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Dear Lancer Families:
Last week we hosted our after school dance/carnival. I got to see many of our middle school students having fun and being silly with friends while competing in games like three legged races and freeze dance. I also had the opportunity to attend our track meet on Saturday morning at Oakton High School where many students earned a personal best in their various events. Additionally, several of our athletes qualified for the county championship meet which will be held at the end of May.
A reminder that the last day for late buses will be Thursday, May 21st. After that date, students are welcome to stay for extra help from a teacher if they prearrange this with their teacher AND have a ride to get home. Next week, we have a short week. Monday, May 25th schools are closed for the Memorial Day holiday. Tuesday, May 26th is a teacher work day. Wednesday, May 27th schools are closed for Eid Al-Adha.
As always, I appreciate your ongoing partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week.
Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
May
21 Last Day for After School Activities
25 Holiday-Memorial Day
26 Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
27 Holiday-Eid Al-Adha
29 Spring Orchestra Concert @ McLean HS 7:00pm
30 Track Championship @ Robinson
June
2 Spring Choral Concert 7:00pm
3 PTA Meeting 6:30pm
4 Career Day
5 Music Department Field Trip
11 Spring Band Concert 7:00pm @ McLean HS
12 8th Grade Party 6:00-8:00pm
16 End of Year Awards
17 Last Day of School-Early Release
Bell Schedule
DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS
Final PTA Meeting - June 3rd 6:30 PM
Please come join Principal Butzer, Dr. Yannos, and the PTA as we wrap up another school year with the final PTA meeting of the year. This meeting will be held in the rain garden. Dr. Yannos will educate us on the plants in the rain garden and how the school uses the space.
The 2026-2027 PTA board will be elected into office during this meeting as well.
Incoming President - Aisha Williams
Treasurer - Matt Loughran
Communications - Andrea Hager
Programs - Weina Dorsky
Hospitality - Katie Broom, Melissa Vyars, Sarah Brogers
Secretary - Vacant
Yearbook Sales
A limited number of yearbooks will be available for sale in the cafeteria during all lunches on Friday June 12th and Monday June 15th. If you did not order a yearbook, this will be your opportunity to get one. They will be sold on a first come first serve basis. The cost is $40.00 Cash only. Email kdvanhall@fcps.edu with any questions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Middle School Transition
Join the Franklin Sherman PTA for a fun and informative virtual event on Tuesday, June 2 at 12 p.m.! Upper elementary families are invited to hear directly from two MHS students about what life at Longfellow Middle School is really like, including classes, teachers, schedules, friendships, and tips for a smooth transition. Don’t miss this chance to ask questions and get honest advice from students who’ve been there. Register and submit questions in advance click here!
NJHS Application
Today, eligible 7th grade students were sent an invitation to join the Longfellow chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. This organization is deeply ingrained in our school and community and focuses on scholarship, leadership, and community service. Students with a cumulative 7th grade G.P.A. of 3.75 and above are invited to join. If students did not receive an application today and they’ve met all the requirements, please have them email us at the contact information below to review eligibility.
Students can stop by our rooms during the school day to ask questions or email us. Parents of eligible students are invited to attend a Q&A session June 1 at 6:00 P.M. in the school library.
Thank you,
Amanda Collins (ADCollins@fcps.edu)
Brette Lawrence (BRLawrence@fcps.edu)
NJHS Co-Sponsors
Rising 8th Grade – AVID Elective
Our 8th grade AVID elective class still has a few select spots available for next year. Students still need to complete the application and go through the selection process. If you and your student are interested in this opportunity, please complete the application link by May 22nd 2026.
- AVID application
- Information about the AVID program
Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website orthe School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
• Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
• Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
• Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
Last Day of After-School
The final day for the after-school program is Thursday, May 21st. All clubs and activities will end, and no late buses will be available after that date. Students may still stay after school with teachers for academic support; however, they must arrange their own transportation home.
Track and Field Results
This weekend, both the girls and boys track team finished in 3rd place out of 14. The teams combined for 40 Personal Bests, and 4 school records. Congratulations!
LONGFELLOW PTA
Order a yard sign
The 8th grade is doing yard signs for “Congratulations Class of 2026” Longfellow 8th graders. These are a fun and festive way to celebrate your graduating 8th graders.
To order a yard sign, please complete this form by Friday, May 22.
