LCPS: Better Together

In this episode of DEIA: Better Together, we will discuss moving student voice from input to influence—and creating everyday opportunities for students to shape, strengthen, and lead within their learning communities.

Co-Host Anthony Beckett, DEIA Specialist, is joined by Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals to discuss elevating student voice from input to meaningful partnership and leadership. 

Dr. Michelle Luttrell, Principal of Loudoun County High School

Dr. Tripp DiNicola, Principal of J.L. Simpson Middle School

Mr. Daniel Lani, Principal of Lovettsville Elementary School

*NOTE: This episode was recorded in two separate sessions to accommodate schedules. Secondary (High School and Middle School) is found in part 1 and Elementary School is found in part 2.

In this episode, hear reflections and powerful perspectives from students who participated in the 3rd Annual Student Equity Ambassador & MSAAC Student Delegate Symposium, where young leaders came together to explore identity, belonging, advocacy, and the importance of carrying their “Message Forward.” 

 In this episode of DEIA: Better Together, we’re exploring the powerful link between professional learning and student success. Talent development isn’t just about training — it’s about transformation. When educators grow, students thrive.

Co-Host Everette Callaway is joined by Tanisha Holland, Director of Talent Development, and Lauren Sprowls, Supervisor of Leadership Development within Human Resources and Talent Development (HRTD), to discuss how LCPS is building pathways for continuous learning, supporting classroom teachers, and cultivating strong, reflective leaders.

Together, they unpack what it means to take a learner’s stance as educators — expanding access to professional growth, empowering teachers to lead with confidence, and shaping schools where every student can see, feel, and experience excellence.

Because when we invest in our people, we invest in our students.

In this episode of DEIA: Better Together, we’re exploring the importance of ensuring that students are a part of the planning process as we build programs and initiatives designed to benefit and support them, and the impact of centering student voice and facilitating opportunities for students to lead the work.

Co-Host Camille Jones, DEIA Specialist is joined by Lyn Fiscus, Extracurricular Specialist with the Student Activities & Engagement Coordinator program (SAEC), and Alix Tate, School Counseling Coordinator for the College Achievement & Multicultural Program for Unique Students (CAMPUS), to discuss how LCPS is centering student voices within classroom learning communities, school culture, and dynamic instruction.

In this episode of DEIA: Better Together, 

Co-Host Anthony Beckett is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Whitehead, DEIA Specialist, and Mr. Gary Ricci, Restorative Practices Specialist to explore the consequences of choosing comfort over connection and the harm caused by unaddressed silence in our systems and to discuss:
Curriculum Violence: Examining how silence and exclusion can cause unintended harm.
Restorative Practices: Shifting our approach to conflict and harm from reactive to restorative.
Healing-Centered Engagement: Building communities where difficult truths can be spoken without fear, focusing on a healing-centered response to ensure every student is seen, heard, and loved.
Tune in as we turn tension into transformation and explore why the choice to stay silent is never passive

In this episode of DEIA: Better Together, Co-Host Everette Callaway is joined by Dr. Michael Grubbs, Director of Career & Technical and Adult Education, Ms. Danyael Graham, Social Sciences & Global Studies Supervisor, and Mr. Grant Schafer, Academic Programs Supervisor to explore how Loudoun County Public Schools brings the vision of “Where the World Learns” to life. Together, they discuss how LCPS provides the tools and support to deliver on its promise—expanding access, elevating student voice, and ensuring every learner feels seen, supported, and prepared through equity-centered practices. Tune in as we highlight the work and commitments that help us move forward—better together.

In this episode of DEIA: Better Together, we will explore the role Equity Leads play in supporting the work of our student leaders and sustaining our many communities’ cultures of equity and inclusive connection.

Co-Host Camille Jones, DEIA Specialist, is joined by Equity Leads Dr. Michael Matthew, Rochon Moore Bumgardner, Sarah Jones, Jennifer Herrin, Stephen Readyoff, and Meg Miles to discuss the way that their work is impacting experiences within our schools as they support and empower students, school-based staff, and communities in creating and sustaining a collective culture of belonging.

The Better Together Podcast hosts/producers Anthony Beckett, Camille Jones, and Everette Callaway recap key points and favorite moments from past episodes and discuss their vision for the 26-27 school year.