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Monday, May 11, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

This week we are continuing with our spring SOL testing schedule. The science SOL (8th grade students only) will be on Wednesday, May 13th. After Wednesday, we will be scheduling our retakes. More information will be shared with families of students that qualify for a retake.

This Thursday, May 14th we will be hosting a dance during our after-school program. The dance is free to all students. Concessions will be available for sale during the dance. If your student would like to purchase some concessions, please have them bring some cash to do so. All other after-school activities are canceled for that day. The last day for late buses will be Thursday, May 21st. After that date, students are welcome to stay for extra help from a teacher if they prearrange this with their teacher AND have a ride to get home.

Finally, for your long term planning, we have a short week coming up. Monday, May 25th schools are closed for the Memorial Day holiday. Tuesday, May 26th is a teacher work day. Wednesday, May 27th schools are closed for Eid Al-Adha. The final day of the school year on Wednesday, June 17th will be a two hour early dismissal. Please plan ahead for an early dismissal for that day.

As always, I appreciate your ongoing partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS May

3     SOL - Science
14    After School Dance 2:30-4:30pm
16    Track Meet @ Oakton HS
21    Last Day for After School Activities
25   Holiday-Memorial Day
26    Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
27    Holiday-Eid Al-Adha
29    Spring Orchestra Concert @ McLean HS 7:00pm
30    Track Championship @ Robinson

June

2      Spring Choral Concert 7:00pm
3      PTA Meeting 6:30pm
4      Career Day
5      Music Department Field Trip
11    Spring Band Concert 7:00pm @ McLean HS
12    8th Grade Party 6:00-8:00pm
16    End of Year Awards
17    Last Day of School-Early Release

Bell Schedule

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Yearbook Sales

A limited number of yearbooks will be available for sale in the cafeteria during all lunches on Friday June 12th and Monday June 15th. If you did not order a yearbook, this will be your opportunity to get one. They will be sold on a first come first serve basis. The cost is $40.00 Cash only. Email [email protected] with any questions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FCPS Caters to Food Allergies

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.

To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students .

NJHS Application

Today, eligible 7th grade students were sent an invitation to join the Longfellow chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. This organization is deeply ingrained in our school and community and focuses on scholarship, leadership, and community service. Students with a cumulative 7th grade G.P.A. of 3.75 and above are invited to join. If students did not receive an application today and they’ve met all the requirements, please have them email us at the contact information below to review eligibility.

Students can stop by our rooms during the school day to ask questions or email us. Parents of eligible students are invited to attend a Q&A session, June 1 at 6:00 P.M. in the school library.

Thank you,
Amanda Collins ( [email protected] )
Brette Lawrence ( [email protected] )
NJHS Co-Sponsors

Rising 8th Grade – AVID Elective

Our 8th grade AVID elective class still has a few select spots available for next year. Students still need to complete the application and go through the selection process. If you and your student are interested in this opportunity, please complete the application link by May 22nd, 2026.

     - AVID application      - Information about the AVID program

Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs . View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026— has not changed.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student . Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER School Dance/Carnival

We are excited to host our "Carnival" themed school dance, this Thursday, May 14th! The event will feature games, prizes, competitions, and plenty of dancing.

     • Time:2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
     • Cost:Free for all students.

Concessions will be sold in the cafeteria, CASH only. All other afterschool clubs and activities are cancelled for this day so everyone can join the fun. Late buses will be available.

Last Day of After-School

The final day for the after-school program is Thursday, May 21st. All clubs and activities will end and no late buses will be available after that date. Students may still stay after school with teachers for academic support; however, they must arrange their own transportation home.

Quiz Bowl Results

Our Quiz Bowl teams took on the best in the country this past weekend at the National Quiz Bowl Tournament in Chicago—and they didn't disappoint! Out of 192 elite teams, both Longfellow squads qualified for the playoff rounds on Sunday.

Team Standings:
     • Longfellow B Team: Finished an incredible 21st (Michael de Marcellus, Wesley Holland, Nathan Le, and Siddharth Thammineni).
     • Longfellow A Team: Finished a strong 49th (Jared Buckholz, Zafyr Rahman, Amelie Tang, and Zelman Zhang).

Individual Honors:

Nathan Le earned 2nd place in overall scoring in the tournament and Zafyr Rahman placed 19th.

The Quiz Bowl teams had an amazing season this year with top 5 finishes in all our tournaments. Congratulations to all our members for your hard work and dedication.

Track Results – website links

This weekend the Longfellow track team competed at Marshall High School. The girls’ team tied for second place overall out of 14 teams. The boys’ team tied for 6th place out of 14 teams.

Congratulations to all our student athletes for their hard work. You can view the full meet results and individual times via the link below: LMS Results

LONGFELLOW PTA Order a yard sign

The 8th grade is doing yard signs for “Congratulations Class of 2026” Longfellow 8th graders. These are a fun and festive way to celebrate your graduating 8th graders.

To order a yard sign, please complete this form by Friday, May 22.

The yard sign form includes pricing ($25), payment information, name details for your order, and an option to indicate if your family needs financial assistance.

Pickup details for the week of May 25 will follow.

Proceeds from donations and yard sign sales will go toward the 8th grade party.

GLOW BEFORE WE GO 2026

Let’s celebrate 8th grade promotion! Friday, June 12th, 6:00-8:00pm

Buy your tickets today !! $25 Advanced Purchase; $30 at the door

This end of middle school bash is going to be epic! Think 360° photo and video moments, perfect for Insta and Tik Tok with your besties. Add in inflatable obstacle courses, sports competitions, and a DJ turning the whole place into a glow party. And of course, snacks, drinks, and candy galore to keep the celebration going and celebrate the huge milestone.

Swing Into Summer May 30- Longfellow Families

Looking for a fun way to kick off summer as a family?Join us on May 30th at Capital One Park in Tysons for Swing Into Summer,a high-energy community event benefiting youth sports organizations across the DMV.

Bring the whole family out for an exciting afternoon featuring a celebrity softball game and skills competition with world class athletes including Braden Holtby, Vernon Davis, and “Mr. National” himself, Ryan Zimmerman - plus plenty of activities for kids including face painting, a bounce house, games, and much more!

Swing Into Summer is all about bringing our local community together for a memorable afternoon while helping strengthen and support others through the work of The Alzner Foundation.

📍 Capital One Park – Tysons, VA
📅 May 30, 2026
⏰ Doors Open at 2 PM | Event Begins at 3 PM
🎟️ Tickets available at this link .

PARENT INFORMATION Now Hiring: Substitute Instructional Assistants for the 2026–2027 School Year

Longfellow Middle School| Apply Now

Longfellow is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute instructional assistant . Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards.

The position offers:

     ✔ Flexible schedule
     ✔ Make a difference in your local community
     ✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students

Join our team and support student learning!

Apply today ! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the McLean pyramid posting.

FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students

Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS.

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m.and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.

Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email [email protected] for more information or call 703-204-4300.

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.

Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage .

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.

All students entering 7th gradeare required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

     • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
     • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.     • To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
           As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th gradeare to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY)prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student . Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

📱 Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”

With the app, you can:
• Stay up to date:Get the latest news from FCPS.
• View school calendars:See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
 • Check school menus:See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
     • Tap to contact:Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
• Access key links:Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.

Learn more about the new mobile app , including feedback from parents.

MOJO Elite Summer Volleyball

As the school year winds down and students look forward to summer, we’re excited to offer a fun, active opportunity to keep them engaged right here in the McLean community.

MOJO Elite Volleyball Club is hosting our Summer League this June, designed for athletes of all experience levels. Whether students are brand new to the sport or already have some experience, this league provides a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and compete.

Participants will meet two evenings per week throughout June, giving them the chance to:
     · Build fundamental volleyball skills through structured practice
     · Apply those skills in a fun and competitive game setting
     · Stay active and connected with peers at the start of summer break

The league will be led by MOJO Elite Director Maddy Kogler, along with our experienced coaching staff, all of whom are passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment for young athletes.

This program is a great way for students to:
     · Try a new sport in a low-pressure setting     · Develop confidence and teamwork skills
     · Stay physically active after the school year ends

*Link to website here .

Join McLean Color Guard

• No experience required
• No team cuts• State Champs!
• Everyone Welcome!

Clinic dates:
• May 12• May 14
• 3:30-5:30 @ McLean High School

Meet in band room (Immediate left from front entrance)
Contact Us - [email protected]

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

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Monday, May 4, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

This week is our teacher appreciation week. Thank you to those of you who have donated time, money, and other things to celebrate our amazing staff members. Consider sending a note or an email or having your students send notes/emails to teachers and staff members to let them know how much they are appreciated. We could not do what we do here at Longfellow without our dedicated staff members. A heartfelt note often goes a long way of having staff feel recognized and valued.

This week we are also starting our spring SOL testing schedule. The reading SOL will take place on Tuesday, May 5th. The math SOL is on Thursday, May 7th. And the science SOL (8th grade students only) will be on Wednesday, May 13th. If at all possible, please do not schedule appointments for those three days. Also, be sure students get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast for SOL days so they can do their best. Finally, if you have not yet given permission to have your student retake an SOL if they are within the retake range, look for an email from me with directions on how to document your preference in ParentVue.

Next Thursday, May 14thwe will be hosting a dance during our after-school program. The dance is free to all students. Concessions will be available for sale during the dance. All other after-school activities are canceled for that day. We are also beginning to plan for our end of year events in June including career day, yearbook distribution, the 8th grade party, field day, and our end of year awards ceremony. Please continue checking this newsletter for updates regarding end of year events as we will be sharing more details closer to these dates.

As always, I appreciate your ongoing partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS May

5        SOL - Reading
5        Night of Percussion @ McLean HS 7:00p
6        AVID Snack Sales (Cash only) 2:15pm
7        SOL - Math
9        Track Meet @ Marshall HS
13      SOL - Science
14      After School Dance 2:30-4:30
16      Track Meet @ Oakton HS
21      Last Day for After School Activities
25      Holiday-Memorial Day
26      Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
27      Holiday-Eid Al-Adha
29      Spring Orchestra Concert @ McLean HS 7:00pm
30      Track Championship @ Robinson

Bell Schedule

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs . View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student . Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

LMS Career Day 2026

Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!
We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026(exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!

Interested? Please complete this Google Form .

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER School Dance-May 14th

We are excited to host our "Carnival" themed school dance! The event will feature games, prizes, competitions, and plenty of dancing.

• Time:2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Cost:Free for all students.

All other afterschool clubs and activities are cancelled for this day so everyone can join the fun. Late buses will be available that day.

The last day for the after-school program is Thursday, May 21st.

Dance Team Clinic

Rising 9th grade students are invited to attend a dance clinic hosted by the McLean Dance Team on Monday, May 11th from 3:30-4:30PM. The clinic mirrors the tryout process and is a great opportunity for interested dancers. No sign up is required.

Debate Team Results

Congratulations to Jayden Lam and Aidan Xuan, who placed 5th at the Middle School Tournament of Champions, hosted by the University of Kentucky. This is a national and international competition with 228 middle school teams, and Jayden and Aidan locked in over 10 rounds (and even bested the top seeded player in one round!) to reach the quarterfinals. We are so proud of our Longfellow debaters.

Model UN Results

ongfellow Model UN wrapped up an incredibly successful season with a great competition at Washington-Liberty this weekend. While there are no delegation awards available, the following students received individual awards:

- Outstanding Delegate Award:Nayva Sahay, Min Kim, Veronica Mei and Ian Boyd
- Honorable Delegate Award:Joshua Sun
- Verbal Commendations:Shivum Ghandi

In all, Longfellow Model UN received 3 delegation awards, and 35 individual awards, including 11 best delegate awards this year. Congratulations to the entire Model UN team on a very successful year.

MathCounts Results

Several of our MathCounts team members competed at the Carderock Math Competition this past weekend. The team of Youyi Cao, Zelman Zhang, Henry Yang, and Seui Ahn placed SECOND overall. Youyi Cao was the only girl to make it to the Countdown Rounds and also placed THIRD as an Individual in the Carderock Competition.

Track and Field Result

Click on the links below to view the results from the track and field meets.

April 25th Meet May 2 Meet

LONGFELLOW PTA LEVEL UP Teacher Appreciation Week is here!

Thank you to the 68 families who have contributed $2700 through Givebacks ! No further parent volunteers are needed. Students can best participate on Wednesdayas described below.

DAY LEVEL & THEME DETAILS Monday LEVEL 1: Choose Your Player Teachers pick a motivational pin to wear all week and enjoy snacks from Stock the Lounge donations. Tuesday LEVEL 2: Minecraft Chicken Jockey Lunch Teachers enjoy lunch from Chicken Salad Chick.  Wednesday LEVEL 3: Sugar Rush (Optional Student Participation Day)Teachers enjoy candy and snacks provided by the Admin team. Students who wish to participate may send a note, card, flowers, or another small gesture of appreciation. Thursday LEVEL 4: Ice Cream Treat Day Teachers enjoy ice cream. Friday LEVEL 5: Final Level Congratulations on making it to Level 5. Teachers enjoy a breakfast to kick off the final day

Thank you for helping us celebrate our teachers!

Calling all 8th Grade Parents/Guardians

It’s time to start planning the 8th-grade party! The end-of-middle-school party for the 8th graders is scheduled for June 12th from 6pm – 8pm, at Longfellow. For this event to take place, the PTA needs parent/guardian volunteers to plan and chaperone the event. Volunteer commitments are needed by May 4th. If there are not sufficient volunteers, this year's 8th-grade party will not take place. Please sign up here to volunteer to plan and/or chaperone, Volunteer for 8th Grade Party

PARENT INFORMATION FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students

Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS.

