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Dear Lancers:
Our school is truly outstanding in so many ways! We held our AVID family dinner on Thursday evening. Our Quiz Bowl, Model UN, and Debate teams have been doing amazing every weekend we have competed. Finally, our cross-country athletes competed in the county championship meet on Saturday at Liberty Middle School. Our girls team came in 5th overall and our boys team came in 7th overall. We are so proud of all of our students who have competed so far this fall! Also, thank you to our staff and families for supporting our students in all of these endeavors as coaches, faculty supervisors, cheerleaders, mentors, etc. We have added a section to our parent newsletter to highlight more detailed results from all of our various teams and student activities.
Last week I was invited to come and see the amazing work that our Science Olympiad team does. As a former science teacher, I was thrilled to join the team for the afternoon and see all of their hard work. I got to see some of the amazing devices our students have built to prepare for upcoming competitions. Our school’s team has been state champions 19 times including every year for the past 13 years! Truly incredible. I want to personally thank our two coaches Hyunju Joung and Julie Cox, our staff sponsor Katherine Virostek, and all of the parents and students who devote so much of their time each week to continue the success with our team.
Next week we will have bingo to celebrate our students on a job well done from the first quarter. We will have bingo for all 8th grade students on Monday and Tuesday for all 7th grade students. This will occur during our advisory period on those days. Also, next week is a short week due to the Thanksgiving holidays and there are no after school activities.
Finally, I want to share a reminder on behalf of our neighboring communities to be mindful of parking regulations especially during arrival and dismissal each day. I was notified that cars have been parking in the No Parking/No Standing zones in some of our neighboring communities for student drop off and pick up. These areas are often denoted with a yellow painted curb. Those home owners' associations are responsible for safety in their communities and have let me know they will begin enforcing those No Parking zones with tickets or towing. I wanted to make you aware so we can be better neighbors to our surrounding homeowners. Please be sure to utilize the Kiss and Ride line or buses for pick up and drop off each day.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.
Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS
Cross-Country: Boys Exhibition Group |
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Cross-Country: Girls Exhibition Group |
Top 7 Boys for Championship Race |
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Top 7 Girls for Championship Race |
Rain Garden Revitalization Project
This past weekend, one of our Longfellow alum, Emmett Coyne, completed his Eagle Scout service project, restoring and enhancing the Rain Garden located in the Longfellow Courtyard, transforming it into a welcoming space for science classes, nature observation, and hands-on environmental learning. Guided by Dr. Yannos, Pete Corbino, Kate Carey, and Emmett Coyne, student volunteers and local Scouts cleared overgrown vegetation, removed invasive plant species, spread 100 yards of wood chips, and rebuilt pathways. Thanks to the hard work, leadership, and enthusiasm of our PTA, staff, students, and Scouts from Troop 652 and 2119, the Rain Garden once again thrives as a beautiful and purposeful part of our school. This spring, in collaboration with our PTA, I will hold an open house in the Rain Garden where we can all learn more about the space and how it supports student learning.
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LMS Rain Garden |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
November 17-21: Youth Survey Administered
November 18: Fall Choral Concert
@ 7:00pm
November 20-22: Fall Play Performance-School Daze
November 24 & 25: No After School Activities
November 26-28: Holiday-Thanksgiving Break
Schedule for the next two weeks
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1/13/2026 McLean High School Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night
McLean High School will be holding a Curriculum Night for parents of the class of 2030 (current 8th grade students) at McLean HS on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00pm in the auditorium. The evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 9th grade student with the transition to high school. Topics include getting involved with extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and the registration process for 9th grade courses. We will also have a panel of core teachers sharing information on their content areas. Following the presentation, teachers from various departments will be available to answer questions about 9th grade classes until 7:30pm. Students are welcome to attend; 8th grade students currently enrolled at Longfellow Middle School will receive similar information from McLean High School counselors during the school day on Monday, January 12.
Snow date: January 20th at 6:00pm, McLean High School Auditorium
✅ Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete the survey as soon as possible.
Our school will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child’s education at FCPS.
Private School or Program Application Process
Longfellow Middle School requires important documents in order to effectively accommodate your requests in a timely manner. Please provide the documents below two weeks in advance of the private school application deadline.
1. Complete FCPS Request for Consent of Release of Educational Records form OR release form provided by the private establishment and email it to your child's Counselor.
2. Complete LMS Private School Application Form and email it to your child's counselor.
3. Complete LMS Student Information form and email it to any staff members that you are requesting a recommendation from (this may include your school counselor, teacher(s), administrator, etc.).
Please contact your child’s school counselor or our Student Services Assistant Isu Revelo (irevelo@fcps.edu) with questions.
Every Day Is a Stepping Stone to Success
Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now that will help them graduate on time and help them with time management. Parents and families can play a big role in helping kick-start good attendance habits.
Please take a look at the FCPS Calendar. Try to schedule any trips or family events on weekends and school holidays. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered “chronically absent.”
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to our school. Visit our Attendance webpage for more information.
