October 9, 2026
Happy Friday, Panthers!
This spring, we learned that Langston Hughes Middle School earned full accreditation by meeting Virginia’s operational and compliance standards.
Now, I’m elated to share even bigger news: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has recognized LHMS as DISTINGUISHED—the highest category in the School Performance and Support Framework!
This recognition means our school is exceeding the state’s expectations in areas such as student achievement, growth, and readiness. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our students and staff, along with the unwavering support of you, our amazing families and community. We could not have done it without you. Thank you, Panther Families! We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together!
Our Fall Festival is just around the corner! Join us Wednesday, October 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for Trunk or Treat, food, games, and a costume contest. Host a trunk with your family and friends by completing the Trunk or Treat Sign-Up. You can also support the event by donating through our Langston Hughes SCA Wishlist. Food and drinks are free! Come join the fun!
A reminder: There is no school for students on Monday, October 12. It is a teacher workday.
Have a GREAT weekend; you deserve it!
Principal Mizell
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, October 12: Indigenous Peoples’ Day (student holiday)
Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 23: Book Fair in the LHMS Library
Wednesday, October 21: Fall Festival 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 28 & Thursday, October 29: Picture Day
Friday, October 30: Last Day of the 1st Quarter (two-hour early release for students)
Monday, November 2 & Tuesday, November 3: No school for students
STUDENT SERVICES
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
This week, our LHMS counseling team facilitated bullying prevention lessons for all students. Panthers discussed the important role bystanders play and how each student’s choices can help prevent bullying. Through thoughtful conversations about real-life scenarios, students committed to taking action to build a safer, more welcoming school community.
We will continue celebrating unity on National Unity Day, Wednesday, October 21. We invite all students to wear orange as a symbol of our shared commitment: When Panthers unite, we all shine bright!
IMMUNIZATION EVETS FOR FCPS STUDENTS
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available.
TJHSST APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 5
 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.
THE BOOK FAIR IS COMING SOON!
The LHMS Book Fair is back! The fair runs October 19 to October 23 from 7:30am to 3:00pm in the LHMS library. Hours will be extended until 7:00pm on October 21, during our Fall Fest. You will find a wide variety of middle grade and YA books, perfect for readers in grades 6-9. Please come enjoy and shop!
ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAM REFERRALS
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.
AFTERSCHOOL 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!
LANGSTON HUGHES MIDDLE SCHOOL - PTA
The Reflections Contest is open for submissions! Get more information and submit your entry here.
Join us and be part of something meaningful!
The PTA is a great way to stay informed, make your voice heard, and help shape a positive school experience for all our students. Join the LHMS PTA today!
2026-2027 PTA Meeting Dates
Mark your calendars now: November 9, December 7, January 11, February 8, March 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)
Our annual Fall Festival is coming soon!
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
Support Our AVID Fundraiser!
The AVID program is selling official White House Ornaments for $25. Funds directly support AVID students by paying for field trips and Scholar Awards. 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. Get yours today- there are only 40 left! White House Ornament Pre-Order Form
FCPS NEWS
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.
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.
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.
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual sessions will take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join a session. Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@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:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
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:
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Franklin Middle: Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
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Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
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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 meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.
 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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