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Dear Lancer Families,
Thank you for another great week and for your continued partnership and support. As we move further into the school year, we appreciate all that our families are doing to help students stay engaged, organized, and ready to learn each day. Please keep up the great work as we continue working together to make this a successful year for all of our Lancers!
As a reminder, we have a PTA meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. We hope you can join us to stay connected and engaged with our school community. For your long term planning, there is no school on Monday, October 12th and Friday, October 30th is the end of the quarter and a two-hour early release. Thank you for everything you do to support our students, staff, and school—we are grateful for our Longfellow community! I hope you and your family have a wonderful week.
Chris Butzer
Principal, Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
September
28 PTA Meeting 5:30-6:15pm
October
3 Cross Country Meet @ Key MS 10:00 a.m.
10 Cross Country Meet @ Herndon MS 7:30 a.m.
12 Student Holiday-No School
17 Cross Country Meet @ Stone MS 7:30 a.m.
19-23 Book Fair
24 Cross Country Meet @ Poe MS 10:00 a.m.
30 End of Quarter-2 Hour Early Release
DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS
PTA General Body Meeting — TONIGHT!
Monday, September 28 | 5:30–6:15 PM | Longfellow Lecture Hall
We hope you’ll join us in person tonight for our first PTA General Body Meeting of the year! The Lecture Hall is located at the front right side of the school, near the field.
Principal Butzer will join us, and we’ll share PTA updates, discuss priorities and upcoming programs, and talk about ways families can get involved.
Can’t make it in person? Join us on Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 850 4360 9066
Passcode: 734170
Review and Sign SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren).
Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet.
Registration for the World Languages Credit by Exam
This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.
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. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. If that language is one of the languages listed below, consider registering your student for the World Languages Credit by Exam!
The World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at Longfellow Middle School on November 11th and November 12th. The makeup date will be November 18th. Students will be notified about what day they will be testing closer to the test dates. Students will test starting in the morning in the Lecture Hall.
Registration closes on October 16th, at 4 p.m.
Late registrations will not be accepted.
More information, including the list of languages offered on the exam, and how to register is available online.
Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Operation Safe Right Turn
Drive with Care. Travel with Care. Fairfax County.
Safety is a shared responsibility!
WHAT IS A VULNERABLE ROAD USER?
Pedestrians, operators and passengers of bikes, scooters, assistive
mobility devices, wheelchair conveyances, skateboards, scooters and
other micro-mobility vehicles.
FACT: Turning and backing maneuvers account for a large number of injuries
to vulnerable road users.
• Constantly scan the environment, look left and right, for
pedestrians, multi-modal and micro-mobility road users.
• Slow down when approaching crosswalks, come to a full stop at red
lights and scan both directions.
• Turning right? Check left and right for pedestrians before moving.
• Phones down, eyes up! Distracted drivers place everyone at risk
every moment they are not focused on the primary task of driving.
• Excess speed kills. Speed slows reaction times and the ability to stop prior to entering crosswalks.
• Use extra caution around kids and youth. Watch for sudden movements.
WALKING OR ROLLING?
• Be predictable. Follow crosswalk and road rules.
• Scan the environment. Actively watch traffic patterns.
• Be visible. Wear bright/reflective clothing, especially at night.
DID YOU KNOW?
Micromobility refers to small, low-speed vehicles intended for personal use
and includes station-based and dockless bikeshare systems, electric-assist
bikes, and electric scooters!
*Fairfax County Police Department,Traffic Safety Services
For emergencies (Police/Medical/Fire) Dial 911 | non-emergency reporting dial 703-691-2131
To request this information in an alternate format, contact 703-591-0500 | TTY 711
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
Traffic Safety Near Our School
We understand that families may need to drive their children to school from time to time. If you need to, please familiarize yourself with our school’s kiss-and-ride procedures for the safety of all children and staff.
Please drop off or pick up your students in the designated areas. Students should not be dropped off or picked up in other areas around the school or in nearby neighborhoods. Please also avoid parking in neighborhoods or double parking in front of our school if you intend to walk your child to school. This can increase the number of students walking through busy intersections and create traffic hazards for other drivers and families trying to get to school.
Please follow all signs and directions posted at our school, on public roads, or provided by school staff or crossing guards, and avoid making U-turns. Most of all, always — ALWAYS — drive slowly near our school. The safety of all our students is one of our top priorities!!
The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.
Advanced Academic Programs- Fall Full-Time AAP Screening
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 Elaina Bafaro, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at erbafaro@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.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more on the FCPS website.
Understanding the Acceptable Use Policy
FCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:
• Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
• Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
• Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
• Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
• Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
We all Belong
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 school. There are solutions.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Lexia Core5 & PowerUp: How It’s Used, the Benefits, & Addressing Concerns around Device Usage and AI
Join Lexia Learning to see how FCPS classrooms are using Lexia this year to support your student’s literacy growth.
Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? This virtual session walks families through how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the district this school year to support students’ literacy growth — and gives you a chance to ask questions.
What we’ll cover:
• Program basics. What Core5 and PowerUp are, and how they meet your student’s individual learning needs.
• In the classroom. How Lexia supports teacher planning and instruction.
• Data & goals. How educators use Lexia data for progress monitoring and goal setting.
• Device usage & AI concerns. Understand how students interact with the online program and how much time they are using the programs in schools.
Choose a session:
Date Time
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 6:30 – 7:30 PM
*Every session covers the same content — join whichever date and time works best for your family.
