langley eNews

November 2, 2023

from the ptsa president

As the first academic quarter ends tomorrow, it's a good time to remind our students about the free academic support options available at Langley. Students and parents should know that students in need of extra help should always speak with their teacher first. All teachers are available on Wednesdays after school and during Langley Links for extra help. Late buses run on Wednesdays and leave school at 4:45 pm. Most teachers are willing to help students before or after school on other days, so encourage your students to coordinate with their teachers for a time that works best.


In addition, all academic departments offer peer tutoring through their Honor Societies. Students should ask their teacher who to contact for each subject and a peer tutor will be assigned. Peer tutoring is available on Wednesday mornings before school. Another option for students in need of help is tutor.com, a free online tutoring service provided by Fairfax County Public Schools. The service is available 24 hours/7 days a week and is available on-demand or by appointment. Finally, the Family Resource Center provides information on private tutors here


Remember tomorrow is a two-hour early release day, and school will be closed on Monday and Tuesday next week. Finally, come out tomorrow and support our varsity football team as they take on McLean HS at 7 pm in the last game of the regular season. Don't forget there will be increased security getting into the game. This is usually the most crowded game of the year. With additional security measures, come early so you won't miss kick-off!  


As an added bonus for coming early, the PTSA will be handing out green and gold pom poms to help fire up our Saxon Spirit at the game! 


Enjoy the long weekend and Go Saxons!


~ Joy Hohenthaner, PTSA President

a few good parents

We're looking for parents to serve on this year’s Nominating Committee. The commitment isn't long and the company is always fun! Our first meeting will take place in late January and our work wraps up by early March


The Committee is charged with slating the 7 elected positions and identifying committee chairs. We are looking for a committee that represents all of our communities to ensure that we are able to slate the strongest leadership team possible.


Reach out to Susan Connery at [email protected] or Erin Lobato at [email protected] with any interest or to find out more!

2024 governor’s school

Attention sophomores and juniors, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in academics and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). These selective programs are aimed at those looking for a challenging and rewarding summer experience in visual/performing arts, humanities, agriculture, engineering, math/science/tech or health/medicine.


Students accepted into one of the programs live in residence halls in one of the VA state colleges for four weeks in June-July. To learn more about these opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE website and view the promotional video


Interested in applying? You must complete the steps found on the Langley website here, which includes completing the interest form by tomorrow, Nov 3. Late interest forms are not accepted and applications cannot move forward without an interest form.

reflections deadline extended

Students, the Reflections Contest deadline is extended to Nov 17. Be inspired by this year’s Reflections theme “I am Hopeful Because…” What are you hopeful about? Why are you hopeful?


Unleash your creative potential and compete at school, regional, state and national level. Explore, create and submit your original work of art by Nov 17. Choose one or more categories from Visual Arts, Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Photography, Musical Composition or Special Arts.


For inspiration, watch the video of winning entries from last year here and see the full list of winners here


For more info, students can talk to their English and/or Art teachers, view A Quick Guide - Reflections 2023, watch this video, scan the QR codes on the Reflections posters in the hallways or email [email protected].

kudos

The Langley Debate Team was victorious in October. The Varsity Public Forum sophomore teams won 3 medals at the Washington-Arlington Catholic Forensic League Tournament and will move on to the Metrofinals: Connor Chun and Sophie Li (1st), Miles Gu and Varun Bazaz (5th) and Lewis Le and Jarold Jiang (6th).


Further, Juniors Ahaan Shah and Sahil Gubbi participated in the on-line Tim Averill Invitational and became Quarterfinalists to receive a Silver Tournament of Champions bid. Congrats to all!

saxon's got talent

Saxon Stage is proud to present its 2nd Annual talent show, Saxon's Got Talent. Get ready to be entertained by acts of acting, singing, dancing, bands, magic, comedy and more! The show is Fri, Nov 10 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium. Click here to purchase tickets, on sale now! Adults are $10, Seniors and Students are $5. You can purchase your tickets in advance online or you can pay at the door. The doors will open at 6 pm. Enter by Door 14. Questions? Reach out to Mr. Kaufman at [email protected]. We look forward to having you all in attendance!

renaissance feaste

Save the Date! The Langley HS Chorus is preparing for its annual Renaissance Feaste on Dec 1 and 2 at 7 pm in Langley Hall. Mark your calendars for an evening of music, dinner and merriment! Dinner seats include grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and sage-drawn butter, harvest vegetables, salad with a simple lemon dressing, cornbread and pumpkin bundt cakes for $35 per person. Vegetarian and gluten free options are also available. 


