 $13,472 $13,519 $13,718 $11,638 $12,195 $12,700 $10,158 $10,365 $10,724 • 55 school athletic fields were used for FY14 FY15 FY16 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY14 FY15 FY16 community recreational programs. ALEXANDRIA ARLINGTON FAIRFAX LOUDOUN* PRINCE WILLIAM *Source: Washington Area Boards of Education (WABE) FY 2016 Guide • 24 churches utilized LCPS facilities.

PAGE 30 Domokos-Bays Named President of School Nutrition Association She has managed feature harvests on the menu. The School Nutrition and its members are dedicat- the school meal programs She also helped add nutri- Association is a national, non- ed to making healthy school in Loudoun County since tion education programming profit professional organiza- meals and nutrition education September 2014. With 430 to the district’s after-school tion. Founded in 1946, SNA available to all students.  employees, the School Nutri- programs. tion Services team serves Domokos-Bays has part- more than 78,000 students in nered with community groups 89 schools. to strengthen staff skills. She School Meals Domokos-Bays is arranged for a local chef to focused on attracting new train managers in knife skills students to the cafeteria. She and develop signature spice Served has hosted taste tests and blends for use in recipes. She surveyed students to gather also has been recognized by Statistics for 2015-16 feedback on menu items. the district for improving the She also launched a new program’s financial systems Breakfasts Served: Lunches Served: grab-and-go breakfast pro- and strategic planning. gram that has helped boost Domokos-Bays previ- 961,591. 4,171,571. breakfast participation by 28 ously served for 12 years as Increase of 23.7 percent Increase of 6.1 percent over percent districtwide. director of food and nutrition To promote the nutri- services for Alexandria City over 2014-15. 2014-15. The School Nutrition tious choices available with Public Schools. Prior to her Association (SNA) installed school meals, Domokos-Bays time in Alexandria, she served After School Snacks: Summer Meals: Becky Domokos-Bays as its introduced monthly “Taste It for 14 years as support op- president for the 2016-17 Thursday” and “Fear Fac- erations specialist for Fairfax 4,073. 14,719. school year on July 13th dur- tor Friday” events to allow County Public Schools. ing its 70th Annual National students to sample different Domokos-Bays earned Conference in San Antonio. fruits and vegetables. With a a doctorate in adult and con- Other Highlights from Domokos-Bays, supervi- goal of sourcing 30 percent tinuing education and a mas- School Nutrition Services: sor of school nutrition servic- of foods locally within three ter’s in human nutrition and es for Loudoun County Public years, she has expanded the foods from . Her • School Nutrition Services helped students complete Schools (LCPS), will represent district’s Farm to School pro- bachelor of science degree 14 One to the World Projects; incorporating menu planning, SNA’s 56,000 school nutrition gram and is partnering with in dietetics is from Marshall math, nutrition regulations and school gardens. professionals nationwide. school garden coordinators to University. • There are 31 active school gardens in LCPS with the produce used in school cafeterias. • School Nutrition Services conducted seven taste par- ties around the county (two elementary schools, two middle LCPS Historic Cost Per Pupil schools and three high schools). • School Nutrition Services received a $44,000 Farm-to- $13,000 – School Planning Grant. This will be used to train teachers to integrate school gardens into the curriculum while meeting SOL standards.  $12,000 –

$11,000 – $10,000 – Dominion Receives $9,000 – Sportsmanship Award $8,000 – Dominion High School has been awarded the Claudia $7,000 – Dodson Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award from the Virginia High School League (VHSL) for the 2015-2016 school year. It is the third time the school has been recognized with $6,000 – this honor. Dominion joins 38 other high schools in the state in receiv- $5,000 – ing the Dodson Award. The award recognizes schools that “have established policies and procedures that make sports- $4,000 – $12,751 $12,780 $11,997 $10,883 $11,014 $11,700 $11,638 $12,195 $12,700 $13,121 manship a priority and an expectation within the school and school community.” $3,000 – The selection process for the award includes both a self-as- sessment and a peer review. The award is presented in memory

$2,000 – 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 of Claudia Dodson, a VHSL assistant director and National High School Hall of Fame inductee, who passed away in 2007. $1,000 – “I consider this to be the Virginia High School League’s most prestigious award,” said VHSL Assistant Director $0 – Tom Dolan. “It’s the only award that the entire school is graded on.” 

