Principal's Message

February 20, 2026

Happy Friday, Panthers!

WIDA testing continues, and it is going exceptionally well. Please continue to ensure your child arrives each day with a fully charged laptop. These assessments are important, as they help inform course placement and ensure we provide targeted support to meet our students’ needs.

We also encourage you to continue to monitor grades and attendance through ParentVUE to stay connected to your child’s progress.

Our PBIS Team is excited to host the 2nd Panther Party on Friday, February 27. This celebration is reserved for students who consistently arrive to class on time, make wise decisions (no discipline referrals), and truly embody what it means to be a POWERful Panther. We look forward to recognizing their positive choices and strong character.

Our SCA is also hard at work planning this year’s “I See Me in Reston” event – Wednesday, March 25, 2026.   We invite families to participate in our community potluck by sharing a dish that represents your culture and traditions. Your involvement will help make this multicultural celebration meaningful and memorable for all.  Should you have questions, contact our SCA advisor Ms. Emily Fee at epfee@fcps.edu.

Mark your calendars! Our PTA will host a roller-skating event (Skate N Fun Zone) on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in Manassas, VA. Langston Hughes Middle School will have exclusive access to the entire skating rink—so come out and enjoy an evening of food, fun, play, and skate with our Panther community.  Stay tuned for more information. Take good care. 

With Panthers in Mind,

Principal Mizell

IMPORTANT DATES PTA Meeting: Monday, March 2, 2026 Career Day: Friday, March 6, 2026 PTA Roller Skate Night: Sunday, March 8, 2026

STUDENT SERVICES

LHMS Support for Students During Ramadan

Throughout the year, as we recognize and celebrate cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to reach out to their child's school counselor for any needed accommodations. These may include arrangements for lunch, prayer/meditation, or silent-reflection spaces and times.  If your child will be using the meditation and silent-reflection space during instructional hours, or if they are in need of an alternative lunch location during Ramadan, please complete this permission form. 

Fasting Meal Kits are available February 18 – March 19. 

You can learn more about the meal kits here. You must submit a separate request for each week.  For any questions or concerns, please contact Marissa Brooks at MLBrooks@fcps.edu. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 

26-27 Course Selection Process

Planning for the 26-27 school year is underway! Parents are encouraged to review our LHMS Academic Advising website to review course offerings and important dates. 

Rising 9th grade: All rising 9th graders have started to select their courses. Students who are zoned for South Lakes will meet with their SLHS counselor on February 19-24 to finalize their course selections. Please review the Herndon High School and South Lakes High School websites for additional details.  Information about the high school transfer process can be found here: FCPS Transfer Process.

Rising 8th grade: All 8th graders will meet with their LHMS counselor to review their course selections.  Students inputted course selections into a  Google form in Schoology.  This form is only accessible to students via their FCPSSchools.net account. Parents are encouraged to ask their child to see their form.  Students may edit the form through February 27, 2026.  All course selections are due on February 27, 2026.  Please reach out to your child’s counselor with questions.

Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs

Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school. The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance. 

Career Day Speakers Needed

We are excited to host our upcoming Career Day on March 6, 2026.  Our school community is filled with talented and accomplished professionals, and we would love for you to share your expertise with our students.  Please consider serving as a Career Day speaker to inspire and educate our future leaders. Your insights and experiences can make a lasting impact.

If you are interested, please register here.  Should you need more information, contact our school counselor, Lea Fadden, at LTfadden@fcps.edu.   Thank you for your support; we look forward to an engaging and enriching Career Day!

Read Across America week (March 2-6)

Langston Hughes MS is excited to celebrate Read Across America with a school-wide 15,000 page reading challenge, March Madness with books, and other fun activities. 🌟 Please ensure that your student has a book in their backpack and is ready to read on Monday, March 2. Additional reading at home is highly encouraged! 

LANGSTON HUGHES MIDDLE SCHOOL - PTA

Join the LHMS PTA on March 8^th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. for Roller Skate Night at the Skate N’ Fun Zone! Come for an evening filled with roller skating, a DJ, arcade, and food. A skate waiver will be required for all attending and will be given with ticket purchase. Ticket sales start March 2^nd during all lunches. We can’t wait to see you there!

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Join the LHMS SCA on Wednesday March 25^th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for I See Me In Reston! The Panther community will come together to celebrate the many wonderful cultures that make Reston our home. Join us for a celebration featuring food, art, music and more!

Sign up to add a dish to our Community Potluck Table!

See you there!

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Spring Track Interest Meeting: Thursday, February 26 from 6:00 pm.– 6:30 pm. in the cafeteria.

