This handbook is intended to provide a general understanding of LEAF’s mission, protocols and procedures for the management of the committee. It should not be viewed as a contract or agreement. The information included in this handbook may be subject to change; however, all policies, rules and resolutions from which this handbook is derived can be found on the LCPS website.
For more information about FOIA, visit the LCPS FOIA page at www.lcps.org/foia.
Loudoun County Public Schools
About
The Loudoun Education Alliance of Families (LEAF) serves as the advisory voice for parents, sharing family perspectives with the Loudoun County School Board. LEAF is a proactive advisory group dedicated to addressing educational concerns and providing feedback on current or proposed policies or issues.
LEAF representatives act as liaisons between their school communities and the Board, ensuring family feedback helps inform decisions that impact students across LCPS. Representatives serve as a two-way conduit for information, actively working to improve the student experience in their respective communities.
For specific meeting dates, materials and contact information regarding LEAF, visit www.lcps.org/leaf.
2027 Strategic Plan for Excellence
OUR VISION: Every student will reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
OUR MISSION: Empowering all students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
STRATEGIC GOALS
Empowered Students: Students will be at the center of our work – valuing all students’ hopes and dreams and preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Exemplary Staff: LCPS teachers, administrators, and staff are the most important factor in helping our students after their parents; seeing that staff are esteemed, exemplary, supported, and accountable is vital to student success.
Enriched Division: LCPS must be aligned around our core educational mission for students and strengthen trust, listen humbly, value differences, and remain steadfast in ensuring every student is prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Engaged Community: Parents, families, and our community must be a support, guide, ally, and partner; there is no one more deeply invested in the success of students than their families.
HOLISTIC SUPPORT
Every student should have the support to feel safe, happy, and cared for in school.
RIGOROUS TEACHING & LEARNING
All students should be challenged to reach their full potential in the classroom as part of a system that aspires to become the best performing division in the nation.
CORE VALUES
EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY
All students and staff should have access to resources, programs, and support that enable a successful future.
INDIVIDUALIZED SUCCESS
All unique strengths, skills, and passions should be celebrated, encouraging diverse pathways that support readiness after graduation.
TRUST THROUGH LISTENING
All students, staff, and community members should have regular opportunities to be heard in two-way conversations across the division.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
A culture of continuous improvement should drive the fulfillment of our mission.
A Charter and Bylaws for The Loudoun
Education Alliance of Families (LEAF)
Loudoun County School Board Parent Advisory Group
BACKGROUND: As the primary provider of education in Loudoun County, LCPS seeks to connect and engage with parents outside of their individual student’s experience. The School Board seeks to ensure parental concerns are heard and considered as a regular part of policy making. Community feedback helps to ensure decision-making, and actions taken by the Board are in the best interests of our students and the community.
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this body shall be the Loudoun Education Alliance of Families for Loudoun County Public Schools (“the Alliance” or “LEAF”).
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The Loudoun Education Alliance of Families will be an advisory group voice for parents to elevate educational concerns and provide feedback to the board on current or proposed policies or issues facing the School Board.
Responsibilities and goals of LEAF are as follows:
To be a voice for parents from their school communities providing valuable parental perspective to the School Board.
To communicate School Board questions, recommendations, or decisions back to their communities.
To serve as an advisory body, bringing to the School Board’s attention existing or emerging issues expressed by parents in their school community.
To help develop and shape recommendations on improving student experience in schools.
Parents, guardians and primary caregivers of children attending Loudoun County Public Schools are invited to serve on the Alliance for LCPS for a term of one year in duration. LEAF will meet monthly during the school year to advise the School Board and serve as liaisons to their communities.
Parents have a unique understanding of their children’s experiences and can offer insights about proposed policies, strategies and educational needs. Members of LEAF will share School Board information back to their respective communities, becoming a two-way conduit for information, helping improve student experience.
