Welcome to Langley High School

We are thrilled that you have chosen to be a part of our school community. The following packet has been prepared to help new students and their parents as they transition to Langley High School. We want every student to have a positive high school experience.

Langley High School Administrators

Kimberly Greer, Principal, (703)287-2704

Jim Robertson, Asst. Principal, Last Name A- FE

 (703)287-2706

Dep. Supervision: CTE, English Special Projects

Wayne Biernesser, Asst. Principal, Last Name FIA-LEF

(703)287-2957

Dept. Supervision:  Special Education, Humanities

Rich Deivert, Asst. Principal, Last Name LEG-ROD

(703)287-2707

Dept. Supervision:  Science, ESOL, Library

James Sykes, Asst. Principal, Last Name ROJ-Z

(703)287-2705

Dept. Supervision: ESOL, Science, Math

Braden Peterson, Dir. of Student Services

(703)287-2722

Dept Supervision: Student Services, SOSA, Registrar, Assessment Coach

Geoff Noto, Dir. Student Activities

(703)287-2750

Dept Supervision: Health & PE

WEBSITES AND IMPORTANT LINKS

Langley High School: http://www.fcps.edu/LangleyHS/

Langley PTSA: https://www.ptsalangley.org/

Langley Calendar:  www.calendarwiz.com/langleyhs

Bell Schedule/Green-Gold Calendar:  https://langleyhs.fcps.edu/about/bell-schedule    

Langley Sports: https://langleyathletics.org 

Langley Athletic Boosters: http://www.langleyboosters.org

The School Day

How early does the school open? When does it close? Langley opens at 7:40 a.m. Monday through Friday. Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and dismiss at 2:55 p.m. Students are expected to attend every class or activity for which they are scheduled each school day.

At the beginning of each school day, students recite the Pledge of Allegiance and observe one minute of silence. Non- participating students may sit or stand quietly during the pledge and the moment of silence. For class times see bell schedule.

What is Advisory/Saxon Time?  Advisory/Saxon Time is an intervention period intended to provide students with time to receive extra help, take make-up tests, or catch up on homework and reading. Additionally, there are lessons related to topics regarding areas pertinent to high school & post-secondary transition.  Advisory/Saxon Time is held daily from 10:44 - 11:14. Advisory is on Monday and Thursday; Saxon Time is Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday.  Students may be assigned by teachers, counselors, or administrators to specific locations based on their academic needs.  Attendance will be required.

What are Green and Gold days? Langley operates on a daily rotating block schedule.  This schedule is usually referred to as the Green-Gold schedule.  Green and Gold identify the class periods that meet on a particular day.  Odd numbered class periods (1, 3, 5, and 7) meet on Green days and even numbered class periods (2, 3, 4 and 6) meet on Gold days.  The Green-Gold schedule is set at the beginning of the school year and does not change.  For example, if schools are closed due to weather on a Green day, and re-opened the next day, which is a Gold day, then the students report to the Gold day classes. Adjustments may be made if one day is missed more than the other.

What school supplies will I need on the first day?  On the first day of school, students will need to bring paper and pen.  Each teacher will explain what supplies are necessary for the class.  Usual supplies include, binders, college rule paper, spiral notebooks, graphing calculator, black and blue pens, pencils, and a sturdy backpack.  

How will I find my classrooms the first few days?   All classrooms in the building numbered in the 1000’s (1007, 1304, etc.) are downstairs; classrooms numbered in the 2000’s (2002, 2206, etc.) are upstairs. Most hallways are arranged by academic department. An Open House and Transfer Orientation for freshman and other students new to Langley is held the week prior to the start of school. It is strongly encouraged that all students attend the Open House/Orientation and use the opportunity to meet their teachers and walk through their class schedule replicating both Green and Gold days. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Langley students, faculty and administrators are ready to help.

When are students given locker assignments? Locker assignments are given upon request.   Report any problems with lockers to the Safety and Security Office, 703-287-2708, or ask for help in the Main Office. Most students do not use the lockers.  If a student wants a locker, they will need to bring their own lock and stop by the Activities Office for a locker assignment.

Does Langley issue my student a laptop?  Yes.  Students are issued a FCPS chromebook for use during the school day and homework assignments.  They will be issued the first few days of school. 

What is the lunch schedule?  There are four different lunchtimes (Lunches A-D).  Your student will be assigned to one or two different lunch times depending on their academic schedule.  Students may eat in the cafeteria or other specified area. Students can bring their lunch or purchase a hot lunch from the cafeteria.  Lunch money can be added to your student’s account either through MySchoolBucks or personal check.  

