Leesburg District - Loudoun County School Board

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve this past year as the Leesburg District School Board Representative.

While I had thought for years about ways I could serve the community, running for an elected seat was never on my list of things to do.

I distinctly remember the moment I decided I needed to step up. I was reading the weekly paper and enjoying my Saturday morning coffee in the early fall of 2021, and I read that our current Board Member was stepping down after being harassed and threatened. We have elections for a reason: we get to choose by majority vote who will represent us. Bullies don’t get to push people out of office, effectively defying the will of the people.

I knew then and now that we are better than that.

Deciding to run was a family discussion and decision-based on safety concerns. I felt compelled to step up with inclusive values because, as a public school system, we have the responsibility to not only teach all of our students but also to create, foster, and support a learning community that is welcoming and affirming.

Nationally and locally, we are challenged with those working to take books off shelves, remove protections for marginalized and vulnerable students, and limit what is taught and discussed in our classrooms.

These debates will continue, and as they do I am hopeful that we remember that students need to feel safe, seen, and welcome in order to learn and thrive. We need books and curricula that reflect the diversity of our students, community, nation, and world.

While I am proud of what we accomplished and my collaborative work on the Board, I am most appreciative of the people I’ve met and found community with.

I am especially thankful to my husband and children for their support. I could not have done this without them, their support, and their encouragement. I am very much looking forward to having more time with them.

We have an incredible school system, talented and passionate teachers and staff, and over 80,000 students coming to school every day to learn. Everything we do, every decision that is made needs to keep students at the center.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and thank you so much for your support during my term on your School Board!

Erika Ogedegbe
School Board Member, Leesburg District

My December newsletter should be in your inbox today! 📧
But in case you miss it there, check it out here:
https://www.smore.com/vgr4tm

Thank you, and Happy Holidays!

Leesburg District Newsletter The views contained herein reflect the views of the individual School Board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not...

📅 Student holidays:
LCPS students do NOT have school Thursday, Dec. 21 through Monday, Jan 1.

Happy Holidays!
www.lcps.org/Page/247996

Attn: 11th and 12th grade students!
Check out this opportunity to earn college credits in IT Technical Support through Northern Virginia Community College's Early Online College Program:
nvcc.edu/online-early-college/index.html

- Did you see last week's LCPS email about high-dosage tutoring coming to elementary and middle schools?

Over the next few weeks, these schools will be reaching out to families of 3rd through 8th graders who have been identified as potentially benefitting from tutoring services. Those families will arrange tutoring details with their individual schools directly, but you can get more general information at https://www.lcps.org/tutoringva .

Department of Academics / All In VA Tutoring Search all LCPS sites OR focus search using the radio buttons below. Click the Search Tips link for how to enhance search experience.Search Tips

YOU can help LCPS students get to school and back each day!

Visit https://lcps.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=6501 to learn more about becoming a School Bus Driver 🚍

The Health and Medical Sciences (HAMSci) Academy offers specialized curriculum paired with industry credentials and work-based learning experiences to prepare students for in-demand highly skilled healthcare workforce careers. Programs are offered at Tuscarora High School and Briar Woods High School.

📣 Current 8th-grade students: the window to submit an Interest Form for the HAMSci Academy is open now through January 31!

📲 Visit https://www.lcps.org/Page/251899 to learn more about the HAMSci Academy and Interest Form submission.

Division of Teaching and Learning / HAMSci Search all LCPS sites OR limit search using the radio buttons below. Click the Search Tips link for how to enhance search experience.Search Tips

📣 Current 8th-grade students who are not zoned to attend Heritage or Loudoun Valley High Schools: the window to submit an Interest Form for the Pre-International Baccalaureate program is open now through January 31!

📲 Visit https://www.lcps.org/Page/247003 to learn more about the Pre-IB program and Interest Form submission.

Division of Teaching and Learning / LCPS Pre-IB Search all LCPS sites OR limit search using the radio buttons below. Click the Search Tips link for how to enhance search experience.Search Tips

Final SB Meeting Wrap Up

Dulles Area Elementary School Attendance Zones
Updated attendance zones as proposed by staff with amendment to extend eligibility for exceptions to fourth graders.

Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining resolution referred back to committee with the new board with recommendation that they form a joint committee with school board members, staff and employee stakeholders. There are a number of items that need to be reviewed and the majority of the board agreed that having stakeholders at the table would be important. This decision, while it introduces a delay, allows for substantive collaboration to finalize a resolution and start the process in a more amicable way.

LCPS Electric Bus Pilot Program and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Grant Program, Round 3
Approved submission of the U.S. EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program application and, if the grant is awarded, appropriate the funds to the Transportation Program in the Operating Fund of Loudoun County Public Schools to purchase 10 new electric and 15 new propane school buses. Further, that the School Board endorse the purchase of two fully electric cargo vans and six fully electric SUVs as part of the expansion of the pilot program.

Superintendent’s Recommended Fiscal Year 2025 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Program and Capital Asset Preservation Program Budgets
Approved the CIP and CAPP Budgets with recommendation that there be a study to identify needs and costs associated with independent living labs to ensure we have appropriate facilities funded by LCPS rather than school based fund raising.

Elementary K-2 Literacy Core Resource Adoption Vote
Unanimous vote support to staff recommendation for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - Into Reading for grades K-2. HMH is expected to be approved for elementary through grade 5 later this year. This approval comes after the board voted one year ago today to not accept wonders and postpone the decision until more information was available on VDOE approved resources.

Loudoun County Public Schools presents: "Fentanyl Prevention & Information Awareness"

Learn more about opioids and fentanyl and what you can do to protect your family and your community:
📅 Thur., 12/21
🕰️ 7pm - 8:30pm
🏢 Gum Springs Library, Stone Ridge
🗣️ Info will be available in English & Spanish

The next Loudoun County School Board meeting (fourth Tuesday, due to Winter Break) will take place tomorrow, December 12, 2023, at the LCPS Administration Building.

School Board / Citizen Participation Search all LCPS sites OR focus search using the radio buttons below. Click the Search Tips link for how to enhance search experience.Search Tips

The LCPS Communications Survey is open for your feedback! Please respond by December 12th.
Be sure to check your email for a message sent in November!

Families and staff: Help us improve connections! Complete the
LCPS Communications Survey – open now until December 12. A link to the survey was sent to your email address on Tuesday.

Happy !
Check out this calendar of events and educational opportunities provided by the LCPS Computer Science Office: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z_GHKD79FMmJYVgWVmo3GeCrQ2yhfaH0/view

https://x.com/csforlcps/status/1731693413181849606?s=20

TEACHERS CS Month 2023 .pdf

📣👩🏻‍🎓 Attention students!
You can receive the Board of Education's Seal for Excellence in Civics Education when you earn your diploma via !

Visit https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency20/chapter131/section50/ to learn more about the requirements for this special award - and thank you for all you do for our communities!

Title 8. Education Table of Contents » Title 8. Education » Agency 20. State Board Of Education » Chapter 131. Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia » Part III. Student Achievement » 8VAC20-131-50. Requirements for graduation (effective for the students entering ninth grade...

This week's Community Listening Session with Superintendent Spence will take place at John Champe High School in Aldie.

For further details and more session dates throughout the school year, visit https://www.lcps.org/suptcls .

Superintendent / Community Listening Sessions Search all LCPS sites OR focus search using the radio buttons below. Click the Search Tips link for how to enhance search experience.Search Tips

Even though both the holidays and the end of this School Board’s term are approaching, our meeting this week included important information and action. I’ve summarized some of the high-level items that will impact students, families, teachers, and staff:

Budget Priorities
Current and incoming Board members were asked to provide feedback on a number of budget priority questions from staff.
✅ I expressed support for:
- Funding an alternative program at the North Star School for discipline-related placements or intensive programs for students with autism spectrum disorder and emotional disabilities

- Expansion of the STEP pre-school program to full day and addressing the needs for early childhood education in our community.

- Expansion of Middle School intramural sports, which has been very popular and adds a lot to the middle school experience.

✅ I added suggestions for:
- Adding a separate Bereavement Leave category. Currently employees use sick, personal, or annual leave when they need time after the loss of a family member.

- Funding an alternative educational program for students in recovery for substance abuse and/or substance abuse-related incidents

❌ I did not support:
- Expansion of the International Baccalaureate program. As this is the first year for IB programs, and there are other needs, I suggested we wait on expansion

- Limiting the number of students who can attend Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology because it provides an excellent opportunity for Loudoun students

K-2 Literacy Core Resource Adoption
After a review of all VDOE-approved materials and consultation with review committees, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, the recommendation is to move forward with HMH Into Reading curriculum. The process to get to this decision was inclusive, holistic, and transparent.
https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/loudoun/Board.nsf/files/CXSJGP4D20B0/$file/Presentation%20K-2%20Literacy%20SB%20Info%20Item%2011_28.pdf

Collective Bargaining
Following a special session of the Legislative & Policy Committee on Monday, the Board was presented with a draft collective bargaining resolution which essentially sets the parameters in which forthcoming collective bargaining will occur. I asked a number of clarifying questions to better understand the recommended language and structure.

The draft collective bargaining resolution is scheduled to come back for action during the current School Board’s last School Board Meeting. During that discussion, it is possible that there will be suggested amendments to it, to include the potential removal of expiration dates for signature cards. I would be supportive of that particular change, given that this has been a process that has been ongoing for several years and that specific condition could pose a barrier to the process.