Charter and Bylaws (continued)
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Total Members: Membership of LEAF shall be aligned to provide an equal voice to each of the members of the Loudoun County Public Schools community, with one member nominated by each PTA, PTO, PTSO or other parent organization. Nominations for board approval will come from the following sources:
Each school, led by the school’s PTA/PTO/PTSA or other such parent organization, shall nominate one parent for submission as a primary Alliance member and another to serve as alternate. The nominations will be forwarded to the School Board for consideration. Schools represented include the Academies, William O. Robey High School, and The North Star School.
Member selection process:
1.Volunteers who wish to serve may reach out to their school to submit their name for consideration. They may submit directly to the school organization. If the school organization does not exist, then the school Principal may provide nominations.
2 All nominees will be placed on nomination list for a General School Board meeting, first as an information item, and then for approval at the next general meeting. The School Board may approve all nominees or may, at its sole discretion, reject a nominee. All School Board discussion of nominees shall comply with open meetings laws.
3.For the first year, nominations will be required to be forwarded to the Board Chair and Liaison prior to April 20th for inclusion in the April 26th Board Meeting Information Agenda.
4 Out of cycle nominations and approvals are permitted to fill or replace membership.
5.Annually, nominations shall be submitted by each school to the Alliance, which will consolidate the list and submit to the School Board for information prior to the first General School Board meeting in May.
ARTICLE IV - ORGANIZATION
1 Leadership: The School Board Chair or their appointee shall run the meetings until the organization selects its own leadership.
2.Term: Members shall serve a term of one year and may be reappointed. Term shall be aligned with the school year, July 1st through June 30th of the following year. In the first year only, if nominees are appointed before July 1st, their appointment shall carry through the 2022-2023 school year.
Charter and Bylaws
3.Qualification: Members may be parents, legal guardians, or other primary caregivers responsible for a student currently attending LCPS.
4.Absences: Regular attendance and participation is expected of all members. Members who miss three meetings without notifying the leadership ahead of time will be removed.
5 Vacancies: Members whose final student in LCPS graduates or discontinues enrollment at LCPS during their term shall vacate their seat. The school as detailed in Article III will nominate a replacement to finish the term. Should a vacancy occur for any other reason, the vacancy shall be filled by the school as detailed in Article III.
ARTICLE V – RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Responsibilities of LEAF Members: Attend LEAF meetings.
Provide constructive input and feedback from a parental perspective on a variety of school division initiatives and programs.
Help identify methods to communicate effectively and provide outreach to parents and legal guardians of students in their schools, including those who may not be fluent in English.
Suggest topics for information or presentations helpful to LEAF to further inform parents of programs and opportunities for students. Share this information back to their school communities.
Review upcoming policies and provide feedback to the School Board or Board Committee. Feedback shall be consolidated by the Alliance for distribution to school board members.
The ability to communicate directly with board members shall be retained by Alliance members.
The Alliance shall serve as an advisory, not a decision-making body, making recommendations and encouraging brainstorming.
Welcome and respect the opinions and feedback of all parents involved on LEAF.
Facilitate communication between and among the parents and parent organizations from different schools across their cluster.
When possible, serve as a conduit for sharing innovations and best practices from around their cluster or school for the benefit of the division.
Maintain the confidentiality of personally identifiable information of students in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 USC 1232g.
2. Responsibilities of School Board Chair:
Appoint a School Board member to be a liaison to LEAF, attend LEAF meetings for board member feedback, and report back to LEAF on implementation of recommendations.
Charter and Bylaws (continued)
Until membership has been established, the Chair will schedule monthly meetings February through May and August through November.
Schedule a 15-minute presentation/Q&A window for the organization to bring forward discussion items to the full school board (semi-annually).
3. Responsibilities of LEAF Staff Liaison:
Work with the School Board Chair to schedule LEAF meeting agendas for the calendar year, coordinate meetings schedule, and communicate with Alliance and School Board members.
Assist with an orientation to be held at LEAF’s first meeting each year, to include Virginia Freedom of Information Act (“VFOIA”) information and guidance for membership.
Coordinate with the School Board Chair on issues, initiatives, or programs requested by the Alliance to be presented or discussed at meetings.
