cherry blossoms peak…

langley eNews

March 24, 2022

from the president

Spring has sprung and the weather looks like it will be perfect for our Langley HS Community Outdoor Yard Sale & Craft Fair this Sunday!

Bring your family and friends to the Langley parking lot this Sun, Mar 27, from 8am until 2pm, to enjoy its transformation into an open-air bazaar filled with unique goods, fresh food and lively entertainment.

Multiple vendors will be selling their hand-crafted creations, fine art and jewelry. Some of these items are available on Etsy, but you can purchase them on-site, with no waiting and no shipping fees. Want a great deal on gently-used clothing, sports equipment or household goods? Search through the yard sale tables as treasures are sure to be discovered!

What if all of this shopping makes you hungry? Food trucks Babu Ji Mediterranean & Halal, Captain Pell's Seafood, and Killer Tomato Wood Fired Pizza will be waiting to serve you something hot and delicious. Be sure to save room for dessert because the Langley Bakers are donating cookies, cupcakes, banana bread and more. How does a Langley Baker brownie topped with premium ice cream from The Inside Scoop ice cream truck sound? Like heaven, right?

While shopping and feasting you are invited to enjoy entertainment provided by our very own Langley students. Exactly who will be performing? You need to attend the event to find out! Also, take a chance on the 50/50 raffle to help offset some of the cost of the Class of 2022 All Night Grad Party. Who knows? You might just win and leave the Community Outdoor Yard Sale & Craft Fair with extra money in your pocket as well as interesting items in your shopping bag and satisfying food in your tummy.

I hope to see you there!

~ Clare Bradshaw, PTSA President

senior ethics day gratitude

Thank you to everyone who helped make Senior Ethics Day a meaningful experience for our Langley seniors. Thank you to all of the volunteers who served as table leaders and to those who helped with lunch, set up and clean up duties.

A huge thank you goes out to our Senior Ethics Day committee members Danica Alink, Margaret Brown, Jill Farah, Kim Finch, Joy Hohenthaner and Kelly Wilson who were able to bring this opportunity to our seniors, despite the many obstacles caused by the pandemic. Another big thank you goes out to Senior Ethics Day facilitators June Jeffries, Judge Brad Stetson and Vice Admiral Rick Snyder, along with their room monitors, Jill Farah, Joyce Porter and Christina Cain, for sharing their time and talents in support of this impactful event.

diverseARTlangley

How does art reflect our culture and community? Come to the DIVERSEartLANGLEY art exhibition tonight, Thurs, Mar 24 from 6-7 pm and view artwork from our talented Langley students exploring that question along with themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Then join a moderated discussion from 7-8 pm reflecting on the show and on the history and role of art in social and cultural change.

See the flyer for more info about the event. The exhibition will be in Langley Hall; discussion will take place in the Library. Daniel Singh, McLean Community Center, and Joshua Jenkins, Arts Administrators or Color Network will be the discussion moderators.

This event is sponsored by the LHS PTSA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

angp fundraiser this weekend

Don't miss the ANGP-sponsored Community Outdoor Yard Sale & Craft Fair Fundraiser this Sun, Mar 27, from 8 am – 2 pm! This community event is free and open to the public. Local businesses, community artists, and those with no-longer-needed clothes, household goods, and gently used sports equipment will be on hand to sell their items. In addition, a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, performances by Langley students, and food trucks (Captain Pell's Seafood, Babu Ji Mediterranean & Halal, Killer Tomato Wood Fired Pizza and The Inside Scoop) will round out the event.

Many volunteers are needed on the day of the event and to contribute to the Bake Sale. Community service hours will be offered. Sign up below:

Yard sale & craft fair volunteers / Bake sale volunteers

A limited number of vendor spaces are still available. Rent a selling space (2 parking spaces) for $30. Larger spaces are available. Vendors must provide their own tables, display racks, and tents/covering.

Langley clubs, organizations, and teams are encouraged to use this event to fundraise for themselves. Vendor fees and individual donations go towards helping the Langley Class of 2022 ANGP, while participating vendors keep all profits they earn. Register online here.

Questions? See the flyer here, the Class of 2022 ANGP website, or email Annette Bellino at annette.bellino@verizon.net.

kudos

Congrats to the Langley band program for outstanding performances at the annual concert assessment last weekend! The Symphonic Band earned an "Excellent" rating, and the Wind Ensemble earned a "Superior" rating.

The Wind Symphony earned “Superior” ratings from every judge. This accomplishment, paired with the Marching Saxons earning a “Superior” rating at their assessment this fall, means that, for the second time in LHS history, our band program is designated a Virginia Honor Band by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association! In addition, the Virginia Music Educators Association named Langley a Blue Ribbon School for the 11th time.

