During the month of April, children from military families are celebrated and recognized for the sacrifices their families make. Military-connected students face unique challenges, such as constant moves, and the need to adjust to new schools and new friends. Yesterday, LHS with the support of the PTSA, held a Purple Up Celebration for our military-connected students to show our support and appreciation.

It is hard to believe, but in just two and a half weeks the AP Exam period begins (May 6-17). Over 4,000 exams in 16 different academic areas will be administered to our hard-working students. School AP Coordinator Shelly Terry sent your student and you an email with information about AP exams and the AP Pass. The AP Pass 2024 should be filled out in its entirety and returned to the attendance office no later than next Mon, Apr 22 in order to excuse students from classes for the remainder of the school day outside of their AP testing hours that day. 

Prom 2024 is next Sat, Apr 27, 8-11 pm at Capital One Hall. The deadline to purchase tickets is next Mon, Apr 22. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Purchase your ticket here. Junior parent volunteers are still needed to assist with the dance. If you are able to volunteer, sign up here.

Finally, a reminder that the last PTSA General Membership Meeting will be on Wed, May 1 at 9 am in the Cafeteria. Our guest speaker will be Dranesville School Board Rep Robyn Lady. Please submit any questions you may have for Ms. Lady here. Questions must be submitted by Thurs, Apr 25.

Have a nice weekend!

~ Joy Hohenthaner, PTSA President

Attention Class of 2024 parents and students: All Night Grad Party (ANGP)* is at Spring Hill Rec Center on Jun 3 from 10:30 pm to Jun 4 at 4 am!

Tickets, senior signs and graduation limo/box seat raffle tickets are now available for purchase!

• Tickets are $85 from now until May 15. After May 15, they increase in price to $100. No tickets will be available at the door.
• Senior graduation signs are $50 each.
• Additionally, we have 5-hour limo service and box seats at DAR Constitution Hall for two lucky families! Raffle tickets for this opportunity are available for $10/one or $25/three. The winners will be drawn at the Senior Breakfast on Thurs, May 30. 

New this year, we are offering a ANGP Bundle that includes a ticket, your sign, a $50 donation and three raffle tickets for $200. Buy your tickets today!

Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities coming soon!

*ANGP is an alcohol, drug, and smoke free event that takes place in a safe and supervised environment. Our goal is to reduce the risk of teen drinking and drug use on graduation night, saving the lives of our teens and other drivers.

Tickets for Prom 2024 are on sale! Prom 2024 is hosted by the Class of 2025 and is scheduled for Sat, Apr 27 from 8 - 11 pm, when Langley goes to Hollywood at Capitol One Hall (7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102).

Tickets are $80. Deadline to purchase tickets is Mon, Apr 22. No tickets will be sold at the door.

All past due obligations must be paid, or overdue textbooks returned prior to your prom ticket approval. Click here to purchase your tickets.

Student Services needs parent volunteers to help in administering AP testing from May 6-17. You will be paired with a knowledgeable member of the Student Services team and only be tasked with assisting in handing out and collecting materials and supervising the test. Test proctoring runs about 4 hours per test, and the exams generally begin at 8 am and 12 pm.

You can see how AP tests are administered and get to know some of our student services staff better. The only rule is that you can’t proctor a test your student is taking. Sign up here! 

Because of the vast amount of testing done in the building, every proctor is greatly appreciated!

Do you know a junior whose dedication to volunteerism is exemplary? The PTSA's Award for Outstanding Service honors a Langley junior who has demonstrated excellent service achievement and an ongoing sense of commitment to a worthy cause at Langley or the community at large. The winner receives a certificate and monetary award.

Nominations may be submitted by teachers, peers, parents, coaches, guidance counselors, club and organization sponsors. Self-nominations are allowed, too! Nominations are due Wed, May 10.

Click here to nominate a Langley junior for this award.

Lace up your running shoes and join the Langley HS and Cooper MS bands at the 5th Annual Bands on the Run 5K this Sun, Apr 21 at 8 am! All ages and fitness levels 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 $40 for students 6-18 years old and $45 for adults through race day. Children 5 and under are free! Sign up here today! Grab some friends and join the fun!

Still need some shoes or race gear? The Langley Bands and Potomac River Running are holding an additional fundraiser for the bands. See the flyer for more info and a discount code that will work online or in-person through race day this Sunday. 