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m.and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.
Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email [email protected] for more information or call 703-204-4300.

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage .

MOJO Elite Summer Volleyball

As the school year winds down and students look forward to summer, we’re excited to offer a fun, active opportunity to keep them engaged right here in the McLean community.
MOJO Elite Volleyball Club is hosting our Summer League this June, designed for athletes of all experience levels. Whether students are brand new to the sport or already have some experience, this league provides a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and compete.
Participants will meet two evenings per week throughout June, giving them the chance to:
     · Build fundamental volleyball skills through structured practice
     · Apply those skills in a fun and competitive game setting
     · Stay active and connected with peers at the start of summer break

The league will be led by MOJO Elite Director Maddy Kogler, along with our experienced coaching staff, all of whom are passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment for young athletes.
This program is a great way for students to:
     · Try a new sport in a low-pressure setting
     · Develop confidence and teamwork skills
     · Stay physically active after the school year ends
*Link to website here .

Join McLean Color Guard

• No experience required
• No team cuts• State Champs!
• Everyone Welcome!

Clinic dates:
• May 5
• May 7
• May 12
• May 14
• 3:30-5:30 @ McLean High School

Try it out before sign up May 8th. Meet in band room (Immediate left from front entrance)
Contact Us - [email protected]
Follow us! @mcleanhsguard

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

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LEVEL UP for Teacher Appreciation – NEXT WEEK (May 4–8)

Financial donations make this week possible. Thank you to the 17 families who have contributed so far. If you are able, please consider contributing through Givebacks .Students can best participate on Wednesday, and limited volunteer help is needed for select days.

DAY LEVEL & THEME DETAILS Monday LEVEL 1: Choose Your Player Teachers pick a motivational pin to wear all week and enjoy snacks from Stock the Lounge donations. Tuesday LEVEL 2: Minecraft Chicken Jockey Lunch Teachers enjoy lunch from Chicken Salad Chick. Parent volunteers: email [email protected] Wednesday LEVEL 3: Sugar Rush (Optional Student Participation Day)Teachers enjoy candy and snacks provided by the Admin team. Students who wish to participate may send a note, card, flowers, or another small gesture of appreciation. Thursday LEVEL 4: Ice Cream Treat Day Parent volunteers: email [email protected] Friday LEVEL 5: Final Level Congratulations on making it to Level 5. Teachers enjoy a breakfast to kick off the final day. Parent volunteers: email tbd

Thank you for helping us celebrate our teachers!

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, April 27, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

Last week we had our spring musical, Beauty and the Beast. I went on closing night to see the show and was so impressed by our students’ hard work. I want to congratulate all the cast members, tech crew, and staff/families who have been supporting the show on a job well done! Additionally, this weekend I attended Longfellow’s first track meet of the season. I love watching our students compete and challenge themselves in new ways. If your student competes in track, come say hi at the next meet.

This week on April 30th we are having an open house event for our rising 7th graders and families to come tour the school and learn about which math class might be the best fit for them based on what classes they have taken thus far. We will also have some food trucks that evening in partnership with our PTA. Additionally, next Friday, May 1st there is a trivia night for families who are interested in joining the fun. More information on these and other future events is listed below.

Finally, in two weeks we will begin our spring SOL testing schedule. The reading SOL will take place on Tuesday, May 5th. The math SOL is on Thursday, May 7th. And the science SOL (8th grade students only) will be on Wednesday, May 13th. If at all possible, please do not schedule appointments for those three days. Also, be sure students get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast for SOL days so they can do their best.

As always, I appreciate your ongoing partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

FCPS Students Chosen for 2026 All-Virginia Middle School Chorus Group

56 FCPS students have been selected for the 2026 All-Virginia Middle School Chorus event, April 16-17.

Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions in these ensembles. Participants rehearsed with nationally recognized conductors and collaborated with fellow musicians during the events.

Congratulations to the following Longfellow students who selected for the middle school groups:

Treble Choir - Guiliana Della-Loggia, Ruohan Du, Alessandra Vasquez-Lemu, Chloe Woo, and Madeline Yu
Mixed Choir - Alexandre Grimaldi-Sotton and Abigail Mills

UPCOMING EVENTS April

30Community Open House & Math Pathways Night 5:30pm

May

1        Trivia Night 6:00pm
2       Track Meet @ TJHSST
5        SOL - Reading
5        Night of Percussion @ McLean HS 7:00pm
7       SOL - Math
9        Track Meet @ Marshall HS
13      SOL - Science
16      Track Meet @ Oakton HS
25      Holiday-Memorial Day
26     Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
27      Holiday-Eid Al-Adha
30      Track Championship @ Robinson

Bell Schedule

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Community Open House & Math Pathways Night-This Week!

Thursday, April 30, 5:30-7:30pm
Welcome Rising 7th Grade Families
     • Math Pathways Presentation + Q&A
     • Open building + Student ambassador tours
     • Meet Principal, PTA, & families
     • Meet classmates
     • SHAVED ICE AVAILABLE ON SITE

*Hosted by the Longfellow Faculty & Staff + Longfellow PTA

Teacher Appreciation Week – May 4th – 8th

Donate to TAW and help us say THANK YOU in a big way!

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th-8th, and we’re on a mission to show our incredible educators just how much they mean to us. Every day, they go above and beyond supporting our students in ways that truly make a difference.The PTA is raising funds to provide thoughtful gifts, treats, and a delicious lunch for our teachers.

If you’re able to contribute, no amount is too small. Together, we can make this week unforgettable and show our gratitude for the dedication and passion our teachers bring to the classroom every day.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs . View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026— has not changed.

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th gradeare required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
     • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
     • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
     • To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
           As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th gradeare to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY)prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student . Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments

Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.

FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.

Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.

It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.

Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters .

Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected] , or visit their webpage , where you may submit a question .

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER Trivia Night

Longfellow is hosting its annual Trivia Night on Friday, May 1st. Doors open at 5:30PM and Trivia begins at 6:00. Gather the family and join us for a fun evening of trivia! Teams of up to 4 people can register using the following link – https://forms.gle/NfH5urJ4t9P9Vrqr6

Cost is $20 per team, and all proceeds will support the after-school program. This event is open to the entire community, so feel free to bring neighbors and friends. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams! If you have any questions, contact Bindhu Zachariah at [email protected] .

New Clubs

The fourth quarter schedule is officially live! You can find the full lineup on Schoologyunder All Schools> Materials(on the left-hand sidebar).
We are thrilled to introduce three new outdoor sports to the mix: Pickleball, Flag Football, and Tennis. Don't worry about gear—we provide all the equipment you’ll need to play.
     • Pickleball:Mondays | 2:30 – 3:25 PM
     • Flag Football:Mondays | 3:30 – 4:30 PM
     • Tennis:Thursdays | 2:30 – 3:30 PM

School Dance

We are excited to host a school-wide dance on Thursday, May 14th directly after school. All other after-school activities that day will be cancelled so that students can attend the dance. The dance will run from 2:30-4:30PM and is free for all students. Concessions will be sold at the event and proceeds will benefit the afterschool program. Late buses are available that day.

LONGFELLOW PTA Calling all 8th Grade Parents/Guardians

It’s time to start planning the 8th-grade party! The end-of-middle-school party for the 8th graders is scheduled for June 12th from 6pm – 8pm, at Longfellow. For this event to take place, the PTA needs parent/guardian volunteers to plan and chaperone the event. Volunteer commitments are needed by May 4th. If there are not sufficient volunteers, this year's 8th-grade party will not take place. Please sign up here to volunteer to plan and/or chaperone, Volunteer for 8th Grade Party .

PARENT INFORMATION LMS Career Day 2026

Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!
We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026(exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!
Interested? Please complete this Google Form .

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage .

FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students

Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS.

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email [email protected] for more information or call 703-204-4300.

Start an Unskippable Conversation With Your Teen

When was the last time you talked to your teen about fentanyl and overdose? Learn how to start an Unskippable conversation , and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond .

McLean High School Sports Physical Night

WHO:All students who plan to play a sport in 2026-2027 school year
WHEN:Thursday, May 28, 2026
TIME:5:30pm - 8:00pm
WHERE:McLean HS
COST:$50
REGISTER HERE

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, April 20, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

Last week I attended a variety of after school activities. On Tuesday night, Longfellow hosted Cooper MS for our annual basketball game. The girls played in the first game where they displayed some impressive defensive skills. Cooper ended up with the win but the girls nearly made a valiant comeback in the fourth quarter. The second game was an all-time great rivaling the drama of many March Madness classics. Longfellow led for most of the game. Unfortunately, Cooper came back to sneak out a last second win in dramatic fashion. Overall, I am proud of our Lancer coaches and players and grateful for all who were involved in putting on this event for our community.

On Wednesday evening, I attended the countywide Battle of the Books competition among 16 FCPS middle schools. An entire gymnasium was set up for the event which included a relay event and the energy was contagious. A picture of our team is shared below. I got to speak with our team before they competed and it was clear they were excited for the opportunity to represent Longfellow.

As a reminder, on Tuesday, April 21st there is no school due to the election day. This week we also have our spring musical, Beauty and the Beast. We hope to see you there! Next week on April 30th we are having an open house event for our rising 7th graders and families to come tour the school and learn about which math class might be the best fit for them based on what classes they have taken thus far. We will also have some food trucks that evening in partnership with our PTA. If your family has some future Lancers for next year, we look forward to seeing you then.

As always, I appreciate your ongoing partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

Battle of the Books Cross-County Competition

The Longfellow Battle of the Books Team competed on Wednesday, April 15th in the Cross-County Competition against 15 other middle schools in the county. Although this was the first time the LMS team didn't place, the whole team worked hard, had fun, and supported each other throughout the competition. As 7th grader Giuliana said, “We’ll do better next year!” We are proud of our Lancers! ( Pictured:Elisa Ridoret, Cara Dillaman, Laura Ridoret, Giuliana Della Loggia, and Jack Klupt).

UPCOMING EVENTS April

21 No School - Election Day
22 McLean Activities Fair (during lunches @ LMS)
23 McLean Athletics Fair (during lunches @ LMS)
23-25 Spring Musical
30 Community Open House & Math Curriculum Night 5:30pm

May

1 Trivia Night 6:00pm
5 SOL - Reading
5 Night of Percussion @ McLean HS 7:00pm
7 SOL - Math
13 SOL - Science
25 Holiday-Memorial Day
26 Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
27 Holiday-Eid Al-Adha

Bell Schedule

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Teacher Appreciation Week – May 4th – 8th

Donate to TAW and help us say THANK YOU in a big way!
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th-8th, and we’re on a mission to show our incredible educators just how much they mean to us. Every day, they go above and beyond supporting our students in ways that truly make a difference.
The PTA is raising funds to provide thoughtful gifts, treats, and a delicious lunch for our teachers.

If you’re able to contribute, no amount is too small. Together, we can make this week unforgettable and show our gratitude for the dedication and passion our teachers bring to the classroom every day.

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools . The meals must be eaten on site. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage .

McLean High School Activities and Athletics Fair

On April 22nd and 23rd, McLean HS students will be at Longfellow during lunches to advertise opportunities for rising 9th grade students. All current 8th grade students will have the opportunity to attend during their regular lunch block.

LMS Theater Department Spring Musical-Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Be Our Guest and join the Longfellow Theater Department at their spring musical production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.! The show runs Thursday, April 23, Friday, April 24th, and Saturday, April 25th at 7 pm. There is also a 1 pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults, and can be purchased in advance online. Tickets will also be sold at the door. See you there! https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15629/

Longfellow Yearbook Ordering Deadline-April 25

The deadline for ordering a yearbook is 04/25/26and time is running out.
Head over to https://yearbookordercenter.com/ and use school order # 21584 and complete the order online.
The cost of the Longfellow yearbook is $40.00. If you want to ensure that you get a yearbook, please pre-order online before 04/25/26.

Community Open House & Math Pathways Night

Thursday, April 30, 5:30-7:30pm
Welcome Rising 7th Grade Families
     • Math Pathways Presentation + Q&A
     • Open building + Student ambassador tours
     • Meet Principal, PTA, & families
     • Meet classmates
     • SHAVED ICE AVAILABLE ON SITE
     • Pre-Order Pizza & Drinks (by Friday, April 24):        https://forms.office.com/r/GCsaVAqB5N
       Cheese $8/ 1-Topping $9 (pepperoni/sausage)
       Soda cans $1/ 2-liters $3.25
*Hosted by the Longfellow Faculty & Staff + Longfellow PTA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs . View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026— has not changed.

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of VA , parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend at a Virginia public school.

In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations :
     • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older;
     • Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;
     • A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
          o After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet (PDF) for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Additional Immunization Resources are also available.

Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments

Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.

FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.

Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.

It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.

Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters .

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER Longfellow/Cooper Basketball

On Tuesday, April 14th, our basketball teams faced off against Cooper Middle School. The girls’ team kept the game close until the fourth quarter when Cooper ultimately pulled away for a 25-20 victory. Our team never gave up and played hard the entire game. Team members include Brooke Bender, Colleen Bogacki, Ellie Broom, Ana Cantero, Maria Cantero, Charlotte Crowe, Camryn Cully, Nora Erlanger, Ashley Fouda, Caroline Francis, Stella Gharakhanian, Aliya Sahu, Dimitra Sgardelis, Nadia Stone, Harper Wolking, and Olivia Zhou.

