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Lancers-
This week brings the transition from first semester to second semester. Hard to believe we are at the halfway point of the year. For our 7th grade families, you are already one semester in! And for our 8th grade families, one semester away from having a high school student! Many of our students will get new schedules in the second semester as electives may change. We will distribute those schedules tomorrow during class and when students return to school on Thursday, January 30th, we will start the 3rd quarter. Just a reminder that Wednesday January 29th is a teacher workday so there will be no school for students.
I hope everyone has a great week! As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Jim
Jim Patrick
Principal
Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Schedule for the next two weeks:
DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS
Lunar New Year (Teacher Work Day) - 1/29
Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
National School Counseling Week - 2/3-2/7
February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. We are truly grateful for our wonderful counselors, Ms. York, Ms. Scharl, Ms. Ricker, & Mr. Walker! Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day - 2/15
The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) encourages schools and communities to recognize the valuable work of their school resource officers (SROs) during National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on February 15 of every year. National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day was established in 2022 to recognize the valuable work of School Resources Officers. We are lucky to have Officer Pierce! Learn more about NASRO and SRO Appreciation Day.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Upcoming Survey!
Our school, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education, is conducting the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions. We will survey students in grades 7, and 8, as well as classroom instructors and staff, beginning in February 2025. The purpose of the student survey is to measure student support, student engagement, school discipline, and safety conditions in each school. This information will be used to guide educational practices that produce a safe and supportive school environment.
The student survey will be completed on February 21, 2025. The survey does not ask for your child’s name and all answers are anonymous. No one, including teachers and administrators, will know how your child answered the survey questions. You will not have access to your child’s survey answers. You may preview the questions asked in the student survey at this website: https://tinyurl.com/VaSchoolSurvey.
The survey will ask questions such as how students feel about their school, how students get along with one another and their teachers, how students feel about school rules, and their perceptions of their teachers’ willingness to help them. Please note that there are questions about topics that may be sensitive to some, including questions about bullying, mental health, and suicide. This is a great time to talk to your child about these important issues. For guidance and more resources on these topics, please see https://tinyurl.com/MentalHealthdcjs or https://tinyurl.com/VDOEstudentservices.
All students in your child’s grade level are eligible to participate in the survey. The survey is voluntary and you and/or your child can decide they prefer not to participate. No action will be taken against you, your child, or the school if your child does not participate. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please email Aidan Vigil, assistant principal, at aavigil@fcps.edu, reply to this message, or notify the school office by telephone or letter by February 10, 2025.
The Virginia School Survey results are provided to the school around the end of the school year. You can find survey results for your school and division here: https://tinyurl.com/VaSchoolSurvey. The results are used by the school, the division, and the state to identify strengths and to address relevant needs to improve learning environments for your child as well as students across the state.
Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night Presentations & Resources
It was such a pleasure meeting many of our rising 7th graders, parents, and guardians during last week’s Curriculum Night! We hope you found the evening informative and gained valuable insights into our curriculum, course offerings, and the wonderful opportunities to connect with our staff and students. If you weren’t able to attend, no problem! All presentations are available on the LMS Academic Advising website for your convenience.
Please keep an eye out for upcoming programs and activities designed to ensure a smooth and successful transition for all our rising 7th-grade students.
Thank you for your partnership—we’re excited to work together to support your student’s success as they begin their middle school journey!
Family Life Education (FLE)
Family Life Education (FLE) is starting soon. Below are the dates that each unit of FLE will begin as well as a link to the overview of these units and opt out forms.
Human Growth and Development: 7th & 8th grade: January 30-31, February 3rd
Emotional Social Health: February 4th – March 21st (students will cycle through the unit at different times in this window)
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/middle-school-academics-7-8/family-life-education-fle
For questions or concerns, please contact your child’s Health and Physical Education teacher.
College Partnership Program (CPP)
The application process for the College Partnership Program (CPP) is now open. Interested 8th Grade students need to apply now to participate as a 9th grader in high school. See FCPS website for more information about this program and the support it provides to students.
Applications are due February 28, 2025: CPP Application
For more information, visit the FCPS CPP Website.
Questions: Contact Bruce Walker, School Counselor
Second Semester Schedules
Second semester begins Thursday, January 30th. Students will be able to see their schedules in SIS StudentVUE on Wednesday, January 29th at 4:00 pm. Students will also be given a printed copy of their new schedule. If students are taking semester classes, their new classes will begin on January 30th. For some students taking semester classes, their PE class period may change in order to accommodate their second semester elective.
Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.
Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families
This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year.
Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE.
The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.
