September 25, 2026
Happy Friday, Panther Families!
At Langston Hughes Middle School, we are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. This special observance honors the rich history, vibrant cultures, remarkable contributions, and diverse traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
Throughout the month, our students will have opportunities to learn about influential Hispanic and Latino leaders, explore cultural traditions, and celebrate the many ways these communities have enriched our nation and our world.
A huge thank-you to the families supporting our World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser! Your participation allows us to provide meaningful experiences and activities for our Panthers throughout the school year.
Next week is Custodial Appreciation Week! Despite being short-staffed this summer, our lead custodian, Blanca, and her team worked tirelessly to ensure that our building was clean, welcoming, and ready for the return of our students and staff. To express our sincere gratitude, we are continuing our Snack Pantry for the eight-member Custodial Team. Our goal is to present it on Friday, October 2, 2026. Please review our Amazon Wish List and consider helping us show our dedicated custodial team how much we appreciate all they do! Items may also be dropped off at the main office.
Mark your calendar for our Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 21, 2026! Join us for an evening filled with food, fun, and fellowship. You can also participate in our Best Costume Contest or sign up for our exciting Trunk-or-Treat Contest. You are in for a blast!
Finally, the first quarter will end on Friday, October 30, 2026, which will be here before we know it! Please review ParentVUE regularly to monitor your child’s grades and attendance. Through strong communication and our partnership in grading and reporting, academic concerns should never come as a surprise. Teachers are expected to send progress reports next week.
And remember, we are LHMS – where awesome is the new normal! Have a terrific weekend!
Principal Mizell
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, October 6, 2026: MLL Family Night
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Fall Festival 5pm-7pm
Wednesday, October 28 & Thursday, October 29, 2026: Picture Day
STUDENT SERVICES
Social-Emotional Learning with Second Step
During this week’s Flex lesson, students learned how to distinguish between internal obstacles and external obstacles. Understanding these obstacles will help them plan how to handle them in the future. Family conversation starter: Tell your child about a time you faced an obstacle. Was it an internal or external obstacle? Ask your child to share an example of each type of obstacle in their own life.
September is Attendance Awareness Month!
Each one of us is unique and every student matters and belongs in school. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at LHMS. There are solutions. If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to your child’s LHMS school counselor. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
World Language Credit By Exam
The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Families can read more about the exam, including a list of available languages, at the FCPS WLBCE website.
Based on the results of the exam, students can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.
Students who are interested in taking the World Language by Credit exam, must complete the WLBCE interest form by October 2: WLBCE Interest Form. Students must officially register with their counselor by Friday, October 14 at 2:30pm. Late registrations will not be accepted. The exam will be given at LHMS on November 4. Students who register for the exam will be emailed additional information.
Virtual Mental Health Services
Hazel Health online mental health services are now available for middle school students.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
Service Learning
Service learning makes connections between the classroom and the community and provides structured time for students to reflect on their service experiences. It is intended to instill a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging students to assess their impact on the community as active contributors to society. By the end of 8th grade, students must complete and log (via x2Vol) 15 service hours. Please visit our Service Learning page for details about how to earn and enter service hours. Please note that if your child would like to volunteer in another school building, such as their elementary school, they must secure permission from the staff member they are working with, in advance.
Scoliosis Fact Sheet
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Scoliosis most commonly occurs during the growing years, between age 10 and the time an adolescent is fully grown. Screenings should begin in early adolescence. Pediatricians should check for early signs during a routine physical exam. Please review the FCPS Scoliosis Fact Sheet for more information.
Monitor your Child’s Screentime with Lightspeed
Parents/guardians may set screen time limits and monitor online activity with lightspeed.The free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
TJHSST
 Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Information
Applications for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology open Monday, October 5. Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools. Please contact Karen Bach, TJHSST Liaison Counselor, with questions.
AAP
Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15
The fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3-8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Liz Glynn, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at eglynn@fcps.edu by October 15, 2026. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS and have been enrolled, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2-7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by December 15, 2026.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Military-Connected Families
Langston Hughes Middle School appreciates all of our military and foreign service families, present and past! Please fill out your family information for us to keep you up to date on events throughout the year, like our upcoming Blue Star Welcome Week.