Join us on Zoom:
All sessions are virtual. Scan the code or use the link below to join from any device. bit.ly/2627FamilyZoom
School Supplies Available
Longfellow Middle School has a limited number of school supply kits to share with our families. If your family needs assistance accessing school supplies, please contact our Family Liaison, Josue Escobar at jaescobar@fcps.edu.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
• Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook. For more information, please contact our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Elaina Bafaro.
Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive
What does belonging look like in our school? At Longfellow, we are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS.
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
• Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
• Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
• Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
• Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Virtual Mental Health Services Now Available to Middle School Students
Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1.
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.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
🎉 Quarter 1 After-School Activities Are in Full Swing!
Longfellow’s Quarter 1 After-School Program is in full swing! Students are getting involved in clubs, athletics, academic teams, enrichment activities, and competitive programs. As we move into the next few weeks, families should take note of several important information sessions, tryouts, selection dates, and program reminders.
📅 Happening Today — Monday, September 28
➗ MATHCOUNTS Information Session
• Today, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Cafeteria
• Students and parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
• Learn more about MATHCOUNTS, team expectations, the selection process, and the upcoming entry exam.
🌎 Model UN Information Session
• Today, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
• Library
• Students only, please. No parents/guardians for this session.
• Students will learn about Model UN, club expectations, the selection process, and participation requirements.
📅 Coming Up This Friday — October 2
➗ MATHCOUNTS Selection Test / Entry Exam
• 2:30–4:30 p.m.
• Lecture Hall
• Students interested in being selected for the MATHCOUNTS team should plan to participate in the entry exam.
Coming up This Wednesday-- September 30
✍️ NEW! Poetry Club — Read. Write. Create. Share!
Calling all poets, writers, and creative thinkers! Poetry Club is a welcoming space for students to read, write, discuss, and explore poetry in fun and creative ways. Whether you already love poetry or simply want to try something new, come create and share with other Lancers!
📅 Club Details
• Wednesdays starting 9/30/26
• 2:30–3:30 p.m.
• Room 150
• Sponsors: Ms. Nelson & Ms. Deal
📝 What Will We Do?
Activities may include:
• 🌿 Haiku nature walks
• 🖤 Blackout poetry
• 📖 Zine-making
• 🎤 Poetry slams
• ✍️ Reading and writing different styles of poetry
• 💬 Sharing and talking about poetry with other students
• 🎨 Other creative poetry projects throughout the year
No poetry experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and ideas!
📅 Coming Up Next Week
🌎 Model UN Tryouts — Monday, October 5
• 2:30–3:30 p.m.
• Gym 2
⚠️ Competitive Club Commitment Reminder
Many of Longfellow’s competitive clubs require a school-year commitment, regular practices, team preparation, and potential weekend competitions. Families should carefully consider scheduling conflicts before students commit to multiple competitive programs.
Public Forum Debate and Model UN have overlapping practice schedules as well as potential weekend competition conflicts. Students interested in both will need to choose between these programs.
Similar scheduling considerations apply to Science Olympiad and MATHCOUNTS. Students should consider their commitments carefully before accepting a spot on a competitive team.
Questions about competitive clubs, scheduling conflicts, or after-school participation should be directed to Sofia Mora, After-School Specialist, at smora@fcps.edu.
🚫 Important — No After School October 9 & 12
Please mark your calendars! The Longfellow After-School Program will NOT be held on:
• Friday, October 9 — NO AFTER SCHOOL
• Monday, October 12 — NO AFTER SCHOOL
Families should plan accordingly for these dates. The After-School Family Calendar uses red to identify dates when the program is not held.
💻 Stay Up to Date
Families should regularly reference the Longfellow MS After-School Program webpage for the After-School Calendar, important dates, program information, and schedule..
Students should check Schoology regularly for the most detailed and current information regarding:
• Club schedules and locations
• Daily attendance
• Club announcements
• Tryouts and selection information
• Registration requirements
• Schedule changes and cancellations
Questions? Please contact Sofia Mora, After-School Specialist, at smora@fcps.edu.
LONGFELLOW PTA
🍿 Haycock Family Movie Night — Volunteers Needed!
Friday, October 2 | 6:30–9:00 PM
Haycock Family Movie Night is coming, and volunteers are needed to help make the evening a success! Help with setup, snack sales, or cleanup — just choose the time slot that works for you.
Sign up to volunteer for Movie Night
PARENT INFORMATION
Applications Open Monday, October 5, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
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.
Spots for our Belize trip are filling up!
Hello families,
Thank you again to those of you who were able to attend our informational meeting. To the travelers who have already joined our trip … welcome aboard! We are so excited to have you😊
For those not yet enrolled, we are seeing the trip fill quicker than anticipated – but there are still spots left! The sooner you enroll (only $95 Enrollment Fee on the Automatic Payment Plan!), the higher the chance there will still be room on the trip. With EF’s risk-free enrollment period, you will also have the chance to cancel within 7 days for a full refund, just in case your plans change!
👉 Enroll now and check out the trip details here: www.eftours.com/3022053WX
Questions? Email me directly, check out EF’s website, or contact EF’s Traveler Support Team:
💬 Live chat: https://www.eftours.com/contact-us
📞 Call: 800-665-5364
🖥 https://www.eftours.com
The official deadline for enrollment and to receive the discount is coming up in a few days, but we cannot guarantee there will still be space should you wait to enroll!
Fall into Flavor with FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration. Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts.
Menu items include:
• Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
• Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter
Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
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