The DSS Digest
Edition 4: January 2024(SY23-24)
Diagnostic & Prevention Services
Procedural Support
Special Education
Student Mental Health
Student Services
Tedra L. Richardson, Assistant Superintendent
Dear Department of Student Services Team,
As we usher in the month of February, I wanted to take a moment to extend warm greetings to each and every one of you. As the Department of Student Services, our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our students remains at the forefront of our endeavors.
February brings with it a sense of renewal and a chance to reflect on the progress we've made so far in the academic year. It's an opportunity to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and continue working collaboratively to enhance the overall student experience.
This month, let's focus on spreading positivity, encouragement, and a spirit of collaboration. Everyone is encouraged to contribute their unique talents and perspectives to create a vibrant and inclusive community within our department. By working together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our students, families, and each other.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any ideas, concerns, or suggestions. Your input is invaluable, and I appreciate the dedication and hard work that each of you brings to the Department of Student Services.
Wishing you a fantastic February filled with accomplishments, teamwork, and a sense of fulfillment.
Best Regards,
Tedra
Inclusive Technology Spotlight
Lovettsville Elementary School’s Unity Squad Become Communication Partner Peers
“It must be really hard if you can’t communicate with words. This helped the kids use THEIR voice. One day they’ll be better at talking, but for now, these devices really help them.” – Mario, 5th Grade
Learners at Lovettsville Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, John Millar, and supported by an ensemble of other educators, students 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 means to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. What follows are actual quotes from those who participated:
“I thought it was really fun. I had a great experience with the kids. I felt like it was good for someone in their school to be able to help them. I think they felt like they were happy to have older kids hang out with them.” – Mario, 5th Grade
If you’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school!
Mr. Millar demonstrates the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words For Life app
Communication partners explore language on AAC together.
Communication Partner Champions at Countryside Elementary School
October was National Augmentative/Alternative Communication Month. In recognition and celebration, learners at Countryside Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by speech language pathologist, Tia Freeman, and supported by an ensemble of other educators including Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, Jennifer Dunstan, students 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’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school!
Speech Language Pathologist Tia Freeman shares how paper-based core vocabulary boards are placed around the school for anyone to use.
Educators model language on AAC on the interactive whiteboard
Educators model language on AAC displayed on an interactive whiteboard
Learners assign themselves roles related to AAC.
Ms. Freeman reads a digital book to the class about using AAC.
Learners outline promises related to a student’s AAC.
Office of School Counseling
LCPS Partners with Loudoun Laurels Foundation to Provide Scholarship Information
On Wednesday, January 3rd, LCPS partnered with the Loudoun Laurels Foundation to share information with current CAMPUS and AVID students and their families about the Loudoun Laurels Foundation Stewardship Trust scholarship which totals $40,000 dollars. CAMPUS (College Achievement and Multicultural Program for Unique Students) is an LCPS program that supports first-generation college-bound high school students. AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is a high school program that prepares students for college readiness. Two former LCPS CAMPUS Students, and recipients of the scholarship, Carla Martinez-Borja (Heritage High School alum) and Wendy Ramirez (Park View High School alum) shared their experience with transitioning to college and gave advice to current high school students. Both students spoke about their experience with CAMPUS and how the program, along with the Loudoun Laurels Foundation Stewardship Trust Scholarship, helped them get to where they are today. Both students will be graduating from George Mason University this spring! The Loudoun Laurels Foundation Stewardship Trust Scholarship opens to all CAMPUS and AVID seniors on January 23rd and closes on April 1st. The scholarship will be awarded to 1 CAMPUS and 1 AVID student in the spring.
Pictured below from the left: Elaine Attridge, Loudoun Laurels Foundation Vice Chair, Wendy Ramirez, Park View High School alum and George Mason C/O 2024 student, Dr. Edgar Hatrick III, former LCPS Superintendent and Loudoun Laurels Foundation Vice Chair, Carla Martinez-Borja, Heritage High School alum and George Mason C/O 2024 student, Mr. Joe May, Loudoun Laurels Foundation Chair, and Ms. Nikki Daruwala, Loudoun Laurels Foundation Executive Director.