Coordinate any presentations from staff or other identified subject matter experts to LEAF meetings.
Track any recommendations back to appropriate groups/staff for action at the direction of the School Board Chair.
ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS
LEAF will meet monthly during the school year at the Administration Building located at 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA.
Due to the size of the group, and possible public attendance, room availability and scheduling may cause the meeting times and days of the week to vary. Meetings will be (recorded) and available to the public.
Open Meetings: Meetings will be open to the public with a period of public comment related to agenda for that meeting. Public comment will be as directed by the Alliance leadership.
Notice: Notice of regular meetings, along with the agenda, shall be available to the members three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date except in unforeseen circumstances in VFOIA compliance.
Schedule: The inaugural meeting will occur prior to the conclusion of the 2022 School Year. Meeting Dates for the 2022-2023 School Year are planned for: August, September, October, November, February, March, April, and May.
In-Person Participation: Subject to the limitations below, meetings must be conducted in person.
Electronic Participation in Light of Disability or Other Medical Condition: When participation by a member (i) with a disability or other medical condition or (ii) who is providing care for a family member with a medical condition:
Charter and Bylaws (continued)
1 The member must notify the chair of the public body on or before the day of the meeting of the inability to attend due to a temporary or permanent disability or other medical condition that prevents physical attendance or a required need to care for a family member with a medical condition that prevents physical attendance; and
2.The fact of a member's disability or other medical condition or a family member's medical condition that requires the member to provide care for such family member must be recorded in the minutes, but the member's specific disability or medical condition or the family member's specific medical condition will not be recorded in the minutes.
3 The member's remote participation must be in accordance with the electronic participation process described herein; and
4.Participating remote members’ voices must be heard by all.
When such individual participation is due to a personal matter, such participation is limited by law to two meetings each calendar year or 25 percent of the meetings held per calendar year rounded up to the next whole number, whichever is greater.
This process shall be applied strictly and uniformly, without exception, to the entire membership and without regard to the identity of the member requesting remote participation or the matters that will be considered or voted on at the meeting.
ARTICLE VII – QUORUM
Greater than or equal to 25% of the voting members shall constitute a quorum. Each member, less the Chair and the Liaison, shall be counted for quorum and shall have a vote.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by not less than two-thirds of the total Members of the Alliance, provided that advance notification is provided. A copy of the proposed amendment(s) shall be distributed to the members no later than the previous regular meeting.
ARTICLE VIII – RULES OF ORDER
Robert’s Rules of Order, revised, shall govern the conduct of the Committee’s meetings and other procedural matters, to the extent that such rules are applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of these Bylaws.
Modified: 4/1/22 by Board | Adopted: 04/05/22 | Revised: 04/22/22 by Legal | Current Revision: 08/21/23 by Alliance
How I Access Board Meeting Agendas Tutorial for Accessing BoardDocs
What is BoardDocs?
BoardDocs is an online platform that archives, stores and organizes all School Board meeting agendas, minutes and policies.
How do I access School Board meeting agendas?
There are a few ways to access the Meetings, Agendas & Documents page:
Option 1:
Go to the division website at www.lcps.org and click the School Board link in the top header. Then select School Board Information and click Meetings in the upper right corner of the page. From there, you can navigate to the upcoming meeting or search for a past meeting.
Once you are on the LCPS Meetings page:
Click on the year, then the month of the meeting you want to view. You’ll see an overview of the meeting. To view the full agenda, click View the Agenda.
The agenda will display the order of items on the left side. Clicking on an item will show a detailed description and any linked documents on the right side of the screen.
If available, select Watch Video to listen to an audio recording or watch a video of the meeting, depending on the format.
To view School Board policies, use the Policies tab at the top of the screen.
FOIA Guidelines For School Board Advisory Committees
(continued)
Minutes should be recorded at all public advisory committee meetings. Those minutes should include the meeting date, location and attendees, and a summary of matters discussed and any votes taken. The minutes must be publicly available.
