FCPS

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February 21, 2025

 

Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

Our Rising 8th Grade Curriculum Night and Winter-Coat Giveaway were a HUGE success!   Thank you to those who supported!   Our rather talented Drama Department will present Matilda this upcoming week.  See the flyer in this NYC. Get your ticket here!   I hope to see you there!

In addition, mark your calendars:  Join us on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:30 p.m. for our Read Across America jazz-infused event, featuring author Kwame Alexander and jazz bassist, Amy Shook.  Click here for more information or see the flyer in this NYC.

Please note that we will be sharing Quarter 3 Attendance Report Cards February 28th - March 7th.  Again, all families will receive these reports periodically throughout the school year. They provide a clear snapshot of your child's attendance record and how it compares to their previous year’s profile.  If you want to opt out, contact our dean, Ms. Brittanye Mohrbacher, at [email protected].

Finally, continue to monitor your child’s academic progress and attendance via ParentVUE and internet usage via Lightspeed. As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Take good care! 

Principal Mizell

2025-26 Course Selection  (please include image)

This past week our 7th and 8th grade students met with counselors to select their courses for the 2025-26 school year.  Counselors will continue individual academic advising meetings with students through next week.  Parents/Guardians should review student’s course selections in ParentVUE by clicking the “Course Request” tab shown here.  Paper copies of course requests will not be sent home.  Parents must have a ParentVUE account to review selections.  To request a change to your student’s course requests or to get assistance with your ParentVUE account, please email your student’s LHMS counselor.  LHMS counselors will process changes for both 7th and 8th grade students.  All change requests must be submitted by March 11.  Please visit our LHMS Academic Advising website to learn more about course options and details.

Academic Advising Presentations

The following presentations are now posted on our LHMS Academic Advising website.  

• Rising 8th Grade Curriculum Night
• South Lakes IB Night

High School Curricular Transfer

FCPS accepts online student transfer applications for the upcoming school year from February 1 through June 1. Transfer requests must be submitted each year.  The exact submission dates, which vary according to the type of request, are listed below: 

• New High School Curricular : February 1 – May 1, 2025
• Renewals: February 15 – Apr 1, 2025

2025 FCPS Summer Learning

FCPS Summer Learning opportunities are now posted on the Summer Learning site.  Registration is open now through June 6, 2025.  If you have questions about summer courses, please contact your student’s LHMS counselor. 

SEL Spring Screener

The spring Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to all students on Monday, March 24, 2025 during 4th period Flex.   The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Click here to learn more about the SEL Screener.  Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window. Our LHMS Student Services Team is available to discuss results with families.  If you would like to opt your student out of the SEL screener, you may opt out using the Parent Digital Consent System by Monday, March 17, 2025. Use your ParentVUE credentials to log into the system.  If you need a paper opt out form, please email your student’s counselor.  Opt outs must be completed annually.

If you have any questions about the SEL Screener, please contact out testing coordinator, Lesley Boger at [email protected].

2025 FCPS Family Summit

Join us March 15, 2025, at South Lakes High School to ensure the safety, support, and inclusion of every member of our FCPS school community. This event is free and open to all families, educators, and community members. Childcare provided.  Please help us plan, register today! For more information visit our website.

Career Day is April 25, 2025

We are planning for our 2025 Career Day and we welcome the support of our Panther families!  Please consider joining us as a Career Day speaker; all careers are welcome!  Career Day is Friday, April 25 from 7:45am to 9:45am. Please see the flyer below or the Career Day Speaker registration form for more information.  Contact Lea Fadden with questions.

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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February 14, 2025

 

Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

February is a time to honor and celebrate the rich contributions and achievements of African Americans. I encourage you to take this opportunity not only to reflect on these accomplishments but also to celebrate them throughout the year. As February is also a month filled with love, friendship, and positive energy, I want to take a moment to wish our entire Panther family a Happy Valentine’s Day!

We are off to a strong start in the second semester! Our focus remains on fostering a positive school climate and ensuring the best possible learning environment for all students. The safety of our students and staff, along with high-quality instruction and meaningful learning experiences, remain our top priorities. At Langston Hughes Middle School, we are committed to helping every student succeed. The partnership between home and school is essential to student success, so we encourage families to continue monitoring their child’s attendance and academic progress via ParentVUE. 