On the boys' side, Longfellow controlled the court for nearly the entire game. In a heart-pounding finish, Cooper managed a late-game surge, clinching a 51-50 win in the final seconds. Boys’ team members include: Liam Ayers, Colin Bell, Ian Boyd, Andrew Brandely, Miles Dorsky, Jeremy Goldberg, Connor Green, Hameed Jafri, Adam Pienta, Miles Rosell, and Charlie Sweeny.

Despite the tough losses, we couldn't be prouder of the hustle, preparation, and sportsmanship our students displayed. Great job, Lancers!

Trivia Night

Get ready for a fun and competitive evening at Trivia Night on Friday, May 1 at 6:00 PM!Form a team and test your knowledge against for a chance to win prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Teams may include up to four members, and the registration fee is $20 per team. Parents, students, teachers and siblings are welcome to attend. Use the link to register.

Chess Tournament: Saturday, April 25th

The U.S. Chess Center is sponsoring an area wide tournament at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The tournament is open to grades K-12 and includes a premier section for students with OTB rating of 1600+. The entry fee is $10.00 per student, $20.00 for Premier Section. For questions contact [email protected] . Register at chessctr.org/area-wide .

LONGFELLOW PTA Calling all 8th Grade Parents/Guardians

It’s time to start planning the 8th-grade party! The end-of-middle-school party for the 8th graders is scheduled for June 12th from 6pm – 8pm, at Longfellow. For this event to take place, the PTA needs parent/guardian volunteers to plan and chaperone the event. Volunteer commitments are needed by May 4th. If there are not sufficient volunteers, this year's 8th-grade party will not take place. Please sign up here to volunteer to plan and/or chaperone, Volunteer for 8th Grade Party

PARENT INFORMATION Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School
     • Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

LMS Career Day 2026

Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!
We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026(exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!
Interested? Please complete this Google Form .

Start an Unskippable Conversation With Your Teen

When was the last time you talked to your teen about fentanyl and overdose? Learn how to start an Unskippable conversation , and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond .

McLean High School Sports Physical Night

WHO:All students who plan to play a sport in 2026-2027 school year
WHEN:Thursday, May 28, 2026
TIME:5:30pm - 8:00pm
WHERE:McLean HS
COST:$50
REGISTER HERE

Fall Sports

If your child is planning on participating in Fall Sports at McLean this upcoming school year, please be advised that Fall Sports will start on Aug 3rd. Students will need a valid physical to be able to participate. Once a physical is completed, the physical will be valid for 14 months. Students will also be required to register, but this cannot happen until late June. More information will go out this summer about registering. The below form must be used for the physical: https://www.vhsl.org/forms/

Fall Sports
Golf
Cheerleading
Field Hockey
Football
Cross Country
Boys Volleyball
Girls Volleyball

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, April 13, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

This week we are having our next spirit week in honor of our military connected students and families. Today was wear red, white, and blue day. Tomorrow is wear camouflage day. Wednesday is wear purple day, Thursday is wear yellow day, and Friday is wear red day. Additionally, this week our 8th graders will be visiting the FCPS schools they will attend next year.

Tomorrow evening (4/14) are our Longfellow vs. Cooper basketball games at McLean High School. The boys’ game will start at 6 and the girls’ game will start at 7. If your student wants to attend the games, they will need to purchase a $5 ticket today on MySchoolBucks. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Siblings and family members are also welcome to attend with a ticket as long as there is adult supervision for any non-Longfellow students. Concessions will be sold during the game. If you are interested in purchasing concessions, please bring cash as they will be cash only. When you are arriving and leaving McLean HS for the games, please use door 9.

As always, I appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week and get outside to enjoy the warm weather. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS April

14       Longfellow vs. Cooper Basketball Game @ 6:00pm
15       Purple Up! Day
15       Battle of the Books @ 6:30pm
21       No School - Election Day
23-25 Spring Musical
30       Community Open House & Math Pathways Night @ 5:30-7:00 pm

Bell Schedule

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.

Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families .

Purple Up! Day

Longfellow Middle School is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected students in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day!

Longfellow will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. Join the Fun and wear purple on Wednesday, April 15!

School Library Month

In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth.

Longfellow Yearbook Ordering Deadline-April 25

The deadline for ordering a yearbook is 4/25/26 and time is running out.
Head over to https://yearbookordercenter.com/ and use school order # 21584 and complete the order online.

The cost of the Longfellow yearbook is $40.00. If you want to ensure that you get a yearbook, please pre-order online before 04/25/26.

Community Open House & Math Pathways Night

Thursday, April 30, 5:30-7:00pm
Welcome Rising 7th Grade Families
     • Math Presentation + Q&A
     • Open building + Student ambassador tours
     • Meet Principal, PTA & families
     • Field time + meet classmates
     • Shaved Ice Available onsite
     • Pre-Order Pizza & Drinks (by Friday, April 24):  https://forms.office.com/r/GCsaVAqB5N
           o Cheese $8/ 1-Topping $9 (pepperoni/sausage)
           o Soda cans $1/ 2-liters $3.25
*Hosted by the Longfellow Faculty & Staff + Longfellow PTA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools . The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage .

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of VA , parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend at a Virginia public school.

In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations :
     • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older;
     • Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;
     • A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
         o After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet (PDF) for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Additional Immunization Resources are also available.

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey .

Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence .

Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts

We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.

Connect with your child’s learning at schoolwith these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
     • Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
     • Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website .

Phones Off, Learning On

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactionswith their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:
 • Cell phonesand personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
• Smart watchesthat serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER Longfellow/Cooper Basketball Game

The Longfellow vs. Cooper basketball game will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM at McLean High School. The girls’ game begins at 6:00PM and the boys’ game follows at 7:00PM. Longfellow students must enter the gym through Door 9 (rock entrance). Concessions will be available for sale - cash only.

All students planning to attend must purchase a ticket in advance through MySchoolBucks—no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $5.00. Ticket sales will close on April 13, so be sure to purchase early. Players participating in the game do not need to purchase a ticket. Every student attending must have purchased a ticket. Students may be asked to show proof of receipt.

Parents and younger siblings are welcome to attend; however, all guests must also purchase a ticket. Please note that younger siblings must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. If you have any questions, contact Bindhu Zachariah at [email protected]

Trivia Night

Get ready for a fun and competitive evening at Trivia Night on Friday, May 1 at 6:00 PM!

Form a team and test your knowledge against for a chance to win prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Teams may include up to four members, and the registration fee is $20 per team. Parents, students, teachers and siblings are welcome to attend. Use the link to register.

Chess Tournament: Saturday, April 25th

The U.S. Chess Center is sponsoring an area wide tournament at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The tournament is open to grades K-12 and includes a premier section for students with OTB rating of 1600+. The entry fee is $10.00 per student, $20.00 for Premier Section. For questions contact [email protected] . Register at chessctr.org/area-wide .

LONGFELLOW PTA Teacher Appreciation Week – May 4th – 8th

Donate to TAW and help us say THANK YOU in a big way!
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th-8th, and we’re on a mission to show our incredible educators just how much they mean to us. Every day, they go above and beyond supporting our students in ways that truly make a difference.
The PTA is raising funds to provide thoughtful gifts, treats, and a delicious lunch for our teachers.

If you’re able to contribute, no amount is too small. Together, we can make this week unforgettable and show our gratitude for the dedication and passion our teachers bring to the classroom every day.

Calling all 8th Grade Parents/Guardians

It’s time to start planning the 8th-grade party! The end-of-middle-school party for the 8th graders is scheduled for June 12th from 6pm – 8pm, at Longfellow. For this event to take place, the PTA needs parent/guardian volunteers to plan and chaperone the event. Volunteer commitments are needed by May 4th. If there are not sufficient volunteers, this year's 8th-grade party will not take place. Please sign up here to volunteer to plan and/or chaperone, Volunteer for 8th Grade Party

PARENT INFORMATION LMS Career Day 2026

Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!

We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026 (exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!

Interested? Please complete this Google Form .

Volunteers Needed - Lemon Road Elementary Spring Fair

If you are interested in volunteering at the Spring Fair, please sign up here: Lemon Road ES Spring Fair 4.18.26 Volunteer Sign-Up .

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
     • Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
     • Thursday, April 16 , at Ravensworth Elementary School (note date change).
     • Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
     • Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School .

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

McLean High School Sports Physical Night

WHO:All studentswho plan to play a sport in 2026-2027 school year
WHEN:Thursday, May 28, 2026
TIME:5:30pm - 8:00pm
WHERE:McLean HS
COST:$50
REGISTER HERE

Fall Sports

If your child is planning on participating in Fall Sports at McLean this upcoming school year, please be advised that Fall Sports will start on Aug 3rd. Students will need a valid physical to be able to participate. Once a physical is completed, the physical will be valid for 14 months. Students will also be required to register, but this cannot happen until late June. More information will go out this summer about registering. The below form must be used for the physical: https://www.vhsl.org/forms/

Fall Sports:
Golf
Cheerleading
Field Hockey
Football
Cross Country
Boys Volleyball
Girls Volleyball

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, April 6, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

I hope you and your family enjoyed your spring break and found it to be relaxing and restful. We return to start the 4th quarter tomorrow on Tuesday, April 7th and are excited to welcome our students back. We are all so proud of the achievements of our students so far this year and look forward to continuing this success as we wrap up our year. Many of our classes will begin preparing students for upcoming SOL assessments and end of year projects/assessments. Additionally, information about upcoming spring sports and after school activities/events will be posted below. We will also be advertising summer opportunities in our newsletter in upcoming weeks.

This week we will be hosting our rising 7th graders from all of our feeder elementary schools and on April 30th we are having an open house event for our rising 7th graders and families to come tour the school and learn about which math class might be the best fit for them based on what classes they have taken thus far. We will also have some food trucks that evening in partnership with our PTA. If your family has some future Lancers for next year, we look forward to seeing you then.

As always, I appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week and get outside to enjoy the spring weather. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS April

8&9      Elementary School Visits
10         School Planning Day - Student Holiday
14         Longfellow vs. Cooper Basketball Game 6:00pm
15         Purple Up! Day
15         Battle of the Books 6:30pm
21         No School - Election Day
23-25    Spring Musical
30         Community Open House & Math Curriculum Night 5:30pm

Schedule for the next two weeks

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Purple Up! Day

Longfellow Middle School is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected students in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day!
Longfellow will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 . Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. Join the Fun and wear purple on Wednesday, April 15 !

Community Open House & Math Curriculum Night 

Thursday, April 30 , 5:30-7:30pm
Welcome Rising 7th Grade Families
     • Math Presentation + Q&A | Meet teachers
     • Open building + Student ambassador tours
     • Meet Principal, PTA & families
     • Field time + meet classmates

IMPORTANT INFORMATION We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

On Monday, April 6 , parents and guardians of Longfellow MS will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.

Topics covered in the survey include:
✅ Instructional leadership
✅ School climate
✅ Management (human resources and organizational)
✅ Communication and community relations
✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
✅ Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19 and will be collected online.When you receive the email from [email protected] , please take a few minutes to complete it. Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21 , for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.

Phones Off, Learning On

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactionswith their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:

• Cell phonesand personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). • Smart watchesthat serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

LMS Career Day 2026

Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!
We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026 (exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!
Interested? Please complete this Google Form .

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER Longfellow/Cooper Basketball Game

The Longfellow vs. Cooper basketball game will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM at McLean High School. Longfellow students must enter the gym through Door 9 (rock entrance).

All students planning to attend must purchase a ticket in advance through MySchoolBucks—no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $5.00. Ticket sales will close on April 13, so be sure to purchase early. Players participating in the game do not need to purchase a ticket. Every student attending must have purchased a ticket. Students may be asked to show proof of receipt.

Parents and younger siblings are welcome to attend; however, all guests must also purchase a ticket. Please note that younger siblings must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. If you have any questions, contact Bindhu Zachariah at [email protected] .

Trivia Night

Get ready for a fun and competitive evening at Trivia Night on Friday, May 1 at 6:00 PM !

Form a team and test your knowledge against our students for a chance to win prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Teams may include up to four members, and the registration fee is $20 per team.

Interested in helping make this event a success? Please contact Bindhu Zachariah to get involved.

PARENT INFORMATION Fall Sports

If your child is planning on participating in Fall Sports at McLean this upcoming school year, please be advised that Fall Sports will start on Aug 3rd. Students will need a valid physical to be able to participate. Once a physical is completed, the physical will be valid for 14 months. Students will also be required to register, but this cannot happen until late June. More information will go out this summer about registering. The below form must be used for the physical: https://www.vhsl.org/forms/

Fall Sports
Golf
Cheerleading
Field Hockey
Football
Cross Country
Boys Volleyball
Girls Volleyball

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
• Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
 • Thursday, April 16 , at Ravensworth Elementary School (note date change).
 • Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. , at Marshall High School .

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

County Seeking Budget Input

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May.

Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey .

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, March 23, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

This week we have our next SCA sponsored spirit week. Please encourage your children to join in by wearing pajamas on Monday, neon colors on Tuesday, polka dots on Wednesday, crazy hair on Thursday, and tropical vacation clothing on Friday. We have our end of the third quarter on Friday, March 27th which is a two hour early release day. This leads us into our weeklong spring break. The building will be closed that week so please come to the school this week if you need anything in person.