Congrats to Mr. Martin, Mr. Antonucci and all the members of the band program!

career fair

The Career Connections Committee is excited about the amazing response we’ve had from Langley parents who have signed up to present about their career during Langley’s Annual (virtual) Career Fair!

Are you interested in speaking about your profession with LHS students to help them learn more about different careers? The students would love to hear about your career journey on Wed, Apr 13 (for Business, Government and Medical Careers) or Tues, Apr 19 (for Science, Tech, the Arts, and Communications). Sessions on each day will be held on Zoom from 10:30 am - 11:15 am. Interested or want more info? Contact LHSCareerConnections@gmail.com by tomorrow, Mar 25.

join the bands on the run

Calling all runners and walkers! Our 3rd Bands on the Run 5K and Fun Walk is on Sun, May 1 at 8 am!

Race registration is $25 for students, $35 for adults through Mar 31. On Apr 1, prices go up to $35 and $40 respectively, so sign up here now for the lowest rate! Children 5 and under are free.

This event is open to the entire community and benefits the Langley HS and Cooper MS bands. Lace up your running shoes, bring your friends and family, and run or walk with us! Stay afterwards and enjoy live DJ music, refreshments and sponsors’ tables.

Can’t make it? We’re also holding a virtual 5K in conjunction with the in-person race. That means you can still sign up and run or walk on your own schedule. Grab a friend or two, enjoy a run or walk together and support our band program all at the same time!

View the race webpage for more info and join the Bands on the Run!

langley legacy tree

One more courtyard to landscape! Consider helping to "grow" the Legacy Tree and complete the courtyard renovation project by donating a leaf (copper $50, silver $100, gold $200) or bird or acorn ($500). You choose the engraved message. The Legacy Tree -- located across from the school's Main Office--will be a permanent, prominent record of courtyard contributors and a lasting legacy for Langley and your family. Leaves also make great tributes to teachers, friends, coaches, and grads. Order soon to ensure your leaf is up before the school year ends!

Thanks to the 528 generous Langley families who've already donated a leaf to make the renovation of the first two of Langley's three courtyards possible.

Last call for plaque donors! Those who donate $1,000 or more by the end of the month will be included on the Courtyard Benefactor Plaque, which will be adjacent to the Legacy Tree. Your contribution of $1,000 includes your choice of six gold leaves or two birds or acorns.

To order your leaf -- or leaves! -- visit the PTSA website. Questions? Email chrissielavin1@gmail.com.

voting is open for mcc rep

Early voting began Wed, Mar 16 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 18.

Click here to meet the candidates.

staff spotlight

In his early years at St. Joseph’s University, U.S. history and political science teacher David Kuhn decided that he wanted to pursue teaching after completing his studies.

“I studied abroad when I was in college, and I was very impressed with the people I met and how worldly they were and well educated,” Mr. Kuhn said. “I thought ‘I would like to be a part of that,’ and being a part of that meant, to me, to get into teaching.”

As an American history teacher, Mr. Kuhn has always loved the subject—both in and out of school—and often looked forward to attending his humanities classes. “I love the course as much as my first year teaching it, a millennium ago,” Mr. Kuhn said. “I am naturally energetic and sometimes overly so when teaching subjects I love, history or political science.”

Mr. Kuhn, in his fourteenth year teaching at Langley, brings energy and passion to his job each day, and explains that working with students is his favorite part. “To build their confidence, when a student says they don’t know something, I like to tell them that I think they do,” Mr. Kuhn said. “When prepared and confident, students do better, build knowledge and skill, and leave in June better prepared for college and beyond. Their accomplishments are a joy to watch.”

Recently, FCPS featured Mr. Kuhn and his pedagogy on the Ukraine/Russia war. You can see the feature here.

~ Aisha Shakeel, Saxon Scope Reporter

sports notes

Langley Athletics provides free access to our games online on the NFHS Sports Network. Find the game schedule here and watch the events live here.

2022 langley volleyball camp: Come join the fun! The Langley Saxons volleyball team will host a week-long volleyball camp this summer Jun 13-17. The daily camp schedule will be from 9 am - 2 pm. Emphasis will be on learning the basic skills and improving on volleyball knowledge. Boys and girls between the ages of 8 - 14 are encouraged to come and join the fun! No experience needed! Cost is $250. Camp Applications and/or online registration links are available here. Need more info? Contacting Coach Susan Shifflett at 703-287-2752, susan.shifflett@fcps.edu.

saxons, did you know ...