 Upcoming Events:

• Rising 8th-Grade Curriculum Night has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 18th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. This event is designed to provide families with important information as students transition into 8th grade. If you haven’t already, please RSVP here. We look forward to seeing you!
• Winter Coat Giveaway – Thanks to Stohlman Subaru and Kids R First, we are hosting a Winter Coat Giveaway at Langston Hughes Middle School on Wednesday, February 19th, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Brand-new coats will be available for students in need on a first-come, first-served basis in the cafeteria. Please enter through Door 10 via the patio entrance. Should you have questions, contact Brianna Smalls, School Social Worker, at [email protected].
• School Closure Reminder – School will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Please plan accordingly.

Finally, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we make Langston Hughes Middle School a place where students thrive!

Be well!  Be safe! Be helpful!

Principal Mizell

Rising 8th Grade Course Selection

LHMS Counselors will visit 7th grade classrooms the week of February 18 to help students select courses for the 2025-26 school year.  The course selection form is posted on our LHMS Academic Advising website for your review: Rising 8th Grade Course Selection Sheet.  Students will complete their course selection form in class and counselors will input selections into SIS.  Parents and students may view course requests through ParentVUE or StudentVUE by clicking the ‘Course Request’ tab.  Requests for changes must be submitted by a parent/guardian, via Google form that will be shared with families after the initial course request window has been completed.  If you have any questions about the academic advising process, please contact your student’s LHMS school counselor. 

Rising 9th Grade Course Selection

South Lakes counselors will meet with 8th grade students the week of February 18 to help students select their courses for the 2025-26 school year.  Counselors will input student course requests directly into SIS.  Parents and students may view course requests through ParentVUE or StudentVUE by clicking the ‘Course Request’ tab.  Course request changes must be submitted by March 11 by emailing your student’s current LHMS counselor. Please visit the South Lakes Academic Advising website for more information about courses. 

Social Emotional Learning

This week during our SEL lesson students reviewed the significance of their GPA (Grade Point Average); they also calculated their second quarter GPA. Additionally, they reflected on the progress they made on the goal they created in the first quarter.  Ask your student about their goal and if they were successful in reaching that goal.  If not, ask your student about challenges they are facing and brainstorm ways that they can overcome barriers.

 

Career Day is April 25, 2025

We are planning for our 2025 Career Day and we welcome the support of our Panther families!  Please consider joining us as a Career Day speaker; all careers are welcome!  Career Day is Friday, April 25 from 7:45am to 9:45am. Please see the flyer below or the Career Day Speaker registration form for more information.  Contact Lea Fadden with questions.

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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February 7, 2025

 

Dear Langston Hughes Family:

We have officially completed the first semester, marking the halfway point of the 2024-2025 academic year! Today, all students received a hard copy of their report cards in their backpacks for your review.

We invite our rising 8th-grade parents to join us for Curriculum Night on Tuesday, February 11th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. This event is specifically designed to provide valuable information for families of students transitioning into 8th grade.  If you have not done so, you can rsvp here. See you there!

Next week, we will take a moment to recognize and express our appreciation for our dedicated School Resource Officer, Officer Roque, and our Security Team, Mr. Jhonny De Souza and Mr. Tulio Bautista. Their commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment is truly invaluable.

Reminder: School will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Please plan accordingly.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Warm regards,

Principal Mizell

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

The 1st semester is in the books, so mark your calendars:   Our 2nd Quarter Honor Roll Celebration will be Friday, February 7th.  Students on honor roll families should have received a google-form RSVP today. See flyer in this NYC for more information.  

 

On Tuesday evening, we hosted our first annual Spelling Bee.  We had 31 participants.   Congratulations to our Spelling Bee Champions. 

(Left to right)

1st Place:     Heidi Gocong

2nd Place:   James Jordan

3rd Place:    Alyssa Nielsen

Heidi will proudly represent LHMS in the countywide Bee on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Lake Braddock Secondary at 2 p.m.

This coming week, February 3 – 7, 2025, we celebrate our sensational school counselors, social worker, and psychologist.    They show up every day helping our Panthers thrive, and we are truly grateful!  

Finally, our PTA meeting is Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. in our school’s library; see you there! 

Take good care!

