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 langley eNews 
4/12 / 2018  

seniors
LHS and the Family  Network Committee  will offer HAZE: Perils of the College Drinking Culture on Tues, April 17 for all senior students in the Auditorium. The program includes viewing an award-winning powerful (and graphic) documentary, followed by a panel discussion with local experts and extensive Q & A. The session after the film is critical so that key prevention messages about underage and binge drinking and related consequences are delivered, as well as practical tips to help students handle situations they may encounter. Students will be dismissed from their third period classes at about 9:55 am for this MANDATORY program, scheduled to begin at approximately 10 am. Students will remain in the program through Saxon Time.

The last Senior Parent Coffee will be a catered lunch on April 24 at noon (location TBD). For our last gathering as senior class parents, we'll cover all things graduation ... the ceremony, baccalaureate, all-night graduation party, and more. Join fellow senior parents for lunch and information-sharing.

Let everyone know your student is done! Order a "Congratulations, Graduate!" yard sign for $30 before the April 30 deadline. Personalize it with your child's name. To order, send a check payable to LHS ANGP. While you're at it, buy your $85 ANGP ticket as well! For more info, visit the ANGP page.

juniors
Our last Parent Coffee of the year will be Wed, Apr 25 at 9:30 am at Cooper MS. Join us and learn about important senior year activities and deadlines, as well as hear school updates from Mr Amico and Mr Penn.  We're looking for help with food and note taking; please visit our Sign-Up Genius to see how you can help.
 
Do you know a junior whose dedication to volunteerism is exemplary? The PTSA-sponsored Award for Outstanding Service honors a junior who has demonstrated excellent service achievement and an ongoing sense of dedication to a worthy cause at LHS and/or the community at large. The award will be presented with a certificate and $500. Teachers, peers, parents, coaches, guidance counselors and club/organization sponsors can all nominate a student. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Click here to nominate a deserving student. 

sophomores
Our final Sophomore Parent Forum is Fri, April 20, 9:30-11 am at St. John's Episcopal Church,  6715 Georgetown Pike . Join us for sophomore-specific updates on all aspects of Langley. Sign up here to bring bite-sized snacks.
 
We are thrilled to have Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, RPT-S join us to share the latest research on 16-year-olds. She will also be providing tips for sophomore parents on how to help their student build life skills for resiliency and success in the upper grades, and on into their college years. Dr. Weaver has over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy and counseling. Her full bio can be found here.  

freshmen
Join us on Thurs, April 26 for the  last Freshman Parent Forum , at Cooper MS, Room 130, 9:30-11 am.  Learn more about topics relevant to our soon-to-be rising sophomores including Naviance, driver's ed and behind the wheel classes, and balancing student course load and extracurricular activities.
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quick links
  Langley PTSA
Communications Committee
 
Caran McKee
Helen Miller 
Jane Riddle
  Anne Whipple
 
editor's note: Send submissions and photos by deadline. To keep  eNews concise, submissions will be edited for style and length, and links added to the appropriate webpage.
 
Submit items by Tuesdays noon for publication on Thursdays to
 
The PTSA eNews is published by volunteers who try to present only news that pertains to FCPS, LHS & PTSA. Any opinions expressed therein are those of the submitter & not necessarily those of FCPS, LHS or PTSA.
message from the ptsa president
Thanks to the generosity of our members, the PTSA is able to provide valuable resources and support to our staff and children.
The PTSA has funded the following requests  in recent months: 
  • Entire School: Furniture for the newly renovated common areas in the Humanities wing and the Science wing
  • Science: Biology class sets; breakout kits for APES, Oceanography and Geosystems classes; a digital scale; and building components for Robotics
  • Performing Arts: Fees for the spring musical Evita
  • World Languages: Headsets for language proficiency; transportation for students to compete in the annual "Olympiada of Spoken Russian"
  • CTE:  A lathe for use by the Career and Technical Ed students
  • Special Ed: Support for Cat B students to attend live performances, allowing them to practice life skills while being exposed to cultural events; other field trip transportation 
  • Robotics:  Entry fee assistance for the team's first-ever advancement to the District Championship
  • Professional Development Funds (PDF): $3,500 in funding for 14 staff members to take courses to enrich their teaching. Teachers bring back the latest ideas to improve engagement and productivity and share them with their departments and other staff members, so all can implement innovations in the classrooms

Many thanks to our Appropriations Chair Laura Skeen and our PDF Chair Liz Holzapfel for gathering all the information needed to process these requests.


