|
Dear Lancers:
We have a lot going on in February at Longfellow! Our 8th graders channeled their inner entrepreneurs in the "Shark Tank Project." in our civics classes. Inspired by the hit TV show, our students transformed into budding entrepreneurs, crafting unique business ideas, developing persuasive pitches, and facing the "Sharks" (Teachers and classmates) in a friendly competition. It was so exciting to see their creativity and business acumen shine while learning about economic forces!
Additionally, we're kicking off WICOR “spirit month”! WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) forms the foundation of our AVID program and fosters essential skills for success. Each week, we'll highlight a different WICOR trait in our classrooms, creating model learning environments. Teachers have the opportunity to observe other classrooms to see these strategies in action. This will help teachers to exchange ideas and inspire each other.
A friendly reminder about the upcoming Presidents' Day holiday on February 19th, when school will be closed. Additionally, don't forget to keep an eye out for upcoming performances by our talented band, chorus, and orchestra programs. Check the school calendar below for dates and times!
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Jim
Jim Patrick
Principal
Longfellow Middle School
Longfellow Students Honored at Virginia History Day on the Hill
On Monday, February 5th, a group of Longfellow students met with Aimee Guidera, Virginia's Secretary of Education, Dr. Lisa Coons, Virginia's Superintendent of Public Instruction and multiple state legislators at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. They were recognized on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate for their National History Day projects over the past two years. Students honored at the event were Owen Deutsch, Sabina Hagen, Calvin Hurwitz, Colin Li, Frida Nassar, and Julianna Sun.
|
CALENDAR EVENTS
 Lancer Parent/Caregiver Academy: February 13, 2024
Please join Assistant Principal, Dana Bayer, and school counselor, Thaisa York, for a session on helping your teen navigate social media. The session will be held on February 13, 2024 in the LMS library from 6:30-7:30 PM and you can sign up here.
Rising 8th Grade Academic Advising
On February 15th & 16th, our counselors will be visiting your student’s English class to give an overview of course offerings and electives for their 8th grade year. Starting on February 20th, our 7th grade counselors, Ms. Scharl & Ms. York will conduct individual meetings with each rising 8th grade student. Course selections are due in StudentVue March 8, 2024.
Students will be making their course selections in StudentVue. When counselors visit the classes, they will be walking your student through the process for making these selections. Information has been posted on the website on how to request course selections in StudentVue.
Our website is the main hub of information. There you will find our course catalog, videos/presentations about each of our core departments and electives.
Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
Longfellow MUN Wins Awards at Potomac MUN!
The LMS Model UN (MUN) club participated at Potomac MUN on February 9-10th at The Potomac School in McLean, VA. We had 32 students attend and they won several individual awards. Congratulations to Sabina Hagen and Saachi Thomas for their Honorable Mention and Julius Li and Samuel Li for their Outstanding Delegate Awards. It was a great experience for all who participated.
We will be having a Winter Dance on Friday, 2/23/24. Tickets can be purchased on My School Bucks. Buy your ticket today. Last day to buy tickets is Wednesday, 2/21/24.
Middle School Spring Track Season
Spring track and field season will start mid to late March, with the first meet being April 13th. You must fill out the Spring registration form if you are planning on participating in the track season. If you have a physical on file from the fall, then you do not need a new one. Practice will be two days each week and students are expected to attend all practices.
Track meets will be on High School campuses starting April 13th. (4/13,4/20,4/27, 5/4, and 5/11)
The events will be (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, shot put, and long jump)
Spring Registration Form
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Kiss and Ride Procedure
Safety is of utmost importance during arrival and dismissal times. We would like to remind families to remain aware and considerate during these periods. If you opt to drop off your child in the morning, drop-off is available as early as 6:55 am. The waiting time in the Kiss and Ride line is significantly shorter earlier in he morning compared to closer to 7:30 am.
Furthermore, we have noticed an increase in families dropping off their children while being outside our property. Specifically, we have received numerous complaints from residents on Hopewood Drive. Not adhering to our kiss and ride procedure can pose risks as children in these situations often cross roads without the presence of crossing guards or designated crosswalks. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have had incidents where students were hit by vehicles while running across Westmoreland because they were dropped off on the opposite side of the street. Please remember to exercise patience and only drop off your child in the designated zone near door #4, where our staff members are available to assist you and ensure your child's safe exit from the vehicle.
PARENT INFORMATION
Parent Volunteers Appreciated for Upcoming CPR Training
On Wednesday, February 21st and Thursday, February 22nd 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 amcreeden@fcps.edu to let us know the day and time you would like to assist. Below are the time slots we would welcome assistance:
Wednesday 2/21:
Period 1: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 5: 10:45-12:15
Period 7: 12:50-2:15
Thursday 2/22:
Period 2: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 6: 10:45-12:15
Period 8: 12:50-2:15
Spring Track Coaches Wanted!
Longfellow MS is currently looking for track and field coaches for our team this spring. Coaching can be a highly fulfilling and rewarding experience. If you have the availability and enthusiasm, please reach out to our esteemed Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Stokes, at ebstokes@fcps.edu.
Spring track and field season will start mid to late March, with the first meet being April 13th. You must fill out the Spring registration form if you are planning on participating in the track season. If you have a physical on file from the fall, then you do not need a new one. Practice will be two days each week and students are expected to attend all practices.
Track meets will be on High School campuses starting April 13th. (4/13,4/20,4/27, 5/4, and 5/11)
The events will be (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, shot put, and long jump)
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM CURRENT 8TH GRADE LONGFELLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Do you have a student between grades 8 through 11 who wants to go to college? If so, they should consider applying to the College Partnership Program (CPP), which offers support as students explore the idea of going to college! The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.
CPP offers programming to help prepare students and families from 9th grade all the way through applying to and enrolling in college, including:
• Academic counseling;
• College visits;
• Help with completing college and scholarship applications;
• Monthly meetings;
• Parent education sessions;
• SAT preparation classes;
• A summer overnight experience on a college campus; and
• News and information related to colleges and careers via Schoology.
All students are eligible and encouraged to apply to this program, and are expected to meet the following requirements:
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher in core classes
• Attend CPP activities
• Are willing to pursue advanced coursework
• Demonstrate leadership in school or community activities
The goal of the program is to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access and opportunity, and support students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses. This includes students who are the first in their family to attend college in the U.S., English language learners, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities.
Click HERE to apply.
Click on link for more information about the College Partnership Program
All applications will be submitted ONLINE ONLY.
You can direct questions to Longfellow Middle School club sponsor Bruce Walker (bmwalker@fcps.edu) or contact Lakeyta Smith, College Partnership Program Specialist (lnsmith1@fcps.edu)
You’re Invited! Travel to France and Spain in Summer 2025
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Get ready to taste new foods, explore new places and meet new people.
If you are interested in your child traveling abroad during the summer of 2025, please register for an information session on February 21 at 6:30 PM to learn more. You can click on this link to discover more information and to register for the meeting: https://bit.ly/3vuXSIR
Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.
CTE programs are available for grade 6-11 students to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. IFTA allows students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.
Summer Learning
Programs are also available for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement, earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program, or recover one high school course credit through the Credit Recovery Academy.
FCPS’ free online class for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provides FCPS middle and high school English Learners the opportunity to continue developing their academic, reading, and writing skills in online discussions with an ESOL teacher.
Find session dates, registration links, and registration deadlines on FCPS summer programs.
|
|