Minutes (sometimes referred to as notes) are different from Transcripts. Minutes are a concise record of events; providing issues, raises, suggestions, action points and decided outcomes. Transcripts are verbatim written accounts of the speech and discussion; this can apply to meetings, conferences, seminars, video conferences, etc.
Electronic Participation: Electronic participation in public meetings by advisory committee members is generally not allowed. Remote participation requires timely notice to the advisory committee chair and staff liaison so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Written communications: All e-mail, notes, written communications or other documents concerning advisory committee business are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. This means that should a member of the public ask to review those documents and communications, advisory committee members are required to produce them for public inspection. Prior to being released, LCPS’ Custodian of Records reviews them to ensure that only those responsive to the request – with redactions should they be necessary – are released. *Some records may be withheld in the entirety under exemptions set forth by the Code of Virginia.
For more information about FOIA, visit the LCPS FOIA page at http://lcps.org/foia.
Robert’s
Rules of Order: A Quick Reference continued
Robert’s Rules of Order Motion Steps
1.Motion: A member rises or raises a hand to signal the chairperson.
2.Second: Another member seconds the motion.
3.Restate motion: The chairperson restates the motion.
4.Debate: The members debate the motion.
5.Vote: The chairperson restates the motion, and then first asks for affirmative votes, and then negative votes.
6.Announce the vote: The chairperson announces the result of the vote and any instructions.
TIP: If the board is in obvious agreement, the chairperson may save time by stating, “If there is no objection, we will adopt the motion to…” Then wait for any objections. Then say, “Hearing no objections, (state the motion) is adopted.” And then state any instructions. If a member objects, first ask for debate, then vote and then announce the vote.
Requesting Points of Something
Certain situations need attention during the meeting, but they don’t require a motion, second, debate, or voting. It’s permissible to state a point during a meeting where the chairperson needs to handle a situation right away. Board members can declare a Point of Order, Point of Information, Point of Inquiry or Point of Personal Privilege.
Point of Order: Draws attention to a breach of rules, improper procedure, breaching of established practices, etc.
Point of Information: A member may need to bring up an additional point or additional information (in the form of a non-debatable statement) so that the other members can make fully informed votes.
Point of Inquiry: A member may use a point of inquiry to ask for clarification to make better voting decisions.
Point of Personal Privilege: A member may use points of personal privilege to address the physical comfort of the setting, such as temperature or noise. Members may also use it to address the accuracy of published reports or the accuracy of a member’s conduct.
Best Practices and Considerations for LEAF Representatives
(continued)
Following the Meeting
Type up the notes and share them with the community via email posting to a dedicated webpage, or other medium agreed upon by the school administrator. Forward sign-in sheet to school administrator(s).
Type up the notes and share them with school and division personnel so that the community suggestions can be acted upon.
Creating an Alliance Member Email:
Considerations and Best Practices for LEAF Representatives (continued)
Set Up a Signature and Auto Reply (continued)
Include Confidentiality / Privacy Notice
CONFIDENTIALITY / PRIVACY NOTICE – This email and attachments may contain confidential and/or legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient, or the person responsible for providing the information to the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution of this information, and any other use of or reliance upon it, are strictly prohibited. If you have received this email or attachments in error, please notify the sender immediately. All correspondence with Loudoun Education Alliance of Families (LEAF) and/or Loudoun County Public Schools, including email, may be subject to disclosure in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, (VFOIA).
Sending an Email
Make the subject inviting and informative so it doesn’t get lost in someone’s email box. (Example: LEAF Committee Meeting Update)
If there is an action step being requested, add the request (Example: Feedback Requested: LEAF Committee Meeting Update)
Progression of communications from Representative to Families (and School Administration)
Representatives Introduce themselves to families and/or PTA, PTA and School Administration
Request feedback ahead of a meeting
Share meeting highlights, important dates and events
Thank families for participation
LEAF: The Elevator Pitch
(Example)
What is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief, clear and engaging summary that explains what something is, why it matters and what makes it important, all in about 30 seconds to 1 minute. It's called an "elevator pitch" because it's meant to be short enough to share during a quick elevator ride.