Form Link: https://forms.gle/g8eX42ffhm1vupiA8
Wear Blue on Monday for Blue Star Welcome Week
Approximately 14,000 military-connected students are enrolled in FCPS! 35 of those students are currently a part of the Langston Hughes Middle School community, up from 26 last year! Welcome new military families into our community and share your appreciation for their service and sacrifices during this year’s #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS from September 26th - October 4th. To kick off the week at LHMS on Monday, September 28th, show your support by wearing head to toe BLUE.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
HUGHES MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: QUICK CHEAT SHEET
🚀 THE 30-ISH SECOND PARENT FAQ
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Is it too late to sign up? NO! Enrollment is ongoing.
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Trouble registering? JUST SHOW UP!
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New Clubs: More are coming as sponsors become available. Check the club list and News You Choose for updates.
🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS & QR CODES
🚌 TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
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After-School Check-In: Cafeteria immediately after school to sign in and wait for club leaders.
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First-Session Clubs: If a club only meets during the first session, students can safely wait for the late bus in the cafeteria.
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Kiss & Ride: Front of the school preferred for after-school pickup.
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Late Bus Schedule (Mon–Thu): Late buses arrive staggered (after they complete their elementary school runs) and usually arrive between 4:45 and 5:00 PM.
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Important Bus Info: Late bus numbers are DIFFERENT from regular afternoon buses. Please review your student's late bus number with them ahead of time! (After-school staff will also be there to help).
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Know Your Stop: It is extremely helpful if your student knows their actual bus stop (e.g., Glade Dr. and Embers Ct.).
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Delay Concerns: Area 4 Transportation: 703-249-7100.
🤖 ROBOTICS & VOLUNTEERS
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VEX Robotics (Mon & Wed): Varying levels of parent involvement needed (no experience necessary!). Volunteer Contacts: Mr. Redd (Ltredditt@fcps.edu) & Mr. Kyle (fmkyle1@fcps.edu).
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FTC Robotics (Mon & Wed): Starting the week of the 21st. For more information, see Mr. Davis (phdavis1@fcps.edu).
🌟 ACTIVITIES, CLUBS & SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
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Featured Clubs: Spirit Squad, Fashion Club, Mellow Marjon, Drumline, and Filmmaking.
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Culminating Events: Chess Club and Strategic Board Game Club.
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Science Olympiad: LOOKING FOR STUDENTS to sign up and join the team!
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New MS Sport – Volleyball: Starts in December and we will compete against other schools, so a Sports Physical will be needed. More information coming soon!
 Happy Custodial Appreciation Week! Monday, September 28 - Friday, October 2.
Thank you to our custodial team: Blanca, Ana, Nancy, Angela, Luis, Ngoc, Carlos, and Sonia.
LANGSTON HUGHES MIDDLE SCHOOL - PTA
 Welcome to our 2026-2027 Board members!
President: Janessa Valentine
Treasurer: Monique Kennedy
Secretary: Jacqueline Cooperman
Please join us at our next meeting on October 5th, 2026. We will discuss this year's budget, volunteer opportunities for the Fall Festival and more!
The Reflections Contest is open for submissions! Get more information to submit your entry here:https://lhmspta.givebacks.com/w/Reflections
Mark your calendars now: Oct. 5, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, April 5, May 3, June 7
All meetings are at 7:00 p.m. in our LHMS Library unless otherwise indicated.
Student Council Association (SCA)
 Langston Hughes Middle School Presents - The Fall Festival.
Wednesday October 21st from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Join us for Trunk or Treat, Food, Games, and a Costume Contest.
Host a trunk with your family and friends! Please fill out the Trunk or Treat Sign Up!
Donate to our Langston Hughes SCA Wishlist to help make our Fall Festival possible.
AVID
 The AVID program is selling official White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. Money raised go towards field trips, Scholar Awards, and field trips. This is a link to pre-order. You can purchase in MySchoolBucks (link to be emailed after you complete the form) or send your student with cash/check to Mrs. Burke in Room 135. The ornaments will be delivered to students at school when they arrive.
Link to pre-order form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_-3m4hZYzDJ-fYnbuviC9RBuWQgN_6DK8xuvmvE4LbcCthQ/viewform?usp=dialog
Attention families!
Looking for a flexible and part-time position? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2026-2027 school year. AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $21.77 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to AVID@fcps.edu.
 They’re your memories! It’s your book! Don’t forget to get your LHMS yearbook. https://yearbookordercenter.com?school=13926
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