Welcome back to another exciting school year filled with promise, growth, and endless possibilities! We hope this message finds you refreshed and ready for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

In the spirit of fostering a supportive and thriving LCPS community, we are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of the Department of Student Services (DSS) Digest. This platform is designed to keep you informed about the myriad resources, programs, and opportunities available to enhance your academic journey and personal development.

As we embark on this new chapter together, our commitment to your success remains unwavering. Whether you're new to LCPS eager to explore the vast opportunities that our department offers or a returning staff member seeking to build on your achievements, the Department of Student Services is here to guide, empower, and celebrate your unique journey.

In each issue of the DSS Digest, you can expect to find:

• Resource Spotlights: Discover the wealth of resources at your fingertips, from academic support services to professional development initiatives.
• Success Stories: Be inspired by the stories of our students, schools, and offices who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable success.
• Upcoming Events: Stay in the loop about exciting events, professional development experiences, and programs designed to enrich your service to students.
• Tips for Well-being: Explore practical tips and insights to help you maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
• Spotlight on Staff: Get to know the dedicated individuals behind the scenes who are here to support you on your journey throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

Remember, your success is our success. We encourage you to actively engage with the content, share your thoughts, and take advantage of the opportunities highlighted in each edition.

Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant Department of Student Services community. We look forward to a year of collaboration, growth, and shared achievements.

Wishing you a fantastic and fulfilling academic year ahead!

Warm Regards,

Tedra

The Department of Student Services is pleased to announce that Nykea Purnell has been selected as the new Assistant Director for the Office of Special Education. Nykea holds a bachelor's degree from George Mason University in government and international politics, a master’s degree from American Military University with a concentration in online learning K-16, and a post-graduate certificate in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University. Nykea has extensive experience in the field of education as a special education educator. She started her career in Henrico County as a special education teacher. She has experience in divisions in Virginia and Tennessee, serving students as a special education educator and leading her peers as a department chair. Nykea began her tenure with LCPS in 2016 as an Eligibility Coordinator and then a Procedural Support Coordinator. For the past six years she has been a Special Education Supervisor. During her time in LCPS, she has also represented the Office of Special Education on various cross-departmental leadership teams. The Department of Student Services is excited and looking forward to Nykea’s leadership in her new role in the Office of Special Education.

Kindergartners Learn About Language Using Augmentative/Alternative Communication

Learners in kindergarten at Round Hill and Goshen Post Elementary Schools engaged in experiences where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by speech-language pathologists Amy Cote(Round Hill) and Alexandra Davidson(Goshen Post) and supported by an ensemble of other educators, including the early childhood special educators and specialized instructional facilitators - assistive technology, the kindergartners explored the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words for Life application. The students learned how the app was organized, explored how to find words, and discussed what it meant to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. If you want to lead a similar event, contact the Specialized Instructional Facilitator - Assistive Technology, who works at your school!

Highlighting our commitment to inclusive and informative education, the Office of School Counseling hosted a Parent/Guardian Session on SchooLinks on August 17. This event was a resounding success, with an incredible turnout of over 650+ participants. Their enthusiastic engagement and interaction during the session demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting our students in their educational journeys. We are excited to continue providing valuable resources and opportunities through SchooLinks, fostering academic and personal growth for all our students.

The Office of School Counseling took great pride in hosting The College Fair on September 24 at Independence High School. With enthusiasm and dedication, we welcomed an impressive assembly of 200 representatives from esteemed colleges and universities across the country. These representatives engaged with families, extending a warm invitation to explore their diverse academic programs. The College Fair garnered an extraordinary response, drawing in over 3,000 enthusiastic participants. This overwhelming turnout is a testament to the shared commitment of students and their families to charting a path toward higher education and a brighter future.

On August 23, the LCPS Attendance Services Team collaborated with the Loudoun County Juvenile Court Service Unit to provide an Attendance Awareness Parent Presentation. There were approximately 20 attendees. The team shared a meal with those in attendance and discussed chronic absenteeism's academic and social impacts. Parents were advised on engaging and promoting habits to improve their children's attendance. Resources were provided, and several parents stayed after the presentation to meet the AOS team, who helped link them to services in their schools and community. These presentations will continue to engage students and families while addressing chronic absenteeism.

This is a shout-out to Stacey Bothe. Stacey is the Mandt© Academy trainer for new trainers and Specialized Instructional Facilitator, supporting students and teachers in special education programs. She trains newly identified school-based and central office staff who have been identified to become Mandt© trainers. Stacey works collaboratively with the Mandt© corporation to set up new trainings and completes recertification trainings for existing trainers. This is no easy task as new trainings consist of four consecutive days; recertification courses can be completed in a half-day training session. The trainings involve teaching:

• the principals of the Mandt© system,
• learning about the importance of relationships,
• and treating people with dignity and respect.

The first two days involve many key concepts, including Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, R.A.D.A.R (Recognize, Assess, Decide, Act, and Review Results), and conflict resolution.

Trainers learn non-physical ways of interacting with someone who is having difficulty managing their emotions and physical skills to keep students and staff safe. This is a passion of Stacey’s, and she is dedicated to ensuring that each trainer walks away with a clear understanding of how to train staff at their buildings. Stacey’s professionalism and commitment to the work make a difference in how staff work with and teach the students we serve across the county. Thank you for all you do. We are lucky to have you as a leader in the world of behavior.