Registration for the Carcassonne Tournament- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegjo540M_HrLEE6HSetVu4FDaWFAYzHkdQO0NqT_YkILzajg/viewform?usp=header

It’s not too late to join a club!  Join the fun after school. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkDtOVASo9Dvoamwm4h56r84B5gWzoR6dX6iawunMiU/edit?tab=t.0

🗓️ Weekly Schedule of Clubs & Activities

Mondays

• 💎 King Beads with Ms. King
• When: Mondays & Thursdays (First Session)
• Have fun making jewelry, hanging out with friends, and socializing while creating unique bead designs.
• 💪 Mr. Chris – BEAST Challenges
• When: Mondays & Thursdays (Second Session)
• Take on fun physical challenges, team competitions, and obstacle-style games that test strength, speed, and teamwork.
• 🎙️ Let’s Talk Podcasters with Coach K
• When: Mondays & Thursdays (Both Sessions)
• Learn how to interview, find the “real story,” and create binge-worthy podcast content that informs and entertains.
• 🎲 Appian Strategic Board Game Team with Ms. Benedict
• When: Mondays (First Session)
• Practice strategy and teamwork while preparing for upcoming board game tournaments.

Tuesdays

• 🏸 Court Crushers Badminton League with Ms. B
• When: Tuesdays (Both Sessions)
• Bring your best game to the court! Learn new skills, compete in friendly matches, and have fun competing with friends.
• 🎶 Korean Music Club with Jaelyn Gilmore
• When: Tuesdays (Both Sessions)
• Dive into the world of Korean music and culture! Learn about the history of K-pop, explore current dance trends, create South Korean-inspired arts and crafts, and join group discussions about music, culture, and creativity.
• ⚽ Hughes Futsal Premier League with Coach Jhonny
• When: 7th Grade – Tuesdays (First Session)
  8th Grade – Thursdays (First Session)
• 🚀 QZ Young Men with Mr. Kyle
• When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays (First Session)
• Formerly Elevate Boys Group. Build leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence through fun activities, group discussions, and Elevate-inspired challenges that promote growth and positive connections.
• 🎮 FIFA Video Games
• When: Tuesdays & Thursdays (Second Session)
• Compete in FIFA matches and show off gaming skills in friendly competition.
• 🏀 Hughes Ballers Basketball Tournament with Coach K & Coach Kennedy
• When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays (Second Session)
• 🧢 Swag Lab with Mr. AJ
• When: Tuesdays (Both Sessions)
• Design, create, and customize your own swag. Bring your ideas to life with style and flair!

Wednesdays

• 🎨 Art with Ms. Gillis
• When: Wednesdays (First Session Only)
• Explore new art projects, experiment with materials, and express creativity in fun, hands-on ways.
• 🚀 QZ Young Men with Mr. Kyle
• When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays (First Session)
• Continue building leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence through Elevate-inspired activities and discussions.
• 💜 Purple Star Club with Mr. Blocker & Ms. Kelly
• When: Wednesdays (First Session)
• A supportive space for students from military families to connect with peers who share similar experiences. The club helps students build friendships, share stories, and get plugged into the Hughes school community.
• 🏀 Hughes Ballers Basketball Tournament with Coach K & Coach Kennedy
• When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays (Second Session)

Thursdays

• 💎 King Beads with Ms. King
• When: Mondays & Thursdays (First Session)
• Have fun making jewelry, hanging out with friends, and socializing while creating unique bead designs.
• ⚽ Hughes Futsal Premier League with Coach Jhonny
• When: 8th Grade – Thursdays (First Session)
• 💪 Mr. Chris – BEAST Challenges
• When: Mondays & Thursdays (Second Session)
• Take on fun physical challenges, team competitions, and obstacle-style games that test strength, speed, and teamwork.
• 🎙️ Let’s Talk Podcasters with Coach K
• When: Mondays & Thursdays (Both Sessions)
• Learn how to interview, find the “real story,” and create binge-worthy podcast content that informs and entertains.
• 🎮 FIFA Video Games
• When: Tuesdays & Thursdays (Second Session)
• Compete in FIFA matches and show off gaming skills in friendly competition.
• 🦅 Panther Cadets Leadership Academy with South Lakes High School ROTC
• When: Thursdays (Second Session)
• Develop leadership, discipline, and teamwork through engaging activities and challenges led by South Lakes High School ROTC.

Fridays

• 🍪 Kitchen Lab with Mr. Kyle
• When: Fridays (Both Sessions)
• Break down baking and experiment with ingredients while making cookies, pizza, pretzels, and more. Fun, food, and flavor guaranteed!

🗓️ Special Events & Tournaments.

Stay tuned for –

• Spring Track! Information coming soon.
• VIP Summer Camp for rising 7^th and 8^th graders.

• 🃏 Kings in the Corner Tournament: TBA
• 🎴 UNO Tournament: February 5
  • Prizes for winners and plenty of fun for all participants!

💥 Don’t Miss Out!

Whether it’s art, sports, gaming, or leadership, Hughes After School has something for everyone this season. Let’s make 2026 the most fun and creative year yet!

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter