Although we are just now approaching the start of spring, we have already begun preparations for next fall. The slate of the PTSA Executive Officers for the 2023-2024 school year was announced at last week’s PTSA General Membership Meeting (GMM). The following positions will be voted on at the May 3 GMM:
President—Joy Hohenthaner
1st VP Communication—Bonnie Myshrall
2nd VP Membership—Susan Connery
3rd VP Fundraising—Erin Lobato
4th VP Appropriations—Heather Murphy Capps
Recording Secretary—Melissa Schwartz
Treasurer—Mary Lee
Thank you to these amazing volunteers who have agreed to share their time and talents with us next year. I am confident that our PTSA will continue to thrive, providing vigorous support and ample funding for our students, teachers, and families under their competent and enthusiastic leadership.
~ Jamie H. Loving, PTSA President
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Mar 20-24 is Mental Health and Wellness Week at Langley. The PTSA Family Network is helping Student Services by bagging and distributing over 2000 bags of popcorn during lunch on Tues, Mar 21. We need volunteers to help bag popcorn from 8:30-11:30 am that morning so it is ready to pass out to the students. Help bring a smile to their faces by signing up to help here!
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Langley's three orchestras performed at the historic Carnegie Hall in New York City this past weekend. Led by Langley Orchestra Director Dr. Scott McCormick, the orchestra traveled to NYC on Thursday and rehearsed and performed Friday. The rest of the weekend, students enjoyed touring the Natural History Museum and the MET, dining at the Stardust Diner, and taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, just to name a few of the amazing events planned by Langley parent Karen DeFilipps. To celebrate their accomplishment, the orchestra and their chaperones celebrated in style at the Hard Rock Cafe, where their accomplishment was shared all weekend on their marquee!
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angp tickets: The All Night Graduate Party Committee is happy to announce Early Bird ANGP ticket sales are open! ANGP is a safe and drug-free party the night of graduation, Jun 7 from 10:30 pm-4:00 am at Oak Marr Rec Center. Activities include mini golf, game, casino, swimming pools, spray tattoos, dancing, karaoke, food and more. Click here to purchase tickets! Ticket price is $75. Hurry, the price goes up Mar 31!
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yard signs: Show your Saxon student pride with a personalized Congrats Class of 2023 yard sign! Signs are $45. Click here to purchase.
limo raffle: Want a chance to win a limo van and priority seating at graduation? Buy one or more tickets for the ANGP Graduation Raffle! Purchase raffle tickets here: 1 ticket for $10 or 3 tickets for $25. Chauffeured ride provided by Burki Limo Service.
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Calling all runners and walkers!
Our 4th Annual Bands on the Run 5K is on Sun, April 23 at 8 am!
This event is open to the entire community and benefits the Langley HS and Cooper MS bands. Friends and family of Langley, Cooper and the elementary schools of the Langley pyramid are especially invited. All ages are welcome. Run the course like a pro or walk the course with a friend! Stay afterwards and enjoy live DJ music, refreshments and sponsors’ tables.
Race registration is open and is $30 for students 6-18 years old and $35 for adults through Mar 17. Register here today, as rates got up tomorrow at midnight! On Mar 18 prices go up to $35 and $40 respectively! All participants will receive an official race t-shirt and children 5 and under are free!
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thank you to our latest sponsors!
MASTER
FH Furr
Carol Ann May
DRUM MAJOR
The Coder School - McLean
ENSEMBLE PLAYER
Georgetown Learning Centers
In-Kind & Other Donors - Businesses
McLean Pediatric Dentistry
Great Falls Safeway
Other Donors -
Individuals & Families
Bruce E. Lessin, MD
Eve Shapiro
Brenda Spevak
All Donations are tax-deductible. Sponsor information is available here.
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March is Youth Art Month! The McLean Project for the Arts celebrates youth art in McLean with our annual Youth Art Shows, recognizing the work of FCPS elementary, middle and high school students. The Langley Pyramid show begins today, Mar 16, and runs through Mar 25. Join us tonight from 4:30-6 pm for the Opening Exhibition Reception! The exhibit will be open until 7 pm on Fri, Mar 24.
MPA’s exhibition galleries and art studio are located in the McLean Community Center. Click here for more info and gallery hours.
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Thank you to all of the students who worked to make over 30 blankets to aid in the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief at our February Saxon Service. The blankets were taken directly to the Turkish Embassy. Our next Saxon Service will be held on Fri, Mar 24. Encourage your students to participate and help others in need!
Students need to log into x2vol to have this service hour verified for credit. Questions? See Julie Zimmerman Hohl in the College & Career Center or email her at jbzimmerman@fcps.edu.
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Early voting is open for the McLean Community Center (MCC) Governing Board! Residents may vote in-person or by mail. To request a ballot for your household, you may fill out an online form here, phone 703-744-9348 or send an email to elections@mcleancenter.org.
To be counted, all ballots must be received at MCC by 5 pm on Wed, May 17. As is tradition, in-person voting will be available at McLean Day, Sat, May 20, 10:30 am–5 pm (Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean).
Six Langley students are running for the LHS youth candidate position! Read their personal statements below:
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I am Sophia Bruno, a junior at Langley, and I am running for the MCC Board. I am an active member of the Langley community, both in and out of school. I am constantly looking for ways to give back, including organizing a meal-making event to feed the homeless, volunteering as an assistant at St. Luke’s Sunday School and teaching kids at Mathnasium. I have learned that being a leader is being humble, responsible and approachable. With my experience, creativity and passion, I intend to represent my fellow McLean youths and ensure that all voices are heard.
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I am Cabot Fisher, and I am running for the McLean Community Center Board. Teens need representation on the board, and I am confident that I can be a strong voice for the community. I am involved with different groups such as my school’s debate team, handbell choir and the Jewish student alliance, which will make me a valuable voice on the board. I will advocate for a tutoring space for students so they can get help with academics. My education and background give me the necessary tools to represent teens and all members of the community on the board.
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The Community Center has been an important part of my life growing up in McLean and I would like to make sure others have the same positive experience. Through extra-curricular activities I have friends at McLean and Langley. I am co-president of the Langley Nice Cream Club, a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council and Co-Captain of the Langley Softball team, all of which have taught me to communicate, lead, plan and achieve goals. If re-elected, I will work to make sure the Community Center and Old Firehouse continue to be valuable and enjoyable resources for high school students.
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I’m Mikey (Duy) Nguyen and I’m running to be an MCC Governing Board member to become more involved in my community and learn more about the people in my community. I have been involved in the community through helping coach swimmers and flag football, as well as teaching my peers at school how to play chess, my favorite game. Another one of my interests is learning about history. In AP World and AP U.S. my understanding of the world has been modified heavily by learning about past trends and events and I’m grateful to my teachers for that.
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Since moving to McLean in 2017, the community has been nothing but welcoming. I am grateful for the opportunity to run for the Governing Board of the MCC. I have the privilege of being involved with LHS’s marching band and crew team, which have taught me discipline, teamwork and diligence. Volunteering at MCC events has been an important part of my life, as giving back to my community is a core value of mine. I believe that my positive connections with members of the community will allow me to create a worthwhile impact and help all members of our community.
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Hello MCC Governing Board! My name is Sonya Thott, a sophomore at Langley High School. I am petitioning for the MCC Governing Board Youth leader role. As a contributor to the MCC mission to make our community a better place for all, I have great ideas on how to improve our community collaboratively. I love listening to others’ perspectives and ideas with attentiveness, empathy, tenacity and diligence. I care for the community and feel that every voice should be heard in decisions made by the MCC to promote inclusion and diversity. I hope that you accept me as a candidate!
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The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) asks for feedback on the Proposed Revised 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning. The Standards of Learning identify the essential content, processes, and skills for grade levels and subject courses.
While the public hearing for our area was this past Tuesday, VDOE is taking public comments on the VDOE website through Tues, Mar 21. Visit this VDOE webpage for more info and to see the other public hearing locations.
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FCPS seeks feedback on the school division’s progress with developing the new Strategic Plan. Since last fall, thousands of students, staff, families, and community members have contributed to the strategic planning process. Thanks to that important work, draft Strategic Plan goals are ready for review.
Complete the survey here by Mon, Mar 20 and click here to see more info on the Strategic Plan feedback process.
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Each year, FCPS students can apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student rep is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of FCPS students.
Students currently in grades 9-11 are eligible to apply. Applicants do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Applications are due by Wed, Mar 23. Due date update! The apps have two components: Written apps are due by Fri, Mar 17. A thirty second candidate statement via Flip video is due Mar 31. Click here for more info.
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The Langley Medical Club is coordinating a student blood drive this coming Wed, Mar 22 in the Lecture Hall. The Medical Club is collaborating with INOVA blood donor services on this event. The goal is to have 92 students donate blood. Each donation earns students 1 service hour and a free t-shirt, and saves up to 3 lives.
For students to donate, they first need to take home a parental consent form to be signed. Consent forms are available in the Cafeteria during all lunches and signed forms may be returned to the Cafeteria during lunches as well.
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Is your child missing a jacket, sweatshirt, lunchbox and/or water bottle? It may be in Langley’s very large lost and found collection. Please have them stop by the lost and found box located in the Cafeteria.
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Langley has several new additions to its teaching team this year, including English teacher Daniel Duffy. Mr. Duffy has taught for 7 years, all at high schools, and is passionate about his subject.
“I really love teaching high school because you are all developing your voices and figuring out who you are going to be as people.” Mr. Duffy said, “And I really like reading and writing and teaching the love for learning.”
Mr. Duffy previously taught at the Chicago High School for Arts for 5 years, and at Alexandria City HS last year. While he enjoyed teaching at those schools, there were some issues he had to face.
“I taught at schools with a lot of high-needs students, with kids who had a lot of family problems and poverty,” Mr. Duffy said. “There were problems outside like gang problems [...] and I really wanted to be at a school where I could really teach content and I didn’t have to worry about the outside stuff, because it’s very stressful.”
So far, Mr. Duffy has been enjoying his time at Langley, and is adapting well to the change in environment.
