Message from the Principal

Greetings Saxons,

Happy New Year! It is my sincere hope this new year brings each of you much happiness and good health. The start of 2021 has been memorable.

Winter sports are now underway. I am thrilled that a small sense of normalcy has returned to Saxon Country. Boys basketball opened the season right before winter break with a comeback win in their match-up with Chantilly. Girls basketball has won two in a row after defeating Woodson and McLean this week. Gymnastics started their season last Monday with a win at West Springfield. We wish wrestling and swim & dive good luck as they open their respective seasons.

As previously shared in the communication sent Wednesday evening by Superintendent Brabrand, FCPS is pausing the plan to bring students and staff back into school buildings.  Dr. Brabrand will provide an update on the Return to School plan at the Tuesday, February 2 FCPS School Board meeting.

As a result of the pause to in-person learning, there are a few updates:

• The change in the bell schedule is paused until we have a new in-person return date
• School hours will remain 8:10 a.m.-2:55 p.m. until further notice
• Office hours will not be held on Monday, January 11
• January 19 and 21 are now synchronous instructional days

I appreciate those of you who took time to share your thoughts related to the school’s response to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. This unfathomable event is a defining moment in our country’s history. In addition to teacher led discussions during classes, I felt it important that I speak directly to our children. Yesterday morning, a video message from me was emailed to students’ fcpsschools.net accounts. If your student has not shared the video with you, please ask him/her to do so. I understand there are differing political views within our school community. While we may not share the same political beliefs, we must remain committed to respecting and valuing each member of our school community. What makes our democracy so special are the freedoms of speech and expression we so richly enjoy. While debate is part of our nation’s fabric, personal attacks must not be seen as a valid or reasonable response to a differing opinion.

Our current political climate reinforces the need for Langley Links. As this social emotional period has been mandated by the FCPS School Board, we at Langley have embraced it as an opportunity to meet the needs of our students. While many of our lessons have focused on emotional wellness, we have also used it as an opportunity to support our commitment to making Langley a safe space for all.

Earlier in the year, the Langley Statement of Acceptance was shared with students during Langley Links. It has served as the foundation of the equity lessons we have completed this school year. This document outlines the commitment our school community has made to each member of Saxon Country. At the PTSA General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, this statement will be shared with parents and we will discuss why this must the focus of our work. I hope each of you will be able to attend the meeting.

As I have previously shared, I am dedicated to ensuring the best education for each of our students. I am not only committed to meeting the academic needs of our students, but the emotional ones as well. If you or your student has a need, please feel free to reach out to our Student Services department or you may contact me. We are partners in this work. I am so truly appreciative for your support.

Wishing you continued wellness,