Monday, August 7, 2023 Lancer Times



Monday, August 7, 2023

Dear Lancers:

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far! We are working hard as we prepare to open our door for all of our students in the coming weeks. Please read below about information related to the start of school.

Jim

Jim Patrick
Principal
Longfellow Middle School


CALENDAR EVENTS

calendar events

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Open House

7th Grade Open House: August 15 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
8th Grade Open House: August 16 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm

This event is for students and families. Students receive their class schedule and locker assignment. Your student’s schedule will only be available on their assigned grade level day. Students and families may take a self-guided tour of the building, locate their classrooms, and practice opening their lockers. Parents/guardians may also drop off medication in the clinic. Parking is limited. Spaces are available in the front lot and on the back blacktop.

*Laptops will not be distributed at Open House. Students will receive them during the first week of school.

Open House Make-up day- Friday, August 18 from 8:00am to 12:00pm

If you are unable to attend the Open House, students may pick up their class schedule and locker assignment in the main office.

7th Grade & New Student Orientation: August 17 from 9:00am to 11:00am

Orientation is a student-only experience. This is an opportunity for students to experience a mini-school-day by walking through “blue” and “silver” school days. They will meet their teachers and some classmates. Students should bring the paper schedule they receive at Open House; schedules will be available for those who did not attend. Bus transportation is provided from the following elementary schools- Chesterbrook, Churchill Road, Franklin Sherman, Haycock, Kent Gardens, Lemon Road, Spring Hill, Timber Lane, and Westgate. Parents/Guardians may bring their student to the location most convenient for them. Pick-up and drop-off times will be sent via E-Notify in advance, but will be approximately 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Parents/Guardians may also drop students off at Longfellow using our Kiss and Ride line at door 4.

PARENT INFORMATION

Support Your Child’s Success

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Raising Student Voices

Each member of the Longfellow student body is encouraged to consider joining Raising Student Voice, an LMS organization devoted to fostering student involvement in all aspects of life at Longfellow. Students will share their voice and perspective on life at LMS and help us work together for solutions to ensure that Longfellow MS is the best place to learn, grow, and make a difference!

The organization is comprised of both 7th and 8th grade students. Interested students can apply using this Google form. Applications are due no later than Friday, September 8, 2023.

Should you have further questions about the organization or its work, please email assistant principal Amy Smith at aesmith2@fcps.edu.

LMS Main Office Assistants-1st semester

Applications are now being accepted for the position of main office assistants. Office assistants play a very important role at Longfellow Middle School and are given a great deal of responsibility in regularly interacting with students, staff, and community members. Office assistants must have a positive attitude and be comfortable communicating with fellow students and adults across the building.

Applicants must be in 8th grade, be willing to give up a currently scheduled semester elective, and submit this form no later than August 18, 2023. Please email Ms. Smith (aesmith2@fcps.edu) with any questions you might have prior to that date.

School Supplies

Click here to view a general list of school supplies. Each teacher will have specific supply requests once school begins, students will have plenty of time to get those materials. If you are in need of school supplies and/or a backpack, please contact our Family Liaison, Juanita Baptiste (jbaptiste@fcps.edu).

Middle School Athletics Coming This Fall

FCPS will be offering athletics for middle school students--for the first time--in September 2023. Middle schools will offer cross country this fall with outdoor track to follow in spring 2024. The cross country season will start on September 11, 2023. Information for all students interested in Cross Country will be shared once school begins.

Any middle school students who would like to participate in athletics will need to have a Virginia High School League (VHSL) pre-participation examination (PPE). The physical exam form must be completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Learn more about PPE and middle school athletics.

Please contact Longfellow Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Eric Stokes (EBStokes@fcps.edu), with any questions.

Longfellow PTA

We highly encourage you to join the Longfellow PTA by visiting their website. Click here and learn more about this incredibly supportive organization. Longfellow offers numerous programs and an abundance of educational resources due to our strong PTA membership.

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Available

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.

Families in FCPS that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive meals for their students at no cost. Families should complete the application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.

Apply on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage.

Are Your Child’s Immunizations and Records Up to Date?

Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. Many children missed their well check-ups and their recommended childhood vaccinations during recent years because of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up to keep children healthy and ready for school.

While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ healthcare providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations.

Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of clinics or contact your family’s healthcare provider. Appointments are required for most clinics.

Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school. Get more information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation to share with your child’s school.