Principal's Message

February 27, 2026

Happy Friday, Panthers!

Can you believe it?  On Sunday, March comes in like a lion and will go out like a lamb.   

The month of March is a time of transitioning from the many winter activities into the anticipation of spring. This is the time of year when students often begin to display mastery of new skills and concepts. As we look for warmer weather and brighter days, we want to keep our Panthers focused on continuing to strive to do their best. I appreciate all of the efforts you continue to put in at home to ensure “success” carries over into the school day, as it impacts our academic standing.  Continue to monitor your child’s attendance and grades via ParentVUE.   

Here are a few suggestions that will make March reporting a productive time of the year: 

• Celebrate your Panther’s efforts/successes/small wins.
• Choose one or two key areas for improvement.  Goals should be realistic/achievable.
• Consult with your Panther’s teacher(s) when seeking grade reporting clarity if needed. Remember, grades belong to students.  They are means in which we teach personal responsibility, natural consequences, good study skills, and the value of hard work.
• March forward.  Stay positive.  Spring is on the horizon!  😊

Finally, course selections for the 26-27 academic year have been chosen by students.  Be certain to review your child’s selections.  See you at Monday’s PTA meeting at 7 p.m. in our library.  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 I See Me In Reston: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Spring Break: Monday, March 30 - Friday April 3, 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. 

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. 

Rising 8th Grade Course Selection 

Today, Friday, February 27 is the deadline for current 7th graders to make changes to their Google course selection form.  This form is only accessible via your child’s FCPS account.  Please ask your child to see their form and make changes as needed this evening. Parents will receive a notification when 26-27 course requests are loaded into ParentVUE.

Rising 9th Grade Course Selection

Students and families are encouraged to review their child’s assigned high school’s academic advising website for course selection details and deadlines. If your assigned school site is not listed below, please reach out to your child’s LHMS school counselor for assistance. If you would like your student to attend a school other than their assigned base high school, please review the FCPS Transfer Process.

Herndon High School

South Lakes High School

Skyview High School

SAVE-THE-DATES: SOL Testing Schedule 

The SOLs are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned and what areas they may still need support in. Please partner with us by encouraging your student(s) to do their best on each assessment. Our goal is to help students reach their full potential, and an accurate SOL score is an important data point in that mission.

All testing begins at 7:30am.  Please avoid scheduling appointments on testing days and help your child arrive at school on time.

March 24: Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW- 8th Grade Only)

May 6: Reading 7 and 8

May 12: Physical Science (8th grade only)

May 14: Mathematics 

More information about these assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools (https://www.fcps.edu/node/42716). The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/50045) outlines the division testing schedule for required assessments at each grade.

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, March 5th 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
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