And finally, a huge shout-out to our sponsors! View them all here.

Student Services hosts the last Wellness Workshop of the year next Tues, Apr 23 during Langley Links "A" session. Come learn about Resilience and take some time away from classwork with games and snacks!

Sign up by requesting Mrs. Martenson in the Students Request Staff 23-24 Google Form and for the reason put "Other - Wellness Workshop". 

Juniors, sign up now for the College Application and Essay Workshop! This workshop is open to Langley Class of 2025 students only.

We are offering two sessions this year:

• Thurs, Jun 13 and Fri, Jun 14 from 9 am - 12 pm
• Mon, Aug 12 and Mon, Aug 13 from 9 am - 12 pm

Registration is open in MySchoolBucks! Register early as space is limited. The workshops will cover the same info, so please select only one date.

During this voluntary program, students will have the opportunity to:

• Walk through the components of the Common Application
• Learn the art of writing a personal essay
• Organize the college application information
• Get helpful hints on letters of recommendation

Registration is first come and seats are limited. No refunds will be issued.

The Saxon Scope – Langley’s student-run, State-Championship-award winning news magazine – is a self-funded class that costs around $10,000 to operate on a yearly basis. Since the pandemic, The Scope has faced hardships when trying to find businesses willing to advertise and is at risk of not being able to print for much longer. To keep this (almost) 60-year-old publication alive, please consider any of the following ways that you could help out:

1. Become a Friend of The Scope. In MySchoolBucks, search for “Friends of The Scope” and donate. Any donation will get your name into our sponsor list that is published in each issue.
2. Subscribe to the magazine. In MySchoolBucks, search for “The Saxon Scope” and subscribe to receive all 6 issues of the magazine including the much-anticipated Senior Scope that features senior memories from their time at Langley and the Senior Plans list where seniors who wish to share their post-graduation plans.
3. Consider advertising your business in an upcoming issue. To do so, email either saxon.scopebusiness@gmail.com or the class adviser, Chrissy Mitro at camitro@fcps.edu.

The Langley leadership class is running a toiletries drive for the SHARE of McLean. The supplies we are accepting are new and unopened razors, shaving cream, body lotion, and liquid soap. Drop off donations at Ms. Hamilton's room (2425) between Apr 8 and Apr 19. The leadership class really appreciates your help with this. 

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 Mon, May 13. 

In-person voting will be conducted in the voting tent from 4–8 pm at T.G.I.F. Carnival Rides on Fri, May 17, and from 11 am–5 pm on McLean Day, Sat, May 18 at Lewinsville Park (1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean).

Three Langley students are running for the LHS youth candidate position! Read their personal statements below:      

I am Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak, a freshman at Langley High, and I am running for the MCC Board.

My candidacy is rooted in genuine desire to enhance McLean’s liveliness, vibrance and responsiveness to the diverse needs of its residents. I aim to create a lively and welcoming community, uniting us all by organizing inclusive and engaging events, such as cultural festivals, movie nights, outdoor activities, parties, fundraising events and promoting teen nonprofit startups.

With my fresh perspective and dedication, I intend to amplify the voices of teens, fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for McLean youths.

My name is Sonya Thott and I’m a junior at Langley High School.

My ambition to incorporate cultural diversity and inclusivity within our community is the core of my campaign. I have showcased my culture via dance and music by performing at Capital One Hall and I am also very involved in my school by being an officer in Langley’s student government, where I help organize school events, learn how to be an efficient leader and listen to students’ opinions.

With these experiences, I hope to enhance MCC’s inclusivity statement further and support the betterment of the community for all.

My name is Luke Understein and I am running for board member because I want to make a difference in our community and promote MCC’s outreach, growth and innovation as a cultural resource for residents of McLean.

I am familiar with the interests of young people in McLean, and I will bring the perspectives of my peers to aid the decisions of the board. I will also make strong contributions to the committees I serve, because I have good communication and organizational skills and I am very detail oriented.

So, I am asking for your vote to represent the Langley district.

Stress-Less Admissions: Navigating the College Journey with Your Sanity Intact

The Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with the McLean Community Center (MCC), is excited to host The New York Times best-selling author and journalist Jeff Selingo on Mon, Apr 29, at 7pm in the MCC’s Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean). Well known for his years of experience monitoring and researching the higher-education industry, Jeff will share his insights on current trends in college admissions and offer advice to optimize the journey.

