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Dear Lancers:
I hope you and your family had a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday! I loved spending time with my family and friends over the break. With the recent change in weather, please be sure your student has a jacket or something warm to wear for recess. As long as the wind chill is not too low and it’s not raining/snowing, we will hold outdoor recess for our students. We are about to start the academic advising season where students pick their classes for next year. Please see below for lots of information and dates.
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 9: Winter Orchestra Concert @ McLean HS
7pm
December 10: Winter Band Concert @ McLean HS
7pm
December 11: Student Dance
6-8 pm
December 22-
January 2: Winter Break - Office will be closed
Schedule for the next two weeks
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
✅ 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 and return to school by Friday, December 5.
Paper forms were sent home with your students on Monday, November 17th. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Rising 9th Grade McLean Electives Fair - December 15, 2025
Current 8th grade students will explore McLean High School elective options in our Electives Fair on Monday, December 15 during their 6th period class. Representatives from McLean High School will be present to share more information about elective options for 9th grade. More resources for course selection will be available on the McLean High School website in the coming weeks!
Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2025
Parents and guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Elaina Bafaro (erbafaro@fcps.edu) no later than December 15, 2025.
Each year, families can submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services.
Next Steps for Parents
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing Elaina Bafaro (erbafaro@fcps.edu).
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.
McLean High School Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night- January 13, 2026
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
Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night - January 14, 2026
Longfellow Middle School will be hosting a Curriculum Night for rising 7th grade families (current 6th grade students) at Longfellow MS on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 7th grade student with the transition to middle school. Families will have the opportunity to explore elective course offerings and hear from a variety of Longfellow staff about the courses and programs offered to 7th grade students. Students and staff will also be available to answer questions.
If inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
We look forward to welcoming you to Longfellow!
Health and Physical Education Update
On December 1st, students will be required to remove all aerosol and spray items from their PE lockers. This includes aerosol deodorant, perfume, body spray, cologne, and spray-on sunscreen. This guideline is being implemented with the health and safety of all students in mind. Please remind your student to keep these items at home. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's Health and Physical Education teacher.
Graduation Status Now Available in ParentVUE & StudentVUE
A new Graduation Status section is now available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The Graduation Status is a tool that helps parents and students monitor and track their progress in meeting graduation requirements. This feature includes progress towards the Standard or Advanced Studies diploma for high school students and middle school students who have enrolled in one or more high school courses. This new graduation status section is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. To view the graduation status section, please take the following steps:
1. Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
2. Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
3. Go to “Graduation Status” and toggle “on”
For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your school counselor. Additional information about ParentVUE is available on the following website: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis-fcps/sis-parent-account-overview
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call 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.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
We’re excited to host our first school dance of the year on Thursday, December 11th, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Lecture Hall.
• Tickets will be available on MySchoolBucks starting December 1st.
• Concessions will be sold during the dance.
The first meeting of our ping pong club will be on Wednesday, December 3rd during the second block, 3:30-4:30 in the Lecture Hall. All students are welcome to attend.
PARENT INFORMATION
Scoliosis Information
https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/school-health-services/scoliosis-fact-sheet
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
Longfellow PTA – Support Excellence!
We're approaching the holiday season and Mclean's annual Winterfest parade and block party is taking place Sunday, December 7 in the afternoon (times vary). Organizers are seeking volunteers and are happy to provide hours to high school and middle school students.
Signup for slots here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D48A5A92CA7FC1-59894627-winterfest#/
Volunteers also need to complete this form:
https://forms.gle/U5nbBiBRuQmuPv1K6
There will be a meeting for parade and block party volunteers at the McLean Community Center on December 2nd from 6-7pm, as well as a Zoom option for those unable to attend in person. If you have any questions, email mcleanwinterfestparade@gmail.com
Longfellow Family Climbing Night – Interest Survey
Join us for a fun evening of climbing, community, and fundraising on Saturday, February 21, 2026!
This isn’t a final sign-up — just a quick survey to help us plan.
Please complete it by December 12th👉 [https://forms.gle/mbCS3mRfsPCtBg6i6]
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
We are also seeking a Parent Lead for the PTA Website (training & student support available!).
To volunteer, contact Andrea Ramirez, VP of Communications:
andrea.havens@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.
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