If parents are aware of a future absence, please contact the main office to report the absence and related date and complete the Request for a Prearranged Absence Form. Please note, parents must plan to arrange for their child to complete make-up work, tests, or projects.
🩹 Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots to all FCPS students at no cost. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Immunization clinics will take place on:
• Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Frost Middle School.
• Tuesday, November 18, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., at Willow Oaks Administrative Center.
Participation is voluntary. Additional Immunization Resources are available online. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student.️
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
As we begin the second quarter of afterschool, please remind your student to sign in each day. Accurate sign-ins help us track club attendance and ensure student safety.
Our new Chess Club, which meets on Mondays during the second block, had a fantastic turnout—we even opened a second room to accommodate all interested students. After Thanksgiving break, we’re excited to launch a Ping Pong Club on Wednesdays during the second block.
Students staying after school to decorate lockers must sign in to the after-school program. Locker decorating is available Monday through Thursday during the first block only. Maximum of 4 students per group decorating a locker.
Please note: There will be no after-school clubs or late buses on Monday, November 24th or Tuesday, November 25th due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Our regular schedule will resume on Monday, December 1st.
PARENT INFORMATION
Longfellow Love
At Longfellow Middle School we have many students who live at, or below the poverty level. Their families welcome our help with expenses such as school supplies and holiday meals. Longfellow Love is a student assistance program that supports Longfellow students in need through donations from families like you, as well as contributions from local businesses. The contributions and gift cards are then distributed directly to the families in need through the counseling system. This year, our fellow student families need our help more than ever! With the rising cost of food, we would like to provide families with gift cards to help with holiday meals. Click HERE to sign up to donate gift cards from Target or Walmart to Longfellow families who need our help during the upcoming season!
There are two ways you can purchase gift cards:
1. Go to Target or Walmart and purchase gift cards in person. Drop them off at the front office in an envelope addressed to Adriana Rota.
2. Go online to Target eGift Card, or Walmart eGift Card, choose your amount, purchase an ecard, and email it to Michele Core at michelecore@yahoo.com.
Donated gift cards can be mailed to:
Adriana Rota
Longfellow Middle School
2000 Westmoreland Street
Falls Church, VA 22043
Gift cards are needed by Wednesday, December 17th! Let's show our Lancer family some LOVE this holiday season! Thank you for your support!
Questions? Contact Longfellow Love chair, Michele Core, at michelecore@yahoo.com
Safe Community Coalition-Mental Health Chats:
Navigating the Digital World: A Parent Discussion on Teen Phones & Screen Time: December 11, 2025
Dr. Laura Gray, Becky Kohm, M.A.T., Ed.S., and Dr. Heather Tedesco
Are you constantly battling your teen over screen time? Feeling overwhelmed by the influence of smartphones and social media? You're not alone! Connect with other parents to share experiences and challenges. Join us for an open and supportive discussion session where licensed professionals will share their successful strategies for managing phone and screen time with children and teenagers. We'll explore practical tips for setting healthy boundaries, fostering responsible digital habits, and encouraging a balanced approach to technology.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101
All Events Start at 7PM
FCPS Science Fair Judges needed!
FCPS Science Instructional Services Department Science ISD is actively seeking judges for both the Fairfax Regional Science and Engineering Fair (March 2026) and high school science fairs. Here is the direct link to the interest form https://bit.ly/2026ScienceFair. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Longfellow PTA – Support Excellence!
Holiday Cookie Buffet & Hot Chocolate Bar
In the spirit of the season, the PTA will host a Holiday Cookie Buffet and Hot Chocolate Bar for Longfellow Faculty & Staff on Wednesday, December 17.
As you're doing your holiday baking, please consider contributing your favorite homemade treats (no store-bought, thank you!).
8th Grade students may earn 1 service hour for providing homemade cookies.
Sign Up Here: LMS Cookie Bake 12/17/25
Parent Volunteers Needed
We are seeking co-chairs for:
• Teacher Appreciation Week (May)
• 8th Grade Class Party (June)
To volunteer, contact Weina Dorsky, VP of Programs:
wfdorsky@gmail.com
Support Excellence Campaign
We’ve raised $2,500 and counting—thank you! Your gifts support:
• Restoring the Rain Garden & Courtyard
• Recess activities (balls, games & more)
• Classroom supplies for teachers
• Coffee & snacks in teacher workrooms
Donate via Givebacks - every dollar helps.
Membership
We’re at 102 PTA Members — halfway to our goal!
If you haven’t joined yet, please do. Your membership directly supports our students and staff.
Join via Givebacks today!
McLean High School Band Fruit Sale
Support our award-winning McLean High School Bands!
Order: Navel Oranges • Mandarins • Grapefruit • Fruit Samplers
Order through November 25
Pick-up: December 12, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, McLean High School (no shipping available)
Order Online: https://www.floridafruitstore.com/McLeanHSBand
VOLUNTEER HOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Lemon Road Family Night - Middle School Volunteers Welcomed
Lemon Road is hosting Family Night on Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 PM. Student volunteers are needed. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AD2DABFA7-60389017-lemon
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