The Department of Student Services celebrates National School Counseling Week
LCPS School Counseling Services is dedicated to supporting School Counselors in building evidence-based practices that support student well-being and achievement. School Counselors are uniquely qualified to address the academic, career, and personal-social needs of all students. They design and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. School Counselors also lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by aligning their counseling program with their school’s mission, vision, and school improvement plan.
The week of February 5th-9th is National School Counseling Week! We would like to invite you to our Open House event to learn more about School Counseling Services and how we can best partner with you to support the needs of our students and staff. Please stop by room 102A/B on February 7th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. There will be light refreshments and treats.
Please share with your teams as we would love the opportunity to connect and collaborate with all departments.
Mental Health & Wellness Conference
6th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference
Over 550 Participate in LCPS’ United for Wellness Conference
More than 550 attended or participated in One LCPS: United for Wellness, Loudoun County Public School’s sixth annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference and Resource Fair on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Riverside High School.
Conference attendees had the opportunity to hear from more than 40 mental health and wellness professionals on topics such as improving communications with teens, daily wellness practices, eating disorders, healthy relationships and more. In addition, over 80 local businesses, Loudoun County agencies and LCPS offices provided information and resources to assist families as they support their students' mental health and wellness needs. A portion of the event was sponsored by the Williams Center for Wellness and Recovery.
Dr. Aaron Spence, LCPS Superintendent, opened the conference, saying that this conference is evidence of LCPS’ commitment to student mental health and wellness and to providing families with resources to support their students.
Football Hall of Fame legends Ken Harvey and Charles Mann, both of whom are on the board of directors of The Williams Center for Wellness and Recovery, also offered opening remarks and their support.
Staff/Program Recognition
LCPS Represented at Virginia Tiered System of Supports (VTSS) Event
In January, Dr. Stefanie LaPolla served as a panelist at an event for new VTSS cohort school divisions, representing LCPS' implementation of MTSS. During this time, Dr. LaPolla spoke to successes related to MTSS, approaches to installing and sustaining implementation, active engagement of stakeholders, and LCPS' coaching model for school-based support. She also facilitated a break-out session on alignment focusing on stakeholder and community involvement, integration of PBIS/RTI/SEL frameworks, and the integration of MTSS within the ONE LCPS strategic plan and continuous improvement practices.
Office of Special Education
Update on Special Education Cyclical Monitoring Process
Since the start of the school year, we have remained dedicated to ensuring compliance with federal laws and state regulations governing special education programs in LCPS. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students has been a driving force behind these actions.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Cyclical Special Education Audit is complete. The audit began in November with the self-assessment phase. This phase required the Office of Special Education (OSE) to review over 500 individual student records, both electronic and physical files for compliance with the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Students with Disabilities in Virginia.
The second phase of the audit was an on-site visit from representatives from the VDOE on January 10-12, 2024. Six on-site monitors selected 10 schools to visit during their stay in Loudoun. The site visits included observations and interviews with special education teachers, general education teachers, administrators, and parents.
At the close of the visit, a meeting was held to discuss initial findings. Overall, the results were quite positive. The monitors shared the friendly welcome they received as well as the willingness of everyone to fully participate in the monitoring. A full report is expected within 90 days of the visit. The results of the monitoring will be shared with our stakeholders and community; the OSE will respond accordingly and without delay.
Key Highlights:
Collaboration with VDOE:
We have actively engaged with the Virginia Department of Education to stay informed about the latest updates and expectations in utilizing the web-based monitoring tool. Regular communication and collaboration have strengthened our understanding of compliance monitoring through the implementation of the new web-based tool. LCPS has also been able to provide meaningful feedback on errors in the digital platform that have benefitted all school divisions in this current monitoring cohort.
Comprehensive Program Monitoring School Visits:
LCPS is well into the process for the comprehensive program monitoring process to assess the effectiveness and adherence to federal laws and state regulations in special education services. These visits have been crucial in identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Teams of supervisors from the Office of Special Education have been visiting schools, reviewing student records, and meeting with staff during the process as we review and enter data for 365 students with disabilities in LCPS.
Professional Development Initiatives:
Recognizing the importance of continuous improvement, we have invested in professional development opportunities for educators and support staff involved in special education based on our findings from our school-based monitoring visits. Professional learning will be targeted to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services in the areas that require corrective action. To date, LCPS will be focusing on the following areas for corrective action division wide:
Meeting notices: purpose, dates, all the required participants noted and dates, etc.
Hearing aids/devices – we are not tracking when they are checked
Child study within 10 days of a referral
Transparent Communication with Stakeholders:
Open and transparent communication with parents, guardians, and other stakeholders remains a priority. We have actively sought feedback, addressing concerns promptly and working collaboratively to create a positive impact on the overall special education experience through meetings with our Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and other stakeholders..
Looking Ahead:
As we move forward, our commitment to excellence in special education will continue to guide our actions. We are dedicated to addressing any identified areas of improvement promptly and effectively, ensuring that the unique needs of each student are met.
I invite any questions or further discussion on this matter. Your support and insights as school board members are invaluable as we strive to provide an inclusive and enriching educational experience for every student in LCPS.
On behalf of the OSE and Department of Student Services team, we would like to acknowledge and thank you all for your preparation, participation, and continuous support of students with disabilities.
Office of Student Services
Dr. Clark Bowers Retires After 36 Years of Service to LCPS
Dear Department of Student Services,
After almost 36 years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership, our esteemed Director of Student Services, Dr. Clark Bowers decided to embark on a new chapter in life and retire. January 31, 2024 marked his last day as an active member of the DSS family.
Dr. Bowers has been an integral part of our LCPS Department of Student Services family, contributing significantly to the growth and success of our Student Services department. His passion for supporting students, unwavering commitment to excellence, and innovative approach to enhancing the student experience have left an indelible mark on our school division.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Bowers has played a pivotal role in all aspects of Student Services, impacting Outreach Services, Mental Health Services, School Counseling Services, Student Health Services, Homebound and Homeschooling Services, Registration Services, McKinney Vento Services, the Special Permission process, and other offices under his purview. In addition to his role as Director of Student Services, Dr. Bowers has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal during his 26 years with LCPS and his impact extends far beyond the boundaries of our school division. He has not only been a mentor and guide to countless students but has also fostered a collaborative and supportive environment within the student services team.
As Dr. Bowers steps into a well-deserved retirement, we want to express our deepest gratitude for his dedication, leadership, and the positive influence he has had on the lives of so many. His contributions have helped shape the vibrant and inclusive community we are today.
We had the distinct pleasure of hosting a retirement celebration for Dr. Bowers on January 23, 2024. The celebration was filled with love, joy, and lasting memories recounted by all those Clark impacted in a truly positive and lasting way over the course of his service in education in LCPS.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Bowers on reaching this significant milestone and wish him a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures.
Thank you, all for your continued forward movement of Clark’s legacy of a remarkable educator that always put people first.
Warm regards,
Tedra
Please enjoy farewell videos from Clark's Celebration: Assistant Superintendent; Larry Messner (Former Teacher); Dr. Clark Bowers
DSS Newsletters
Career & Transition Services
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
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.
Student Assistance Services
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.
School Counseling Services
School counselors provide comprehensive school counseling programs to address students' academic, career and social-emotional developmental needs. School Counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student success and well-being.
DSS Sites
Career & Transition Services
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.
LCPS School Counseling Services
School counselors are licensed educators with a minimum of a Master's degree in School Counseling and are uniquely qualified to address the academic, career, and personal/social needs of all students. By designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program, school counselors serve to promote and enhance student success.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
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
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.
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
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.
Resources
Parent Coaching and Resources
Loudoun County Public Schools is offering new resources for all staff and parents/guardians through www.parentguidance.org. You can learn more about this initiative by clicking here.
These free resources include easily accessible video-based courses on difficult parenting topics, individualized parent coaching for any LCPS parent/guardian, on their schedule in their home, and weekly interactive webinars to let parents know the mental health needs of our students are a critical concern of Loudoun County Public Schools. Your unified mental health team members are ready to assist parents in accessing the support. You can watch this video about the services available.
