|
Dear Lancer Families:
This week is our teacher appreciation week. Thank you to those of you who have donated time, money, and other things to celebrate our amazing staff members. Consider sending a note or an email or having your students send notes/emails to teachers and staff members to let them know how much they are appreciated. We could not do what we do here at Longfellow without our dedicated staff members. A heartfelt note often goes a long way of having staff feel recognized and valued.
This week we are also starting our spring SOL testing schedule. The reading SOL will take place on Tuesday, May 5th. The math SOL is on Thursday, May 7th. And the science SOL (8th grade students only) will be on Wednesday, May 13th. If at all possible, please do not schedule appointments for those three days. Also, be sure students get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast for SOL days so they can do their best. Finally, if you have not yet given permission to have your student retake an SOL if they are within the retake range, look for an email from me with directions on how to document your preference in ParentVue.
Next Thursday, May 14th we will be hosting a dance during our after-school program. The dance is free to all students. Concessions will be available for sale during the dance. All other after-school activities are canceled for that day. We are also beginning to plan for our end of year events in June including career day, yearbook distribution, the 8th grade party, field day, and our end of year awards ceremony. Please continue checking this newsletter for updates regarding end of year events as we will be sharing more details closer to these dates.
As always, I appreciate your ongoing partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week.
Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
May
5 SOL - Reading
5 Night of Percussion @ McLean HS 7:00p
6 AVID Snack Sales (Cash only) 2:15pm
7 SOL - Math
9 Track Meet @ Marshall HS
13 SOL - Science
14 After School Dance 2:30-4:30
16 Track Meet @ Oakton HS
21 Last Day for After School Activities
25 Holiday-Memorial Day
26 Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
27 Holiday-Eid Al-Adha
29 Spring Orchestra Concert @ McLean HS 7:00pm
30 Track Championship @ Robinson
Bell Schedule
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
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 also available.
LMS Career Day 2026
Do you have a job you love? A unique career path? We want to hear from YOU!
We are looking for enthusiastic parents, family members, and community partners to speak at LMS Career Day on the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2026 (exact time TBD). No teaching experience is required – just a passion for what you do and a willingness to engage with our curious Lancers!
Interested? Please complete this Google Form.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
School Dance-May 14th
We are excited to host our "Carnival" themed school dance! The event will feature games, prizes, competitions, and plenty of dancing.
-
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
-
Cost: Free for all students.
All other afterschool clubs and activities are cancelled for this day so everyone can join the fun. Late buses will be available that day.
The last day for the after-school program is Thursday, May 21st.
Dance Team Clinic
Rising 9th grade students are invited to attend a dance clinic hosted by the McLean Dance Team on Monday, May 11th from 3:30-4:30PM. The clinic mirrors the tryout process and is a great opportunity for interested dancers. No sign up is required.
Debate Team Results
Congratulations to Jayden Lam and Aidan Xuan, who placed 5th at the Middle School Tournament of Champions, hosted by the University of Kentucky. This is a national and international competition with 228 middle school teams, and Jayden and Aidan locked in over 10 rounds (and even bested the top seeded player in one round!) to reach the quarterfinals. We are so proud of our Longfellow debaters.
Model UN Results
ongfellow Model UN wrapped up an incredibly successful season with a great competition at Washington-Liberty this weekend. While there are no delegation awards available, the following students received individual awards:
- Outstanding Delegate Award: Nayva Sahay, Min Kim, Veronica Mei and Ian Boyd
- Honorable Delegate Award: Joshua Sun
- Verbal Commendations: Shivum Ghandi
In all, Longfellow Model UN received 3 delegation awards, and 35 individual awards, including 11 best delegate awards this year. Congratulations to the entire Model UN team on a very successful year.
MathCounts Results
Several of our MathCounts team members competed at the Carderock Math Competition this past weekend. The team of Youyi Cao, Zelman Zhang, Henry Yang, and Seui Ahn placed SECOND overall. Youyi Cao was the only girl to make it to the Countdown Rounds and also placed THIRD as an Individual in the Carderock Competition.
Track and Field Result
Click on the links below to view the results from the track and field meets.
April 25th Meet
May 2 Meet
LONGFELLOW PTA
LEVEL UP Teacher Appreciation Week is here!
Thank you to the 68 families who have contributed $2700 through Givebacks! No further parent volunteers are needed. Students can best participate on Wednesday as described below.
| DAY |
LEVEL & THEME |
DETAILS |
| Monday |
LEVEL 1: Choose Your Player |
Teachers pick a motivational pin to wear all week and enjoy snacks from Stock the Lounge donations. |
| Tuesday |
LEVEL 2: Minecraft Chicken Jockey Lunch |
Teachers enjoy lunch from Chicken Salad Chick. |
| Wednesday |
LEVEL 3: Sugar Rush (Optional Student Participation Day)
|
Teachers enjoy candy and snacks provided by the Admin team. Students who wish to participate may send a note, card, flowers, or another small gesture of appreciation.
|
| Thursday |
LEVEL 4: Ice Cream Treat Day |
Teachers enjoy ice cream. |
| Friday |
LEVEL 5: Final Level |
Congratulations on making it to Level 5. Teachers enjoy a breakfast to kick off the final day |
Thank you for helping us celebrate our teachers!
Calling all 8th Grade Parents/Guardians
It’s time to start planning the 8th-grade party! The end-of-middle-school party for the 8th graders is scheduled for June 12th from 6pm – 8pm, at Longfellow. For this event to take place, the PTA needs parent/guardian volunteers to plan and chaperone the event. Volunteer commitments are needed by May 4th. If there are not sufficient volunteers, this year's 8th-grade party will not take place. Please sign up here to volunteer to plan and/or chaperone, Volunteer for 8th Grade Party
PARENT INFORMATION
FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS.
This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.
Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
MOJO Elite Summer Volleyball
As the school year winds down and students look forward to summer, we’re excited to offer a fun, active opportunity to keep them engaged right here in the McLean community.
MOJO Elite Volleyball Club is hosting our Summer League this June, designed for athletes of all experience levels. Whether students are brand new to the sport or already have some experience, this league provides a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and compete.
Participants will meet two evenings per week throughout June, giving them the chance to:
· Build fundamental volleyball skills through structured practice
· Apply those skills in a fun and competitive game setting
· Stay active and connected with peers at the start of summer break
The league will be led by MOJO Elite Director Maddy Kogler, along with our experienced coaching staff, all of whom are passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment for young athletes.
This program is a great way for students to:
· Try a new sport in a low-pressure setting
· Develop confidence and teamwork skills
· Stay physically active after the school year ends
*Link to website here.
Join McLean Color Guard
• No experience required
• No team cuts
• State Champs!
• Everyone Welcome!
Clinic dates:
• May 5
• May 7
• May 12
• May 14
• 3:30-5:30 @ McLean High School
Try it out before sign up May 8th. Meet in band room (Immediate left from front entrance)
Contact Us - mcleanguard@gmail.com
Follow us! @mcleanhsguard
|
