February 20, 2026

Happy Friday, Panthers!

WIDA testing continues, and it is going exceptionally well. Please continue to ensure your child arrives each day with a fully charged laptop. These assessments are important, as they help inform course placement and ensure we provide targeted support to meet our students’ needs.

We also encourage you to continue to monitor grades and attendance through ParentVUE to stay connected to your child’s progress.

Our PBIS Team is excited to host the 2nd Panther Party on Friday, February 27. This celebration is reserved for students who consistently arrive to class on time, make wise decisions (no discipline referrals), and truly embody what it means to be a POWERful Panther. We look forward to recognizing their positive choices and strong character.

Our SCA is also hard at work planning this year’s “I See Me in Reston” event – Wednesday, March 25, 2026.   We invite families to participate in our community potluck by sharing a dish that represents your culture and traditions. Your involvement will help make this multicultural celebration meaningful and memorable for all.  Should you have questions, contact our SCA advisor Ms. Emily Fee at epfee@fcps.edu.

Mark your calendars! Our PTA will host a roller-skating event (Skate N Fun Zone) on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in Manassas, VA. Langston Hughes Middle School will have exclusive access to the entire skating rink—so come out and enjoy an evening of food, fun, play, and skate with our Panther community.  Stay tuned for more information. Take good care. 

With Panthers in Mind,

Principal Mizell

IMPORTANT DATES PTA Meeting: Monday, March 2, 2026 Career Day: Friday, March 6, 2026 PTA Roller Skate Night: Sunday, March 8, 2026

STUDENT SERVICES

LHMS Support for Students During Ramadan

Throughout the year, as we recognize and celebrate cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to reach out to their child's school counselor for any needed accommodations. These may include arrangements for lunch, prayer/meditation, or silent-reflection spaces and times.  If your child will be using the meditation and silent-reflection space during instructional hours, or if they are in need of an alternative lunch location during Ramadan, please complete this permission form. 

Fasting Meal Kits are available February 18 – March 19. 

You can learn more about the meal kits here. You must submit a separate request for each week.  For any questions or concerns, please contact Marissa Brooks at MLBrooks@fcps.edu. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 

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. 

Career Day Speakers Needed

We are excited to host our upcoming Career Day on March 6, 2026.  Our school community is filled with talented and accomplished professionals, and we would love for you to share your expertise with our students.  Please consider serving as a Career Day speaker to inspire and educate our future leaders. Your insights and experiences can make a lasting impact.

If you are interested, please register here.  Should you need more information, contact our school counselor, Lea Fadden, at LTfadden@fcps.edu.   Thank you for your support; we look forward to an engaging and enriching Career Day!

Read Across America week (March 2-6)

Langston Hughes MS is excited to celebrate Read Across America with a school-wide 15,000 page reading challenge, March Madness with books, and other fun activities.