Principal Mizell

Counselor Appreciation Week: February 3-7

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for the future. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, school-wide programs, or individual counseling.  We are truly grateful for our wonderful counselors, Ms. Bach, Mr. Blocker, Ms. Evins, and Ms. Fadden, along with Social Worker, Brianna Smalls and Psychologist, Melissa Norris.  If you would like to share a message of appreciation for our Student Services team, please complete this form: LHMS School Counselor Appreciation Week 2025.  We are planning an “Appreciation Breakfast” for our team; if you would like to contribute, please contact Marissa Brooks at [email protected].

South Lakes IB Information Night

South Lakes High School is excited to invite the parents of Langston Hughes students to learn more about the IB programs at South Lakes – the IB Middle Years, Career-Related, and Diploma Programs.  IB Information Night will be Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the SLHS cafeteria.  

2025-2026 Academic Advising

Academic advising for the 2025-26 academic year is underway!  Please visit our LHMS Academic Advising website for detailed information regarding deadlines, course descriptions, and more.  Each student will meet with their counselor to discuss course selections.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to start talking to their students about what classes they are interested in taking next year.  Considerations should include: student interests and passion, along with strengths and aptitude.  Please contact your student’s LHMS counselor if you have any questions.  

Academic Advising Calendar

Rising 8th Grade Curriculum Night (RSVP)

February 11, 6:00pm-7:30pm @ LHMS

Rising 8th Grade Academic Advising Lessons and Individual Student-Counselor Meetings

February 18-21 (Science classes)

Rising 9th Grade Individual Student-Counselor Meetings with South Lakes Counselors

February 18-21 (Science classes)

FCPS High School Curricular Transfer 

Application opens: February 1

Application closes: May 1 

 

Help review forthcoming K-12 math instructional materials! 

Apply by February 5: FCPS is considering the next K-12 math basal (instructional) materials, during a review and adoption process happening early in 2025. School Board Members can each appoint one resident to participate in this important work of reviewing and providing input to staff to guide the selection of math. If you would like to apply for appointment by School Board Hunter Mill Representative Melanie Meren, the form is here, and due by February 5. For more information about this process, please see this link.  Also note that the adoption process includes a 30-day public review period of identified materials, where anyone is welcome to examine potential materials and contribute input to the School Board and Superintendent. 

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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January 24, 2025

 

Dear Team Langston Hughes:

It’s an exciting time to be a Panther!  As we approach the end of the 1st semester, we want to share a few important updates:

End of the 2nd Quarter and 1st Semester: Tuesday, January 28th marks the conclusion of the 2nd marking period and the 1st semester. Please ensure your child has submitted all assignments. Grades for this quarter should not come as a surprise, as we continue to work together—using SIS ParentVUE—to closely monitor student progress and support academic success.

Schoolwide Spelling Bee: We are thrilled to host our first schoolwide Spelling Bee on Tuesday, January 28th, at 6:00 p.m. in our Lecture Hall. Join us in celebrating and supporting our top spellers! The winner of this event will proudly represent LHMS in the countywide Bee on Sunday, March 23rd, at 2:00 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School.

Teacher Workday Reminder: Please note that Wednesday, January 29th, is a Teacher Workday. There will be no school for students on this day. We encourage families to plan accordingly.

Laptop-Use Guidelines: We have observed an increase in gaming, messaging, and tampering with school-issued laptops. To maintain a productive learning environment, we kindly ask families to discuss the importance of adhering to schoolwide and FCPS guidelines for technology use.

Teachers have been directed to complete a Support Form for incidents involving inappropriate laptop use, such as gaming, messaging, or other off-task behaviors. The administration and tech team will confiscate devices used improperly. Parents will be notified, and students will receive a temporary loaner device with limited access or paper copies of assignments as needed.

To support this effort, we encourage families to sign up for weekly Lightspeed reports. This tool provides valuable insights into your child’s internet activity on their FCPS device.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we strive to ensure a safe and focused learning environment for all students.

Take care,

Principal Mizell

Counselor Appreciation Week: February 3-7

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, school-wide programs, or individual counseling.  We are truly grateful for our wonderful counselors, Ms. Bach, Mr. Blocker, Ms. Evins, and Ms. Fadden.  Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

South Lakes IB Information Night

South Lakes High School is excited to invite the parents of Langston Hughes students to learn more about the IB programs at South Lakes – the IB Middle Years, Career-Related, and Diploma Programs.  IB Information Night will be Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the SLHS cafeteria.

