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Dear Lancers:
We are beginning our academic advising part of the year where students and families begin thinking about what courses they would like to take in the upcoming school year. Today our 8th grade students got to participate in a McLean High School electives fair where they could learn about electives options for their 9th grade year. Upcoming dates and further information regarding academic advising will be posted on our website as well as shared in our weekly parent newsletter.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful winter break. May you get time to spend with family and friends and hopefully enjoy a slightly slower pace for a couple of weeks. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.
Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 15: Rising 9th Grade McLean HS Electives Fair
December 19: No After School Activities
December 22-
January 2: Winter Break - Office will be closed
Schedule for the next two weeks
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Reporting Student Absences
We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Any day that your child is unable to attend school, parents should report the absence. By reporting absences, families are partnering with our staff so that everyone can make sure students are supported and have access to resources.
Full-day absences can be reported in SIS ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by calling our school attendance line at 703-533-2626. School staff will call parents if students are absent, and our school has not been notified in advance.
Parents can monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home.
For instance, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
McLean High School Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night- January 13, 2026
McLean High School will be holding a Curriculum Night for parents of the class of 2030 (current 8th grade students) at McLean HS on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00pm in the auditorium. The evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 9th grade student with the transition to high school. Topics include getting involved with extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and the registration process for 9th grade courses. We will also have a panel of core teachers sharing information on their content areas. Following the presentation, teachers from various departments will be available to answer questions about 9th grade classes until 7:30pm. Students are welcome to attend; 8th grade students currently enrolled at Longfellow Middle School will receive similar information from McLean High School counselors during the school day on Monday, January 12.
*Snow date: January 20th at 6:00pm, McLean High School Auditorium
Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night - January 14, 2026
Longfellow Middle School will be hosting a Curriculum Night for rising 7th grade families (current 6th grade students) at Longfellow MS on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. This evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 7th grade student with the transition to middle school. Families will have the opportunity to explore elective course offerings and hear from a variety of Longfellow staff about the courses and programs offered to 7th grade students. Students and staff will also be available to answer questions.
If inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
We look forward to welcoming you to Longfellow!
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
We’re excited to celebrate the end of the year with Winter Spirit Week! Students are invited to show their school spirit by participating in the following themed days:
• Monday: Ugly Sweater Day
• Tuesday: Flannel Day
• Wednesday: White Out Day (wear white)
• Thursday: Holiday Hat, Socks, or Headband Day
• Friday: Winter Pajama Day
We are also proud to share that our Science Olympiad team was recently recognized for their outstanding achievement—13 consecutive years as state champions! WTOP interviewed our students and featured their incredible success in a wonderful story. You can read it here.
Finally, please note that there will be NO after-school activities on Friday, December 19. All students should leave the building at the end of the school day. After-school activities will resume when we return from winter break on Monday, January 5.
PARENT INFORMATION
⛄ Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Beginning in January 2026, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
• Current academic strengths and habits.
• Graduation requirements (high school students.
• Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
• Personal well-being.
• Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Are you planning on spending more time with your teen over winter break? Or are they planning to spend time away from you with friends? Now may be a good time to talk to them about fentanyl and overdose.
Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging, no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses.
Prepare in advance with the tips below:
• Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving the car, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
• Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
• Stay patient, and reserve judgment.
• Check in with your child early and often.
Learn how to start an unskippable conversation, and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond.
Longfellow PTA
Holiday Cookie Buffet & Hot Chocolate Bar
In the spirit of the season, the PTA will host a Holiday Cookie Buffet and Hot Chocolate Bar for Longfellow Faculty & Staff on Wednesday, December 17.
As you're doing your holiday baking, please consider contributing your favorite homemade treats (no store-bought, thank you!).
8th Grade students may earn 1 service hour for providing homemade cookies.
Sign Up Here: LMS Cookie Bake 12/17/25
Support Excellence Campaign
We’ve raised $5,000 and counting—thank you! Your gifts support:
• Restoring the Rain Garden & Courtyard
• Recess activities (balls, games & more)
• Classroom supplies for teachers
• Coffee & snacks in teacher workrooms
Donate via Givebacks - every dollar helps.
Membership
We’re at 109 PTA Members — over halfway to our goal!
If you haven’t joined yet, please do. Your membership directly supports our students and staff.
Join via Givebacks today!
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