The yard sign form includes pricing ($25), payment information, name details for your order, and an option to indicate if your family needs financial assistance.
Pickup details for the week of May 25 will follow.
Proceeds from donations and yard sign sales will go toward the 8th grade party.
GLOW BEFORE WE GO 2026
Let’s celebrate 8th grade promotion! Friday, June 12th, 6:00-8:00pm
Buy your tickets today!! $25 Advanced Purchase; $30 at the door
This end of middle school bash is going to be epic! Think 360° photo and video moments, perfect for Insta and Tik Tok with your besties. Add in inflatable obstacle courses, sports competitions, and a DJ turning the whole place into a glow party. And of course, snacks, drinks, and candy galore to keep the celebration going and celebrate the huge milestone.
Swing Into Summer May 30- Longfellow Families
Looking for a fun way to kick off summer as a family? Join us on May 30th at Capital One Park in Tysons for Swing Into Summer, a high-energy community event benefiting youth sports organizations across the DMV.
Bring the whole family out for an exciting afternoon featuring a celebrity softball game and skills competition with world class athletes including Braden Holtby, Vernon Davis, and “Mr. National” himself, Ryan Zimmerman - plus plenty of activities for kids including face painting, a bounce house, games, and much more!
Swing Into Summer is all about bringing our local community together for a memorable afternoon while helping strengthen and support others through the work of The Alzner Foundation.
📍 Capital One Park – Tysons, VA
📅 May 30, 2026
⏰ Doors Open at 2 PM | Event Begins at 3 PM
🎟️ Tickets available at this link.
PARENT INFORMATION
Harvard Veritas Preparatory Program Opportunity
The nationally acclaimed Veritas Preparatory Program and Veritas Debate Institute are offering full scholarships for up to 25 high-achieving FCPS rising students in grades 7-12 to participate in a gifted study program that prepares them for a summer residential program at Harvard University. Scholarships are sponsored by the UPS Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, and the Steve Harvey Foundation.
Grades 7-8: Veritas Prep is a weekly out-of-school gifted study program for 7th-8th-grade students who are prepared to be challenged beyond what’s taught in traditional school. Veritas Prep provides early exposure to college-level skills and liberal arts subjects that accelerate reading, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Veritas Prep feeds into the Veritas Debate Institute, which culminates with a summer residential program at Harvard University.
Grades 9-12: Veritas Debate Institute (VDI) is a weekly out-of-school gifted study program for 9th-12th-graders that teaches college-level skills and subjects, including philosophy, political science, economics, debate, and more. Students train for one year in preparation for a summer residential debate program at Harvard University, where they study and compete alongside hundreds of gifted and talented youth from across the globe.
Eligibility: Veritas is a multicultural program open to all students regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic background. Veritas targets high-achieving students with a strong interest in the social sciences (politics, history, law, humanities, debate, public speaking, etc) and have aspirations to attend the top-ranked colleges & universities in the world.
For nearly a decade, Veritas has earned national recognition for producing many of the top-performing students in the world and placing hundreds of youth on a pathway to Ivy League and elite colleges. You can learn more about Veritas here.
As Veritas expands to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area this year, FCPS has been selected as a partner district to help identify high-achieving students.
On Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 PM, an informational webinar will be held exclusively for rising 7th and 12th-grade students and parents in FCPS to learn more about Veritas and the application process. You will have an opportunity to meet Veritas leadership and ask questions about the program.
If you would like to attend, Click Here to RSVP and you will receive a link to attend the informational session.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
Bus Discount Program for Adults
Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
McLean Highlanders 2026 Boys Basketball Camp
Location: McLean High School - 1633 Davidson Road, McLean, VA 22101
Dates/Times:
• Session I: July 6-10
• Session II: July 20-24
• 8:45am - 2:30pm
Lunch:
• Campers can bring their own lunch
• Pizza, snacks, and drinks can be purchased on site
Who May Attend:
• Rising 3rd-9th graders. Campers will be grouped according to age and/or ability
Cost: Camp is $300 per session.
Now Hiring: Substitute Instructional Assistants for the 2026–2027 School Year for Longfellow Middle School|Apply Now
Longfellow is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute instructional assistant. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers:
✔ Flexible schedule
✔ Make a difference in your local community
✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students
Join our team and support student learning!
Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the McLean pyramid posting.
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📱 Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app, you can:
• Stay up to date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
• View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
• Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
• Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
• Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.
Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents.
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