2025-2026 Academic Advising

Academic advising for the 2025-26 academic year is underway!  Please visit our LHMS Academic Advising website for detailed information regarding deadlines, course descriptions, and more.  Each student will meet with their counselor to discuss course selections.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to start talking to their students about what classes they are interested in taking next year.  Considerations should include: student interests and passion, along with strengths and aptitude.  Please contact your student’s LHMS counselor if you have any questions.  

Academic Advising Calendar

Rising 8th Grade Curriculum Night - RSVP

February 11, 6:00pm-7:30pm @ LHMS

Rising 8th Grade Academic Advising Lessons and Individual Student-Counselor Meetings

February 18-21 (Science classes)

Rising 9th Grade Individual Student-Counselor Meetings with South Lakes Counselors

February 18-21 (Science classes)

FCPS High School Curricular Transfer 

Application opens: February 1

Application closes: May 1 

 

Help review forthcoming K-12 math instructional materials! 

Apply by February 5: FCPS is considering the next K-12 math basal (instructional) materials, during a review and adoption process happening early in 2025. School Board Members can each appoint one resident to participate in this important work of reviewing and providing input to staff to guide the selection of math. If you would like to apply for appointment by School Board Hunter Mill Representative Melanie Meren, the form is here, and due by February 5. For more information about this process, please see this link.  Also note that the adoption process includes a 30-day public review period of identified materials, where anyone is welcome to examine potential materials and contribute input to the School Board and Superintendent. 

 

Art Department Showcase: It is time for the Art Department to start planning for our annual Pyramid Shows! The details of each show are below:

Elementary & Middle – Youth Art Month Show runs March 3 – March 31. Opening reception on March 9 from 1-5 pm at RCC Lake Anne

Middle & High – Runs February 27 – March 31. Opening reception March 5 from 6-8 pm at RCC Hunters Woods

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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January 17, 2025

 

Greetings, Team Langston Hughes: 

Because of you, our 7th-Grade Curriculum Night was a HUGE success!  We will host the same open-house style format for our Rising 8th Graders on Tuesday, February 11th from 6 – 7:30 p.m., so mark your calendars.  While an RSVP is not required, it does help with our planning: RSVP. Here are a few reminders as we bring the 2nd-quarter to a close:

• Monday, January 20th – NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
• Wednesday, January 29th – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS – Teacher Workday.   Plan accordingly!  
• Make sure you are monitoring your child’s grades and attendance. The second marking quarter ends Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The gradebook tab in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be temporarily closed as teachers finalize grades and prepare report cards.  The closure will be from Tuesday, January 28 at 4:00 p.m. through Tuesday, February 4 at 6:00 a.m.  Please encourage your student to address any outstanding assignments or questions with teachers before the closure. If you have any concerns about their academic progress, please don't hesitate to contact their teachers or school counselor to discuss necessary support.
• The third quarter/second semester begins on January 30.  Second semester schedules will be available in StudentVUE on Wednesday, January 29 at 4:00 p.m. Paper schedules will also be provided to all students.  If students are taking semester classes, their new classes will begin on January 30.  For some students taking semester classes, their HPE class period may change in order to accommodate their second semester elective. Student schedules are set, and we do not make schedule changes during the school year other than for academic reasons.
• Our first schoolwide Spelling Bee is Tuesday, January 28th at 6 p.m. in our Lecture Hall.  Classroom winners have been identified!  The winner of this Bee will represent our school in the countywide Bee on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Lake Braddock Secondary School.   
• For Rising 9th Graders ONLY:  College Partnership Program (CPP) Application is Open!  CPP is a program for rising 9th-grade students.  The goal of the CPP is to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access and opportunity, and support students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses.  The mission of CPP is to provide students with equitable access to postsecondary opportunities and activities necessary for college and career readiness.  Thee CPP Application link below is for student access only.  Students should be able to access the applicaiton while loggged into their FCPS account.  
• Applications are due February 28, 2025: CPP Application.
• For more information, visit the FCPS CPP Website. 
• Questions:   Contact Mr. Mark Blocker, school counselor, at [email protected].

And, remember, we are Langston Hughes Middle – where awesome is the new normal!   Take good care!

