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Dear Lancer Families:
As we continue through the second semester, we are preparing for upcoming academic milestones, including finalizing course registrations for next year and spring assessments. Additional details on course selection for our rising 7th and 8th graders can be found here. For our rising 9th graders, please check out the website of your high school for more details. Additionally, for your long term planning, please be aware of the following SOL assessment dates: Integrated Reading and Writing (8th grade only) March 11; Reading May 5; Math May 7; and Science (8th grade only) May 13. If at all possible, please avoid having your student(s) being absent on these days unless they are sick.
As always, we appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. Together, we will ensure a strong and successful remainder of the school year for every student. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.
Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
February
25 Spelling Bee
26 Pre-Assessment Band Concert-Symphonic Band
7:00 PM @ McLean HS
March
3 McLean-Longfellow Pre-Assessment Choral Concert
7:00 PM @ McLean HS
5 Pre-Assessment Band Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
10 Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM @ McLean HS
11 Integrated Reading and Writing SOL (8th grade only)
20 Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
25 Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair @ Langley HS
27 End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
30-April 3 Spring Break
Schedule for the next two weeks
DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS
Rising 9th Grade - Academic Advising
We are wrapping up our rising 9th grade academic advising season. Over the past few weeks, students have met with their counselors to discuss course offerings and select their classes for the upcoming school year. We are confident that these discussions have helped students make informed decisions to set them up for success in high school.
We encourage all parents/guardians to check their student’s course selections in StudentVue to ensure everything is accurate and aligned with their academic goals. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s course selections, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their assigned counselor.
Rising 8th Grade - Academic Advising
School counselors recently visited your student’s English class to give an Academic Advising overview of course offerings and electives for their 8th grade year. Starting on February 18th, our 7th grade counselors will conduct individual meetings with each rising 8th grade student. Course selections are due in StudentVue March 4, 2026.
Our website is the main hub of information. There you will find our course catalog, course selection sheets, a guide for how to enter course requests in Student Vue, and information about current courses and graduation requirements for future academic planning.
Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions.
Langley HS and Cooper MS Academic Advising
Representatives from the Student Services teams at Langley HS and Cooper MS will be at Longfellow MS on Thursday, February 26, 2026 to provide academic advising for any students attending those schools next school year. Students will receive passes during Learning Seminar to attend. For more information regarding course offerings at Cooper MS see the Cooper MS Course Selection Website. For more information regarding course offerings at Langley HS see The Langley HS Course Selection Website.
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 25, 2026: CPP Application
For more information, visit the FCPS CPP Website.
Questions: Contact Bruce Walker (bmwalker@fcps.edu), School Counselor
Gwyneth’s Gift CPR Training!
Tuesday March 3rd and Wednesday March 4th, we will be hosting an all-day AED and hands-only CPR training for our entire student body. This amazing opportunity is all thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. If you would like to donate your time to help us manage students during the event, please email Amanda Creeden at amcreeden@fcps.edu to let us know the day and time you would like to assist. Below are the time slots we would welcome assistance:
Tuesday 3/3:
Period 1: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 5: 10:45-12:15
Period 7: 12:50-2:15
Wednesday 3/4:
Period 2: 7:30-8:55
Period 3: 9:00-9:45
Period 6: 10:45-12:15
Period 8: 12:50-2:15
Thank you!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
NEW Visitor Check in System- Raptor App Setup
Prior to visiting a FCPS school, visitors will need to download the Raptor Safe App and register. Registration takes 2 minutes.
Once registered, in the app a Raptor Passport is created. In the Raptor Passport, a QR code is generated that you scan upon entry into a FCPS school. A new QR code is generated each time so no screenshots.
A few notes for registration in the app: no code is needed so skip that step and foreign ID's and passports can be used (as long as they are in English).
Help Keep Longfellow Phone-Free!
Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.
FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600.
FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
The After-School Program will be hosting a Snack Sale on Thursday, February 26 at 3:00 PM. Students will be able to purchase candy, chips, and drinks, with all items priced at $1 or $2 (cash only).
All proceeds from the sale will directly support our After-School Program and help us continue to provide engaging activities and opportunities for students. Thank you for your support!
Parent and Student Book Club
Longfellow is excited to launch a new Parent and Student Book Club! Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall for our first meeting.