“I think Langley has a lot of school pride and school spirit and students seem to be proud of this school. There is also a lot of admin support and really good teacher support. It’s a very welcoming school,” he said.
This year, Mr. Duffy wants to focus on connecting with his students, and making sure that the lessons are interesting.
“If it’s engaging and it brings in students’ experience and gets the students talking to each other, I think that is key right there; getting students to interact and make connections to the material,” he said.
Making connections is a vital part of Mr. Duffy’s teaching technique, whether it is making connections with other students, or with the writing. He also believes that it is necessary to get to know each student because of how differently everyone’s mind works.
“This year I have 178 [students] and I’m still learning everyone’s name, but if I am going to be really successful as a teacher, I am going to have to not just learn names but learn what students value,” Mr. Duffy said.
~ Shreya Lele and Caden Joe, Saxons Scope Reporters; Photographed by Regina Maza-Rion
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... Constance Scharff, PhD from Psychology Today writes, “Anxiety is something that people deal with regularly. Whether you feel a little bit of worry or excessive apprehensiveness that results in a debilitating disorder, feeling anxious is common.” Here are 9 tools for addressing anxiety.
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Read below for class news. Click the green class buttons to go to each class's webpage.
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senior class dues: Seniors, dues are mandatory! They cover the cost of cap and gown, Senior Breakfast, bus transportation to DAR and all other graduation expenses. Dues are $100 and can be paid online at MySchoolBucks.
senior parent forum: Our last Senior Parent Forum is Mar 28 from 9:30-11 am in the LHS Lecture Hall. We will cover senior class end of year activities, Langley Leap, Graduation, and All Night Grad Party. Our guest speaker Jennifer Weaver, Psychotherapist, LCSW, RPT-S, will present tips for parents on how to prepare for their senior’s transitional summer, leaving for college and attending their freshmen year.
pta scholarships: Seniors, the VA PTA Scholarship Program has multiple awards of $500 available for students enrolled in a 4-year academic degree program, students enrolled in a 2 or 3 year tech, vocational or associate degree program, students enrolled in a school of design or fine arts, and special education students.
More info can be found here. Applications are due Thurs, Mar 30. A student must be a member of the PTSA to apply for scholarships. Join the PTSA by clicking here.
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Sophomore parents, join us for the last Parents’ Coffee Morning of the year tomorrow from 9-11 am in the Lecture Hall. Coffee, tea and breakfast snacks will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
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teen job fair: Fairfax County is hosting Teen Job Fairs and Career-Building Workshops on the following Saturdays at various high schools in the county: Mar 11, Mar 18 and Mar 25. The registration link and more info can be found here.
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summer job fair: The McLean Citizens Association (MCA), with support from McLean, Langley and Marshall High Schools, is hosting a summer job fair this Sat, Mar 18 from 10 am-1 pm at the McLean Community Center. Students, no signup is required and you may just walk in. It is recommended that you bring copies of your resume to leave with potential employers. You can also fill out applications on the spot. Questions? Email the MCA Education & Youth committee at e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org.
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fun fair: The Spring Hill ES Fun Fair is this Sat, Mar 18. We need your help to make Fun Fair a success!
To volunteer, click the Student Volunteer Sign-up button on our website and fill out the I Want to be a Student Volunteer at Fun Fair Form. You must answer all the questions to submit your registration. A Fun Fair Committee member will contact you about volunteer opps. We will provide all the verification you need to earn your service hours.
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hslp: The Sorensen Institute High School Leadership Program (HSLP) is holding a two-week summer program Jul 15-29 at the University of Virginia. The HSLP provides a wonderful opportunity for high school students to experience a university environment, develop leadership skills, and engage with peers of different backgrounds and regions who have an interest in public service and public policy. The program is open to current sophomores, juniors, and seniors who live in or attend high school in Virginia. Upon completion of the program, students will earn 3 graded college credits from UVA. Applications are due Mon, Mar 20. Find more info here.
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oratorical contest: The Optimist Club of Great Falls is hosting an Oratorical Contest on Thu, Apr 11 (new date!) at 6:30 pm at the Old Schoolhouse on Georgetown Pike in Great Falls.
The topic for this year is “Discovering the Optimism within Me.” Scholarships will be awarded to the first, second and third-place winners. For more information about the contest, click here. Questions? Email Sheela Rao at greatfallsoptimistclub@gmail.com.
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Mar 17: Class of 2025 Parent Coffee, 9 am, Lecture Hall
Mar 22: Student Blood Drive, Langley Hall
Mar 24: Saxon Service
Mar 28: Senior Parent Forum, 9:30-11 am, Lecture Hall
Apr 3-Apr 7: Spring Break
Apr 13: End of Third Quarter - Two Hour Early Release
Apr 14: Student Holiday
Apr 23: Bands on the Run 5K, 8 am
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Join the LHS PTSA! Click Here.
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LHS PTSA eNews Editors
Gary Coetzee, Pamela Fox, Julianne Kass, Helen Miller and
Stephanie Maxwell (Technical Advisor)
The Langley eNews is published by PTSA volunteers and includes news that pertains to LHS, PTSA and FCPS.
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the submitter and not necessarily those of LHS, PTSA or FCPS.
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