Principal's Message

November Principal's Message

 

November 6, 2026

 

Happy Friday, Panthers!             

This month, we recognize Native American History Month. We honor Native American communities and thank them for their many contributions to our history, culture, and society.

The first quarter is officially in the books! Grades should be available in ParentVUE on Monday, November 9, for your review. Our Honor Roll Celebration will take place on Friday, November 13. Families of students who earn Honor Roll recognition will receive an RSVP invitation at the “enrolling” parent’s email address.

Next week, during PE classes, teachers will discuss Signs of Suicide (SOS). Suicide is complex and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs and how to seek help can save lives.

Our World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser was a great success. Thank you to all the families who participated! Prize Day is Wednesday, November 11, and the Magic Show is December 2. Students with an outstanding fundraiser balance will not be able to participate in these events. The balance will remain a financial obligation to the school until it is paid.

I hope to see you at our November PTA meeting on Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has served or is currently serving in our armed forces. Happy Veterans Day!

Take good care,

Principal Mizell


Native American Heritage Month

Important Dates

Monday, November 9: PTA Meeting

Wednesday, November 11: Fundraiser Prize Day

Friday, November 13: First Quarter Honor Roll Celebration

Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving Break

Wednesday, December 2: Fundraiser Magic Show


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

Signs of Suicide- 7th Grade Lesson

As a reminder, all 7th grade students will participate in the evidence-based Signs of Suicide (SOS) program November 9–12, 2026, during Health & PE classes. Students will learn to recognize signs of depression and suicide risk, understand that depression is treatable, and how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell a trusted adult) if they are concerned about themselves or a friend. The lesson includes age-appropriate videos, guided discussion, and a brief depression screening to identify students who may benefit from additional support. Families are encouraged to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for more information and resources. If you wish to opt your child out of the lesson, please reach out to your child’s counselor: Ms. Bach (7th grade last name A-L) or Ms. Arnaud (7th grade last name M-Z).

Celebrating Family Engagement Month!

November is Family Engagement Month, a time to celebrate the important role families play in supporting student success. Strong partnerships between home and school help students feel supported, connected, and ready to learn. Family engagement can be as simple as asking your child about their day, talking about what they are learning, checking in on their progress, or encouraging their interests.

Throughout November, we’ll share new events, resources, or simple ideas with our LHMS community to help families stay connected and involved in their child's learning and growth. We hope you'll join us in celebrating the many ways families make a difference!

Consider attending an FCPS Family Café!

The next Family Café will take place on November 10, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Library (7415 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042).

The topic, Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home, will help families learn more about social-emotional learning (SEL) and discover practical ways to support their children's social and emotional growth at home. Register here.

Parent Project Offered in Arabic this Fall

Parent Project is a free, virtual program offered in Arabic on Saturdays at 10:30AM, beginning November 7th. Register here.

Families will learn practical tools to:

  • Build a stronger, positive relationship with their child
  • Address drug use, disruptive behavior, and gang involvement
  • Use active supervision and find concrete solutions to parenting challenges
Family Engagement

Geography Bee

Our school-wide Geography Bee is November 12, after school from 2:30-3:30pm. The competition is open to ALL students, and it's a great opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and show off what you know! This past week, all students participated in a classroom Geography Bee during their U.S. History or Civics class.  Ask your student how it went!  You don't have to be a geography expert to participate. Just bring your curiosity, give it your best shot, and have fun!

📝 How to Join: Student complete the form on Schoology: 26-27 Geography Bee Sign-Up (this will only open by students logged onto their FCPS account).


Student Health Information

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have a serious effect on health and affect every aspect of the child’s life. They are not identified based on weight changes as much as behaviors and attitudes. Signs of eating disorders may differ between males and females and in different age groups.  Often, a young person may not recognize the signs that they might have an eating disorder.  Parents/guardians and family members are in a position to notice behaviors that cause concern.  It is important that a child with an eating disorder be treated early by someone who understands this type of care. Visit the FCPS Eating Disorder webpage for more information. 

If Your Child Shows Signs of a Possible Eating Disorder

If you think your child may be showing signs of a possible eating disorder, please contact your doctor, school nurse, or one of the resources listed below. A child with an eating disorder should be seen by someone who understands the treatment of eating disorders.  The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease where sugar levels in the bloodstream are above normal. It occurs when a person cannot produce (type 1) or properly use (type 2) insulin. When there is not enough insulin or the cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. For more information, visit the FCPS Diabetes webpage, or visit Virginia Department of Health-Diabetes Basics or American Diabetes Association-Safe at School. If you have concerns or questions about diabetes, reach out to a healthcare provider. 


Federal Impact Aid Survey

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

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

  • Military families.
  • Federally connected families.
  • Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the parent that registered the student with FCPS (the ‘enrolling parent’) can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

To access the Impact Aid Form from your computer or mobile device, we recommend using Google Chrome. 

  • Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.
  • Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

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 Events 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. 


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:


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. 


After-School Program

NEW CLUB ALERT!!!!!   

SVT

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.

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.

Reflections Contest

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.


Yearbook

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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