In their second Tuesday meeting of April, the School Board met to discuss topics such as Policy 2620 along with recognizing Mental Health Awareness Week, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Jewish Heritage Month. During the meeting, they also gave out awards to administration staff in different schools, including Rock Ridge’s US and World History teacher Aisha Ahmed, who got the High School New Teacher of the Year award. 

Policy Changes

The school board first brought up policies 2620 and 6650. Policy 2620 is centered around recognizing the staff and students of LCPS for their accomplishments. With zero budget impact, Daniel W. Smith, Chief of Communications and Community Engagement, presented his plan. He stated that this plan focuses on empowering students. He then followed up by explaining the process that will be executed by “valuing all students’ hopes and dreams and preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the world.” Then the plan was shown in action by showing off the exemplary staff filling the classrooms of LCPS schools. “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,” Smith said.

Mental Health Awareness Month

The school board discussed a proclamation that establishes May as Mental Health Awareness Month county-wide. This decision came from the jarring number of mental health disorders that fill the minds of our youth. Many of these disorders start from a young age, and the board acknowledged the topic of mental health awareness as an important one to be addressed across all grades throughout the county, in an attempt to spread awareness and play a part in reducing the ever-growing number of students suffering from a plethora of mental health disorders. 

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The start of May also marked the beginning of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Loudoun County. During the school board meeting, Linda Deans, a school board member from the Broad Run District, spoke both about the history of the month and the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to the U.S. “During Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month we recognize and celebrate the cultural contributions, historical contributions, contributions to industry and influence from and whereas, especially during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month,” Deans said. 

Jewish Heritage Month

May also marks Jewish Heritage Month in the county. Deans also proclaimed this during the meeting. “We acknowledge and highlight the many achievements and profound contributions made by Jewish Americans to the economic, cultural, educational, and political development of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States,” Deans said. “Loudoun County Public Schools adopted a commitment to equity to ensure success for every child.”

Aisha Ahmed Receives the High School New Teacher of the Year Award

Along with the proclamations, history teacher Aisha Ahmed was awarded the High School New Teacher of the Year.. “It was kind of surreal being surrounded by that many people being honored,” she said. “It was [also] cool to have the support of my other colleagues who came to see me.” 

Many Rock Ridge staff members went to support and celebrate with Ahmed. “I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without the support of my colleagues,” she said. “Specifically the social studies department and some of the special education departments — I couldn’t have gone to where I am today without them.”

The next school board meeting will take place on May 14th.