Please join us in congratulating the following students for recently being appointed to the Student Council Association (SCA).

Martha Afoakoa, Mary Ann Brundage, Doha Ezzleden, Aseil Hassan, Hein Htut, Graham Ishaq, Abby Jamison, Mary Kalinowski, Grace Kennedy, Kate Krull, Mariam Mohamed, Jem Nims, Gilbert Rios, Cameryn Shrader, Morgan Sivak, Lily Smith, Laurie Smith, Leila Spar, Krista Taylor and Phoebe Tran

What does it mean to be an IB Learner at Hughes Middle School? For the months of October and November, we will highlight the IB Learner Profile Traits that students develop as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs in the South Lakes Pyramid. Learner Profile Traits are 10 characteristics that that IB programs recognize as important for developing internationally-minded learners. The 10 IB Learner Profile Traits are: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, and Reflective. Each of these traits directly support the mission of IB and Hughes to develop responsible citizenship in a global community.

This week we'll cover two IB MYP Traits to ensure we can reach all by Thanksgiving break:

• Principled: To be principled means to act with “a strong sense of fairness and justice, with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere.” It also means that “we take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.”
• Open-Minded: In being open-minded, we “critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.”

As students develop these traits, a common misconception is that being principled is about what is right vs what is wrong; instead, one’s principles center around what is just. Especially in the Middle Years Program, students forming their principles (defining what is just and fair to the rights of people), is contingent upon being open-minded and considering all they are learning about the world around them. Encourage these traits by discussing differing perspectives and exposing students to global news.

Buy a Mattress & Support the South Lakes HS Band – Nov. 11

If you have a mattress that needs to be replaced, NOW is the time to buy and help the band students.  Purchase a brand new, high quality mattress (including factory warranty) being sold below retail prices and the band earns money on every item sold.  Over 20 name brand mattresses will be on display in our cafeteria “showroom” on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 10 am to 5 pm.  Pillow Top, Firm, Gel Memory Foam, Latex and hybrids from $199 to $5,900.  All sizes available. Power bases, pillow, sheets and protectors also available.  Check out the recliner massage chair on sale too!  Credit card, cash and checks accepted.  Discounts for school staff, police and fire rescue and military.  You can obtain a discount coupon from a band student.

Langston Hughes parents and students,

 Drew Stahl a 7^th grader here at Langston Hughes has been chosen as a finalist in the WTOP Junior Reporter Contest. Winners will be chosen based on how many votes they receive on their entry. Voting starts on Monday, October 29 and runs through Friday, November 9. You may VOTE daily.  Here is the link that you need to click on to VOTE http://ul.ink/CXB2-9BXA.   Drew needs the support of the community and fellow classmates to become a winner. If Drew get the votes needed to win, not only will Drew receive $1000, but WTOP will also award a $1000 to Langston Hughes MS.

So please join us in congratulating him on becoming a finalist and we ask that the community and fellow students help Drew become the “Winner” of the Junior Reporter Contest.

Please review the attendance and early dismissal policies shown below

Attendance

To report an absence, parents or guardians should email or call the attendance line or use our online attendance form in the morning before attendance is taken. 

Reporting Absences

We offer three different ways to report an absence

• Email us at hughesmsattendance@fcps.edu
• Call 703-715-3636
• Clearly state your name, your student’s name and spelling, student’s grade, reason for absence, and a return phone number.
• Use our online attendance form.

Early Dismissal / Check-Out Policy

To reduce the number of classroom disruptions, we ask that you follow the Hughes Middle School Check Out Policy as follows:

• Students leaving school early should bring a note to the front office stating the reason for leaving and the planned time of departure.
• The dismissal note should be brought to the office first thing in the morning.
• The student will be given a pink early dismissal/check-out form by the office staff. This will be the pass to depart from class at the requested time.
• Parents/guardians must come into the office with a valid photo ID to sign out the student.
• Students can only be released to adults listed on the Emergency Care form.
• If a student returns to school again later the same day, he/she must check-in at the office to receive a pass to enter class.
• So that parents are not in the parking lot when buses begin to line up, students may not be dismissed after 1:45 p.m. for appointments. Please plan accordingly and thank you for your support.