Longfellow Middle
School Counselor and Student Services
1st Quarter Newsletter
Our Student Services staff has enjoyed getting to know our new students and seeing so many familiar faces during the first quarter of the 2019-20 school year.
LMS Student Services Mission
The Longfellow Student Services Department collaborates with parents, colleagues, and community members to provide resources and support for each student to lead a healthy lifestyle and reach their full potential. The department provides a data-driven program that addresses our students’ needs in the areas of academic achievement, postsecondary and career exploration opportunities, and social and emotional growth. We strive to provide all students within our diverse population access to equitable opportunities needed to be ethical citizens and lifelong learners.
LMS Student Services Program Overview
Classroom lessons: School counselors present lessons that fall into three main areas: academic success, career readiness, and social and emotional wellness. Specific lesson topics include: career exploration, bullying prevention, executive functioning, mental wellness and stress management, academic and post-secondary planning.
Individual counseling: School counselors provide individual academic advising for all students in order to help support the transition between grade levels and post-secondary goals. Counselors are also available to meet with students during the school day in order to support their academic progress and social-emotional wellness.
Consultation and Collaboration: Each school counselor is a member of one 7th grade team and one 8th grade team. Teams, including English, science, and social studies teachers, a counselor, and an administrator, meet weekly to collaborate about individual student needs and progress. The school social worker and/or psychologist may also participate as needed. A strong home and school connection are essential to student success, and Longfellow counselors welcome the opportunity to collaborate with parents/guardians. Counselors also consult with private clinicians, with parent/guardian consent.
First Quarter Updates and Information
Classroom Guidance Lessons
Counselors kicked off the 2019-20 school year by conducting a ‘Counselor Introduction’ lesson. This lesson explained how middle school counselors support students. During the month of October, counselors taught a ‘Bullying Prevention’ lesson which covered topics such as: the types of bullying, how to be a positive friend and peer, and what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied. Students were also informed about the ‘Anonymous Bullying Reporting’ link located on the Longfellow homepage.
Executive Function Skills
Throughout the school year, students will be participating in ‘Executive Function’ mini-lessons, once per month, during Lancer Time. These lessons benefit all learners as they provide concrete strategies related to essential life skills. First quarter executive function lessons included: how to prioritize tasks, effective ways to complete homework, and how to pay attention in class. During the second quarter, the lessons will focus on strategies for studying, planning for long-term projects, and organization.
Navigating ParentVUE (SIS), Blackboard, and Google Classroom
There are many FCPS websites that contain information and resources relating to your child. Please refer to the Parent Technology presentation, located on the Longfellow homepage, for helpful tips for using these websites.
Private School Application Process and Records Requests
Longfellow Middle School requires important documents in order to effectively accommodate requests for private school recommendations in a timely manner. Please visit the ‘Records Request’ tab, on the Longfellow Student Services webpage, which explains this process and contains links to all required forms. If an application requires a letter of recommendation, the student should speak with the faculty member and make the request in person. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this process.
Student Services Contact Information
Our school counselors are here to help! They can assist you with overall academic concerns and general school information. If you have a question or concern about a specific class, we recommend reaching out to that teacher via email. If you would like a parent conference with multiple teachers, your child’s school counselor can coordinate a meeting.
Longfellow School Counselors - Teams - Email
Samantha Kramer - 7th-Polaris/8th-Renegades SPKramer@fcps.edu
Shannon Lopynski -7th-Red Fox/8th-Dragons SALopknski@fcps.edu
Jill Scharl - 7th-Explorers/8th-Titans JMScharl@fcps.edu
Bruce Walker - 7th-Islanders/8th-Olympia BMWalker@fcps.edu
Debbie Wright - 7th-Phoenix/8th-Spartans DGWright@fcps.edu
Additional Student Services Contacts
Marissa Brooks - Director of Student Services MLBrooks@fcps.edu
Jeff Hewitt - Social Worker JBHewitt@fcps.edu
Sarah Delia - Psychologist SNDelia@fcps.edu
Cleo White - Registrar CBWhite@fcps.edu
Alexia Candamo - Office Assistant AMCandamo@fcps.edu
Frances Wilson - Parent Liaison FQWilson@fcps.edu
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