Please help share these informative resources with the families in your schools.
Care Solace Launch for Students, Staff and Families
Beginning January 29th, LCPS will launch Care Solace, a care coordination service to help students, staff, and families find mental health and substance use treatment matched to their needs. Care Solace’s multilingual and culturally sensitive Care Companion™ team is available 24/7/365 to quickly connect individuals to community providers regardless of need.
How Students, Staff & Families Can Access Care Solace Services:
Care Solace is available to all members of the LCPS community – staff, students and their families – and can be accessed by calling (888) 515-0595 at any time. A dedicated Care Companion™ will help research treatment options matched to their needs, secure appointments, and follow up to ensure satisfaction with the provider and treatment.
Staff and family members can also search for help on their own at https://www.caresolace.com/loudoun
Resources:
Care Solace Admin Best Practices Information
Marketing Materials - English and Spanish
Trainings:
All unified mental health team members (school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and student assistance specialists) will receive account access and training on the platform this month. These staff members will connect families to the service through a Warm Hand-Off Referral.
All administrators (principals and assistant principals) will receive an email regarding setting up their account. Once you log in to the system, you will be prompted to watch a short 15-minute training video about navigating the dashboard.
Care Solace Video -Login Required-Please ensure to click on the “first time logging in” option and use long email address. (ex. rebecka.kern@lcps.org) You will then receive an email to set up a password.
Well-being Course: Spring Edition
Did you miss the fall well-being course? There is another opportunity to engage in reflection and activities for supporting personal wellbeing with Your Wellbeing: A Weekly Invitation to Me Time! (Spring Edition). Based on the educator wellness work of Tina Boogren, PhD, this course is designed for all LCPS staff seeking to explore practices for supporting physical, social, and emotional well-being while connecting to the core competencies of social-emotional learning (SEL). Explore different strategies each week with targeted practice of SEL competencies and use what works for you. Topics include play, email, hobbies, cognition, transitions, listening and more!
Registration opens on Monday, February 5 in PowerSchool. This asynchronous course begins on Monday, March 4 and ends on Friday, May 10. Participants will receive four professional learning points for completing the course.
District Happenings
Instructional Framework Project
Information:
The Department of Teaching and Learning is launching a project to develop an instructional framework for LCPS. Our goal is for the Instructional Framework to serve as a shared vision for instruction and a foundational element driving our curriculum, teaching, assessment, and professional learning in Loudoun County Public Schools.
This presentation, developed for the January Principal’s Meeting, provides an overview of the project, examples of frameworks developed in other school divisions, opportunities for feedback from staff, students, and our community, and a timeline for implementation. Additional information will be provided at the February Principal’s Meeting and the Superintendent’s Principal and Teacher Advisory Meetings in February.
For more detailed information on the Instructional Framework, please visit the Instructional Framework Project Page. A Let’s Talk button is also available on the project page, enabling you to ask questions and share feedback at any time. We appreciate and welcome ongoing collaboration and feedback as this project continues! As a leadership team, the Department of Student Services (DSS) recently had an opportunity to provide feedback. The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will have the same opportunity on February 14th.
Upcoming Events
February 3, 2024: PRS Offering (OSE Workshop) When the Bus Stops Coming: Planning for Life After High School* (Snow date: 2/24)
February 5-9, 2024: National School Counseling Week
February 6, 2024: PRS Offering (OSE Workshop) Preschool Child Find Chats: Raising Young Communicators
February 7, 2024: NSCW Open House; ADM Room 102A/B; 1-3 PM
February 14, 2024: SEAC Presentation - Inclusive Practices and Meaningful Inclusion Presenters: Dr. Paige Carter, Director of Special Education, Specialized Instruction and Chris Bugaj, Assistive Technology Specialist
February 15, 2024: PRS Offering (OSE Workshop) High School Connection: Moving on from Middle School to High School with an IEP
February 22, 2024: PRS Offering (Mental Health & Wellness Series), Presentation-The Problem of Perfectionism
DSS Leadership
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