February 13, 2026

Happy Friday, Panthers!

What an incredible day at LHMS!

Today, we celebrated well over 600 Panthers who earned Honor Roll — and many have now earned it every quarter thus far. That is not luck. That is focus. That is discipline. That is excellence becoming a habit.

To our parents who showed up to celebrate with us — thank you!  Your presence made the moment even more powerful. The behaviors we want repeated — like strong grades, perseverance, and academic commitment — must be praised. And let’s be honest… everybody loves a little praise!

A few important reminders:There is no school for students on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents' Day, and Tuesday, February 17, 2026 is a Teacher Workday. Enjoy the extended weekend and make it count!  When students return on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, it will be a “gray” day — bells 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8.

On Thursday, February 19, we’re inviting everyone—staff and students—to participate in our countywide Tropical Day! Break out the summer gear as we speak spring into existence. Let’s brighten the building with positive energy and vibrant colors!

I hope to see you Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. for our Choral Concert right here at LHMS in the Lecture Hall. Come out and support our talented Panthers! 

Take good care. Stay warm.  And again, Happy Valentine's Day! 

With Panthers in mind,
Principal Mizell

IMPORTANT DATES President's Day/Student Holiday: Monday, February 16, 2026 Teacher Workday/No School: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Chorus Concert: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m in LHMS Lecture Hall

STUDENT SERVICES

Social-Emotional Learning

This week in Flex, students participated in a career exploration activity.  They learned about careers that matched their interests and completed a survey to help us connect them with Career Day speakers that match their interests. 

26-27 Course Selection Process

Planning for the 26-27 school year is underway! Parents are encouraged to review our LHMS Academic Advising website to review course offerings and important dates. 

Rising 9th grade: All rising 9th graders have started to select their courses. Students who are zoned for South Lakes will meet with their SLHS counselor on February 19-24 to finalize their course selections. Please review the Herndon High School and South Lakes High School websites for additional details.  Information about the high school transfer process can be found here: FCPS Transfer Process.

Rising 8th grade: All 8th graders will meet with their LHMS counselor to review their course selections.  Students inputted course selections into a  Google form in Schoology.  This form is only accessible to students via their FCPSSchools.net account. Parents are encouraged to ask their child to see their form.  Students may edit the form through February 27, 2026.  All course selections are due on February 27, 2026.  Please reach out to your child’s counselor with questions.

Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs

Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school. The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance. 

Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day

Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Join the LHMS SCA on Wednesday March 25^th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for I See Me In Reston! The Panther community will come together to celebrate the many wonderful cultures that make Reston our home. Join us for a celebration featuring food, art, music and more!

Sign up to add a dish to our Community Potluck Table!

See you there!

LANGSTON HUGHES MIDDLE SCHOOL - PTA

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

This is for students only:

A South Lakes High School Football Interest Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18th at 3:30 with Coach Hescock in the Hughes Gym. Please click the link to sign up! https://forms.gle/p6JViHZBcgyQgKVu9

Registration for the Carcassonne Tournament- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegjo540M_HrLEE6HSetVu4FDaWFAYzHkdQO0NqT_YkILzajg/viewform?usp=header

It’s not too late to join a club!  Join the fun after school. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkDtOVASo9Dvoamwm4h56r84B5gWzoR6dX6iawunMiU/edit?tab=t.0