New this year - stadium style student seating (does not include dinner) on the steps of Langley Hall for $10.


Ticket sales start Nov 6 at langleychorus.com. Buy early to reserve your seats!

new families potluck

Is your family new to LHS? Did you relocate from another country, state, county or FCPS pyramid? Or from a private school/homeschool program?


We have the perfect opportunity for you to meet other new Langley parents. An International Potluck Luncheon will be held in McLean on Fri, Nov 10 at 11:30 am. Sign up here to RSVP and let us know what type of dish you will bring from your "home" country, culture or favorite cuisine.

saxon broadcast

Langley's Saxon Broadcast is shown every other day in 4th period Advisory via YouTube.


Use the Announcement Request Form to submit announcements. Contact the advisor Michelle Gabro at [email protected] and/or Editor-in-Chief Izzy Lee at [email protected] with ideas or requests for special features. 


Submitting an item for eNews? Consider submitting to the Broadcast as well for students and faculty to get the info, too!

spirit wear!

Rock your saxon spirit with the new limited edition Golf/Tennis/Rally towel available in two colors, just $15. Go to the Langley Boosters website and click on Shop, then Magnets, Decals and Other Accessories to order yours today.

turkey trot 5k

Lace up your sneakers and get ready for a fun-filled event that combines fitness and festivity while supporting the Langley Crew Team! The Langley Crew 2023 Turkey Trot 5K is Sat, Nov 25 at 9 am at Langley HS. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just looking for a leisurely stroll, this event is perfect for everyone! So, gather your friends, family, and even your furry companions, and let’s trot together!


Proceeds from the race will help pay for equipment, coaching, racing expenses and daily bus transportation during the season for team members to and from practice at Sandy Run Park on the Occoquan River. Our no-cut, no-experience necessary, award-winning rowing club of more than 130 rowers is open to our entire 2,049 student body at Langley High School! Join us in the great outdoors for our 2023 Turkey Trot 5K race to support your friends and classmates, and maybe even join Langley Crew for spring rowing season! Click here for the flyer and here to register. 

angp fundraiser

Join the Class of 2024 ANGP and Wreaths Across America to honor a veteran or first responder during the holidays. For $17, you can sponsor a wreath to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery or one of three other locations supported by Langley during National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec 16.


Every wreath purchased through the LHS ANGP sponsorship site raises money and honors veterans. Click here to order online by Nov 28. Wreaths are placed at Arlington National Cemetery or other cemetery of your choice on Dec 16, National Wreaths Across America Day!


Questions? Email Kristi Grgeta at [email protected]

performing arts scholarship

High school students are invited to showcase their artistic achievements in the 2024 James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition. The competition is open to 9th-12th-grade students who reside or attend school in Dranesville Small Tax District 1A. The deadline to apply is Fri, Jan 26


A $1,200 scholarship prize will be given to first-place winners in each of the following categories: Dance, Theater, Vocal Music and Instrumental Music; second-place winners in all four categories will receive $800; third-place winners will each receive $400. There are no restrictions on the use of the award money. Applicants must be present and prepared to perform in the preliminary round of the competition the week of Feb 5, and at the final competition on Wed, Apr 17 at 8 pm to be eligible to receive an award. 


Info and applications can be found online. A non-refundable, $20 fee is required for each application form submitted. Questions? Contact Alden Youth Theatre Programs Director Danielle Van Hook at [email protected].

 2022-2023 youth survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey provides insights into the behaviors and attitudes that affect the health and well-being of Fairfax County youth. 


Most Fairfax County students reported they feel safe at their school. Overall, the percentage of students who reported risky behaviors continued to decrease in many areas including substance use, sexual activity, and aggressive and delinquent behavior. 


Mental health indicators, including feelings of sadness/hopelessness, suicidal ideations, and suicide attempts, also improved compared to 2021. Students who reported the recommended amount of physical activity increased compared to the prior year as well. 