Is there a dress code for students? Yes, there is a Fairfax County school dress code. Review the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). 

Do I need a hall pass? Yes, any student outside a classroom during a class period must have a hall pass obtained from their teacher.

What if I need medication during the day? According to FCPS, generally, students are not allowed to possess prescription or non-prescription medicine at any time at school. They may deliver over-the-counter (OTC) medication to the school health room; use at school is permitted only in the school health room.  Students may carry self-administered medication, such as insulin, inhalers, and epi-pens if the appropriate Medical Authorization forms have been completed and submitted to the school health room. In all other cases, if medication is required during school hours, an FCPS Medical Authorization form must be completed by the family and physician, and the prescription medication must be labeled and dated by the pharmacy (the pharmacy label directions must match the Medical Authorization form).  If emergency medication needs to be available during school hours, or you have other special health or medical, please contact the school health room directly at (703)287-2710.

Academic Class Information and Guidance

What is SIS and why is it important?  SIS (Student Information Services) provides information about each of your students enrolled in Fairfax County schools. His or her attendance, class performance and interims is available on SIS, as well as the school calendar and other pertinent information. For more information on SIS visit   http://www.fcps.edu/it/MyParentAccount/registered.shtml or view the tutorial at https://youtu.be/Rw3wBhJqEZY

What is Schoology?  Schoology is homework website maintained by Fairfax County Public School.  All Langley students receive a Schoology account that lists their classes and homework assignments and other important school information.  Teachers regularly update their pages. Students are strongly encouraged to use Schoology daily. Parents may wish to have their own Schoology accounts and may register through the school for such an account.  A parent account will allow access to the teacher homework pages only.  The address for the FCPS Schoology site is https://www.fcps.edu/services/technology/families.  

As a freshman, will there be students of all grade levels in my classes? It is possible to share classes with students from every grade level. This is especially true in math and foreign language classes, and many electives.

Is extra academic help available from teachers or other Langley students? Yes, many teachers will be available in the morning before school, and some after school to help students. Don’t hesitate to ask your classroom teacher for help. The National and World Language Honor Society members also tutor students. Most Honor Societies have tutoring programs available to students during the school day. 

All students take physical education as freshmen and sophomores. What do students wear during gym? Are students required to shower after class? Students purchase LHS gym shirts and shorts for PE; students should also buy a lock for their gym locker. Gym uniform will be available at the beginning of the school year and will be available during the Freshmen Open House in August. Be sure to bring sweat pants and a sweatshirt to wear outside on colder days. Showers after gym class are not mandatory.

What, if any, schoolwork needs to be completed over the summer?  Currently there are no summer assignments that will need to be completed over the summer.

What is open enrollment? Open Enrollment is when a student does not need to be recommended to take a class. All students have the option to sign up for honors and/or AP classes as long as they have met the pre-requisite requirements. The most recent course catalogue is available online. 

How can I get more information on classes available at LHS?  A complete course catalogue is available under the Students Services tab> Academic Advising on of the Langley High School website. The Department of Student Services hosts a Curriculum Night in January each school year to assist with planning and registration for the following year.  This program has both a parent and a student component. 

How do I decide if I should take a standard, honors, or Advanced Placement class(es)? Students are urged to take courses that are the best fit for them.  The first question to ask yourself when deciding about taking courses is what else what am I doing in life outside of academics. Clubs, sports, performing arts, job, work ethic, and academic interest should all be weighed when choosing the right fit and right class level.  Students need to create a solid balance of extracurricular activities and academic course load. Typically, students who are successful in honors and/or AP courses are those students with a strong work ethic. Honors and AP courses focus on independence, analytical and writing skills. (Please see the student services academic advising tab on the LHS website).

Where do I go for help with college/career questions? In addition to the school counselors who are very knowledgeable about college and career choices, students can visit the College/Career Center, located across from the main office and is run by our College and Career Center Specialist, Karen Burke.  The goal of the Career Center is to help students make informed career decisions about their post-secondary plans, which may include four-year colleges, two-year colleges, technical schools, apprenticeships, military, full-time employment, or gap year opportunities. College admission representatives regularly visit LHS; appointments to meet with them can be made through the College/Career Center. Students can find a wide variety of resources on colleges, careers, scholarships, financial aid, internships and community service opportunities, as well as and SAT, ACT, and TOEFL registration.

What can I be doing now to help get ready for college the process? Create a file at the beginning of freshmen year for all the important academic documents including report cards, transcripts, college entrance test scores (ACT EXPLORE, PSAT, ACT PLAN, ACT, SAT and AP), awards, certificates, club and society membership information, and community service participation.  All these documents will become critical reference information as you complete college applications and design resumes.