The goal is to quickly capture interest and provide a clear understanding without overwhelming the listener with too much detail.
Description from the LCPS Website:
As the primary provider of education in Loudoun County, LCPS seeks to connect and engage with parents outside of their individual student’s experience. The School Board seeks to ensure parental concerns are heard and considered as a regular part of policy making. Community feedback helps to ensure decision-making, and actions taken by the Board are in the best interests of our students and the community. (LCPS.org/LEAF)
Sample Elevator Pitch for LEAF Representatives:
LEAF is a group of dedicated parents who represent and reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of their school communities. Through regular meetings, representatives exchange information, share feedback on educational policies and highlight resources that support student learning. As liaisons between schools and the School Board, LEAF representatives help ensure parent voices are included in shaping programs, services, strategies and policies across LCPS.
Policy Review Information
LEAF Member Policy Feedback
In response to LEAF discussion, staff will provide a summary of the context for the policies up for review.
Policy review for LEAF members
LEAF members are provided dedicated links for providing policy feedback LEAF member comments and feedback provided through these dedicated links are noted for the school board when shared back LEAF members should please add context in their feedback form if they have gathered community feedback; filling out the form will be considered as sharing the information they have gathered; and, LEAF members shall not share their dedicated link with the public or anyone outside of the committee.
Public/Community Policy Feedback
Should LEAF members be asked how the general public/members of their school community can provide feedback on policies, below find helpful information.
The Policy Review process link, https://www.lcps.org/policyreview, will route users directly to the review page. The link to the comment form is included at the top of this page, under the announcement sector.
A button shortcut to the Policy Review page is on every school webpage, under Division Resources.
Considerations for Policy and Procedure Review
The following questions can be considered by stakeholders during the review process of policies and/or procedures.
1.Does the policy and/or procedure support the learning, achievement and wellbeing of students and staff and align with the Board’s Mission, Vision and Values?
2.What are the strengths of the policy?
3 What do we want to improve?
4 Is the policy and/or procedure written in plain language that is clear to all staff and our parent and school communities? What changes, if any, are recommended to the wording?
Policy 8070: Written Comments and Complaints
www.lcps.org/LCPSCommentandComplaintform
A. Statement of Principle. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for Loudoun County residents, including parents and students, for offering input, comments, suggestions, and complaints to school officials.
B. Precedence. This policy governs all written comments and complaints not governed by other policies. Procedures enumerated in other policies supersede those created in this policy.
C. Definitions
1. “Parents and students” include current students, parents of current students, or other persons who have enrolled a current student.
2. “Complainant” refers to a Loudoun County resident, including parents and/or students who have submitted a complaint.
3. “Response” means to provide a written assessment of the complaint. It does not connote a decision, agreement, or resolution.
4. “Business days” refers to days in which LCPS administrative offices are open.
D. Procedures for Addressing School-Based Concerns and Complaints
1.Whenever a complaint is made directly to the School Board, as a whole or to an individual Board member, the individual or group involved will be advised to take their concern to the appropriate staff member.
2.The Board believes that complaints and grievances are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible, and that staff should be given every opportunity to consider the issues and attempt to resolve the problem prior to involvement by the Board. Therefore, the proper channeling of complaints involving staff, instruction, discipline, or learning materials will be as follows, as applicable:
a Teacher (Coach/Director)
b.Principal or Designee
c.Superintendent
d.Board
3.School principals shall establish appropriate procedures within their schools for encouraging, soliciting and receiving input, comments, suggestions and complaints from parents and students.
Policy 8070: Written Comments and Complaints
F.Timeline
1 Persons submitting comments and/or complaints will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of a comment and complaint form in writing within 5 business days of receipt.
2 If a complaint is filed through the Comment and Complaint form, a compliant that concerns a non-school level concern will be assigned to the appropriate department in the division and receive a response within 30 calendar days of its receipt.
3. If the complaint cannot be resolved at the department level, it will be referred to the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. The decision of the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee is final.