Click here to read more about the report’s findings and to view the full report.

saxons did you know ...

use for the Saxons did you know blurb. stays small on the mobile view.

... Mitch Abblett Ph.D. from Psychology Today writes, “Momentology is [the] “course of study,” for the inner skills we as adults need in our daily work and relationship moments, the lessons our kids need as well.” A "momentology practice" teaches the skills of owning moments for creating, healing, and connecting.


Here are the top inner skills we can teach our children.

sports notes

football youth night: The Varsity game starts at 7 pm vs. McLean tomorrow, Nov 3. Kids get in free – wear your jersey! Pre-game fun starts at 6 pm.


Door prizes! Raffle and Giveaways! Run on the field with the team! See details in the flyer here.

winter sports tryouts: Winter 2023 sports tryouts begin on Mon, Nov 6 and include boys and girls basketball, gymnastics, winter track, sideline cheer, swim and dive, and wrestling.


If your child is interested in participating in winter sports, the following must be completed prior to trying out for a team:


Register your athlete on the FCPS Athlete Registration website. Registration must be done each year. Click here to register your child. 

Complete a physical after May 1, 2023. The physical must be done on the official VHSL form that can be found here. Send completed VHSL forms to [email protected]

Check each respective team's site on the Langley Sports website for tryout info.

yard signs: Winter sports yard signs are available! Place your order now through Mon, Nov 20 only. 


These durable signs look great and can be used both indoors and outside. Yard signs are a great way to show school spirit, support your athlete and the Langley Athletic Boosters. Click here to order today!

class notes

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

senior portraits: Seniors, last chance to have your portrait taken! Legacy Studios is returning to Langley for final make-up and re-take senior portraits, Nov 30 and Dec 1.


Students must make an appointment with Legacy Studios. Seniors not photographed by Dec 1 will be listed as not pictured in the yearbook.

student opps

become a youth ambassador - deadline extended: The McLean Community Center (MCC) seeks district teens to serve as liaisons between their classmates and the MCC Governing Board. 


Youth ambassadors act as liaisons between community youth and the two youth members of the MCC Governing Board. They collect and share the feedback and ideas of local high school students in Dranesville Small District 1A with MCC's board and staff with the goal to strengthen MCC services and programs for that age group.


Youth ambassadors must live within the tax district, be in high school (grades 9-12) and attend either McLean or Langley high schools. Click here for more info. Applications are now due Fri, Nov 17.

support spinal cord injury programs: Great Falls Youth Rugby is hosting its 9th Annual MedStar National Rehab Hospital Tournament on Sun, Nov 19. The whole-day tournament features over 18 clubs from VA, MD and DC; and over 41 teams from U6 through High School.


To date, Great Falls Youth Rugby has donated over $15,000 to the Adaptive Sport Program at MedStar. We are seeking Langley volunteers to help out with the set up and running of this tournament. Saturday will be setup; Sunday more setup, keeping the tournament running smoothly, and breaking down and clean-up afterwards.


More info about the tournament and MedStar can be found here. To sign up to volunteer please go here


Great Falls Youth Rugby is a 501c3 non-profit and verified service hours will be given. 

upcoming events

Nov 03: End of 1st Quarter – 2hr early release

Nov 06: First Day of Winter Sports Tryouts

Nov 06: Student Holiday

Nov 07: Student Holiday

Nov 10: Talent Show, 6:30 pm, Auditorium

Nov 13: Meet the Coach Night (Winter Sports), 7 pm

Nov 14: Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30 pm, Auditorium, Doors Close Promptly

Nov 16: Saxons Service 

Nov 17: Reflections Contest Deadline, Revised

Nov 22-24: Thanksgiving Break

Nov 25: Crew Turkey Trot 5K, 9 am, Langley HS

Nov 28: Financial Aid Night, 6:30 pm, McLean High School

Dec 1-2: Renaissance Feaste, 7 pm, Langley Hall

Dec 9: Homecoming Dance, 8 pm

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LHS PTSA eNews Editors

Pallabi Barua, Gary Coetzee, Helen Miller and Juli Nix

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Submit items by Tuesday noon for publication on Thursdays to [email protected]  

 

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.