Families may choose one of two books to read together: New Kid by Jerry Craft or When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Parents and students will read the same book and then come together to share thoughts and participate in a group discussion at our book club meeting.
If you and your child are interested in participating, please complete the interest form. We look forward to reading with you!
Track and Field Sign-Ups
Interested in joining Longfellow’s track and field team? Use the following link to register. To be eligible to participate students must have completed the following:
1. Use the link to complete the registration form.
2. Complete and turn in the Middle School Athletics Physical Form (PPE) to Mr. Stokes. If you completed this already for cross-country and it is dated after March 20, 2025, you don’t need to submit another form.
3. Complete and turn in the Emergency Care Card (ECC) to Mr. Stokes. This must be filled in for each sport season.
Additional information regarding practices and meets will be provided closer to the beginning of the season.
Girls Leadership Committee
The McLean Girls Leadership Committee will hold its second peer mentorship session at Longfellow on Thursday, February 25th. The meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall from 3:30-4:30PM. All students are welcome to attend.
The Girls Leadership Committee at McLean High School is hosting their Menstrual Product Drive. The products raised will be donated to several community shelters in the Northern Virginia area, helping impoverished women struggle monthly to obtain the items which they need. Students can bring items to the main office for drop off. Students donating items will receive a Lancer card.
McLean Math League
On behalf of the McLean High School Highlander Math League, we are excited to share that we will be hosting the McLean Math Tournament (McMT) for local elementary and middle school students in Grades 5–8 in early March.
McMT is designed to be a fun and engaging math competition for students with a wide range of backgrounds. The problems will span from beginner to advanced levels, making the contest welcoming to all students who are interested in math. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests, participate in fun activities, and enjoy snacks. The contest is completely free, and awards and prizes will be given to participants.
Students who are interested can sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/Nc3LvS1uHzpG1cHv6.
LONGFELLOW PTA
Community & Volunteer Opportunities
Haycock Heritage Night, Wednesday, March 11thHaycock Heritage Night is a
wonderful opportunity for our school community to learn from one another and celebrate the many cultures represented in our area. Families are welcome to participate in ways big or small, by sharing a tradition, food, story, art, or activity, or by helping support the event. No professional presentations are required, and all cultures, languages, and family traditions are warmly welcomed. Student volunteer hours may be approved by Weina Dorsky at wfdorsky@gmail.com.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B49ACA629A2FE3-61947280-heritage
Spring Hill Elementary Fun Fair, Saturday, March 14th
Are you a student who needs volunteer hours? Do you remember all of the FUN of going to a Fun Fair in elementary school? We’d love for you to volunteer your time to support the Fun Fair at Spring Hill Elementary School! We will provide all the verification you need to earn your service hours. Spots fill up fast, so volunteer early!
Click here to volunteer and earn service hours.
Questions? Contact springhillptostudentvolunteers@gmail.com
Chesterbrook Elementary Fun Fair, Friday, April 10th
Chesterbrook Elementary is looking for many teen volunteers to help run our annual Fun Fair happening Friday, April 10th. There is no school for students on this teacher workday. Setup shifts are available 2-4pm, Activity Station shifts run 4-5:30, and 5:30-7pm, clean up shifts run 7-8:30pm.
Volunteering at Fun Fair is a great way to support Chesterbrook, have a great afternoon spending time with young McLean students and earn those volunteer hours. Thank you for your support!
Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B45AFAC2EAB9-62282727-funfair#/
PTA Reminder:
he Longfellow PTA continues to seek additional support to sustain programs like Lancer Bucks, teacher stipends, and staff hospitality. Families who are able can join the PTA or make a donation through Givebacks at any time. Every contribution helps Support Excellence at Longfellow.
PARENT INFORMATION
TJHSST Techstravaganza 2026
Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 22nd annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.
Admission is free, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school. Here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/Techstravaganza26, and attached are flyers in English and Spanish that can be used to advertise this event. We would appreciate you sharing this with families in a newsletter or your school's social media. Please let us know if translating the flyer into other languages will help.
More information about the event can be found on our website at https://techstrav.org/index.html
or tjpartnershipfund.org/techstravaganza/.
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.
Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.
An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance.
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch thisvideo about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.
Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!
Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
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