4.If filed with a principal, the principal or the principal’s designee will provide a written response to complaints promptly, but no later than 30 calendar days of receipt. If the complaint cannot be resolved at the level of the principal, it is referred to the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. The decision of the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee is final.
G. Retaliation. Retaliation against parents, students or residents who file complaints or participate in related processes is strictly prohibited. Any alleged retaliation shall be reviewed and addressed by the appropriate administrator(s).
H.Multiple Complaints. Multiple complaints regarding the same substantive issue, whether submitted by one or more complainant, may be treated as a single complaint for the purposes of statistical tracking and response requirements.
[Former Policy 8-10]
Adopted: 6/24/08
Revised: 1/11/11, 9/10/13
Current Revision: 05/24/22
Legal Refs: Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, §§ 22.1-87, 22.1-253.13:7 Cross Refs: Policy 1035, School Board
Norms, Protocols and Violations Policy 2010, Legal Status, Authority, Powers and Duties
Policy 2350, Appeal of Administrative Decisions
Policy 2530, Board-Staff Communications
Regulation 5045, Selection, Review And Challenge Of Instructional Resources
Policy 7014, Environments Free From Harassment, Discrimination, and Abuse
Regulation 7014, Environments Free From Harassment, Discrimination, and Abuse
Policy 7016, Employee Complaints
Policy 7018, Procedure for Adjusting Grievances
Policy 7024, Classified Employee Dismissal and Demotion Grievance Procedures
Regulation 8035, Title IX, Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment
General Messaging Guidance for LEAF Representatives
The following prompt examples may encourage open, collaborative conversations:
Prompt Focus
Relationship Building and Clarity of Role
Listening & Feedback Gathering
Sample Conversation Starters
“How can I best keep our school community informed about LEAF and its purpose?”
“Are there existing communication channels (PTA meetings, newsletters, parent coffees) where I might share updates from LEAF?”
“Are there particular school priorities you feel LEAF should be aware of to help advocate effectively?”
Sharing & Supporting
“What are some common questions or concerns you’re hearing from families this year?”
“Are there any patterns in parent feedback that could inform our conversations at LEAF?”
“Here’s a recent topic we discussed at LEAF. Do you see any connections or potential impact here for our school community?”
“What’s the best way for me to share updates with you so you’re aware of conversations happening at the county level?”
“How to Gather Feedback” Quick Reference
The following are simple strategies for collecting feedback from families in a way that is respectful, accessible and representative:
Listening during PTA meetings, parent coffees or informal conversations
Conducting short, informal surveys (digital or paper) that is run by/approved by the PTA and/or school administration before sharing
Hosting small focus group conversations or Q&A tables at school events
Utilizing digital tools (Google Forms, QR codes, etc.)
Asking school administration to include LEAF questions in existing parent feedback opportunities
Providing the Division’s Let’s Talk link (lcps.org/contact) so families can easily reach out to the appropriate department
Sample Questions for Gathering Feedback from Parents/Guardians
The following are examples of possible questions to ask when gathering parent/guardian insights:
What is one thing LCPS is doing well that you want to see continue?
What challenges do you feel families at our school are facing?
Are there policies or decisions you would like more clarity about?
How could the school or district improve communication with families?
LEAF Graphic Guidelines
SECONDARY/ALTERNATIVE GRAPHICS
LEAF also has an icon mark that can be used in situations where legibility at small screen sizes becomes challenging.
CLEAR SPACE
To protect the visibility and impact of the LEAF graphic, a minimum amount of clear space should be maintained around it. This space ensures the logo stands out and isn’t crowded by other elements like text, images, or graphics.
Clear space is determined by the height of the leaf icon within the logo (as shown). No other graphic elements, typography, or images should appear within this space. This helps maintain the logo’s distinction and legibility in all uses.
Please use the LEAF graphic thoughtfully and with care. Consistent, intentional use helps protect LEAF’s visual identity and ensures the committee’s work remains recognizable and respected.
If you have questions or need support, please contact a LEAF staff representative in the Department of Communications and Community Engagement.
PRIMARY TYPEFACES (FONTS)
Consistent use of typography helps to make the committee’s brand identity strong and cohesive across all applications.
