I am delighted to partner with you on your child's journey into middle school! For my entire 18 years as a professional educator, I have devoted my passion and energy into learning about middle level education and how to make each child's experience positively exceptional and empowering. I am in seventh full year with Loudoun County Public schools, having spent the past past six years as principal of Simpson Middle School is Leesburg, Virginia.

An update on the building: Watson Mountain will not be available to the public until early August. If construction aligns with its current timeline, occupancy of the building will be in early July. As I have walked the building each month for updates, I am amazed by its size, intentionality of learning spaces, and overall structure. It will truly be an innovative center for learning and community building.

Below, please find some key dates and information that you should find relevant.

Should you have any questions about the school and/or your child's transition, please connect with me via email at lenny.compton@lcps.org.

In partnership,

Lenny Compton

Principal

1. Most middle schools have an orientation program for students. Will Watson Mountain have one?

We are slated to offer a similar program from August 5-8. However, this is contingent upon the successful completion and granting of occupancy in a timely manner. We will give you updates in the next communication.

2. What is the mascot?

We have not formally chosen a mascot. We met with all of our students from our feeder schools (Creighton's Corner, Elaine Thompson, Legacy, Madison's Trust, Sycolin) and received their ideas. We are working with the graphic design class at Academies of Loudoun on the visual representation of some of the more common themes. We will share the top five with the students this month for a vote.

3. Is there a website where I can find important information?

We do have a website, but it is very limited. Once we have new staff to support the technical aspect of the website, it will be a one stop shop for all families. The website is lcps.org/Watson

4. Who are the current staff members at Watson Mountain?

There are only two- Ms. Maue, our finance technician, and me. Ms. Maue can be contacted at norellen.maue@lcps.org

5. Will there be unique programs for students at Watson Mountain Middle School?

WMMS will follow the LCPS program of studies for middle school. At the same time, we would like to partner with our interested parents and future invested staff members on offering robust before and after school student activities. Once we establish our parent organization, we will have more information on how interested families can become more involved.

6. Will parents be able to visit the building?

Absolutely! Once we are granted full occupancy, we will definitely host formal sessions for our families to learn about our unique building.

We will address additional questions on January 24. We hope to see you there! (Students are welcome to join as well).

The best way is to follow me on twitter @ldacompton (click on the bird in the next section for direct access).

We will make other social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook) that are more suitable to our families' media footprint.