We will return to start the 4th quarter on Tuesday, April 7th. Finally, Tuesday, April 21st is now an election day so there is no school that day. We are all so proud of the achievements of our students so far this year and look forward to continuing this success as we wrap up our year with the 4th quarter.

As always, we appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a wonderful, relaxing, and safe spring break and enjoy time together with family and friends. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS March

25        Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair @ Langley HS
27        End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
30-31   Spring Break - Office Closed

April

1-3 Spring Break - Office Closed
6         Teacher Workday-Student Holiday
10       School Planning Day - Student Holiday
23-25 Spring Musical

Schedule for the next two weeks

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS March 30-April 3, Spring Break - Office Closed Middle School Forum - 8th Grade Students Only

On Tuesday, March 24, all 8th-grade students will participate in Middle School Forum during Learning Seminar. During this time, Safe Community Coalition's Youth Advisory Council, which consists of high school students from McLean HS and Langley HS, will meet with students to answer questions with the goal of easing the transition from middle to high school. Learn more about Safe Community Coalition at http://mcleanscc.org/

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Parent Acknowledgment of Course Requests for Next School Year

As the academic advising and course selection period draws to a close, we want to ensure all families feel confident about their child's educational path. A new feature in SIS ParentVUE allows parents and guardians to easily review and acknowledge their student's course requests for the 2026-27 school year. Please contact Isu Revelo - [email protected] for support or assistance.
To access this feature:
     1. Log in to your ParentVUE account.
     2. Navigate to the Course Requestmodule.
     3. Review your student’s course request list for next school year.
     4. To complete the acknowledgment, click Student Infoin the left menu.
     5. Click Edit Information.
     6. In the Course Request Acknowledgmentfield, update the acknowledgment field to Yes.
     7. Click Save Changes.

Families have until Friday, March 27, to review and acknowledge course requests via this new feature.
Visit the FCPS SIS ParentVUE account overview webpage for more instructions and screenshots of this process.

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.

Phones Off, Learning On

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactionswith their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills.

Please remind your child that:
• Cell phonesand personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
• Smart watchesthat serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

LMS Career Day 2026

Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!
We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026(exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!
Interested? Please complete this Google Form .

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER VIP Camp

It’s never too early to start planning for summer! If your student is interested in summer camp, VIP Camp will run from July 1–July 30 at Rachel Carson Middle School. Registration opens tomorrow, March 17 at 6:00 PM. Visit the VIP website for program details and registration information.

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
 1.Use the link to complete the registration form.
 2.Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
 3.Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.

Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

Girls Leadership Committee

The Girls Leadership Committee at McLean High School is hosting their Menstrual Product Drive at grocery stores and local businesses around McLean, lasting all of March. There will be a box available in the main office for donations. The products raised will be donated to several community shelters in the Northern Virginia area, helping impoverished women struggle monthly to obtain the items which they need. Each box donated will receive a Lancer card. Bring your items to the front office.

March Madness Results

Our first place girls’ team for the March Madness basketball tournament was The Pickles. Team members include - Charlotte Crowe, Colleen Bogacki, Camryn Cully, Ana Cantero, Maria Cantero, Ellie Broom, Nora Erlanger, Harper Easley, Stella Gharakhanian, and Caroline Francis.

Team 1 won the boys’ championship basketball game. Team members include - Colin Bell, Awni Jarrar, Andrew Brandely, Connor Green, Charlie Sweeny, Miles Rosell, Adam Pienta, Liam Ayers, and Zac Jeannot.

Science Olympiad Results

This past weekend in Charlottesville, the Science Olympiad team captured the State Championship, earning 1st place in 11 events—an incredible achievement! Congratulations to the entire team, and best of luck as they prepare for the National Tournament in May!

Chess League Results

Longfellow tied with two other schools for first place in the Potomac Youth Chess League! Throughout the season, our team competed on Saturday afternoons against schools from across the Washington Metropolitan area, demonstrating impressive skill, focus, and sportsmanship.

We congratulate our outstanding team members: Neal Bommakanti, Henry Brockelman, Troy Freeman, James Hoffman, Michael Kennedy, Max Khiu, Nikhil Krishnan, Zac Lee, Zoe Lee, Giancarlo Loboguerrero, Austin Ren, Evan Rodrigues, Julian Seidel, and Seungmin Song.

PARENT INFORMATION Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
     • Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
     • Thursday, April 16 , at Ravensworth Elementary School (note date change).
     • Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
     • Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School .

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

County Seeking Budget Input

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May.

Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey .

Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers.

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.

Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians

The Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in March:
     • Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
     • The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
     • Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
     • Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (for military families)
     • Mind in the Making: Making Connection and Critical Thinking

There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including reducing parent stress and anxiety, parenting neurodivergent kids, why smart kids struggle, and a countdown to kindergarten.

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.

Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations .

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, March 16, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

I hope you and your family stay safe with the weather forecast for today. For your long-term planning, there is no school on March 20th as it marks the end of Ramadan and is also Persian New Year. The end of the 3rd quarter will be Friday, March 27th, which will be a 2-hour early dismissal. There will be no after-school activities that day so please make a plan for your student to leave school 2 hours early that day. March 30th-April 6th is spring break. We will return to start the 4th quarter on Tuesday, April 7th. Finally, Tuesday, April 21st is now an election day so there is no school that day.

As always, we appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. Together, we will ensure a strong and successful remainder of the school year for every student. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

2026 STEM Essay Contest

Congratulations to the following students who won prizes in the STEM essay contest sponsored by the AAUW McLean Branch. The students will attend a recognition dinner on March 24th.

Aleksandra Bidenko - Valentina Prokof’eva - 1st Place
Bowen Wu - Huang-Wu Lu - Honorable Mention Mario Fernandez Granda - Hinton, Jane - Honorable Mention
Zafyr Rahman - Janaki Ammal - Honorable Mention

UPCOMING EVENTS March

20     Holiday - Eid al-Fitr/Nowruz
25 Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair @ Langley HS
27     End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
30-April 6     Spring Break

Schedule for the next two weeks

IMPORTANT INFORMATION April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.

Phones Off, Learning On

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactionswith their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:

• Cell phonesand personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). • Smart watchesthat serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

LMS Career Day 2026

Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!

We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026 (exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!

Interested?Please complete this Google Form .

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER March Madness Basketball Tournament Reminder

Due to the early closing, our championship game for the March Madness basketball tournament will be held on Wednesday, March 18thduring the 1st block. The girls’ and boys’ teams will both play in gym 2 and students are welcome to attend the game to cheer on the teams.

The winning teams will represent Longfellow in the Longfellow/Cooper basketball game on April 14th. Details regarding the game will be sent out soon.

VIP Camp

It’s never too early to start planning for summer! If your student is interested in summer camp, VIP Camp will run from July 1–July 30 at Rachel Carson Middle School. Registration opens tomorrow, March 17 at 6:00 PM. Visit the VIP website for program details and registration information.

Parent and Student Book Club

We have rescheduled our Parent/Student Book Club meeting for Thursday, March 26th at 6:00PM. If you did not get the chance to sign up earlier here is your opportunity. Please complete the following form if interested.

Families may choose one of two books to read together: New Kid by Jerry Craft or When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Parents and students will read the same book and then come together to share thoughts and participate in a group discussion at our book club meeting.

Girls Leadership Committee

The Girls Leadership Committee at McLean High School is hosting their Menstrual Product Drive at grocery stores and local businesses around McLean, lasting all of March. There will be a box available in the main office for donations. The products raised will be donated to several community shelters in the Northern Virginia area, helping impoverished women struggle monthly to obtain the items which they need. Each box donated will receive a Lancer card. Bring your items to the front office.

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
1.Use the link to complete the registration form.
2.Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
3.Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.

Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

LONGFELLOW PTA Lake Fairfax Park Volunteer Opportunity

EarthEcho Water Challenge is looking for volunteers to help clean up at Lake Fairfax Park on March 22from 2 PM to 4 PM. If you would like to volunteer, please go to this link .

Chesterbrook Elementary Fun Fair, Friday, April 10th

Chesterbrook Elementary is looking for many teen volunteers to help run our annual Fun Fair happening Friday, April 10th. There is no school for students on this teacher workday. Set-up shifts are available 2-4pm, Activity Station shifts run 4-5:30, and 5:30-7pm, clean up shifts run 7-8:30pm.

Volunteering at Fun Fair is a great way to support Chesterbrook, have a great afternoon spending time with young McLean students and earn those volunteer hours. Thank you for your support!
Please sign up here .

PTA Reminder:

The Longfellow PTA continues to seek additional support to sustain programs like Lancer Bucks, teacher stipends, and staff hospitality. Families who are able can join the PTA or make a donation through Givebacks at any time. Every contribution helps Support Excellence at Longfellow.

PARENT INFORMATION Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

Connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:

     • Tuesday, March 17 , from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School .
     • Monday, March 23 , at Ravensworth Elementary School .
     • Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
     • Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
     • Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

County Seeking Budget Input

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May.

Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey .

Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers.

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.

Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians

The Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in March:
     • Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
     • The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
     • Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
     • Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (for military families)
     • Mind in the Making: Making Connection and Critical Thinking

There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including reducing parent stress and anxiety, parenting neurodivergent kids, why smart kids struggle, and a countdown to kindergarten.
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.

Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations .

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps . Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Encore Stage & Studio Presents: Sherlock in Wonderland

March 20-29, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre

  Crossing Guards Needed!

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, March 9, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

I wanted to share a highlight from last week. Our Health and PE department hosted Gwenyth’s Gift, a nonprofit that works with schools to teach students how to use an AED and do CPR. Last spring some boys from Longfellow used these skills they learned in HPE class to help save the life of one of their Scout leaders on a mountain biking trip…so we have already seen the impact of these amazing lessons in our community. Gwenyth’s Gift has been coming to our school for about 7 years and will be here again next year. I visited one of the HPE classes last week and I’ve never seen a large group of 8th graders so quiet and focused…they were taking the learning very seriously and were definitely invested in what they were learning. Truly awesome work! Thank you to the HPE department for continuing to organize and plan for these amazing, lifesaving skills to be taught here at Longfellow!

For your long-term planning, Wednesday March 11th will be our Integrated Reading and Writing SOL for our 8th grade students. While our 8th graders are taking that assessment, our 7th grade students will be working on some tasks for English, History, and Math. There is no school on March 20th as it marks the end of Ramadan. Finally, the end of the 3rd quarter will be Friday, March 27th which will be a 2-hour early dismissal. There will be no after-school activities that day so please make a plan for your student to leave school 2 hours early that day. March 30th-April 6th is spring break. We will return to start the 4th quarter on Tuesday, April 7th.

As always, we appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. Together, we will ensure a strong and successful remainder of the school year for every student. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

Gwyneth’s Gift 

Another successful visit with Gwyneth’s Gift for teaching hands only CPR for our LMS students! They’ll be back next year!

UPCOMING EVENTS March

10 Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
11 Integrated Reading and Writing SOL (8th grade only)
20 Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
25 Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair @ Langley HS
27 End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
30-April 6 Spring Break

Schedule for the next two weeks

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9

FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.

Survey topics include:
• Welcoming environment.
• Communication.
• Student success.
• Advocacy.
• Family and school partnerships.
• Community partnerships.

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER March Madness Basketball Tournament Reminder

The final day to sign up for the tournament is Monday, March 9 at 4:30 PM. Games will be held on Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12 during both after-school blocks. Team captains will receive information about the brackets and game schedule.

Please note that only students competing in the tournament will be allowed in the gyms on Wednesday and Thursday.

The championship game will take place on Monday, March 16 during 1st block. Students are welcome to attend and cheer on their favorite team!

Chess Club is Back

Chess Club will meet every Monday during 2nd block, starting Monday, March 16. All students interested in playing or learning chess are welcome to join.

Girls Leadership Committee

The Girls Leadership Committee at McLean High School is hosting their Menstrual Product Drive at grocery stores and local businesses around McLean, lasting all of March. There will be a box available in the main office for donations. The products raised will be donated to several community shelters in the Northern Virginia area, helping impoverished women struggle monthly to obtain the items which they need. Each box donated will receive a Lancer card. Bring your items to the front office.

Garden Grams

SCA will be selling Garden Grams during all lunches this week! Send a kind note to a friend or brighten someone’s day with a small surprise. Garden Grams are $1 each or 3 for $2 (cash only).

All Garden Grams will be delivered to students on Thursday, March 19.

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
     1. Use the link to complete the registration form.
     2. Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
     3. Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.

Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

Model UN Results

Longfellow Model UN received the Outstanding Delegation Award this past Saturday at Langley High School’s Virginia Invitational Model United Nations Conference. Several students also earned individual honors:

Best Delegate Award:Nayva Sahay, Ian Boyd, and Jaiden Olson
Outstanding Delegate Award:Noelle Yu
Honorable Delegate Award:Joseph Li and Riyana Jain
Verbal Commendations:Miles Dorsky and Leah Yu

Congratulations to the entire Model UN team on another great weekend of competition!

Debate Results

Congratulations to our LMS debate team! In last weekend’s tournament against 96 middle school teams and 192 competitors, the team of Erya Chai and Aliya Sahu came in FIRST PLACE, and the team of Alex Wu and Caleb Zhao came in EIGHTH PLACE. Aliya Sahu also came in SECOND PLACE for best middle school speaker.