Many standard and widely available fonts score highly for web accessibility, while also reflecting the preferred professional image of Loudoun County Public Schools. The preferred typefaces for LEAF are as follows:
Frequently Asked Questions about LEAF
How are LEAF representatives decided upon?
Please see the information provided in the bylaws.
How do we contact the LEAF Chair and/or Officers?
LEAF Chair and/or Officers will provide a dedicated email for LEAF Communication.
Why is there such a large time gap between November and February?
There are limited school board meetings during the months of November and and December with holidays and breaks. January is dedicated to the reorganization of the Board and its new members can join LEAF thereafter.
Are translations available? Upon request
How is the feedback provided by LEAF members passed on to the Board?
The data, via online feedback form, spreadsheet or other documentation are shared with the corresponding committees who then share with the board, accordingly.
How will the gaps in LEAF representation be addressed?
The membership chair will monitor representation and reach out to schools as appropriate.
When should representatives bring up issues/topics that may not be on the agenda?
New items that relate to the committee, as a whole, can be brought up during the New Business item on the agenda, or shared with the Chair in advance of the meeting. Individual concerns should be directed to the appropriate staff member.
How does LEAF differ from MSAAC?
LEAF representation is made up of parents, only. MSAAC includes all stakeholders (parents, community members, business partners, and staff).
Creating a One-Pager: Quick Reference
What is LEAF?
LEAF is the advisory voice for parents, sharing family perspectives with the Loudoun County School Board. As a LEAF representative, you serve as a liaison between your school community and the Board, ensuring that family feedback helps inform decisions that impact students across LCPS.
Role of a LEAF Rep
Connect with your school’s families
Gather big-picture feedback
Share updates from LEAF meetings
Ensure parent voices are part of the conversation
Key Contacts (LEAF leadership, School Board liaison)
How to gather feedback
Ask open-ended questions at PTA or parent events
Listen for patterns, not just individual stories
Consider short surveys (Google Forms, QR codes)
Keep notes organized by themes: communication, safety, academics, etc.
Stay in touch with fellow parents, keep up with school events, receive updates and access valuable resources.
VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER
Engage in opportunities of all kinds for everyone to make a difference. Everyone’s contribution matters!
INFORM INFORM
Join LEAF's monthly meetings to discuss essential topics, initiatives and policies from across the Division.
ADVOCATE ADVOCATE
LEAF members are champions of education, LCPS and serve as a link between the community and school staff.
WHO DO I CONTACT?
Information for families on communicating with schools and getting support for their students.
For a School Issue (academic or behavior concerns) Communicating With Your School
Brief Email Teacher or coach/sponsor
10-Minute Phone Call Teacher, coach/sponsor or counselor
20-Minute Conference Teacher, coach/sponsor, counselor, dean or administrator
Email, Phone Call or Conference Principal's designee or Principal
Email, Phone Call or Conference
Department of School Leadership: Elementary, Middle School or High School Director or Executive Principal
Email, Phone Call or Conference Superintendent or designee
Communicating About a Discipline Concern
Who do I Contact?
Assistant principal or principal via E-mail or phone call.
To learn more about student behavior, rights and responsibilities, read the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for Families and Student Code of Conduct.
Learn more about the Loudoun County School Board.
Offer feedback on School Board policies.
For assistance with understanding more about how to find resources in the school system, including appeal processes, reach out to the Ombuds, an independent resource who can advise you on next steps. 571.252.2447, ombuds@lcps.org.
It's easy to contact us! Simply look for the Let's Talk Contact Us pop out on the right side of the website to ask a question or share a concern. If needed, you can enter the formal complaint process at: https://www.lcps.org/o/lcps/page/lcps-comment-and-complaint-form
Extra School Support For:
Special Education
Mental Health
Immunizations or Health
English Learners
New to LCPS
Attendance
Graduation Requirements
Family Engagement
Who Do I Contact via Email or Phone?