To those who've already contributed, thank you for your support!

For those who haven't participated yet, it's NEVER TOO LATE to join the PTSA, and you can donate more than once! Funds received now can be appropriated before the end of this school year so that items can be ordered and in place when our students return next year. As the renovation wraps up, the PTSA and the administration plan to order more common area furniture and to landscape school grounds. Up first will be the main courtyard, where all students are invited to enjoy their lunch, and the two science courtyards, which will serve as instructional spaces. Help us create beautiful, functional learning and social areas for our students in our fabulous new building by donating today through this link

Your generosity will make Langley an even better place for our children!

~ Jennifer Feinstein, LHS PTSA President
saxons, did you know?

Saxons, did you know . . . Drivers who use hand-held devices are FOUR times more likely to get into crashes involving bodily injury. 
 
 


This feature gives an important piece of info on drugs, alcohol or mental wellness. We hope these messages serve as conversation starters about substance use, stress and decisionmaking with your teen and family.
new principal selection process meeting
Douglas Tyson, the Region 1 Asst Superintendent, will host a meeting at LHS on Mon, April 16 at 6 pm to inform staff, parents and community members about the selection process for Mr Amico's replacement. Come learn how you can share your input about the skills, experience and leadership characteristics needed by our new principal. 

You can also share your ideas via email. Send your thoughts about the qualities you hope our new principal will have, along with any challenges or issues specific to Langley. Input is confidential and will not be discussed at the meeting. Email your ideas to LLPeace@fcps.edu.
last saxon service
The last Saxon Service session of this schoolyear will be Thurs, April 19. This will be the kids' final opportunity to receive an hour toward their service learning total , so encourage them to come participate.
let's say thank you to the staff!
It's a wonderful time of the year ... to show our fabulous Langley staff members how much we appreciate them! The PTSA's Hospitality Committee will host a Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Fri, May 4. Each year, we ask parents to help us by donating $25 gift cards that will be given to each staff member during the event. Please consider participating! There are two ways you can give:

1. Donate $25 gift cards -- some popular cards in the past have included: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Amazon, Target, Macy's, Nordstrom, Home Depot, Sephora, gas cards and restaurant cards.

2. Make a cash/check donation  (any amount) and we'll buy the cards for you. Make checks payable to LHS PTSA.  

You or your child can drop off gift cards and/or monetary donations in the Langley front office in an envelope marked Staff Appreciation; or mail them to LHS PTSA, Staff Appreciation Committee, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101. Make sure your donation is received by April 30. We appreciate any support you can provide! Questions? Contact Jennifer Feinstein at jennfein4@aol.com.
evita on stage
From poverty to stardom to political dominance , Evita follows the life of Eva Perón and her ascent to the top as the First Lady of Argentina. This celebrated Tony Award-winning rock opera features a masterful score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice including many of the dynamic duo's most famous songs, like "Don't Cry for Me Argentina,"  "Buenos Aires," and "Another Suitcase, Another Hall." Don't miss Saxon Stage's exciting production of this iconic musical, seldom produced by high schools. Performances are Thurs, April 19 through Sat, April 21, and Thurs, April 26 through Sat, April 28. Curtain is at 7 pm

For more info, visit Saxon-Stage.com or purchase tickets via this link.
spirit wear item of the week

With our cooler-than-normal start to the spring, everyone needs a Langley Spirit Wear layering item. This fleece vest is available in both men's and women's sizes S-XL and can be yours for just $50!

To place an order, go to langleyboosters.org.
staff spotlight
Not every teacher always planned on teaching. Some even considered a radically different career path, like English teacher Mary Baker. She originally planned on going to culinary school  after college, but she realized that being a baker was stressful and required long hours. She thought teaching could be a meaningful career that had a better balance. 

Baker began elementary school in Wisconsin and then South Carolina. Her family moved to Connecticut when she was in 5th grade, and she completed the rest of her schooling there. "I loved all my schools," she said with an enthusiastic smile.

Now in her fifth year at LHS, she feels fortunate for the opportunity, because she finds the students to be hard-working and there's a culture of success. Her favorite things are seeing her students' progress as writers and the diversity of the student body. "It's such an incredible school," she enthused.

If Baker could go anywhere in the world in any time period, she would take her class to the Globe Theater in England. Since her students will be reading Shakespeare's works later in the year, it would arouse interest in the playwright. "I think that would be pretty cool," she said.

~ Selena Akay and Caroline Castagna, Saxon Scope staff writers
summer sports camps
T he following LHS summer sports camps will be held at Cooper MS. Info can be found here. Don't wait to sign up, as camp rosters fill quickly.

Football Camp: June 11, 12 & 13
Volleyball Camp: Week of June 18
Girls' Basketball Camp: Week of June 25
Boys' Basketball Ca mp: Week of July 9 and week of July 16
excellent musicians
Twenty Langley students were named to the 2018 All-Virginia Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. Students from throughout the state went through a rigorous audition process to gain a spot. They rehearsed with expert conductors and musicians to prepare for a concert last weekend in Richmond.  Congratulations to our talented musicians!

Chorus: Claire Doody, Sean Lewis, Ellie Smedberg, Maegan Warner, Kaylie Yim
Concert BandJeffrey Song
Orchestra: Surya Ambardar, Brooke Baird, Chris Fox, Forrest Johnston, Beth Johnston, Alyssa Kim, Cindy Rodi, Fay Shuai, Wendy Tang, Boris Topalov, Madeline Yu
Symphonic BandGaoyang Ganjin, Izzy Tice, Cherri Chen
choose the next langley read
magic_ribbons_book.jpg
The Langley Read  is an LHS tradition to encourage conversations throughout the school based on a common theme. The Langley Read community, made up of students, faculty, staff and family members, read the selected book over the summer and come prepared to discuss and utilize the book throughout the year. The 2018-19 theme for the Langley Read is  Building Bridges .  

There will be one book for all rising 9th and 10th graders and one book for all rising 11th and 12th graders. Select one book from each list, found at this link. Each has been reviewed by a Langley Read committee member. There are also links to Amazon reviews of each one. Vote to help select your Langley Read! 
sports
next year: Tryout dates for the 2018-19 seasons have been set. For fall sports, Mon, July 30, 2018. For winter, Mon, Nov 5, 2018 . For spring , Feb 18, 2019. All eligibility information can be found here.

physicals at lhs: One requirement  for sports participation is a current physical . Each year, the FCPS Athletic Training Program offers VHSL PPEs for current and rising high school athletes. A physical costs $50 when preregistered or $60 at the door (both payable by cash or check). The money raised  supports each school's athletic trainers as they provide quality care for FCPS student-athletes. The LHS event will be Wed, May 2; for registration and more information, click here. Note: You can have your child's doctor complete the VHSL sports physical, but remember that you must use the VHSL PPE form

for sale: If you want to buy a Langley Chair for $25, contact Nancy Ayoub at ncayoub@fcps.edu. The chairs were used for volleyball and basketball games.
comment on the 2019-20 school year calendar
Want to weigh in on the development of the 2019-20 school year calendar? Now's your chance! Earlier this week, the parent listed as each student's primary contact should have received an email from FCPS Survey with a link to a calendar survey. Your participation is critical in helping FCPS leadership make the right decision, so please take the survey at your earliest convenience. Employees have been invited to take a similar survey. Feedback from both groups will be used to propose the 2019-20 calendar to the School Board. All responses are confidential. If you have any questions, send an email to FCPSsurvey@fcps.edu.  
cell phones and sol tests
The Virginia Dept of Ed restricts student access to cell phones and other electronic devices during SOL tests, to maintain test security and to minimize potential distractions during test taking. Here are some tips to avoid issues during upcoming SOLs:

Leave it at home.  Students are strongly encouraged, though not required, to leave personal electronic devices at home on days when they are taking standardized tests.

Lock it up. If students forget and bring their personal devices to school on a testing day, they'll need to find a secure location to store the device at school to avoid taking it into the testing environment. School staff may assist students in finding a safe place for their personal devices, as needed.