Congratulations to Joyce Sharp, Specialized Instructional Facilitator - Assistive Technology, for her part in winning the Outstanding Special & General Education Team Award from the Special Education Advisory Committee along with Alana Amari and Katherine Rainier from J. Michael Lunsford Middle School. Their work helped learners make meaningful contributions to the world by creating and implementing materials designed to support individuals with disabilities. To learn more about their efforts, check out the post titled Student-led Maker Projects to Design and Create More Inclusive and Accessible Experiences on the LCPS Inclusive Design blog. Way to go, Joyce and fellow team members, on your ability to foster success in every learner you support!

The Office of Special Education was excited and happy to kick off the 2023-2024 with many of our dedicated special education teachers and related service providers in one location. The event was well attended. Participants had the opportunity to engage not only with peers from around the district. All had an opportunity to attend a keynote by Tedra Richardson, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services (former Director of Special Education) and Dr. Paige Carter, Director of Special Education. Leadership from the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) were also in attendance.

The learning which highlighted approximately 60 topics were offered over 170 sessions throughout the day. Topics included but were not limited to:

• program overviews
• classroom management strategies
• organizational tips
• enhancing collaboration and communication skills
• increasing familiarity with the IEP process and eligibility processes
  
• Finding balance in your life (Positive Vibes Only)

This opportunity supports the following components of the 2027 LCPS Strategic Action Plan:

• Goal 2- EXEMPLARY STAFF: Cultivate high-performing teams of professionals committed to realizing our mission and goals, of the the.
• Aligned Action 2: Offer high-quality Ongoing Growth and Development available to all staff.

We greatly appreciate the efforts of all to make this event such a success!

October is a significant month dedicated to fostering awareness and understanding of disabilities, with a particular focus on dyslexia. As Disability and Dyslexia Awareness Month, it serves as a crucial platform for advocating inclusivity, breaking down societal stigmas, and promoting equal opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. By raising awareness and promoting education about disabilities, especially dyslexia, society can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of their unique challenges. This month encourages conversations, initiatives and actions that contribute to building a world where individuals with disabilities are recognized for their talents and contributions and where barriers are replaced with opportunities for growth and success.

You will receive a poster, delivered by your Special Education Supervisor during the week of October 2, for your school to display; we encourage you to display this poster in a highly visible area.

On September 12, the School Board issued a Proclamation that LCPS supports and promotes the interests of all students with disabilities at all times and further supports Disability History and Awareness Month to increase appreciation, respect and inclusion for people with disabilities; supports informing the school community and the public concerning the many valuable contributions to the school environment and society made by people with disabilities. LCPS school principals, administrators and educators are encouraged to promote and highlight Disability History and Awareness Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A copy of the resolution is being provided to each Loudoun County Public School so that it may be discussed, shared and prominently displayed online and in the school during October and so that principals, administrators and educators may plan disability and dyslexia awareness activities to increase inclusion and acceptance of students with disabilities throughout all of LCPS.

We have developed a resource landing page accessible via the QR code on the poster or this link. Please encourage your staff to access the sites and engage with the resources in order to not only increase their knowledge but also to promote awareness.

Thank you for all you are doing for our scholars!

The mission of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, is to create an integrated system of academic, behavioral, and social emotional supports for all students. Through empowering and collaborative connections between families, schools, and community resources, students will experience engaging, affirming, equitable, and supportive learning that encourages academic and social growth through the consistent delivery of explicit and systematic instruction. Please scroll midway down page for all newsletters.

The Office of Student Assistance Services oversees Attendance Support and Intervention, Substance Use Prevention and Intervention, and Restorative Practices. Our mission is to promote student wellness and safety by fostering the personal strengths and resiliency within each student as we encourage them to make meaningful contributions to the school community and the world.

Career and Transition helps students plan for independence in post-high school life. There is a transition teacher and job coach at each high school, who work with the Special Education teachers in each of their high schools and middle schools on transition planning for all students with an IEP, ages 14 to 22. Transition teachers can provide instruction in Career and Transition classes, such as Career Pathways and Personal Finance. There are also two post-Applied Studies Diploma programs for students with an IEP, ages 18-22, who have a need for additional training and education before exiting LCPS and who are interested in and meet the criteria for participation in the programs.

MTSS is an integrated system of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional instructional practices to support needs of all students and increase equitable learning experiences. This “whole child” prevention approach addresses the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs through the related approaches of Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and school mental health.

Parent Resource Services (PRS) is committed to positive relationships among parents, schools and communities. PRS assists families with questions and planning as well as provides resources and training.

The Loudoun County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) works with

the School Board, Administrators, Parents and Teachers who are responsible for students

receiving special education services. SEAC advises the School Board on the needs of special

education students and examines issues of relevance to the special education community.

LCPS offers comprehensive mental health services and supports provided by our Unified Mental Health Teams (counselors, psychologists, social workers, and student assistance specialists) who can assist and direct you to the right level of services and connect you to needed resources. Embedded in each school, these teams work together with families and school staff to provide resources and support to address the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students.

• Self-Care Resources for LCPS Staff
• Your Life Connected Webinar Series
• Digital Detox
• Burnout & Motivation
• Give Yourself a Gut Check
• Beating Burnout: Rediscover Your Why
• Developing Calming Strategies
• Wake Up Well: Start Your Day Successfully
• REST EASY: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
• Beating Loneliness
• Mindful Mondays
• My Life Expert(Employee Assistance Program/ LYTLEEAP Partners)

Tedra L. Richardson, Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Clark Bowers, Director of Student Services

John J. Lody, Director of Diagnostic and Prevention Services

Donna M. Smith, Director of Procedural Support

Dr. Paige J. Carter, Director of Special Education Specialized Instruction

Jennifer Evans, Director of Student Mental Health Services

Sarah A. Kish, Assistant Director of Procedural Support

Nykea L. Purnell, Assistant Director of Special Education Specialized Instruction