Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Lancer Times

Tuesday, February 20, 2024


Dear Lancers:

As we approach the end of February, Longfellow continues to buzz with activity! This week, we celebrated the power of inquiry, danced under the glow of neon lights, and learned a life-saving skill - all while fostering a supportive and engaging environment for our future leaders.

Highlighting WICOR: This month, we've been delving into the world of WICOR - Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. This week, several teachers chose to serve as model hubs of "Inquiry," showcasing how engaging questions and curiosity can lead to deeper understanding and critical thinking.

Saving Lives with Gwyneth's Gift: Our Health and Physical Education department is proud to partner with Gwyneth's Gift, teaching all students the crucial skill of hands-only CPR. This important initiative, named after a young girl who tragically lost her life, empowers our students to become potential lifesavers. We are grateful to our dedicated teachers for organizing this impactful and life-saving program.

Grooving under the Neon Lights: Get ready for the dance floor, Lancers! Our first dance of the year, themed "Neon Nights," is happening this Friday, February 23rd. Tickets are on sale through MySchoolBucks and the last day to buy a ticket is Wednesday Feb 21st.

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership in making Longfellow Middle School a vibrant and nurturing learning environment. We look forward to another exciting week!

Jim
Jim Patrick
Principal
Longfellow Middle School



Longfellow Science Olympiad - Good Luck at Regionals! 

The Longfellow Science Olympiad team has had an incredible season so far! The team placed 1st at the Lake Braddock Invitational against the most competitive teams in Virginia. They also placed 3rd in the Boyceville Invitational against 150+ teams, 3rd at the Dick Smith Invitational against 75+ teams, and 4th at the STEMBoost invitational against 150+ teams. It's been a lot of work and a ton of fun!!!

The following students are members of the team: Tala A., Cleary C., Anna C., Ben C., Mohan E., Benjamin G., Molly H., Karrie H., Gavin K., Myra K., Chaemin K., Lauren K., Noah K., Alex L., Joshua L., Linda L., Yanling L., Knox M., Timothy O., Charlie P., Nikitha R., Juliet S., Neel S., Edward S., Andrew T., Grant X., Anne Z., Elaine Z., Emma Z., and Michael Z. Each student has received at least one medal this season!

We are proud of you, Longfellow Science Olympiad! Please wish the team GOOD LUCK as they compete in the Virginia Regional Tournament at Fairfax High School this weekend!!!

Science Olympiad team

CALENDAR EVENTS

calendar events

AFTER SCHOOL CORNER

GLOW CRAZY WITH US!

Don’t miss out!
What: School Dance
When: Friday 2.23.24
Time: 6p.m – 8p.m
Place: Longfellow Lecture Hall
Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to purchase tickets on MySchoolBucks.

Jump Start - 2024

Jump Start is an opportunity for students to learn more about middle school and meet other students before the school year begins. Jump Start dates are August 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th. Students choose to attend during Session 1 (Monday & Tuesday) or Session 2 (Wednesday & Thursday) from 8:30-12:00 each day.


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 the 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 crossroads 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

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

Heritage Night

All members of the Longfellow community are invited to celebrate Longfellow’s diversity at Heritage Night! Join us Wednesday, March 6th from 6-8 pm for an evening of food, fun, and learning! Sample food from around the world, view displays where you can learn about the many cultures that make up our Longfellow community, and enjoy a talent show with performances representing our diverse talents!

Please also consider signing up here to bring in a dish to share at the dinner.
See you Wednesday, March 6th from 6-8 pm or see Ms. Parker or Ms. Shults with any questions!

heritage night

Eating Disorder Parent Information

In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system to provide information to parents annually about eating disorders with parents/guardians of students in the fifth through twelfth grades.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023),
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources about eating disorders. To find out more, please visit the FCPS Eating Disorders website.

In addition to the information on the FCPS website, the National Eating Disorders Association has a toll free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237.

Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
     • Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
     • Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
     • Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
     • Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
     • Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
     • Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.