 

Principal Mizell

2025-2026 Academic Advising

Academic advising for the 2025-26 academic year is underway!  Please visit our LHMS Academic Advising website for detailed information regarding deadlines, course descriptions, and more.  Each student will meet with their counselor to discuss course selections.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to start talking to their students about what classes they are interested in taking next year.  Considerations should include: student interests and passion, along with strengths and aptitude.  Please contact your student’s LHMS counselor if you have any questions.  

Academic Advising Calendar

Rising 9th Grade Academic Advising Lessons

January 13-17 (Science classes)

Rising 8th Grade Curriculum Night

February 11, 6:00pm-7:30pm @ LHMS

Rising 8th Grade Academic Advising Lessons and Individual Student-Counselor Meetings

February 18-21 (Science classes)

Rising 9th Grade Individual Student-Counselor Meetings with South Lakes Counselors

February 18-21 (Science classes)

FCPS High School Curricular Transfer 

Application opens: February 1

Application closes: May 1 

 

Spring Track

Spring Track kicks off the first week of April.  If your student would like to participate, we encourage you to get a jumpstart on the required paperwork listed below.   Students may not participate until all forms are submitted.  Forms should be turned into the LHMS Main Office, Attention: Mr. Glenn.  Please email Mr. Glenn ([email protected]) if you have questions about Spring Track. Additionally, each student-athlete and a parent/guardian must review the FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Health Education Program.

 Required Forms: 

• FCPS Track and Field Registration Form 
• FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE). 
• The exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant per school year. Please note that the form must be dated on or after May 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year. 
• Emergency Care Card Information 

Student-athletes in FCPS are required to be covered by medical insurance.  If your student is not covered by another plan, parents may want to consider purchasing voluntary student insurance.  

 

Save-the-Dates for the Spring SOLs

All SOL tests will take place at 7:30am.  It is extremely important for students to arrive at school on time. Avoid scheduling appointments or trips on an SOL testing date.  Please contact Lesley Boger (School Test Coordinator) with any questions: [email protected]. 

Date

Test

Grade Level

April 3 

Integrated Reading & Writing 

8th grade

May 8 

Reading

7th and 8th grade

May 14 

Math (all levels)

7th and 8th grade

May 16 

Science

8th grade

 

Social Emotional Learning: This week’s Second Step lesson, your student learned about the power of positive self-talk and strategies for interrupting negative thoughts.

Caregiver activity: During our lesson, students were asked to list things they are good, things that went well during the day, and things that they are grateful for.  Ask your student to share their list with you.  Consider having these questions be part of your routine at home.

 

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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January 10, 2025 

 

Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

Happy, Happy New Year!   I hope you enjoyed winter break and the unexpected snow days and have returned rejuvenated – ready to finish the  24-2025 academic year strong.  Mark your calendars for the following important events:

• Our first PTA meeting for 2025 will be Monday, January 14th at 7 p.m. in our library.   See you there! 
• We hope to see you at the following Curriculum Nights:

 

Who

Date

School

Time

Rising 7th Graders

 Tuesday, January 14

LHMS

6-8 p.m.

Rising 9th Graders

 Wednesday, January 15

 SLHS

6:30-8 p.m.

Rising 9th Graders

 Thursday, January 16

HHS

6:30-8 p.m.

Rising 8th Graders

 Tuesday, February 11

LHMS

6-7:30 p.m.

 

*Pay attention to the school in bold where your child will attend next year

• Teacher Workday:  Wednesday, January 29th – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!  Plan accordingly. 

In addition, our first schoolwide Spelling Bee is Tuesday, January 28th at 6 p.m. in our lecture hall.  Support our top spellers!  The winner of this Bee will represent our school in the countywide Bee.

Finally, next week, we will be MAP (math) and i-ready (reading) testing. Please ensure your child reports with a good night's rest and his/her laptop fully charged.

And remember, we are Langston Hughes Middle – where awesome is the new normal.  Stay warm!  

 

Take good care!

Principal Mizell

Second Quarter Ends January 28 

The second marking quarter ends on January 28, 2025.  Please keep in mind that student grades will be unavailable in ParentVUE and StudentVUE after January 28.  The third quarter/second semester begins on January 30.  Second semester schedules will be available in StudentVUE on Wednesday, January 29 at 4:00 pm. Paper schedules will also be provided to all students.  If students are taking semester classes, their new classes will begin on January 30.  For some students taking semester classes, their HPE class period may change in order to accommodate their second semester elective. Student schedules are set, and we do not make schedule changes during the school year other than for academic reasons.