There were extensive conversations and concerns expressed about the perception that Loudoun Education Association has not been involved in developing the resolution. Though LEA has been an employee organization for years, they are not yet the designated exclusive bargaining representative. There are other unions who may step forward as an option for employees. It is my understanding based on this that negotiations begin after the exclusive bargaining representative is selected and will be related to the actual collective bargaining agreement. Taking direction from the LEA on the substance of the resolution, which includes language about the selection of an exclusive bargaining representative, could give them an unfair advantage if other unions choose to come forward.

I hope as this process moves forward that positive intent can be assumed by all involved.

go.boarddocs.com

Questions about Special Education services for kindergartners?
Register for the informational session "Kindergarten Connection: Moving on from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten with an IEP" - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYlbAgYdZL1u7nB3zU7dhM745pApTwjreDh2ZsE9roptGaoQ/viewform

The event will be open for in-person or virtual options on Wednesday, December 13, at 6:30 pm.

Join the LCPS Special Education Advisory Committee for a presentation about the transition process during secondary to post-secondary education 👨🏼‍🎓

Wednesday, December 6 beginning at 6pm:
🏢 In-person at the LCPS Admin Building in Ashburn
or
💻 Virtual at the LCPS website (lcps.org/page/140009) or via broadcast on Comcast or Verizon

The inaugural season of LCPS Middle School Intramural Sports is in the books!
With teams from Harper Park, River Bend, Seneca Ridge, and Smart’s Mill Middle Schools participating, the River Bend Middle School Pretty Boyz faced the Seneca Ridge Middle School Gorillas in the Championship game. River Bend's team won 27-22 and became Intramural Champs!
https://lcps.pub/3G7nsG9

The winter volleyball season is now underway! 🏐

River Bend Pretty Boyz Captures Initial Flag Football Title The River Bend Middle School Pretty Boyz defeated the Seneca Ridge Middle School Gorillas, 27-22, to capture the inaugural Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Middle School Flag Football ...

The 2024 Winter Admissions Cycle is now open for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders applying for enrollment to the Academies of Loudoun for the 2024-2025 school year!
Visit the Academies of Loudoun website ( lcps.org/domain/33083 ) for all the details you need, including upcoming informational sessions, testing and other requirements, and admission cycle timeline.

Winter Admissions (current high school applicants) / Winter Admissions Information This is where the search instructions will display. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.Search Instructions Link

The next Loudoun County School Board meeting (fourth Tuesday) will take place tomorrow, November 28, 2023, at the LCPS Administration Building.

School Board / Citizen Participation Search all LCPS sites OR focus search using the radio buttons below. Click the Search Tips link for how to enhance search experience.Search Tips

LCPS Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee - MSAAC is accepting applications for Student Delegates in grades 8 to 12. If you'd like to support respect, empathy, equity, and diversity in your school and throughout LCPS, apply at:
forms.gle/i3yMxuZ2zHNzeQFv6

📅 Student holidays:
LCPS students do NOT have school on Wednesday, Nov. 22; Thursday, Nov. 23; and Friday, Nov. 24.

Happy Thanksgiving!
www.lcps.org/Page/247996

📢📢 Attention students!
Has an LCPS employee inspired you to become an educator one day? You can a light on them by nominating them for recognition and a prize - chosen by Loudoun Education Foundation each month!

Inspired by a heartwarming story involving an LCPS employee? Shine a light on what makes LCPS a great place to learn and work! Loudoun Education Foundation will choose one submission each month for additional recognition and a prize! Nominate someone today: https://lcps.pub/40GhOUR

Kick off the New Year at the LCPS Department of Student Services Mental Health and Wellness Conference!
January 27, 2024 at Riverside High School in Leesburg!

At this month's 2023 Loudoun History Awards, Loudoun County Public Schools shared an important honor with Loudoun County Parks and Recreation and the Douglass High School Commemorative Committee.

This Historic Douglass School preservation project was recognized "for the team’s accomplishments in preserving and interpreting historic Douglass High School Education and Development Campus and segregation and integration in Loudoun County history."
https://leesburgva.gov/Home/Components/News/News/10572/5957

📸: Loudoun County Public Schools (Historic Douglass School)

Supervisor Kristen Umstattd sent her most recent Leesburg District Newsletter this week. Read the month's updates, including School Board Member info from me, at https://www.loudoun.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/13492

You can subscribe to receive this monthly email at https://loudoun.gov/2468/Subscribe-to-Leesburg-District-News

Leesburg District Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website If you would like to receive news and information from Leesburg District Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd, please subscribe now, fill out the form, then click the "Sign Up" button. The submitted information will be used by Supervisor Umstattd’s office to keep you informed on news and events affectin...