Joining Jeff are co-moderators, Dr. Heather Tedesco, McLean Psychologist and co-author of Raising a Kid Who Can, and Hannah Wolff, Associate Director of College Counseling at Georgetown Preparatory School. With Mr. Selingo’s insight on college admissions, Ms. Wolff’s experience working with students and their families throughout the application process and Dr. Tedesco’s understanding of family relationships and the mental health challenges facing our teens – this is a program you won’t want to miss!

Advance ticket price is $15 online. Click here to register. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20. Space is limited and tickets will likely sell out, so don’t delay! A Q&A session will immediately follow the program.

Eleventh grade history teacher Alexa Walsh is in her first year at Langley and teaches United States history. Growing up, Ms. Walsh lived in northern Virginia with her two moms, where she attended Robinson HS. In 2022, she earned her masters of teaching in social studies from the University of Virginia. 

Ms. Walsh’s love for teaching began in her senior year of high school when she really connected with her history teacher. 

“It was one of the first times that my perspective was opened up to people outside of the United States. I really felt like I was able to connect with others, and…I really wanted to do that for other students,” she said. 

After attending college, Ms. Walsh taught for a little while in Albemarle County, but was drawn to Langley, as she knew many friends who attended the school. She also enjoyed the culture she observed at her interview. 

“I walked around while students were here, and I just saw a lot of happy faces. People looked like they were motivated, ready to go to school, ready to learn,” Ms. Walsh said. 

Ms. Walsh is looking forward to establishing relationships with her students during her first year at Langley. 

“I really love…getting to know their interests outside of school, going to their sporting events, plays…It’s really cool to be able to watch students grow and mature,” she said.

Additionally, Ms. Walsh is excited that she is teaching eleventh grade, as she has lots of advice to give after she has had time to reflect on her high school and college experiences.

“I’m able to give pretty salient advice…on the college admissions process, on what it’s like to be a college student…which is a very pressing matter in the minds of juniors,” Ms. Walsh said. 

In her free time, Ms. Walsh enjoys being active, especially running, and she is currently training for a half marathon. She also enjoys weightlifting and playing pickleball.

Looking back, Ms. Walsh offered some advice that she wished she had heard when she was in high school. 

“Take risks. It’s very scary sometimes to put yourself out there, but you never know if you don’t try!”

~ By Lila Pesavento, Saxon Scope Reporter

softball youth night: Join us for some spring sport fun! Langley Boys Softball Youth Night is Thurs, Apr 25, 6:30 pm vs Wakefield. Kids get in free – wear your jersey! There will be raffles and giveaways, plus halftime fun!

ppe night: Langley will host an opportunity to get your physical form completed for the 2024 - 2025 school year by our wonderful volunteer doctors on Wed, May 1 during the Pre-Participation Physical Exam (PPE) Night!

The physical night raises funds for the Langley High School Athletic Training Program.

The cost for a physical is $50, with an appointment made in advance. This fundraiser goes directly to purchasing tape and first aid supplies/equipment that certified athletic trainers use every day to provide healthcare to all student athletes.

Click here to register for your athlete’s 2024 Student Athletic Physical Registration.

Volunteers, click here for 2024 Athletic Physical Volunteer Registration.

… DEA Drug Take Back Day is Sat, Apr 27 at nine locations in Fairfax County.

Click here to find the location near you.

service hour deadline: Class of 2024, all service hours must be entered and verified in X2Vol no later than next Wed, Apr 24. Service hours are not required for graduation but are needed to apply for the Service Cord and specific seals. Hours that will be considered must have been entered between Jul 1, 2020 – Apr 24, 2024. Hours submitted prior to Jul 1, 2020 will not count towards the service cord or seals. 

When entering hours into X2Vol, make sure to review the Service Learning Guidelines. 

If you need help entering hours into X2Vol, watch this video tutorial.

Hours that have been entered into X2Vol but are not verified will not be reviewed or considered.

seal & service cord apps: Seal & Service Cord Applications are due Wed, May 1 at 12 pm (noon).

Seal & Service Cord Applications are required if you would like to be considered for any of the following:

Service Cord Application: Click here for the application

Civics Seal Application: Click here for the application

Science & Environmental Seal Application: Click here for the application

Students must be logged into their fcpsschools.net account in order to access the apps.

senior graduation dues: Senior graduation dues are required of all seniors. The funds will be used to pay for your student's cap and gown, and to offset the cost of graduation and related expenses. Click here to submit payment.

slideshow photos: Be a part of the Class of 2024's 'farewell tribute' to LHS!

