Principal's Message

October 23, 2026

Happy Friday, Panthers!

Thanks to the generosity and support of our school community, our Fall Festival was a tremendous success!  A special thank-you to the parents and businesses who participated in our Trunk or Treat. It was a highlight of the evening for our Panthers. We appreciate you!

Next week, we’ll celebrate Red Ribbon Week and encourage healthy, drug-free choices. Our school counseling team has planned activities throughout the week. Let’s show our Panther pride and commitment to well-being by wearing red on Friday, October 30!

Picture Day is Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29, during PE classes. Pictures will be available for families to review in about two weeks. You can pre-order online. For questions about ordering, contact Vos Photo.

Join us for an outstanding performance by our Chamber Orchestra on Wednesday, October 28, at 7 p.m. at South Lakes High School. Under the direction of Ms. Jimenez-Rodriguez, our orchestras never cease to amaze. We hope to see you there!

The first quarter ends Friday, October 30. Please note that students will be released at 12:15 p.m. that day; plan accordingly. Take time this weekend to check that your student has completed all assignments. Mark your calendar: Our Honor Roll Celebration is Friday, November 13. Families of students receiving this recognition will receive an RSVP invitation.

Have a wonderful weekend, Panthers!

Principal Mizell

IMPORTANT DATES

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

Friday, November 13: First Quarter Honor Roll Celebration

Langston Hughes Middle School Outstanding Employee Awards 26-27

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Hughes Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link:

Hughes Outstanding Employee Awards 26-27

You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category).  All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility categories are as follows:  Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding New Teacher, Outstanding Principal, Outstanding Professional Staff Leader, Outstanding Educational Services Employee, and Outstanding Operational Employee.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 6, 2026. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Duncan-Hudspeth at sdduncanhuds@fcps.edu. 

STUDENT SERVICES

October Events

October is filled with special events designed to unite our school community and reinforce healthy, positive choices.

• Digital Citizenship Week: This past week, students explored the lasting impact of their digital footprints and discussed how to make safe, positive choices online.
• Unity Day (October 21): Students celebrated Unity Day during lunch periods by filling our school "Unity Tree" with leaves featuring encouraging, positive messages.
• Red Ribbon Week (October 26–30): Next week’s theme is Make a Difference, Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free. On Tuesday we will "chalk the walk" with positive messages and wrap up by wearing red on Friday.

Please encourage your children to participate in these activities and use them as natural conversation starters at home about making healthy choices.

Social-Emotional Learning with Second Step

This week’s lesson introduced your child to the If–Then Plan, a strategy for handling obstacles before they arise. They learned how anticipating challenges and planning a response can help them stay on track toward their goals. Family conversation starter: Ask your child to explain what an If–Then Plan is. Work together to create an If–Then Plan for a challenge they might face at home or school.

Encouraging Regular Attendance

Regular attendance is a good habit to establish in childhood. It can lead to greater success in high school, college, and careers. Teachers and students miss your child when they can’t make it to school. If you or your family need support, please reach out to your school's front office. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS website for attendance resources.  

Help Your Student Stay Focused and Engaged Without Digital Distractions

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e., in backpacks) for the duration of the school day: bell to bell. This includes personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices. Students can only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. There are exceptions for students with disabilities and those enrolled in specific courses.  If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the front office. Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy. 

Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App

New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE. For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please contact our Family Liaison, Janessa Valentine at jrvalentine@fcps.edu.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

The Federal Impact Aid Survey will be Available to Complete Online via ParentVUE beginning Monday, October 19, 2026

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.

Fairfax County Public Schools Youth Survey

FCPS Youth Survey 

We will administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey to 8th grade students through their Civics classes on Monday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 17.  The Fairfax County Youth Survey is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12.  The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County’s youth.  You can read more about the survey and the available opt-out process by visiting the FCPS Youth Survey website. 

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. 

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! Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

• 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)

Annual Special Education Family Conference

We Need You!

Register now to attend FCPS’ annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference. 

Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success! 

Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS. 

Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time. 

Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.

Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu. 

School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Wednesday October 28th & Thursday October 29th 2026

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001416968

📧 Questions about Ordering? www.vosphoto.com/contact-us

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Lights On After School Celebration

All middle school students—as well as students who will be attending middle school—are invited to join us for an evening of fun, creativity, and celebration!

Students from Hughes, Herndon, Carson, Cooper, and Longfellow Middle Schools are welcome to attend. Come celebrate our out-of-school programs, including VIP Camp and Teens in Motion. Many of our summer camp and after-school staff will be there to make the evening extra special!

Enjoy:

📍 Carson Middle School
📅 Tuesday, October 27
⏰ 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Bring your energy and get ready for an amazing night!

It’s going to be a blast—don’t miss it!

NEW CLUB ALERT!!!!!   

Meet on Monday's

October 26, November 9, November 23, December 7

LANGSTON HUGHES MIDDLE SCHOOL - PTA

The Reflections Contest is open for submissions! Get more information and submit your entry here.

STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION (SCA)

Langston Hughes MS Spirit Squad is selling Domino's Slice the Price cards to raise money towards new uniforms! For $20 you get buy-one-get-one-FREE large pizzas all year at Domino's. Every card helps us reach our goal — grab yours and share with friends! The sale runs through October 27th. https://dominos.cards/58371?src=social_share

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. 

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:

• 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

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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