Know the consequences. If a student fails to secure his or her personal electronic device and brings it into the test environment, he or she will be subject to procedures for addressing test security concerns. Depending on the type of test and the situation, this could include penalties up to and including

* Confiscating the student's personal device
* Rescheduling the student's test session to another day or time
* Identifying the student's actions as disruption or attempted cheating, which could affect the score

Contact your child's counselor for more information.
all the info on volunteer recognition at graduation
Seniors:  SERVICE CORD 
and Diploma CIVIC SEAL documentation - due Friday, May 18th (last day before Langley Leap)

service cord:  All documentation for proof of your 40 hours of service is  due to the Student Services  Dept by Fri, May 18  (please be sure to include your reflections ). Hours may be submitted by a print-out of your x2VOL hours and/or handwritten documentation . Students earning 40 hours of service will be awarded a Service Cord to be worn at graduation. 

civic seal: A completed application for the Civic Seal on the diploma is due to counselors by Fri, May
18. Please note the requirements and fill out the application completely  for the Civic Seal. Click here for the application.

questions:  If you need assistance in recording your service hours on x2VOL , please see the PowerPoint
 on the LHS PTSA Website home page and scroll down to "Recording Hours thru x2VOL". All other questions, see Ms Shomaker in the Student Services Dept or email her at enshomaker@fcps.edu.
service volunteer opportunity
s pring hill elementary school:  Fun Fair, Saturday, Apr 21.  Attention all students in need of volunteer hours!  The Spring Hill Fun Fair needs your help with games and activities

Available shifts: Shift 1: 10:45 - 12:35, Shift 2: 12:25 - 2:15, Shift 3: 2:05 - 4:00, Clean Up: 4:00 - 5:00

To sign up, please e-mail us with your preferred shift(s) at shfunfairvolunteers@gmail.com.
add your voice to
baccalaureate
Graduation week will lead off with the Baccalaureate on Sun, June 3, from 4-5:30 pm. A Baccalaureate is a faith-based service sponsored by the senior parents. During the service, seniors  of all faiths  and their families come together  to celebrate their graduation. Seniors who choose to participate can do so in many ways. Reading a poem, scripture, reading from a faith-based book of choice, playing and/or singing a song,  we would love to have as many seniors participate as possible. If your senior would like to participate in any way, please have them email Amy Hunt at  ahuntlandonip@gmail.com .
spec ed conf 2018

The FCPS 2018 Special Education Conference will be held on Sat, April 21, from 8 am to 3 pm, at Hayfield SS, 7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria. More information including the schedule, guest speakers, breakout sessions, etc, can be found on the conference website.
f airfax county teen job fairs
Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways, are invited to attend one of three remaining teen job fairs in Fairfax County:

Sat, April 14, 11 am-1 pm, Mount Vernon HS 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria
Sat, April 21, 11 am-1 pm, South Lakes HS, 
11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston
Sat, April 28, noon-2 pm, West Springfield HS
6100 Rolling Road, Springfield

Local businesses and agencies will offer a range of opportunities, including part-time employment, internships and volunteer work for students. Click here to register.
medicine cabinet clean-out
Take advantage of convenient, confidential and safe disposal of unused or expired medications on Sat, April 28, from 10 am-2 pm, at the McLean District Police Station 1437 Balls Hill Road. Drug take-back programs are a safe way to dispose of prescription drugs, which helps prevent drug abuse and misuse, accidental poisoning and protects the environment. Medications (pills or liquids) can be dropped off at any of the eight Fairfax County District Police Stations. For a complete list of drop off locations, visit this website.
the art and science of talking with your kids
You know those conversations with your kids you wish you could rewind and do over? 

On Wed, May 2,  at 7 pm at the Temple Rodef Shalom in McLean, The Safe Community Coalition will present parenting expert and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Wendy Mogel . She will teach us all how to avoid those do-over moments. In her new book, Voice Lessons for Parents: What to Say, How to Say it, and When to Listen , Dr. Mogel offers an essential guide to the art of talking with children of all ages,  showing us how a change in voice can transform communication and ease the relationship between parents and children. Her research-based guidelines help parents communicate with more warmth, respect and sincerity, as well as foster open parent-child relationships that will help ensure our children's success in the classroom and in life. This event will sell out! Buy your tickets by clicking here
calendar
Apr 13
Two-hour early release
Apr 16
Teacher work day, student holiday
Apr 16 New Principal Selection Process Meeting, 6 pm
Apr 19-21 Evita, 7 pm
Apr 20
Sophomore Parent Forum, 9:30 - 11 am, St John's Episcopal Church
Apr 24
Senior Coffee/Lunch, noon, location TBD
Apr 25 Junior Class Coffee, 9:30 am, Cooper MS
Apr 26 Freshman Parent Forum, 9:30 am, Cooper MS
Apr 26-28
Evita, 7 pm
   
For a full list of upcoming events, visit the LHS website Events page