Special education case manager. Dean/department chair. Assistant principal. Parent Resource Services: 571.252.6541. Preschool Child Find Center for preschool developmental screenings: 571.252.2110
School Counselor. Unified Mental Health Team. Assistant principal. www.lcps.org/SMHS
Your School's Health O ce
Teacher or counselor or parent liaison. If new to LCPS: Welcome Center (571.252.1680) or your school's Registrar. Contact the Division of English Learners: 571.252.1390 or www.lcps.org/el.
Welcome Center: For students new to LCPS and English Learners. (571.252.1680) School registrar or school counselor. Contact the Division of English Learners: 571.252.1390 or www.lcps.org/el.
School Attendance Administrator
School Counselor. Both Standard and Advanced Studies Diplomas require 22 course units and 5 verified credits.
Families, community and businesses come together to support schools and students to drive academic and personal success. www.lcps.org/FACE or call (571) 252-2443.
¿A QUIÉN CONTACTO?
Información para familias sobre cómo comunicarse con las escuelas y cómo obtener apoyo para sus estudiantes.
Comunicándose con su escuela
Para un problema escolar (preocupaciones académicas o de comportamiento)
Para un problema escolar
Maestro o entrenador/patrocinador
Superintendente o persona designada 01 02 03 04 05 06
Llamada telefónica de 10 minutos
Maestro, entrenador/patrocinador o consejero
Conferencia de 20 minutos
Maestro, entrenador/patrocinador, consejero, decano o administrador
¿Con quién me comunico? Subdirector o director por correo electrónico o llamada telefónica.
Para obtener más información sobre el comportamiento, los derechos y las responsabilidades de los estudiantes, lea el Manual de Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes para familias y el Código de conducta de Estudiantes.
Obtenga más información sobre la Junta Escolar del Condado de Loudoun.
Ofrezca comentarios sobre las políticas de la Junta Escolar.
Para obtener ayuda para comprender más sobre cómo encontrar recursos en el sistema escolar, incluidos los procesos de apelación, comuníquese con el Defensor del Pueblo(Ombuds), un recurso independiente que le puede asesorar sobre los próximos pasos. 571.252.2447, ombuds@lcps.org.
¡Es fácil contactarnos! Simplemente busque la ventana emergente Hablemos, Contáctenos, en el lado derecho del sitio web para hacer una pregunta o compartir una inquietud. Si es necesario, puede ingresar la denuncia formal. proceso en: https://www.lcps.org/o/lcps/page/lcps-comment-and-complaint-form
Apoyo escolar adicional para: ¿Con quién me comunico por correo electrónico o por teléfono?
Educación Especial
Salud Mental
Vacunas o Salud
Estudiantes de Inglés
Nuevo en LCPS
Asistencia
Requisitos de Graduación
Compromiso Familiar
Administrador de casos de educación especial. Decano/director de departamento. Subdirector. Servicios de recursos para padres: 571.252.6541. Evaluaciones de Desarrollo del Centro de búsqueda de niños en edad preescolar (Child Find): 571.252.2110
Consejero Escolar. Equipo de Salud Mental Unificado. Subdirector. www.lcps.org/SMHS
La Oficina de Salud de tu Escuela
Maestro, consejero o enlace familiar. Si es nuevo en LCPS: Centro de Bienvenida (571.252.1680) o el Registrador de su escuela. Comuníquese con la División de Estudiantes de Inglés:571.252.1390 o www.lcps.org/el.
Centro de Bienvenida: para estudiantes nuevos en LCPS y estudiantes de inglés. (571.252.1680) Registrador escolar o consejero escolar. Comuníquese con la División de Estudiantes de Inglés: 571.252.1390 o www.lcps.org/el.
Administrador de Asistencia Escolar
Consejero Escolar. Tanto el diploma estandar como el diploma de estudios avanzados requieren 22 unidades del curso y 5 créditos verificados.
Las familias, comunidad y empresas se unen para apoyar a las escuelas y a los estudiantes a impulsar el éxito académico y personal. Para obtener más información, visite www.lcps.org/FACE o llame al (571) 252-2443.