Deadline for submission of photos for the Class of 2024 Slideshow is May 1! Submit your photos to elizabethmburke@me.com or aamartinuk@yahoo.com as soon as possible!

Some tips and guidelines:

● submit in JPG/JPEG format

● no large groups please! small groups are best (2-4 people)

● lhs seniors only - no outside friends/siblings/family members

● casual photos are best - portraits are great but we are looking for fun!

● recent pictures please - no baby pics

The slide show will be aired during senior week activities.

junior/senior prom: Langley HS 2024 prom will be held on Sat, Apr 27 at Capital One Hall. Junior parent volunteers are needed to assist with this event! If you are interested in volunteering, sign up here.

The last Class of 2026 Parent Coffee/Forum of the year is Mon, Apr 22 at 9:30 am in the Langley Lecture Hall. The forum will include a presentation by LHS College & Career Counselor Karen Burke relating to SAT and ACT testing.

Freshman parents, join us for our last Parent Forum of the school year on Tues, Apr 30 at 9:30 am in the Langley Auditorium! In addition to updates about all things Class of 2027, we will be joined by Langley’s Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Kelly Rankin and Langley's Student Resource Officer (SRO) Officer Michael Mathwin for a presentation and discussion on substance abuse information and prevention strategies. Ms. Rankin will provide training on the use of NARCAN at the end of her presentation for those who are interested. Email Tracy Rohrbaugh at trohrbaugh@gmail.com if there are any specific questions on these topics you’d like addressed. Hope to see you there!

summer opps: Are you starting to wish it was summer? Be sure to click here to see the Service and Job Opportunities page on the PTSA website. This page includes info on upcoming teen jobs fairs as well as the Summer Opportunities Spreadsheet. Additional summer jobs, volunteer opps and scholarships are added continually. Take a look!

teen character awards: Do you know a teen with an ethical and compassionate character? The McLean Citizens Association (MCA) is again sponsoring the Outstanding Character Awards for Teenagers! These awards recognize 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. metropolitan area), and deserve to be recognized not only for themselves but as examples to others.

Awards will be presented on McLean Day at 3 pm on Sat, May 18. Click here to view the nomination application and criteria. Apps are due no later than Fri, Apr 26 and must be submitted by email to e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org.

Questions? Contact the MCA E&Y Committee Chair at e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org. 

art competition: Looking for a chance to showcase your artistic skills? The 2024 Congressional Art Competition is now open to all high school students. Students are invited to enter the competition by submitting their best paintings, drawings, collages, computer designs and other types of artwork. Winners have the chance to have their art featured in the U.S. Capitol building alongside winning pieces from around the country.

Artwork must follow the Congressional Art Competition rules and regulations and all artwork must be submitted through your local Congressional representative. Here is the link for Don Beyer of the 8th District and here is the link for Gerald Connolly of the 11th District. Artwork and required forms must be submitted by Fri, Apr 26 at 11:59 pm for the 8th District and close of business Mon Apr 29 for the 11th District. Refer to each Representative's website for more details for their office.

health acceptance day: The Fairfax County Community Service Board’s Equity and Youth & Family Divisions will celebrate National Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Day on Fri, May 3 from 12-3 pm. May 3 is a student holiday/teacher workday, so stop by to enjoy food trucks, prizes, music, wellness activities, a panel discussion, and more! The event will highlight the diversity in our community with a focus on celebrating inclusion and acceptance of all.

The event is at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Rd Ste 101, Falls Church, VA 22042. Register here.

Apr 19: Saxon Service

Apr 21: Bands on the Run 5K, 8 am, Langley Parking Lot

Apr 22: Class of 2026 Parent Coffee, 9:30 am, Lecture Hall

Apr 27: Junior-Senior Prom, 8 - 11 pm, Capital One Hall

Apr 29: Stress-Less Admissions, 7 pm, Alden Theatre at MCC

Apr 30: Freshman Parent Forum, 9 am, Auditorium

May 1: Principal Q & A | PTSA General Membership Meeting, 9 am, Cafeteria

May 1: Langley PPE Night

May 2: Small Ensemble Band Concert, 7 pm, Auditorium

May 3: Student Holiday/Teacher Workday