Academic Advising

School counselors will begin academic advising classroom lessons this month.  Students in both 7th and 8th grade will learn about their 2025-26 course options and high school diploma pathways.  Please visit our LHMS Academic Advising Website for detailed information about courses and deadlines.  Please reach out to your student’s LHMS counselor if you have any questions.

College Partnership Program (CPP) Application is Open!

CPP is a program for rising 9th grade students.  The goal of the CPP is to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access and opportunity, and support students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses.  The mission of CPP is to provide students with equitable access to postsecondary opportunities and activities necessary for college and career readiness. 

Applications are due February 28, 2025: CPP Application

For more information, visit the FCPS CPP Website.  

Questions: Mark Blocker, School Counselor

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

Happy Holidays to each of you and your extended families around the globe!  We are so fortunate to be in a school community that blends many traditions and cultures.  While events, words, and decorations may be different, we can all find common thread in our traditions among family, love, celebrations, and a devotion to giving our students rich, robust, and meaningful learning experiences.

It is exciting to see the joy in the countenances of our students during this holiday season.   Of all the gifts parents/guardians can give their children, the greatest gift of all is quality time.  I encourage each of you to give your child(ren) the gift of extra time:  focused, uninterrupted, one-on-one time.   Put an IOU (I owe you) for a special event or activity in their “stocking.”

Finally, I am truly grateful for the many gifts in my own personal and professional life.  It is a daily joy to come to Langston Hughes Middle School and share in the educating of our students.   I wish all the best as you celebrate the winter break and holidays with family and friends, and may every day of your new year be filled with happiness, success, and prosperity.   And remember, we are Langston Hughes Middle – where AWESOME is the new normal. 

REMINDER:

During Winter Break, the main office will be closed to the public.   

 

Principal Mizell 

 

2025-2026 Academic Advising

Students will begin the process of selecting their 2025-26 classes in January.  Please visit our LHMS Academic Advising website for detailed information regarding deadlines, course descriptions, and more.  Each student will meet with their counselor to discuss course selections.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to start talking to their students about what classes they are interested in taking next year.  Considerations should include: student interests and passion, along with strengths and aptitude.  Please contact your student’s LHMS counselor if you have any questions.

• Rising 9th Grade South Lakes Curriculum Night: January 9 at 6:30pm @ SLHS
• Rising 9th Grade Herndon High School Curriculum Night: January 9 at 6:30pm @ HHS
• Rising 7th Grade Hughes Middle Curriculum Night: January 14 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm @ LHMS
• Early Bird Sessions: 
• 5:00 pm to 5:25 pm: Advanced Academics, IB MYP and Multilingual Learners 
• 5:25 pm to 5:55 pm: Special Education and AVID
• Rising 8th Grade Curriculum Night: February 11 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm @ LHMS

Social Emotional Learning

Our school counseling team visited math classes this week to teach a Bullying Prevention lesson.  Students participated in a discussion about empathy and how to be an upstander, who stands up against bullying.  We continue to reinforce social-emotional learning throughout our school day, as we know that healthy peer relationships and positive interactions are connected to student learning and achievement.  Students were extremely engaged during our lessons and provided authentic examples of how to demonstrate upstanding behavior.

The Parent Project

The Parent Project program is a 10-week course designed to empower families and transform the behavior of teens. This course is free and will be offered at South Lakes starting in January.  Participants will gain valuable tools to help build a positive relationship with their children and explore solutions for active supervision and engagement.  Click here to learn more about the Parent Project and to register.

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

 

Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

Happy Holidays to each of you and your extended families around the globe!  We are so fortunate to be in a school community that blends many traditions and cultures.  While events, words, and decorations may be different, we can all find common thread in our traditions among family, love, celebrations, and a devotion to giving our students rich, robust, and meaningful learning experiences.

It is exciting to see the joy in the countenances of our students during this holiday season.   Of all the gifts parents/guardians can give their children, the greatest gift of all is quality time.  I encourage each of you to give your child(ren) the gift of extra time:  focused, uninterrupted, one-on-one time.   Put an IOU (I owe you) for a special event or activity in their “stocking.”