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class notes

Read below for class news. Click the green class buttons to go to each class's webpage.

final parent forum: Our last Class of 2022 Parent Forum will be held on Tues, Apr 26 at 9:30 am in the LHS Auditorium (no food or drink allowed). We will have a panel discussion of helpful hints for college from experienced parents as well as a presentation from LHS Career and College Specialist Hannah Wolff regarding any last college insights. This forum will be live-streamed and archived on our Class of 2022 Parents Facebook page for those who cannot attend.

all-night grad party tickets: Get your tickets for ANGP to be held on Tues, May 31 from 10:45 pm – Wed, June 1 at 4 am at Oak Marr Rec Center. Ticket price is $75 through April 10, increasing to $85 after. Purchase tickets here.

yard signs: Recognize your senior with an official LHS yard sign! Signs are $45 and all proceeds benefit ANGP. Purchase signs here.

ride to graduation in style: Enter the raffle to WIN a Limo Ride & Box Seats for the Langley High School Graduation Ceremony at DAR Constitution Hall. Two winners will be drawn. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 and must be purchased by May 15. Prize includes: 4 hour limo service from Chariots for Hire (gratuity not included) AND VIP Box Seats at Constitution Hall (these replace graduation tickets). Purchase raffle tickets here.

parent forum: Our next Junior Class Parent Forum is Tues, Apr 12, 9:30-11:00 am.

donations wanted: Donate to the Junior Class, via the Class Donation icon on MySchoolBucks, to help us meet our fundraising goals. These funds are used for Treat Days, to offset Senior Year expenses and ANGP. Due to Covid restrictions, our class has not met its fundraising goals.

Sophomores and parents, our Sophomore College Case Studies Night is Thurs, Apr 14 at 7 pm! Parents should have received an email on Mar 16 from Hannah Wolff with a registration link.

You won’t want to miss this! Parents and students will work alongside a college admission representative as part of a mock admissions team. During the sessions, you:

Review applications and discuss applicants’ strengths and weaknesses.
Gain a better understanding of the college admission process to plan for the rest of your high school experience.

We have reps from over 50 colleges and universities joining us, and you will hear from those that read applications for our high schools.

Parents and students are both invited to attend - one registration per family. After registering, you’ll receive updates including the materials for the evening.

9th Grade Parents, the Student Services department is looking for volunteers to help out during AP testing season! Currently they need additional test proctors to help administer AP testing from May 2-13. Tests generally run around three hours in length and you will mostly be expected to assist school staff in proctoring and overseeing the AP Exam. The exam timings are generally 8 am and 12 pm. Use this form to sign up and specify your availability. The only stipulation is that none of your students can be currently enrolled in an AP course for a test you would be slated to proctor. Thank you for considering volunteering some time to this important school event!

scc

Back by popular demand, former Stanford dean and New York Times best-selling author Julie Lythcott-Haims presents Throw Out the Checklisted Childhood: Tips and Strategies for Raising Successful Kids.

This free program, sponsored by the Safe Community Coalition (SCC) and The Potomac School, takes place Tues, Apr 26 from 7-9 pm at Temple Rodef Shalom. It’s open to all, but space is limited and registration is required. For more info and to register, visit the SCC website.

award opps

teen character awards: The McLean Citizens Association is again sponsoring Teen Character Awards to recognize teens of exceptional ethical and compassionate character. Teens who have, on their own and without compensation or formal recognition, cared for elderly relatives or younger siblings, or who have helped out in the neighborhood or community (defined as the Greater Washington D.C. metro area), deserve to be recognized not only for themselves but as an example to others.

Nominations are due Fri, Apr 22. Every teen who is nominated and meets the criteria will receive an award on the stage at McLean Day on Sat, May 21 at 3 pm.

For more info and to submit a nomination, click here. Questions? Email Jim Beggs, MCA Education & Youth Committee Chair e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org.

virginia pta scholarships: Graduating Seniors, the Virginia PTA announced its 2022 Scholarship Program, and there are multiple awards of $500 available in each category:

College/University - Students enrolled in a four-year academic degree program
Technical Scholarship - Students enrolled in a two or three year approved technical, vocational, and associate degree program
Fine Arts Scholarship - Students enrolled in school of arts, college of design or institute of the arts degree program
Special Education Scholarship - Special education students (Identified with a current Individual Education Plan-IEP) entering approved technical, vocational, associate degree or a four-year academic program

All Langley High School graduating seniors are eligible. Applications are due Mar 30. For more info and to apply, click here.

student opps

college fair: George Mason University invites high school students to attend the Northern Virginia Regional College Fair on Thurs, Apr 7, 6:30-8:30 pm. Join more than 1,500 high school students from from the Northern Virginia area and make connections with over 200 institutions from across the United States! Click here for more information.

eNews help wanted

Want to be (nearly) the first to know what's going on at Langley High School? Looking for a way to contribute that's flexible, fun and (not usually) fast-paced?

Consider joining our eNews team! We are happy editors who enjoy putting together this e-newsletter each week, but we’d love to welcome one more helper for next year when our senior parent graduates in June. To learn more, contact: Stephanie Maxwell, smaxwell200@outlook.com or Helen Miller, cerbycat2000@yahoo.com.