LONGFELLOW PTA Community & Volunteer Opportunities

Do your part to mitigate climate change: Save trees!
Trees do an excellent job storing carbon and cooling the earth. Join in a community effort to save trees from invasive vines in the Haycock Longfellow Park on Sunday, March 15 from 2-4 pm. We’ll be led by trained Tree Rescuers. No prior experience or great physical strength necessary. Supplies provided, but if you have garden tools and gloves, please bring them. All ages are welcome although elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult. Directions to the meet-up location are in the SignUpGenius below. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044FA8AE2BA57-62657251-invasive#/

Lake Fairfax Park Volunteer Opportunity

EarthEcho Water Challenge is looking for volunteers to help clean up at Lake Fairfax Park on March 22 from 2 PM to 4 PM. If you would like to volunteer, please go to this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-4Ult5oQIy9DsVRlC3Mz_DZNsNVNBnwnYI9MZiLrNyrcJeA/viewform

Spring Hill Elementary Fun Fair, Saturday, March 14th

Are you a student who needs volunteer hours? Do you remember all of the FUN of going to a Fun Fair in elementary school? We’d love for you to volunteer your time to support the Fun Fair at Spring Hill Elementary School! We will provide all the verification you need to earn your service hours. Spots fill up fast, so volunteer early!

Click here to volunteer and earn service hours.
Questions? Contact [email protected]

Chesterbrook Elementary Fun Fair, Friday, April 10th

Chesterbrook Elementary is looking for many teen volunteers to help run our annual Fun Fair happening Friday, April 10th. There is no school for students on this teacher workday. Set-up shifts are available 2-4pm, Activity Station shifts run 4-5:30, and 5:30-7pm, clean up shifts run 7-8:30pm.

Volunteering at Fun Fair is a great way to support Chesterbrook, have a great afternoon spending time with young McLean students and earn those volunteer hours. Thank you for your support!

Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B45AFAC2EAB9-62282727-funfair#/

PTA Reminder:

The Longfellow PTA continues to seek additional support to sustain programs like Lancer Bucks, teacher stipends, and staff hospitality. Families who are able can join the PTA or make a donation through Givebacks at any time. Every contribution helps Support Excellence at Longfellow.

PARENT INFORMATION Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration

The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month.
Students from across the division took center stage as the true "echoes" of this excellence. The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. A spirited keynote speech was delivered by Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna. Another highlight of the night was the FCPS Black Excellence video tribute .

Sleep Awareness Week

The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
• Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School .
• Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
• Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
• Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary Schoo l.
• Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School .

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers.

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.

Become Unskippable: Share the Facts About Fentanyl With Teens

Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug, and what they can do to keep themselves and their communities safe.

Share these important facts with your child:
     • Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
     • More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in
10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
     • Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
     • Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.
Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.

Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians

The Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in March:
     • Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
     • The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
     • Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
     • Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (for military families)
     • Mind in the Making: Making Connection and Critical Thinking

There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including reducing parent stress and anxiety, parenting neurodivergent kids, why smart kids struggle, and a countdown to kindergarten.

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.

Encore Stage & Studio Presents: Sherlock in Wonderland

March 20-29, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre

Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations .

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps . Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, March 2, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

I wanted to remind families on behalf of our neighboring communities to be mindful of parking regulations, especially during arrival and dismissal each day. I was notified that cars have been utilizing our neighboring communities for student drop off and pick up. Those home owners associations are responsible for safety in their communities and have let me know they will begin enforcing No Parking zones with tickets or towing. I wanted to make you aware so we can be better neighbors to our surrounding homeowners. Please be sure to utilize the Kiss and Ride line or buses for pick up and drop off each day.

As always, we appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. Together, we will ensure a strong and successful remainder of the school year for every student. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

Spelling Bee Winner 

The 2026 Longfellow Middle School Spelling Bee Champion is 7th grader Swara Vadlamani. Swara will represent Longfellow Middle School at the Fairfax County Spelling Bee on March 22, 2026, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Her alternate, should she not be able to compete, is 7th grader Riyanshi Kukreja, who earned 2nd place.

19 students competed in the School Spelling Bee, and Swara (#6) won in the 22nd round, spelling the word suburbia. Congratulations to all the spellers who made it into the Spelling Bee!(Spelling Champion Swara is pictured on the left, the alternate Riyanshi is on the right)

UPCOMING EVENTS March

3     McLean-Longfellow Pre-Assessment Choral Concert
7:00 PM @ McLean HS
5     Pre-Assessment Band Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
10   Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
11    Integrated Reading and Writing SOL (8th grade only)
20    Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
25    Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair @ Langley HS
27    End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
30-April 3 Spring Break

Schedule for the next two weeks

IMPORTANT INFORMATION New Visitor Management System

All FCPS schools are now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This new system is part of FCPS’ ongoing commitment to layered school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our schools. The VMS ensures that no school visitor is on the sex offender registry.

The user experience will generally remain the same. Visitors will check in at the front office and scan their ID.

Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use to check in.
Submit questions online to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER March Madness Tournament

We’re excited to host our annual March Madness Basketball Tournament at Longfellow! Students may register their teams this week by completing the Google Form available on Schoology. Teams may include up to eight players.

Tournament games will be held on March 11 and 12during both after-school blocks. The Championship Game will take place on Monday, March 16at 2:30 PM.

The winning team will earn the opportunity to represent Longfellow in the Longfellow–Cooper game on Tuesday, April 14.

Parent and Student Book Club

Longfellow is excited to launch a new Parent and Student Book Club! Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall for our first meeting.

Families may choose one of two books to read together: New Kid by Jerry Craft or When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Parents and students will read the same book and then come together to share thoughts and participate in a group discussion at our book club meeting.If you and your child are interested in participating, please complete the interest form . We look forward to reading with you!

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
     1. Use the link to complete the registration form.
     2. Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
     3. Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.

Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

McLean Math League

On behalf of the McLean High School Highlander Math League, we are excited to share that we will be hosting the McLean Math Tournament (McMT) for local elementary and middle school students in Grades 5–8 in early March.

McMT is designed to be a fun and engaging math competition for students with a wide range of backgrounds. The problems will span from beginner to advanced levels, making the contest welcoming to all students who are interested in math. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests, participate in fun activities, and enjoy snacks. The contest is completely free, and awards and prizes will be given to participants.

Students who are interested can sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/Nc3LvS1uHzpG1cHv6 .

LONGFELLOW PTA

COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunity – Haycock Elementary Heritage Night

Longfellow Middle School students are invited to volunteer to participate in the Heritage night on March 11thfrom 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Haycock Elementary. Students are encouraged to participate in the following ways:
     1. Volunteer support for activity stations and event logistics (service hours available).
     2. World Language students reading culturally relevant stories to elementary students.
     3. Cultural presentations, performances, or interactive activities.
     4. Student leadership involvement to help foster cross-school community building

Please sign up using the following link to indicate how you can help. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B49ACA629A2FE3-61947280-heritage#/

For any questions, please contact the Social Event Vice President at Haycock Elementary School Ms. Lauren Wang ( [email protected] )

Lake Fairfax Park Volunteer Opportunity

EarthEcho Water Challenge is looking for volunteers to help clean up at Lake Fairfax Park on March 22from 2 PM to 4 PM. If you would like to volunteer, please go to this link .

Haycock Heritage Night, Wednesday, March 11th

Haycock Heritage Night is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to learn from one another and celebrate the many cultures represented in our area. Families are welcome to participate in ways big or small, by sharing a tradition, food, story, art, or activity, or by helping support the event. No professional presentations are required, and all cultures, languages, and family traditions are warmly welcomed. Student volunteer hours may be approved by Weina Dorsky at [email protected] .
Sign up here. 

Spring Hill Elementary Fun Fair, Saturday, March 14th

Are you a student who needs volunteer hours? Do you remember all of the FUN of going to a Fun Fair in elementary school? We’d love for you to volunteer your time to support the Fun Fair at Spring Hill Elementary School! We will provide all the verification you need to earn your service hours. Spots fill up fast, so volunteer early!
Click here to volunteer and earn service hours.
Questions? Contact [email protected]

Chesterbrook Elementary Fun Fair, Friday, April 10th

Chesterbrook Elementary is looking for many teen volunteers to help run our annual Fun Fair happening Friday, April 10th. There is no school for students on this teacher workday. Setup shifts are available 2-4pm, Activity Station shifts run 4-5:30, and 5:30-7pm, clean up shifts run 7-8:30pm.

Volunteering at Fun Fair is a great way to support Chesterbrook, have a great afternoon spending time with young McLean students and earn those volunteer hours. Thank you for your support!
Please sign up here .

PTA Reminder:

The Longfellow PTA continues to seek additional support to sustain programs like Lancer Bucks, teacher stipends, and staff hospitality. Families who are able can join the PTA or make a donation through Givebacks at any time. Every contribution helps Support Excellence at Longfellow.

PARENT INFORMATION 2026 Youth Art Show

Featuring work by FCPS McLean Pyramid students from elementary through high school.

McLean Pyramid - March 5-15Reception - Thursday, March 5th4:30-6:00pm 1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, VA 22101
Gallery Hours: Mondays through Saturdays 10am-4pm Sundays—Extra Hours for this Show! 703-790-1953 www.mpaart.org

  Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
 • Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School
• Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School
• Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School
• Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School
• Monday, April 20, Westgate Elementary School
 • Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers.

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.

Become Unskippable: Share the Facts About Fentanyl With Teens

Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug, and what they can do to keep themselves and their communities safe.Share these important facts with your child:

     • Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
     • More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in 10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.     • Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
     • Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.

Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians

The Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in March:
     • Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
     • The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
     • Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
     • Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (for military families)
     • Mind in the Making: Making Connection and Critical Thinking

There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including reducing parent stress and anxiety, parenting neurodivergent kids, why smart kids struggle, and a countdown to kindergarten.

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

As we continue through the second semester, we are preparing for upcoming academic milestones, including finalizing course registrations for next year and spring assessments. Additional details on course selection for our rising 7th and 8th graders can be found here . For our rising 9th graders, please check out the website of your high school for more details. Additionally, for your long term planning, please be aware of the following SOL assessment dates: Integrated Reading and Writing (8th grade only) March 11; Reading May 5; Math May 7; and Science (8th grade only) May 13. If at all possible, please avoid having your student(s) being absent on these days unless they are sick.

As always, we appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. Together, we will ensure a strong and successful remainder of the school year for every student. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS February

25Spelling Bee
26Pre-Assessment Band Concert-Symphonic Band
7:00 PM @ McLean HS

March

3McLean-Longfellow Pre-Assessment Choral Concert
7:00 PM @ McLean HS
5Pre-Assessment Band Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
10Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
11Integrated Reading and Writing SOL (8th grade only)
20Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
25Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair @ Langley HS
27End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
30-April 3Spring Break

Schedule for the next two weeks

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Rising 9th Grade - Academic Advising

We are wrapping up our rising 9th grade academic advising season. Over the past few weeks, students have met with their counselors to discuss course offerings and select their classes for the upcoming school year. We are confident that these discussions have helped students make informed decisions to set them up for success in high school.

We encourage all parents/guardians to check their student’s course selections in StudentVue to ensure everything is accurate and aligned with their academic goals. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s course selections, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their assigned counselor.

Rising 8th Grade - Academic Advising

School counselors recently visited your student’s English class to give an Academic Advising overview of course offerings and electives for their 8th grade year. Starting on February 18th, our 7th grade counselors will conduct individual meetings with each rising 8th grade student. Course selections are due in StudentVue March 4, 2026 .

Our website is the main hub of information. There you will find our course catalog , course selection sheets , a guide for how to enter course requests in Student Vue , and information about current courses and graduation requirements for future academic planning.

Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions.

Langley HS and Cooper MS Academic Advising

Representatives from the Student Services teams at Langley HS and Cooper MS will be at Longfellow MS on Thursday, February 26, 2026 to provide academic advising for any students attending those schools next school year. Students will receive passes during Learning Seminar to attend. For more information regarding course offerings at Cooper MS see the Cooper MS Course Selection Website . For more information regarding course offerings at Langley HS see The Langley HS Course Selection Website .

College Partnership Program (CPP)

The application process for the College Partnership Program (CPP) is now open. Interested 8th Grade students need to apply now to participate as a 9th grader in high school. See FCPS website for more information about this program and the support it provides to students.
Applications are due February 25, 2026 : CPP Application
For more information, visit the FCPS CPP Website .
Questions: Contact Bruce Walker ( [email protected] ), School Counselor

Gwyneth’s Gift CPR Training!

Tuesday March 3rd and Wednesday March 4th, we will be hosting an all-day AED and hands-only CPR training for our entire student body. This amazing opportunity is all thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation . If you would like to donate your time to help us manage students during the event, please email Amanda Creeden at [email protected] to let us know the day and time you would like to assist. Below are the time slots we would welcome assistance:

Tuesday 3/3:
Period 1: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 5: 10:45-12:15
Period 7: 12:50-2:15

Wednesday 3/4:
Period 2: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 6: 10:45-12:15
Period 8: 12:50-2:15

Thank you!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION NEW Visitor Check in System- Raptor App Setup

Prior to visiting a FCPS school, visitors will need to download the Raptor Safe App and register. Registration takes 2 minutes.

Once registered, in the app a Raptor Passport is created. In the Raptor Passport, a QR code is generated that you scan upon entry into a FCPS school. A new QR code is generated each time so no screenshots.

A few notes for registration in the app:no code is needed so skip that step and foreign ID's and passports can be used (as long as they are in English).

Help Keep Longfellow Phone-Free!

Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600.

FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email [email protected] , or visit the ombuds webpage , where you may submit a question . Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER

The After-School Program will be hosting a Snack Sale on Thursday, February 26 at 3:00 PM. Students will be able to purchase candy, chips, and drinks, with all items priced at $1 or $2 (cash only).

All proceeds from the sale will directly support our After-School Program and help us continue to provide engaging activities and opportunities for students. Thank you for your support!

Parent and Student Book Club

Longfellow is excited to launch a new Parent and Student Book Club! Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall for our first meeting.
Families may choose one of two books to read together: New Kid by Jerry Craft or When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Parents and students will read the same book and then come together to share thoughts and participate in a group discussion at our book club meeting.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please complete the interest form . We look forward to reading with you!

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
     1. Use the link to complete the registration form.
     2. Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
     3. Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.
Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

Girls Leadership Committee

The McLean Girls Leadership Committee will hold its second peer mentorship session at Longfellow on Thursday, February 25th . The meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall from 3:30-4:30PM. All students are welcome to attend.

The Girls Leadership Committee at McLean High School is hosting their Menstrual Product Drive. The products raised will be donated to several community shelters in the Northern Virginia area, helping impoverished women struggle monthly to obtain the items which they need. Students can bring items to the main office for drop off. Students donating items will receive a Lancer card.

McLean Math League

On behalf of the McLean High School Highlander Math League, we are excited to share that we will be hosting the McLean Math Tournament (McMT) for local elementary and middle school students in Grades 5–8 in early March.

McMT is designed to be a fun and engaging math competition for students with a wide range of backgrounds. The problems will span from beginner to advanced levels, making the contest welcoming to all students who are interested in math. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests, participate in fun activities, and enjoy snacks. The contest is completely free, and awards and prizes will be given to participants.

Students who are interested can sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/Nc3LvS1uHzpG1cHv6 .

LONGFELLOW PTA Community & Volunteer Opportunities Haycock Heritage Night, Wednesday, March 11thHaycock Heritage Night is a

wonderful opportunity for our school community to learn from one another and celebrate the many cultures represented in our area. Families are welcome to participate in ways big or small, by sharing a tradition, food, story, art, or activity, or by helping support the event. No professional presentations are required, and all cultures, languages, and family traditions are warmly welcomed. Student volunteer hours may be approved by Weina Dorskyat [email protected] .
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B49ACA629A2FE3-61947280-heritage

Spring Hill Elementary Fun Fair, Saturday, March 14th

Are you a student who needs volunteer hours? Do you remember all of the FUN of going to a Fun Fair in elementary school? We’d love for you to volunteer your time to support the Fun Fair at Spring Hill Elementary School! We will provide all the verification you need to earn your service hours. Spots fill up fast, so volunteer early!

Click here to volunteer and earn service hours.
Questions? Contact [email protected]

Chesterbrook Elementary Fun Fair, Friday, April 10th

Chesterbrook Elementary is looking for many teen volunteers to help run our annual Fun Fair happening Friday, April 10th. There is no school for students on this teacher workday. Setup shifts are available 2-4pm, Activity Station shifts run 4-5:30, and 5:30-7pm, clean up shifts run 7-8:30pm.

Volunteering at Fun Fair is a great way to support Chesterbrook, have a great afternoon spending time with young McLean students and earn those volunteer hours. Thank you for your support!

Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B45AFAC2EAB9-62282727-funfair#/

PTA Reminder:

he Longfellow PTA continues to seek additional support to sustain programs like Lancer Bucks, teacher stipends, and staff hospitality. Families who are able can join the PTA or make a donation through Givebacks at any time. Every contribution helps Support Excellence at Longfellow.

PARENT INFORMATION TJHSST Techstravaganza 2026

Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 22nd annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.

Admission is free, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school. Here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/Techstravaganza26 , and attached are flyers in English and Spanish that can be used to advertise this event. We would appreciate you sharing this with families in a newsletter or your school's social media. Please let us know if translating the flyer into other languages will help.

More information about the event can be found on our website at https://techstrav.org/index.html
or tjpartnershipfund.org/techstravaganza/ .

Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs

Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school.

The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School.

Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance .

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps . Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

As we move further into February, I want to take a moment to celebrate the strong momentum we are seeing across our classrooms. Our students continue to demonstrate resilience and focus during what can be a long stretch of the school year. From engaging classroom discussions to collaborative projects and extracurricular activities, it has been wonderful to see their growth both academically and socially. Thank you for your continued partnership in reinforcing the importance of attendance, organization, and steady effort.

As we look ahead, additional details about upcoming spring events, the academic advising season, extracurricular activities, testing dates, and more will be shared below. We appreciate your ongoing support and encourage you to reach out to our staff with any questions. Together, we will continue to ensure a strong and successful second semester for all students. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS February

21      LMS Family Climbing Night 6-10pm @ Sportrock Alexandria
25     Spelling Bee
26      Pre-Assessment Band Concert-Symphonic Band
          7:00 PM @ McLean HS

March

3        McLean-Longfellow Pre-Assessment Choral Concert
          7:00 PM @ McLean HS
5        Pre-Assessment Band Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
10      Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
20     Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
25      Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair @ Langley HS
27      End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
30-April 3Spring Break

Schedule for the next two weeks

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS 🧗‍♀️ Climb, hang out, and have fun with friends!

Come to Longfellow Family Climbing Night on Saturday, Feb 21, 6–10 PM at Sportrock Alexandria (5308 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA)!

No experience needed — just bring your energy! Warm up and stay active on a cold winter night while enjoying great climbs with friends. Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase, and proceeds support our PTA and school programs. Grab your friends and join us for an awesome night off the ground! 🎉

Registration link: https://portal.sportrock.com/l?t=DWzeBVgZWa54xVBg
* If registration appears full, please come directly to Sportrock Alexandria and purchase an event pass on-site.

For any questions, please contact [email protected] .

  Rising 9th Grade - Academic Advising

We are wrapping up our rising 9th grade academic advising season. Over the past few weeks, students have met with their counselors to discuss course offerings and select their classes for the upcoming school year. We are confident that these discussions have helped students make informed decisions to set them up for success in high school.

We encourage all parents/guardians to check their student’s course selections in StudentVue to ensure everything is accurate and aligned with their academic goals. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s course selections, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their assigned counselor.

Rising 8th Grade - Academic Advising

School counselors recently visited your student’s English class to give an Academic Advising overview of course offerings and electives for their 8th grade year. Starting on February 18th, our 7th grade counselors will conduct individual meetings with each rising 8th grade student. Course selections are due in StudentVue March 4, 2026.

Our website is the main hub of information. There you will find our course catalog , course selection sheets , a guide for how to enter course requests in Student Vue , and information about current courses and graduation requirements for future academic planning.

Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions.

Gwyneth’s Gift CPR Training!

Tuesday March 3rd and Wednesday March 4th, we will be hosting an all-day AED and hands-only CPR training for our entire student body. This amazing opportunity is all thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation . If you would like to donate your time to help us manage students during the event, please email Amanda Creeden at [email protected] to let us know the day and time you would like to assist. Below are the time slots we would welcome assistance:

Tuesday 3/3:
Period 1: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 5: 10:45-12:15
Period 7: 12:50-2:15

Wednesday 3/4:
Period 2: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 6: 10:45-12:15
Period 8: 12:50-2:15
Thank you!

College Partnership Program (CPP)

The application process for the College Partnership Program (CPP) is now open. Interested 8th Grade students need to apply now to participate as a 9th grader in high school. See FCPS website for more information about this program and the support it provides to students.

Applications are due February 25, 2026: CPP Application
For more information, visit the FCPS CPP Website .
Questions: Contact Bruce Walker ( [email protected] ), School Counselor

College Partnership Program (CPP) Applications

CPP offers support from college exploration to application through:
     • Academic counseling
     • College visits
     • Help with completing college and scholarship applications
     • Monthly meetings
     • Experiences on college campuses
     • News and information related to colleges and careers via Schoology

CPP promotes college access and opportunity and supports students who are historically underrepresented on college campuses. This includes students who are the first in their family to attend college in the U.S., multilingual learners, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities. Learn more at the FCPS College Partnership Program Website .

All students are encouraged to apply and should meet the following requirements:
     • Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
     • Attend monthly CPP meetings
     • Be willing to pursue advanced coursework
     • Demonstrate leadership in school or community activities

Please complete the College Partnership Program Interest Form to reserve your seat. The interest meeting is not required to apply. This is just an opportunity for you to learn more about the College Partnership Program.
Questions? Reach out to Mr. Walker at [email protected] .
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH
CPP Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/CPPAPP2026

The application can be accessed through your FCPS Google account.
All applications will be submitted ONLINE ONLY.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION NEW Visitor Check in System- Raptor App Setup

Prior to visiting a FCPS school, visitors will need to download the Raptor Safe App and register. Registration takes 2 minutes.Once registered, in the app a Raptor Passport is created. In the Raptor Passport, a QR code is generated that you scan upon entry into a FCPS school. A new QR code is generated each time so no screenshots.

A few notes for registration in the app:no code is needed so skip that step and foreign ID's and passports can be used (as long as they are in English).

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
• Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.• Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
• Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at [email protected] or 703-813-4800.

Help Keep Longfellow Phone-Free!

Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600.

FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email [email protected] , or visit the ombuds webpage , where you may submit a question . Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER

The third quarter after-school schedule is now available on the school website and on Schoology. We are excited to share that Intramural Volleyball is officially underway! Students may participate on Mondays and Wednesdays during the first after-school block from 2:25–3:25 PM.

In addition, the Dance Clubwill hold its first meeting on Monday, February 23rd, from 3:30–4:30 PM. All students are welcome to attend, and no prior sign-up is required.

We encourage students to get involved and take advantage of these fun opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bindhu Zachariah at [email protected] .

Parent and Student Book Club

Longfellow is excited to launch a new Parent and Student Book Club! Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall for our first meeting.

Families may choose one of two books to read together: New Kid by Jerry Craft or When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Parents and students will read the same book and then come together to share thoughts and participate in a group discussion at our book club meeting.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please complete the interest form . We look forward to reading with you!

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
     1.Use the link to complete the registration form.
     2.Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
     3.Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.

Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

Girls Leadership Committee

The McLean Girls Leadership Committee will hold its second peer mentorship session at Longfellow on Thursday, February 25th . The meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall from 3:30-4:30PM. All students are welcome to attend.

On behalf of the McLean High School Highlander Math League, we are excited to share that we will be hosting the McLean Math Tournament (McMT) for local elementary and middle school students in Grades 5–8 in early March.

McMT is designed to be a fun and engaging math competition for students with a wide range of backgrounds. The problems will span from beginner to advanced levels, making the contest welcoming to all students who are interested in math. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests, participate in fun activities, and enjoy snacks. The contest is completely free, and awards and prizes will be given to participants.

Students who are interested can sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/Nc3LvS1uHzpG1cHv6 .

Mott Million Dollar Challenge

Young people across the country are full of powerful ideas, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is giving them the stage to share them.This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a short, 30-90 second video showcasing an idea that would make a positive impact in their school, home, or community. Students may enter individually or in teams of up to three, and a total of $1 million in prizes will be awarded. Submissions are due February 27, 2026.

LONGFELLOW PTA Volunteer opportunity

Chesterbrook Elementary is looking for many teen volunteers to help run our annual Fun Fair happening Friday, April 10th. There is no school for students on this teacher workday. Setup shifts are available 2-4pm, Activity Station shifts run 4-5:30, and 5:30-7pm, clean up shifts run 7-8:30pm.

Volunteering at Fun Fair is a great way to support Chesterbrook, have a great afternoon spending time with young McLean students and earn those volunteer hours.

Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B45AFAC2EAB9-62282727-funfair#/

Thank you for your support!

Spring Hill Fun Fair (March 14)

Are you a student who needs volunteer hours? Do you remember all of the FUN of going to a Fun Fair in elementary school? We’d love for you to volunteer your time to support the Fun Fair at Spring Hill Elementary School! We will provide all the verification you need to earn your service hours. Spots fill up fast, so volunteer early!

Click here to volunteer and earn service hours.
Questions? Contact [email protected]

PARENT INFORMATION Summer Trip for Students to Belize

We’re thrilled to share that we’re heading to Belize: Conservation from Ridge to Reef in Summer 2027, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.
We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know and spots on this trip are limited.
👉 Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3O7uOk5

Why attend?
     • Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment     • Get first access to limited spots
     • Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more

In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
     • Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.     • Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
     • Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at [email protected] or 703-813-4800.

Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students

On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)

Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:

     • Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.

     • Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.

     • Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.

The survey will be open until Friday, February 20 . Survey materials are available online .

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps . Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs

Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school.

The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School.

Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance .

TJHSST Techstravaganza 2026

Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 22nd annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.

Admission is free, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school. Here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/Techstravaganza26 , and attached are flyers in English and Spanish that can be used to advertise this event. We would appreciate you sharing this with families in a newsletter or your school's social media. Please let us know if translating the flyer into other languages will help.

More information about the event can be found on our website at https://techstrav.org/index.html
or tjpartnershipfund.org/techstravaganza/ .

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, February 9, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

Thank you for your ongoing flexibility as we continue to navigate the cold weather, closures, and delays. This week we are having our Finance Park field trip for 8th grade students. They will get to explore how to create a budget and make some decisions about how they want to spend their money based on their assigned job/salary. This field trip is part of the required 8th grade curriculum around financial literacy and was originally scheduled for last week. Additionally, this week is our next SCA sponsored spirit week. Monday is pajama day, Tuesday is wear your favorite color day, Wednesday is crocs and socks day, Thursday is Lancer love/gear day, and Friday is wear white, pink, and red day. Please encourage your student to show their Lancer spirit by participating in as many spirit days as possible.