I am truly grateful for the many gifts in my own personal and professional life.  It is a daily joy to come to Langston Hughes Middle School and share in the educating of our students.   I wish all the best as you celebrate the winter break and holidays with family and friends.  May every day of your new year be filled with happiness, success, and prosperity. 

Finally, as we prepare for the final weeks of 2024, encourage your child(ren) to participate in our Holiday Spirit Week and attend our Snow Ball 2024 Dance.  End 2024 with a bang!  😊   Here is our wish list if you can help make our Snow Ball a success.

REMINDERS:

There will be NO after-school activities or busses Wednesday, December 18 – Friday, December 20th. 

During Winter Break, the main office will be closed to the public.   

 

With Panther Pride,

Principal Mizell 

2025-2026 Academic Advising

Students will begin the process of selecting their 2025-26 classes in January.  Please visit our LHMS Academic Advising website for detailed information about dates and information regarding deadlines, course descriptions, and more!  Here are a few key dates to be aware of:

Rising 9th Grade South Lakes Curriculum Night: January 9 at 6:30pm @ SLHS

Rising 9th Grade Herndon High School Curriculum Night: January 9 at 6:30pm @ HHS

Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night: January 14 from 6pm to 8pm @ LHMS

*Early Bird Sessions: 

Rising 8th Grade Curriculum Night: February 11 from 6pm to 7:30pm @ LHMS

 

Social Emotional Learning

In this week’s Second Step lesson, your student learned to distinguish between helpful thoughts, which are thoughts that can help them make good decisions, and unhelpful thoughts, which are thoughts that can lead to negative decisions.  Family conversation starter: Share with your student about a helpful thought you recently had and the decision you made because of it. 

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11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

Happy Holidays to each of you and your extended families around the globe!  We are so fortunate to be in a school community that blends many traditions and cultures.  While events, words, and decorations may be different, we can all find common thread in our traditions among family, love, celebrations, and a devotion to giving our students rich, robust, and meaningful learning experiences.

It is exciting to see the joy in the countenances of our students during this holiday season.  Of all the gifts parents/guardians can give their children, the greatest gift of all is quality time.  I encourage each of you to give your child(ren) the gift of extra time:  focused, uninterrupted, one-on-one time. Put an IOU (I owe you) for a special event or activity in their “stocking.”

I am truly grateful for the many gifts in my own personal and professional life.  It is a daily joy to come to Langston Hughes Middle School and share in the educating of our students.  I wish all the best as you celebrate the winter break and holidays with family and friends.  May every day of your new year be filled with happiness, success, and prosperity. 

Finally, as we prepare for the final weeks of 2024, encourage your child(ren) to participate in our Holiday Spirit Week and attend our Snow Ball 2024 Dance.  End 2024 with a bang! 😊 Here is our wish list if you can help make our Snow Ball a success.

With Panther Pride,

Principal Mizell 

 

Attendance Report Cards Coming Next Week

We are excited to introduce Attendance Report Cards at Hughes Middle School to promote regular school attendance.

All families will receive these reports periodically throughout the school year. They provide a clear snapshot of your child's attendance record and how it compares to their previous year’s profile.

Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

Does your child resist going to school or refuse to go? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 p.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself in the heat of the moment and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.

 

Advanced Academics

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Ashley Martin ([email protected]) no later than December 15, 2024. Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

 

SEL Screener

In October, students completed a Social Emotional Learning Screener. This screener provides information on their SEL skills such as: achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.  To access individual student SEL Screener results, go to the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the SEL screener, please reach out to your student’s School Counselor: LHMS Counselor Contact Information.

 

Parent Coffee: Social Emotional Learning and Mental Wellness

Please join the Student Services Department on December 16th at 9:00am for a parent coffee! We will discuss the Social Emotional Screener results and share ways to support your student’s mental health. Please RVSP here: Parent Coffee RSVP.  We look forward to seeing you! 

 

Social Emotional Learning: Students have been busy during their Flex period!  During the past few weeks, students reviewed their 1st quarter grades and calculated their GPA.  Students created academic goals and entered them into Naviance.  Naviance is a platform used to help students explore and track their academic and career plans.   Students also learned how to identify emotions, analyzed how emotions affect their thoughts, and how their thoughts can influence the decisions they make. Family conversation starters: Ask your student what their 1st quarter GPA is and what their academic goal is.  Ask your student to explain the difference between an emotion and a thought.

