|
Dear Lancer Families,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first PTA meeting of the year last Monday evening. We appreciate your involvement and partnership in supporting our students and school community. Our next PTA meeting will be Monday, November 10, at 5:30 p.m. in our lecture hall. As part of that evening, we will also host a parent information session on anxiety, stress, and executive functioning hosted by Longfellow’s social worker, Sarah Gortenberg, and school psychologist, Annie Reiner. The parent information session will be in the lecture hall starting at 6:00 p.m. This was the number one topic selected by families who provided feedback at Back to School Night in August, and we hope you will join us for an informative and helpful conversation about supporting our middle school students.
Our after-school program is also off to a great start, with approximately 30 clubs and activities available to students this quarter. These opportunities are a wonderful way for students to explore their interests, build relationships, and stay connected to our school community. More information about our after-school program and clubs can be found on our school’s website. Congratulations as well to our cross-country teams, who competed in their first meet of the season on Saturday morning. Our students did an excellent job in their first competition, and we are proud of their effort, teamwork, and the way they represented Longfellow.
As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, October 12th and Friday, October 30th is the end of the first quarter and a two-hour early release. Please make a plan for your student to arrive home early that day. Thank you for everything you do to support our students, staff, and school! I hope you and your family have a wonderful week.
Chris Butzer
Principal, Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
October
10 Cross Country @ Herndon MS 7:30 a.m.
12 Student Holiday-No School
17 Cross Country @ 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
Notes from the Library: Fall 2026 BOOK FAIR, volunteers needed!
The Longfellow Library is hosting a BOOK FAIR October 19-23rd during the school day. We are open from 7:15am to 2:30pm. All students can visit the Book Fair before school, during lunches, after school until 2:30, and during class with teacher permission. We are looking for adult volunteers to help with the fair, please see our Signup Genius here.
If you can only spare 30 minutes, we have space for you to volunteer! Thank you for your support of the Longfellow Library program!
Parent-Student Book Club!
Longfellow is happy to announce the return of the Parent - Student Book Club!
Parents and students have a choice of 2 historical fiction novels and will meet in the FACs Room on November 12th at 6pm to discuss books and enjoy appetizers. If you are interested in joining the Parent - Student Book Club, please fill out the linked form by October 26.
HS Credit Course Expunge Process
High school credit courses taken in grades 6, 7, and 8 become part of the student’s high school transcript and are included in the calculation of the high school Grade Point Average (GPA) and weighted as such. Virginia state and FCPS regulations permit parents/guardians of a middle school student who has completed a high school credit course to have that course expunged from the student’s record.
The request to remove a course taken during the previous school from the transcript must be made in writing prior to the end of the first nine weeks of the school year (no later than Friday, October 23, 2026).
Once deleted, the course and grade awarded cannot be reinstated.
See Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School Form. If you have questions or concerns regarding this, please contact your child’s school counselor.
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
Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
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.
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.
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.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
🌟 After-School Program Updates & Opportunities
🏃 Cross Country — First Meet of the Season!
Congratulations to our Longfellow Cross Country team on completing their first meet of the season this past Saturday! Despite the muddy and rainy conditions, our Lancers did a great job representing Longfellow.
🏅 View the Cross Country Meet Results
We are excited to share several new and upcoming opportunities for Longfellow students through our After-School Program!
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons Club — Students can create characters, explore fantasy worlds, solve challenges, and build teamwork and problem-solving skills through tabletop adventures. New and experienced players are welcome! Meets Mondays, 2:30–3:30 p.m. in Room 103 with Mr. Desmond Reid.
✍️ Poetry Club — A creative space for students to explore poetry through activities such as haiku nature walks, blackout poetry, zine-making, poetry slams, and more.
🧵 FCCLA — Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national Career and Technical Student Organization for students interested in Family and Consumer Sciences. Students can earn community service hours, learn to use a sewing machine, and participate in hands-on projects. All sewing skill levels are welcome!
🧠 Additional Competitive Opportunities
MATHCOUNTS and Model UN are also getting underway for the school year. Both programs have a selection process currently underway, and participating students should continue to follow information and updates provided through the After-School Program and their club sponsors.
📌 After-School Information & Resources
Looking for more information about after-school clubs, activity schedules, club descriptions, or attendance/sign-in procedures?
Students: Detailed information is available through the After-School Program course page on Schoology. Students should use Schoology to sign in and record their attendance when participating in after-school activities.
Parents/Guardians: Visit the Longfellow Middle School After-School Program webpage for club schedules and club description highlights, the After-School Calendar, the After-School Program Important Facts Sheet, and additional program information and updates.
We encourage students and families to check these resources regularly for the most up-to-date After-School Program information.