For your long-term planning, next weekend is a long weekend. Monday is Presidents’ Day and Tuesday is a teacher work day so there is no school on either day for students. Hopefully, you and your family get to enjoy some extra time together on this long weekend.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

All District Band 

Last week, 21 band students from Longfellow participated in the VBODA District 12 Middle School Honor Band. These students completed a rigorous audition to be selected as a part of this prestigious group. They rehearsed for three days with a guest clinician (Mr. Corey Graves from Themer MS in Texas) and then performed a concert on Saturday afternoon.

These students represented Longfellow well and we are so proud of their achievement!

  Student Volunteer Spotlight

Longfellow Middle School students volunteered with Bright Beats, a youth-led nonprofit providing inclusive music programs for children with diverse learning and communication needs. At Franklin Sherman Elementary School’s Enhanced Autism Classrooms, student volunteers supported sing-alongs, rhythm activities, and instrument play. Their presence sparked excitement and connection - elementary students eagerly asked each week when the volunteers would return. Through this experience, Longfellow students developed leadership, empathy, and hands-on community engagement skills.

This spring, Bright Beats will continue our program at Franklin Sherman Elementary School and expand to Dolley Madison Library, supporting more families and children in need. If possible, we would like to include a short volunteer announcement in a future LMS newsletter so more Longfellow students can get involved.

Bright Beats – Calling for Volunteers!

Bright Beats is a nonprofit bringing free and inclusive music experiences to children. Upcoming sessions run bi-weekly at Franklin Sherman Elementary School and monthly at Dolley Madison Library. LMS students can volunteer to help lead music activities, earn service hours, and grow leadership and communication skills. No prior music or instrument experience is needed - training will be provided.

Sign up: www.brightbeats.org/news-and-events

UPCOMING EVENTS February

11-13 Spring Musical Auditions
16       Holiday-President’s Day
17       Student Holiday-Teacher Work Day
21       LMS Family Climbing Night 6-10pm @ Sportrock Alexandria
26       Spelling Bee
26       Pre-Assessment Band Concert-Symphonic Band
           7:00 PM @ McLean HS

Schedule for the next two weeks

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Family Life Education (FLE) Date Changes

Due to inclement weather, the start date for Family Life Education (FLE) has been revised. Below are the new dates as well as a link to the overview of these units and opt out forms.

Emotional Social Health: February 9th – April 3rd (students will cycle through the unit at different times in this window)

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/middle-school-academics-7-8/family-life-education-fle

For questions or concerns, please contact your child’s Health and Physical Education teacher.

Gwyneth’s Gift CPR Training!

Tuesday March 3rd and Wednesday March 4th, we will be hosting an all-day AED and hands-only CPR training for our entire student body. This amazing opportunity is all thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation . If you would like to donate your time to help us manage students during the event, please email Amanda Creeden at [email protected] to let us know the day and time you would like to assist. Below are the time slots we would welcome assistance:

Tuesday 3/3:
Period 1: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 5: 10:45-12:15
Period 7: 12:50-2:15

Wednesday 3/4:
Period 2: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 6: 10:45-12:15
Period 8: 12:50-2:15
Thank you!

LONGFELLOW PTA 🍲 Show Our Staff Some LOVE: Soup Lunch – THIS FRIDAY, February 13

It's cold outside! Please help us show our LMS staff LOVE this Friday, February 13th with a warm lunch. We are requesting food contributions and donations. Check out the sign-up genius to see how you can help. Contact Melissa Vayra, 646-467-3506, with questions. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FA8AE2EABFA7-61796450-soups

PTA Update: Thank You & Supporting Our Staff

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far to the Support Excellence fund that makes programs like Lancer Bucks, teacher stipends, and staff hospitality possible. The PTA remains significantly behind its fundraising goal, and continued support is still very much needed. If you haven’t yet, families can still join the PTA and/or make a donation through Givebacks .

🧗‍♀️ Climb, hang out, and have fun with friends!

Come to Longfellow Family Climbing Nighton Saturday, Feb 21, 6–10 PM at Sportrock Alexandria (5308 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA)!
No experience needed — just bring your energy! Warm up and stay active on a cold winter night while enjoying great climbs with friends. Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase, and proceeds support our PTA and school programs. Grab your friends and join us for an awesome night off the ground! 🎉

Registration link: https://portal.sportrock.com/l?t=DWzeBVgZWa54xVBg

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
• Cost:Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
• Pickup:Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
• Menu:Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at [email protected] or 703-813-4800.

Help Keep Longfellow Phone-Free!

Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600.

FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email [email protected] , or visit the ombuds webpage , where you may submit a question . Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER

We are introducing a new club, the Military Youth Mentorship Program. The Military Youth Mentorship Program is meant to establish community and connection for incoming military connected McLean/Longfellow students, create a social support system for military youth new to the area, educate military youth about resiliency, academic support, and scholarship and job opportunities. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE MILITARY CONNECTED TO ATTEND MEETINGS!! All are welcome to learn new skills, gain support, and get connected to the McLean High School Community. The first meeting will be on Thursday, February 12th at 3:30-4:30pm . Meeting location will be provided on the day of the meeting. Please complete the Google form if you are interested.

Please note that there are NO after school activities this Friday, February 13th due to the Monday holiday. All students must exit the building at the end of the school day on Friday. After school activities will resume our normal schedule next week on Wednesday, February 18th.

Kids Lit Quiz Results

Congratulations to our Kids Lit Quiz team for coming in 2nd at the KLQ Regionals! Ava Afzal, Cara Dillaman, Ellen Peng and Mila Xu did a fantastic job representing Longfellow. Great job everyone.

Science Olympiad Results

The Science Olympiad team finished in 1st place at the Centreville regional on February 7th. Amazingly, the team earned 1st place medals in 16 of the 17 events that were run at the regional and secured a spot at the State Tournament at the University of Virginia on March 21st.

This season, the team also placed 1st at the Rustin Invitational, Lake Braddock - West Springfield Invitational, and University of Virginia Invitational, 3rd at the Dodgen Invitational and 5th at the Dulles Invitational. It's been a lot of work and a ton of fun!!!

The following students are members of the team: Vaanya B., Joyce D., Esher D., Tom D., Delina G., Mattias G., Jayden H., Ava J., Chloe K., Silvia K., Riyanshi K., Jonathan L., David M., Yoni N., Jolyn N., Ted O., James P., August P., Calix R., Evan R., Ari S., EK S., Will S., Kayla V., Alex W., Edward W., Hector W., Richard W., Andrew Z., and Ethan Z.

Parent and Student Book Club

Longfellow is excited to launch a new Parent and Student Book Club! Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall for our first meeting.
Families may choose one of two books to read together: New Kid by Jerry Craft or When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Parents and students will read the same book and then come together to share thoughts and participate in a group discussion at our book club meeting.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please complete the interest form . We look forward to reading with you!

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
1.Use the link to complete the registration form.
2.Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
3.Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.

Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

McLean Math Tournament for Grades 5-8

On behalf of the McLean High School Highlander Math League, we are excited to share that we will be hosting the McLean Math Tournament (McMT) for local elementary and middle school students in Grades 5–8 in early March.McMT is designed to be a fun and engaging math competition for students with a wide range of backgrounds. The problems will span from beginner to advanced levels, making the contest welcoming to all students who are interested in math. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests, participate in fun activities, and enjoy snacks. The contest is completely free, and awards and prizes will be given to participants.

Students who are interested can sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/Nc3LvS1uHzpG1cHv6 .

Mott Million Dollar Challenge

Young people across the country are full of powerful ideas, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is giving them the stage to share them.

This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a short, 30-90 second video showcasing an idea that would make a positive impact in their school, home, or community. Students may enter individually or in teams of up to three, and a total of $1 million in prizes will be awarded. Submissions are due February 27, 2026 .

Let's put Virginia on the national stage for kids and teens with game-changing ideas, featuring their awesome concepts that solve problems at school or in their afterschool programs

PARENT INFORMATION Safe Community Coalition Event – February 12, 2026

The Safe Community Coalition is hosting a discussion led by sports psychologists entitled “Game On, Calm On: Helping your Child Conquer Sports Anxiety” at the McLean Community Center on February 12, 2026. For more information and to register, please see this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/xt5zbsm/lp/68ce84b6-2170-4350-8ec8-bd20dc6f979d

Attention McLean Area Schools - Screenagers   Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day

Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19 .

Summer Trip for Students to Belize

We’re thrilled to share that we’re heading to Belize: Conservation from Ridge to Reef in Summer 2027, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.
We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know and spots on this trip are limited.
👉 Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3O7uOk5

Why attend?
     •     Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment     •     Get first access to limited spots
     •     Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more

In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Monday, February 2, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

Due to the snow and ice last week, we have some updates to our end of quarter timelines. This is the current information. If things change further, families will receive an email to let you know. Wednesday, February 4th , will be the end of the second quarter. Schedules for 3rd quarter classes (in case any students have different classes the second semester) will be available in StudentVue on February 4th at 4 pm. They also will receive a paper copy of their schedule at school. The 3rd quarter will start on Thursday, February 5th. Report cards for 2nd quarter will be available in StudentVue and ParentVue on Monday, February 9th. We look forward to returning to some semblance of normal this week as routines are important especially for adolescents (and I would argue, the adults that work with them).

This week is also our counselor appreciation week. Our school counselors are amazing, trusted adults in our building that support and advocate for our students and their needs. They are able to build great relationships with our students and help them through challenges with peers, stress/anxiety, and any other situations that arise. We appreciate all of their hard work and support of our students and are so glad that they are part of our team!

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS February

2-6        8th Grade Finance Park Field Trip
4           End of 2nd Quarter
5           Start of 3rd Quarter
5           Spelling Bee Qualifying Test
11-13    Spring Musical Auditions
16         Holiday-President’s Day
17         Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
21        LMS Family Climbing Night 6-10pm @ Sportrock Alexandria
26         Spelling Bee
26         Pre-Assessment Band Concert-Symphonic Band                                                7:00 PM @ McLean HS

Schedule for the next two weeks

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Langley HS Curriculum Night & Rising 9th grade Course Selection Information

Langley HS’s curriculum night has been rescheduled to tonight, Monday, February 2, 2026 at 7 p.m.Please see the LHS Student Services Course Selection (Academic Advising) website for more information on Curriculum Night and the Course Selection Process: https://langleyhs.fcps.edu/student-services/9th-grade-academic-advising

Cooper Middle School Curriculum Night – February 3, 2026

Cooper Middle School is hosting a curriculum night for rising 7th and 8th grade students and guardians on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 . For more information regarding the course selection process at Cooper, please see their website .

Marshall High School Rising 9th Grade Orientation – February 5, 2026

Marshall High School is hosting an orientation for Rising 9th grade students on February 5th from 6-8 PM . Students will have the opportunity to see the building and meet with their counselor. For all information regarding Marshall HS course offerings and academic advising, please see their website .

Family Life Education (FLE) Date Changes

Due to inclement weather, the start date for Family Life Education (FLE) has been revised. Below are the new dates as well as a link to the overview of these units and opt out forms.

Human Growth and Development:7th & 8th grade: February 3rd – 6th Emotional Social Health: February 9th – April 3rd (students will cycle through the unit at different times in this window)

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/middle-school-academics-7-8/family-life-education-fle

For questions or concerns, please contact your child’s Health and Physical Education teacher.

Spelling Bee

Students interested in participating in the Longfellow Middle School Spelling Bee may register for the Spelling Bee Qualifying Test. The Qualifying Test is a written spelling test that will be given on Thursday, February 5th during LS4 in the Library. Students can register for the Qualifying Test by filling out the Google Form posted to the Library’s Schoology course. The top scorers on the Qualifying Test will earn a spot in the Longfellow Spelling Bee to be held during LS4 in Rm. 122 on Thursday, February 26th.

PTA Update Thank You & Supporting Our Staff

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read last week’s PTA budget update and to those who have contributed so far. While a small number of additional donations have come in to date, the PTA remains significantly behind its fundraising goal, and continued support is still very much needed. Support Excellence funds at Longfellow make possible programs like Lancer Bucks, teacher stipends, and staff hospitality. If you haven’t yet, families can still join the PTA and/or make a donation through Givebacks .

Another immediate direct way to support our staff is coming up soon:

🍲 Show Our Staff Some LOVE: Soup Lunch – February 13

It's cold outside! Please help us show our LMS staff LOVE on February 13th with a warm lunch. We are requesting food contributions and donations. Check out the sign-up genius to see how you can help. Contact Melissa Vayra, 646-467-3506, with questions.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FA8AE2EABFA7-61796450-soups

🧗‍♀️ Climb, hang out, and have fun with friends!

Come to Longfellow Family Climbing Nighton Saturday, February 21st, 6–10 PM at Sportrock Alexandria(5308 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA) !
No experience needed — just bring your energy! Warm up and stay active on a cold winter night while enjoying great climbs with friends. Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase, and proceeds support our PTA and school programs. Grab your friends and join us for an awesome night off the ground! 🎉
Registration link: https://portal.sportrock.com/l?t=DWzeBVgZWa54xVBg

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Academic Advising

Our 8th grade counselors are currently conducting individual meetings with each rising 9th grade student about course offerings and how to maximize academic success. Details and course information can be found on the McLean HS website .

Starting on February 19th , our 7th grade counselors will conduct individual meetings with each rising 8th grade student. Details including our course catalog can be found on the Longfellow MS website .