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
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Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

November’s theme “grateful” is most appropriate and timely!  We have much to be grateful for at Langston Hughes Middle School.  This month, we celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans.

Our PTA meeting is Monday, November 25, 2024 at 7 p.m. in our school’s library.  I hope to see you there! 

In addition, be mindful there is NO SCHOOL Wednesday, November 27th – Friday, November 29th.  School will resume on Monday, December 2nd.  Plan accordingly!  And, enjoy the Thanksgiving Break! 

Finally, we are hosting Feathers for Food, a canned food and nonperishable item drive to support the South Lakes Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted from now until Friday, December 6th.

Take good care!

Principal Mizell

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11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

Today, we proudly celebrated over 550+ students who made the Honor Roll for the first grading period.  Keep encouraging your child to strive for excellence!

On Wednesday, November 13th, students received Federal Impact Aid forms. Please ensure the form is returned to your child's 2nd bell teacher by Friday, November 22nd. You also have the option to complete the form electronically through ParentVUE. If you do so, kindly inform your child’s 2nd bell teacher.

Our Spin-the-Wheel Prize Day for students who participated in the schoolwide fundraiser will take place on Friday, November 22nd. Please note that students with an outstanding balance will not be able to participate and will have a $60 financial obligation to the school.

Finally, continue to monitor your child’s grades and attendance on ParentVUE.   Have a terrific weekend! 

Principal Mizell

11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter

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Greetings, Team Langston Hughes:

The 1st quarter is in the books!  Here are some important updates/reminders:

Veteran’s Day:  Be mindful, there is NO SCHOOL Monday, November 11th, Veteran’s Day. 

1st-Quarter Honor Roll Celebration:  Students have been working hard this quarter, and we are eager to honor their accomplishments!  Our All A and A-B Honor Roll Celebration will take place on Friday, November 15.  The 7th-grade assembly will take place from 9:10 a.m. to 9:40 a.m., and the 8th-Grade assembly will take place from 9:50 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.   Parents/Guardians should have received an official invitation today via email and text.  

Military Family Month:  November is National Military Family Month, and LHMS wants to show our appreciation to our military and foreign-service families.  Please help us ensure that we honor everyone by completing this Military Connection form.  November 11, 2024 is Veteran’s Day!  LHMS is saluting all of our military families by creating a Veteran’s Day tree. If you would like to include a photo of a veteran in your family, please have your student deliver it to Ms. Valentine, our Family Liaison, in Student Services or email it directly to [email protected].

Family Engagement Month:  November is National Family Engagement Month!   Research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in their children's education.  Throughout the month, we will provide you with a "Family Engagement Tip of the Week."  Here at LHMS, we place great value on the partnership between home and school, and we are always looking for new effective ways to connect with our families.  In order to provide you with resources and informational events that align with your needs, please consider completing this Parent/Caregiver Survey.

Spelling Bee: We will host our first schoolwide Spelling Bee on Tuesday, January 28th. Each English class will conduct a classroom Bee to select a representative for the schoolwide competition. Students received a list of words over a month ago, so please encourage your child to study and participate. Classroom Bees will take place before Winter Break.

Finally, continue to monitor your child’s grades and attendance in ParentVUE.   Thank you for your continued support!  And, remember, it’s truly a GREAT time to be a LHMS Panther!

With Panther Pride,

Principal Mizell

 

2nd Quarter Flex Classes

As we begin the 2nd marking period, please keep in mind that students’ Flex (4th period) class may change.  This is our advisory period, which we use to provide additional intervention and enrichment opportunities for students.  If your student is placed in an academic support program during Flex, you will receive an E-Notify message.

Thomas Jefferson High School Application is Open

The TJHSST application window is open through Wednesday, November 13th at 4:00pm.  For more information on the application process including eligibility requirements, important dates and the application please visit the TJHSSST Freshman Application Process website.  If you have any further questions, please email our TJHSST Liaison, Karen Bach at [email protected]

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11401 Ridge Heights Rd. Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-715-3600
Attendance: 703-715-3636 | Web | Twitter