Questions? For questions regarding the Longfellow MS After-School Program, please contact Sofia Mora, After-School Program Coordinator, at smora@fcps.edu
LONGFELLOW PTA
PTA Updates
-> Meeting Notes and Budget
Thank you to everyone who joined our first PTA General Body Meeting! We appreciated the great turnout and conversation, both in person and on Zoom. A special thank you to Lauren Wang, who has joined the PTA Board as Secretary! Please find the minutes and budget on Givebacks. PTA members: We need your vote to approve this year’s budget. Click here for single click vote before October 10: Vote on the PTA budget. If you have any questions about the budget or about anything regarding PTA financials, please email Matt Loughran at treasurer.ptalms@gmail.com
→ Student Committee — Interest Meeting Wednesday!
The new PTA Student Committee is up and running, and there’s still time for 7th and 8th graders to get involved. The interest meeting is this Wednesday, October 7, Second Block, 3:30–4:30 PM. Students can share if they’re planning to attend the interest meeting at this link.
This year the committee is working on Capitol Day in Richmond, where students will have an opportunity to engage with state legislators, and National PTA's Legislative Conference and Capitol Hill advocacy in March. Students can also speak on PTA panels in front of parents, help with Reflections, the national PTA arts program, and volunteer on other PTA projects throughout the year. We're specifically looking for co-chairs and a student with real experience to help with the website. Students can earn documented FCPS volunteer service hours for their volunteer work with the PTA.
Student membership is free and separate from parent membership. When signing up, please use your student's name but provide a parent email address. Student email addresses cannot be added to Givebacks, and we need to be able to communicate directly with parents, particularly for activities that require parent permission, such as Capitol Day and the National PTA Legislative Conference.
Sign up for student membership at https://lmsptacommvp.givebacks.com/shop or email president.ptalms@gmail.com with questions.
→ Save the Date: Next PTA Meeting
Monday, November 10 | 5:30 PM | Longfellow Lecture Hall
Our next PTA meeting will be followed by a parent information session from 6:00–6:45 PM on Stress, Anxiety, Executive Functioning and Organization.
PARENT INFORMATION
McLean High School Football Games
Please remember that middle school students must be accompanied by an adult to attend McLean High School varsity football games. Students should also bring their school ID. Students who arrive without an ID and without an accompanying adult will not be admitted.
🎉 Celebra EL MES DE HERENCIA HISPANA en Fiesta Hispana McLean! 🎉
Join the Spanish Honor Society and Hispanic Heritage Club for our biggest event of the year! Enjoy food, music, games, and time to share and celebrate the cultures represented in our school community. Come with your family and friends and help us pack the house! We want to make this the best Fiesta yet! We encourage anyone that is interested to bring an authentic dish or perform a song, dance, poem, etc (we will provide service hours!). Admission is $5 for Longfellow students and families and free for students who bring food or perform! Contact alpituch@fcps.edu if interested.
Applications Open Today, 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.
7th & 8th Grade Haunted Masquerade Is Back!
The popular middle school dances at the Old Firehouse are returning for 7th and 8th graders! Given the surge in popularity of the 5th/6th grade dances, OFC is giving a 7th/8th grade dance a trial run this fall.
Saturday, October 24 | 6–9 p.m.
Old Firehouse, McLean
$25 MCC district residents | $35 non-residents | $15 OFC ASP members
Activity No. 4602.226
The Haunted Masquerade will feature a live DJ, open dance floor and light refreshments.
More than 100 of the 250 tickets have already been sold, so grab yours before they’re gone!
REGISTER HERE
Understanding the FCPS Calendar
Help your child prepare for future success by encouraging them to develop positive attendance habits. Regular attendance supports learning and helps students stay on track for college, careers, and other opportunities after graduation.
Take a look at the FCPS calendar. Try your best to schedule any vacations or planned family events on weekends and school holidays. If the appointment needs to be during the school day, when possible, schedule it for the beginning or end of the day to minimize time missed.
If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, please report the absence to our school as early as possible. Find out how to report an absence on our homepage or call the front office.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please let us know. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers
FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.
Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
• Franklin Middle: Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
• Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
• Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.
Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find a meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.
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, 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
• Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Join a workshop for parents and caregivers to:
• Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
• Use the results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
• Support your child’s social and emotional development.
• Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Skyview High School and Wednesday, October 21, at Kingstowne Regional Library. View additional dates on the FCPS Family Academy webpage.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
McLean High School Munchkin Preschool now Accepting Enrollment for SY 26-27
cLean High School Munchkin Preschool is now accepting applications for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds who are ready for a positive start to their educational journey. We are dedicated to supporting each child’s early educational needs through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences in a nurturing environment. Our affordable program meets every other day for two hours, offering children the skills, confidence, and foundation they need to begin school successfully. Tuition is $350.00 for the entire school year. The program runs October through Mid-May. Visit our website for more information and how to apply.
Contact Linda Gore at McLean High School 703-714-5834 for more information.
Link: https://mcleanmunchkinpreschool.godaddysites.com
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.
|