All course selections are due in StudentVue March 4, 2026.
Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions.

❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app , and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated .

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE , bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.

⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather .

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER

Due to recent school closings, the after-school program will begin its second semester schedule on Monday, February 9 . Volleyballand Dance Clubwill also start on this date. The Girls LeadershipCommittee’s second peer mentoring program will be at Longfellow on Thursday, February 5th from 3:30-4:30pm in the Lecture Hall. No sign up is required.

We are introducing a new club, the Military Youth Mentorship Program. The Military Youth Mentorship Program is meant to establish community and connection for incoming military connected McLean/Longfellow students, create a social support system for military youth new to the area, educate military youth about resiliency, academic support, and scholarship and job opportunities. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE MILITARY CONNECTED TO ATTEND MEETINGS!! All are welcome to learn new skills, gain support, and get connected to the McLean High School Community. The first meeting will be on Thursday, February 12th at 3:30-4:30pm .

Parent and Student Book Club

Longfellow is excited to launch a new Parent and Student Book Club! Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall for our first meeting.
Families may choose one of two books to read together: New Kid by Jerry Craft or When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Parents and students will read the same book and then come together to share thoughts and participate in a group discussion at our book club meeting.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please complete the interest form . We look forward to reading with you!

Track and Field Sign-Ups

Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to sign up. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
     1.Use the link to complete the registration form.
     2.Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
     3.Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.

Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.

McLean Math Tournament for Grades 5-8

On behalf of the McLean High School Highlander Math League, we are excited to share that we will be hosting the McLean Math Tournament (McMT) for local elementary and middle school students in Grades 5–8 in early March.

McMT is designed to be a fun and engaging math competition for students with a wide range of backgrounds. The problems will span from beginner to advanced levels, making the contest welcoming to all students who are interested in math. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests, participate in fun activities, and enjoy snacks. The contest is completely free, and awards and prizes will be given to participants.

Students who are interested can sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/Nc3LvS1uHzpG1cHv6 .

Mott Million Dollar Challenge

Young people across the country are full of powerful ideas, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is giving them the stage to share them.

This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a short, 30-90 second video showcasing an idea that would make a positive impact in their school, home, or community. Students may enter individually or in teams of up to three, and a total of $1 million in prizes will be awarded. Submissions are due February 27, 2026 .

Let's put Virginia on the national stage for kids and teens with game-changing ideas, featuring their awesome concepts that solve problems at school or in their afterschool programs.

Submit your pitch today!

PARENT INFORMATION FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email [email protected] , or visit the ombuds webpage , where you may submit a question . Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

📱 More News and Updates — on the go — With the FCPS App

Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:
     ● Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
     ● No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
     ● Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
     ● Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.
To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app , or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store .

2026 Summer Media Camp Information

As Fairfax County’s community public media station, during the summer season we offer teens interested in television studio production, post-production video editing, and radio production an outlet to learn, experience and create.

This summer we are offering three separate camps with various dates to choose from. The TV Studio Production camp offers a chance to learn the ins and outs of creating a television show, use of the equipment, and crew roles and responsibilities. The TV Post-Production camp offers a chance to learn the process of editing video projects using Adobe Premiere. While the Radio Production camp offers a chance to learn how to produce a radio show, use of the studio equipment, and our programming procedures.

Additional summer camp information is available online at: https://www.fcac.org/summer-camp-registration-forms

Join the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program!

Are you a middle school student with a passion for change? We invite you to apply for an opportunity to join the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program!

What is the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program?As a member, you'll work alongside other middle school students to develop and implement a project addressing your assigned Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in your local community. You will share ideas, propose solutions, and fully participate in meetings (in person and online) from February to May.

Who We're Looking For
     ● FCPS student in 7th or 8th grade with a minimum 3.5 GPA     ● A proactive individual ready to address a local need through your assigned SDG
     ● Students with strong communication and collaboration skills

Benefits
This is a great opportunity to:
     ● Develop leadership skills
     ● Make a tangible difference in your community
     ● Collaborate with middle school students from across Fairfax County

Ready to Lead?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/YZKeZVq7BM2Fakr9A
     ● Please use your FCPS email address

Applications are due by: 2/11/2026
Contact [email protected] for questions

2026 CTE Summer Academy

CTE Summer Academy is a weekly enrichment program that allows students to dive deeper into CTE program areas and encourages skill development and career exploration.

Students choose 4 classes each week they participate and learn new content, discover interests, and build their skills.

About:This enrichment program allows students to dive deeper into Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas, develop new or existing skills, and begin career exploration. Students choose the classes they want to take and create their own unique schedule. Classes are introductory and most do not require previous knowledge. By participating in this program, students will have a better understanding of the FCPS CTE electives.

Eligibility:Current 6 to 11 graders
     • Time -8:30 am to 2 pm*
*Early drop off begins at 7:30 am; after care ends at 5 pm

New to 2026! We’re offering after care!
     • Location -Robinson SS
     • Transportation from select FCPS schools is provided!
     • Cost -$300 per week
Back for 2026 programs, we will be offering tuition assistance. More information on our webpages.
     • Dates -
          • Week 1: July 6 - 10
          • Week 2: July 13 - 17
          • Week 3: July 20 - 24
          • Week 4: July 27 - 31

New to 2026! We’re offering a 4th week of our programs!     • Different weekly offerings, weekly themes and class offerings can be found on our webpages!

Registration is open from February 2 to June 5, 2026.
Register online through the CTE Summer Academy website - bit.ly/FCPS_CSA There are a limited number of seats for this camp. To guarantee a spot, register early!

Additional Information:More details are on our webpage: bit.ly/FCPS_CSA

2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043   | Main Office:  703-533-2600
Attendance:  703-533-2626  |  Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Dear Lancer Families:

Last week was another strong one across our building. Our teachers have maintained an ongoing focus of high-quality instruction as we wrap up the second quarter. I got to see the culmination of students learning about and utilizing dance in Health and Physical Education classes as well as students thinking through what trench warfare might have been like during World War I in US History 7. As a school, we are committed to keeping students at the center of all things.

This week was supposed to be the end of the 2nd quarter. That date will be slightly adjusted due to the weather closures and will be shared with staff, students, and families once it is finalized. It is truly hard to believe that this school year is essentially halfway over. If we have school tomorrow on Wednesday, January 28th, it will be a two-hour early release. There will be no after school programs so please make a plan for an early dismissal/pickup that day if we have school. There is also no school on Thursday, January 29th and Friday, January 30th.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS

UPCOMING EVENTS January

28  Two-Hour Early Release
29  Student Holiday
30  Student Holiday

February

2-6      8th Grade Finance Park Field Trip
5         Spelling Bee Qualifying Test
11-13  Spring Musical Auditions
16       Holiday-President’s Day
17      Student Holiday-Teacher Work Day
26       Spelling Bee
26       Pre-Assessment Band Concert-Symphonic Band
           7:00 PM @ McLean HS

Bell Schedule for the next two weeks

DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS Langley HS Curriculum Night & Rising 9th grade Course Selection Information

Langley HS’s curriculum night has been rescheduledto Monday, February 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. Please see the LHS Student Services Course Selection (Academic Advising) website for more information on Curriculum Night and the Course Selection Process: https://langleyhs.fcps.edu/student-services/9th-grade-academic-advising

Spelling Bee

Students interested in participating in the Longfellow Middle School Spelling Bee may register for the Spelling Bee Qualifying Test. The Qualifying Testis a written spelling test that will be given on Thursday, February 5th during LS4 in the Library. Students can register for the Qualifying Test by filling out the Google Form posted to the Library’s Schoology course. The top scorers on the Qualifying Test will earn a spot in the Longfellow Spelling Bee to be held during LS4 in Rm. 122 on Thursday, February 26th .

Student Experience Survey

In the coming weeks, FCPS will be administering the Student Experience Survey to all students in grades 3-12. It will help the school division better understand students’ experiences in our schools. It will take about 30 minutes and be completed during school hours on February 24, 2026 . If you would like to view the survey, please visit the Student Experience Survey webpage at www.fcps.edu/student-experience-survey .

If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, you may opt them out using the online form on the Student Experience Survey webpage. You only need to complete the opt-out form by Friday, February 13, if you do not want your child to participate in the Student Experience Survey.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to make improvements in FCPS schools. If you have questions about the Student Experience Survey, please contact [email protected] .

PTA Update: Support Excellence

As we close out Quarter 2, the Longfellow PTA would like to share a candid update after the board reviewed finances last week.Unfortunately, the PTA is approximately $10,000 behind its fundraising goal for the year.

In a school of more than 1,200 students, we currently have just over 100 PTA members and have only elicited 57 donations totaling about $5,800. That has created a massive budget shortfall with donations to the PTA lagging behind previous years amounts by almost 70%.

PTA membership and donations directly support programs that benefit students teachers and staff, including:
     • Lancer Bucks program support to supply small rewards teachers use to recognize positive behavior, effort, and kindness by students     • Teacher stipends to enable the purchase of essential classroom supplies that teachers would otherwise have to purchase on their own
     • Teacher hospitality and staff appreciation including stocking the breakroom and providing occasional meals around holidays or events

If participation does not increase, the PTA will need to reduce support for some of these programs later this year.

How you can help:
     • Join the PTA ($25 annual membership) Approximately $5 pays the dues to the State PTA, The remaining $20 per person goes directly into the Longfellow PTA budget to support our efforts on behalf of the students and teachers. Both parents can join for $25 each and membership is not limited to parents (some grandparents are members as a way to support their grandchildren). Remember to choose the 2025-26 PTA Membership option.
     • Make a donation through Givebacks
          o This is our primary method of raising money for the PTA programs. Visit the Givebacks “store” to add a $100 donation to your cart through the “Support Excellence Campaign” or choose any amount that you are comfortable with by choosing “PTA Donation”.
          o Families can both purchase PTA memberships and make an additional donation in the same transaction.
This year, the PTA’s primary ask is donations , which allow us to continue supporting students and teachers at current levels.
Looking ahead, the PTA recognizes the need for greater parent engagement and will be sharing opportunities to get more involved in the 2026–27 school year.
Please consider joining or contributing if you are able. Your participation makes a direct and immediate difference in the lives of the students and the ability of the teachers to bring out the best in them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app , and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated .

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE , bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.

⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather .

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.

Academic Advising

Our 8th grade counselors are currently conducting individual meetings with each rising 9th grade student about course offerings and how to maximize academic success. Details and course information can be found on the McLean HS website .

Starting on February 19th, our 7th grade counselors will conduct individual meetings with each rising 8th grade student. Details including our course catalog can be found on the Longfellow MS website .
All course selections are due in StudentVue March 4, 2026.
Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions.

Family Life Education (FLE) Date Changes

Due to inclement weather, the start date for Family Life Education (FLE) has been revised. Below are the new dates as well as a link to the overview of these units and opt out forms.

Human Growth and Development: 7th & 8th grade: February 3rd – 6th
Emotional Social Health: February 9th – April 3rd (students will cycle through the unit at different times in this window)
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/middle-school-academics-7-8/family-life-education-fle

For questions or concerns, please contact your child’s Health and Physical Education teacher.

PARENT INFORMATION McLean Math Tournament for Grades 5-8

On behalf of the McLean High School Highlander Math League, we are excited to share that we will be hosting the McLean Math Tournament (McMT)for local elementary and middle school students in Grades 5–8in early March.

McMTis designed to be a fun and engaging math competition for students with a wide range of backgrounds. The problems will span from beginner to advanced levels, making the contest welcoming to all students who are interested in math. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests, participate in fun activities, and enjoy snacks. The contest is completely free, and awards and prizeswill be given to participants.

Students who are interested can sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/Nc3LvS1uHzpG1cHv6 .

2026 STEM Essay Contest-Now Open!

Our STEM Essay Contest challenges 7th and 8th girls and boys to discover and publicize women including women of color (non-white) who made a difference in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, but who received little or no recognition for their contributions while they were alive. Strong preference is given to essays about women who are not well known even today. Each student is asked to write an essay of no more than 500 words to describe one woman's contribution to STEM, discuss the impact, and clearly state why he or she picked that woman. We will award five prizes: First Place ($100) and four Honorable Mention prizes (each $25).

Here are the two application forms (a PDF and a Word document), which include the essay guidelines and instructions for submission. The deadline is February 8, 2026, at 11:00 pm ET , and the McLean Area Branch will recognize the winners at its annual potluck dinner on March 24, 2026, at the McLean Community Center.

📱 More News and Updates — on the go — With the FCPS App

Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:
     ● Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
     ● No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
     ● Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
     ● Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.

To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app , or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store .

Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.

Join the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program!

Are you a middle school student with a passion for change? We invite you to apply for an opportunity to join the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program!

What is the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program?As a member, you'll work alongside other middle school students to develop and implement a project addressing your assigned Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in your local community. You will share ideas, propose solutions, and fully participate in meetings (in person and online) from February to May.

Who We're Looking For
     ● FCPS student in 7th or 8th grade with a minimum 3.5 GPA     ● A proactive individual ready to address a local need through your assigned SDG
     ● Students with strong communication and collaboration skills

Benefits
This is a great opportunity to:
     ● Develop leadership skills
     ● Make a tangible difference in your community
     ● Collaborate with middle school students from across Fairfax County

Ready to Lead?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/YZKeZVq7BM2Fakr9A
     ● Please use your FCPS email address

Applications are due by: 2/11/2026
Contact [email protected] for questions

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