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Dear Lancer Families:
This week we are having our next spirit week in honor of our military connected students and families. Today was wear red, white, and blue day. Tomorrow is wear camouflage day. Wednesday is wear purple day, Thursday is wear yellow day, and Friday is wear red day. Additionally, this week our 8th graders will be visiting the FCPS schools they will attend next year.
Tomorrow evening (4/14) are our Longfellow vs. Cooper basketball games at McLean High School. The boys’ game will start at 6 and the girls’ game will start at 7. If your student wants to attend the games, they will need to purchase a $5 ticket today on MySchoolBucks. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Siblings and family members are also welcome to attend with a ticket as long as there is adult supervision for any non-Longfellow students. Concessions will be sold during the game. If you are interested in purchasing concessions, please bring cash as they will be cash only. When you are arriving and leaving McLean HS for the games, please use door 9.
As always, I appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay connected through our website and weekly newsletter. I hope you and your family have a good week and get outside to enjoy the warm weather. I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.
Chris Butzer
Principal
Longfellow MS
UPCOMING EVENTS
April
14 Longfellow vs. Cooper Basketball Game @ 6:00pm
15 Purple Up! Day
15 Battle of the Books @ 6:30pm
21 No School - Election Day
23-25 Spring Musical
30 Community Open House & Math Pathways Night @ 5:30-7:00 pm
Bell Schedule
DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
Purple Up! Day
Longfellow Middle School is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected students in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day!
Longfellow will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. Join the Fun and wear purple on Wednesday, April 15!
School Library Month
In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth.
Longfellow Yearbook Ordering Deadline-April 25
The deadline for ordering a yearbook is 4/25/26 and time is running out.
Head over to https://yearbookordercenter.com/ and use school order # 21584 and complete the order online.
The cost of the Longfellow yearbook is $40.00. If you want to ensure that you get a yearbook, please pre-order online before 04/25/26.
Community Open House & Math Pathways Night
Thursday, April 30, 5:30-7:00pm
Welcome Rising 7th Grade Families
• Math Presentation + Q&A
• Open building + Student ambassador tours
• Meet Principal, PTA & families
• Field time + meet classmates
• Shaved Ice Available onsite
• Pre-Order Pizza & Drinks (by Friday, April 24): https://forms.office.com/r/GCsaVAqB5N
o Cheese $8/ 1-Topping $9 (pepperoni/sausage)
o Soda cans $1/ 2-liters $3.25
*Hosted by the Longfellow Faculty & Staff + Longfellow PTA
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
April Statewide Election: No School for Students
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders
As required by the Code of VA, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend at a Virginia public school.
In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:
• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older;
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
o After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.
Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet (PDF) for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.
Additional Immunization Resources are also available.
Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey.
Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
• Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
• Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Phones Off, Learning On
FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactions with their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:
• Cell phones and personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
• Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-533-2600. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
Longfellow/Cooper Basketball Game
The Longfellow vs. Cooper basketball game will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM at McLean High School. The girls’ game begins at 6:00PM and the boys’ game follows at 7:00PM. Longfellow students must enter the gym through Door 9 (rock entrance). Concessions will be available for sale - cash only.
All students planning to attend must purchase a ticket in advance through MySchoolBucks—no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $5.00. Ticket sales will close on April 13, so be sure to purchase early. Players participating in the game do not need to purchase a ticket. Every student attending must have purchased a ticket. Students may be asked to show proof of receipt.
Parents and younger siblings are welcome to attend; however, all guests must also purchase a ticket. Please note that younger siblings must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. If you have any questions, contact Bindhu Zachariah at bezachariah@fcps.edu
Trivia Night
Get ready for a fun and competitive evening at Trivia Night on Friday, May 1 at 6:00 PM!
Form a team and test your knowledge against for a chance to win prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Teams may include up to four members, and the registration fee is $20 per team. Parents, students, teachers and siblings are welcome to attend. Use the link to register.
Chess Tournament: Saturday, April 25th
The U.S. Chess Center is sponsoring an area wide tournament at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The tournament is open to grades K-12 and includes a premier section for students with OTB rating of 1600+. The entry fee is $10.00 per student, $20.00 for Premier Section. For questions contact admin@chessctr.org. Register at chessctr.org/area-wide.
LONGFELLOW PTA
Teacher Appreciation Week – May 4th – 8th
Donate to TAW and help us say THANK YOU in a big way!
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th-8th, and we’re on a mission to show our incredible educators just how much they mean to us. Every day, they go above and beyond supporting our students in ways that truly make a difference.
The PTA is raising funds to provide thoughtful gifts, treats, and a delicious lunch for our teachers.
If you’re able to contribute, no amount is too small. Together, we can make this week unforgettable and show our gratitude for the dedication and passion our teachers bring to the classroom every day.
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
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.
Volunteers Needed - Lemon Road Elementary Spring Fair
If you are interested in volunteering at the Spring Fair, please sign up here: Lemon Road ES Spring Fair 4.18.26 Volunteer Sign-Up.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
• Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
• Thursday, April 16, at Ravensworth Elementary School (note date change).
• Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
• Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
2026 Special Education Family Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.
McLean High School Sports Physical Night
WHO: All students who plan to play a sport in 2026-2027 school year
WHEN: Thursday, May 28, 2026
TIME: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
WHERE: McLean HS
COST: $50
REGISTER HERE
Fall Sports
If your child is planning on participating in Fall Sports at McLean this upcoming school year, please be advised that Fall Sports will start on Aug 3rd. Students will need a valid physical to be able to participate. Once a physical is completed, the physical will be valid for 14 months. Students will also be required to register, but this cannot happen until late June. More information will go out this summer about registering. The below form must be used for the physical: https://www.vhsl.org/forms/
Fall Sports:
Golf
Cheerleading
Field Hockey
Football
Cross Country
Boys Volleyball
Girls Volleyball
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