What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
Get more information on opioid awareness.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
The Third Quarter Schedule will be posted on our website tomorrow.
Congratulations to the LMS debate team! On Saturday, the teams of Emily Upp/Hamin Park and Ethan Li/Benjamin Wang placed in the top 6. Out of 82 teams, Longfellow had five teams place in the top 20, more than any other school. Marcus Wang placed second for individual speaker and got a medal. Will Rucker and Aidan Jamerson also made the top 10 for individual speaker. Congratulations to all our outstanding debaters!
New - Magic the Gathering beginning in the 3rd quarter!
New - Tough it out Thursdays! Starting on February 6th. Today is the last day to sign up for the lottery.
Attention 8th graders: Are you looking for a way to get stronger, faster, and more coordinated? Then come join us on Thursdays, starting February 6th, during the first block (2:25-3:25) in the weight room in GYM 1. Did you know that weight training helps you build muscle, improves your balance, and prevents injuries? Lifting weights can also boost your confidence and make you feel awesome! Whether you play basketball, soccer, or any other sport, lifting weights can increase your speed, power, and agility. Stronger muscles and better coordination mean you're less likely to get hurt during sports or everyday activities. See Ms. Shapiro if you have any questions!
We have 20 spots and will be holding a lottery. If you are interested, fill out this google form.
NJHS Announcement
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) will be selling carnations for Valentine's Day. The prices are $2.00 each or three for $5.00, and only cash will be accepted. Students have the option to choose between pink or white carnations and may include a personalized message. Deliveries will take place on Friday, February 14th. Sales will occur during all lunch periods from
January 23rd to January 31st. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Zachariah at bezachariah@fcps.edu.
PARENT INFORMATION
Track and Field Coach Needed
We are seeking individuals interested in coaching the Longfellow track and field team. The team holds two 45-minute practices each week (10 total) and participates in four track meets. The season lasts approximately five weeks. The dates of the track meets are 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, and a championship 5/31.
🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.
View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Juanita Baptiste, at jbaptiste@fcps.edu. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon
All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
• SOL Score Reports
• Upcoming Budget Presentation
• Science Fair Judges Needed
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
2025 STEM Essay Contest
Women have not always been recognized for their contributions in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The McLean Area Branch is sponsoring its seventh annual STEM Essay Contest in 2025 to challenge 7th and 8th grade students, girls and boys, to discover and publicize women who made a difference in STEM fields, but who did not receive recognition for their contributions while alive. Strong preference is given to essays about women who are not well known even today.
For this contest, the student is asked to describe one woman’s STEM contribution and its impact, as well as why the student selected the woman.
Essay Guidelines:
- Essays must be no more than 500 words and include a bibliography with 2-5 sources (not part of the 500 words).
- Please follow the MLA style for formatting entries in the bibliography; multiple online sources describe the MLA format.
- Do not include photos or graphics.
- Essays will be judged for:
• effectiveness in addressing the theme ((a) description of the contribution, (b) its impact, and (c) your reason for selecting the woman),
• writing style (including organization, clarity, accuracy, originality in style, and word choice), and
• mechanics (including punctuation, grammar, spelling, and style of bibliography).
- Essays must be the original work of the student. If an essay is found to have any indication of plagiarism or contains factual errors, it will not be eligible for an award.
- Students entering the contest must attend one of the following schools: Cooper, Longfellow, Poe, Luther Jackson, The Langley School, St. John Academy, The Potomac School, St. Luke Catholic School, or BASIS Independent McLean.
- See our “Tips” page here.
An application form can be picked up from the main office or downloaded here:
In fillable PDF format: 2025 STEM Essay Contest Application-PDF-Fillable
The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:00 pm EST. No late submissions will be accepted. Only one essay per student is permitted. ALL STUDENTS SHOULD EMAIL THEIR APPLICATIONS TO mcleanaauw@gmail.com. TO FINISH THE PROCESS, EACH STUDENT SHOULD CHECK THAT HE OR SHE HAS RECEIVED A RETURN EMAIL VERIFYING THAT A COMPLETE APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED.
NOTE: All students should check that they have submitted a file that is filled in (NOT BLANK) and is in either a readable PDF or Word format.
Essay Prizes
-First Place $100 and Honorable Mention (4 Prizes) $25
-Winners will be notified by email.
-The student awarded First Place must be able to attend the AAUW McLean Area Branch Event on the evening of Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to receive the award and will be invited to read his or her essay at the dinner. All winners will be invited to the dinner.
Any questions about the STEM Essay Contest may be sent to Judy Page, STEM Chair, at mcleanaauw@gmail.com.
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