PAGE 31 2016-17 LCPS Loudoun County School Calendar August 29: First Day of School School Board September 5: Holiday (Labor Day) The nine-member Loudoun County School Board began its term on January 4, 2016. October 10: Holiday (Columbus Day) Four-year terms of elected School Board members listed here expire December 31, 2019. To contact School Board members collectively, you may e-mail [email protected]. November 4: End of Grading Period November 7-8: Student Holidays (Planning/Records/Conference Days) November 23-25: Holiday (Thanksgiving) December 4: Excellence in Education Banquets December 22-January 2: Winter Break (Classes Resume January 3) January 16: Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) January 26: End of Grading Period Eric D. Hornberger, Brenda L. Sheridan, Beth A. Huck January 27: Moveable Student Holiday* Chairman Vice Chairman At Large (Planning/Records/Conference Day) Ashburn District Sterling District (571) 582-9540 February 20: Holiday (Presidents’ Day) (571) 291-5685 (571) 233-0307 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] April 6: End of Grading Period April 7: Student Holiday (Planning/Records/ Conference Day) April 10-14: Holiday (Spring Break) May 29: Holiday (Memorial Day) June 8: Monroe Technology Center Graduation, 7 p.m., Tuscarora High School June 9: Academy of Science Graduation, 7:30 p.m., LCPS Administrative Offices June 9: Last Day of School/End of Debbie K. Rose Jill A. Turgeon Joy R. Maloney Grading Period Algonkian District Blue Ridge District Broad Run District June 11: Dominion High School Graduation, (571) 291-5983 (571) 420-3818 (571) 577-0439 2 p.m., Dominion High School [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] June 11: Freedom High School Graduation, 2 p.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University June 11: Rock Ridge High School Graduation, 5 p.m., Rock Ridge High School June 11: Broad Run High School Graduation, 7 p.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University June 11: Heritage High School Graduation, 7:30 p.m., Heritage High School June 12: Loudoun County High School Eric J. DeKenipp Jeff E. Morse Tom C. Marshall Graduation, 8 a.m., Loudoun County Catoctin District Dulles District Leesburg District High School (571) 528-9640 (571) 420-2243 (571) 528-9610 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] June 12: Loudoun Valley High School Graduation, 9 a.m., Loudoun Valley High School June 12: Briar Woods High School Graduation, 9:30 a.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University Student School Board June 12: Riverside High School Graduation, 10 a.m., Riverside High School Representatives for 2016-2017 June 12: Stone Bridge High School The 15 Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) high school students who will serve as School Graduation, 2 p.m., EagleBank Arena, Board student representatives for the 2016-2017 school year are: George Mason University Garrett Verfurth, Iris Le, June 12: Park View High School Briar Woods High School Park View High School Graduation, 7 p.m., EagleBank Arena, Vinson Sack, Mackenzie Dorsey, George Mason University Broad Run High School Potomac Falls High School June 13: Tuscarora High School Graduation, Baseem Zeweri, Chad Musa, 8 a.m., Tuscarora High School John Champe High School Riverside High School Nicole Musa, Adwait Srivastava, June 13: Woodgrove High School Dominion High School Rock Ridge High School Graduation, 8 a.m., Woodgrove High Maeov Saadee, Matthew Greason, School Freedom High School Stone Bridge High School June 13: Potomac Falls High School Deanna Alvarez, Carder Saul, Graduation, 9 a.m., Potomac Falls Heritage High School Tuscarora High School High School Olivia Van Nuys, Caitlin Williams, Loudoun County High School Woodgrove High School June 13: John Champe High School Darius Fraser, Graduation,10 a.m., John Champe Loudoun Valley High School High School