When do I need to start taking college entrance exams? The PSAT prepares sophomore students to be ready for the SAT junior year. Langley administers the PSAT in October to all sophomores. As a sophomore, this is a good opportunity for your student to gain the experience of taking a formal standardized. The spring of junior year then becomes the ideal time for most students to take their official college entrance exam. 

How are school counselors assigned? School counselors are assigned alphabetically by students’ last names. Unless there are unexpected personnel changes, you should have the same counselor throughout your four years of high school.

How do I arrange to see my school counselor?

Appointments are made through individual counselors.  You will receive a pass that must be initialed by your teacher before leaving for the appointment. After seeing your counselor, you must go by the attendance office window to have your pass recorded and stamped so that your class absence will be excused.

What are class Parents?  How do I sign up to participate as a class parent?  Class parents are a group of 4-5 parents who support and assist with class (defined by graduation year) events.  Class parents work collaboratively with student officers who are elected each year and provided guidance and leadership training by teachers designated as the class sponsors.  Class parents usually commit to support the class for the full four years at LHS.  If you are interested in serving as a class parent, please contact the PTSA president.  Class parents host quarterly informational forums for parents of their class.  These forums are an excellent way to learn about current issues and upcoming events for the class.

Visit the PTSA website at https://www.ptsalangley.org/ for list of PTSA Board Members and Class Parents. 

School Spirit and Student Life

Who is Otto? Otto is the Langley Saxon school spirit mascot.

What are the school colors? Langley’s school colors are forest green and old gold with white as a trim color.

Where can I get Langley spirit wear?  Langley Wear is available from several different groups.  All Langley merchandise can be viewed at the Langley Marketplace which is found on the Langley Athletic Booster website, www.langleyboosters.org and will also be available at the freshman orientation in August.

How does Langley celebrate Homecoming?

Homecoming festivities take place during spirit week and include a football game on Friday night and a dance on Saturday night. The SGA officers coordinate Spirit week plans. During spirit week, each day has a different themed activity announced in advance. The week culminates with spirit day when all students wear a class t-shirt. All students are encouraged to participate in Homecoming activities. Adults supervise all activities.

The Homecoming Dance is intended for all Langley students. You do not have to have a date. Limousines, expensive dinners and formal dress are not necessary. This is not a fall prom. Appropriate dress is a coat and tie for guys and party dresses for girls. Some students plan pre-dance dinners as a group at a restaurant or at a student’s home. Tickets to the Homecoming Dance are sold during spirit week lunch periods.

What do the initials SGA, SCA, SAC and PTSA stand for? SGA stands for Student Government Association (student officers representing the school as a whole), SCA stands for Student Council Association (student officers representing their classes), SAC is Student Advisory Council (student representatives for the school division), and PTSA is the Parent Teacher Student Association.

When are school elections held and who is eligible to run for office? Any Langley student in good academic standing who has completed the required recommendation forms may run for office. Elections are held in September for freshmen and late spring for upperclassmen. Details of all school elections are announced on the Langley morning announcements.

What clubs are available and how do I join? Club Day is held each fall during Saxon Time so that students new to Langley can ask club members questions and sign up for activities that interest them. A complete list of the school clubs and organizations from the previous school year can be found in the Appendix and on the LHS website under the Student Life/Activities tab and the Langley Sports Website under the “Club Tab”.

Does Langley have honor societies?  Juniors and seniors can be selected for different honor societies including but not limited to, National Honor Society, Math, History, Spanish, Russian, Science, and Theater.  Applications for the Honor Societies are due in the Fall of each year (some are due the Spring before the upcoming year).  Information on the various honor societies, is available on the Langley website under the Activities tab.

What is the policy on hazing? Hazing in any form is forbidden at Langley. Any violation of this rule should be reported immediately to a coach, teacher or administrator.

Is community service required for graduation?  Service learning in not required by FCPS but is strongly encouraged at Langley High School.  Students who earn 40 hours over their 4 years, are eligible for a service cord upon graduation which is worn during the ceremony.  Service learning opportunities are offered once a month during Saxon Time.

Student Athletics

Which sports and activities begin in August?  All fall sports, including football, field hockey, cross country, golf, cheerleading, dance team, boys and girls volleyball and marching band begin in August. For specific start dates, visit https://langleyathletics.org/.

• What are the requirements for participation?   Some requirements are:
• Student athletes must attend all scheduled classes in order to participate in any athletic contest, practice, or activity.
• Students must be enrolled in at least 5 classes.
• Students must have passed 5 classes in the previous semester. 
• Students must have a completed VHSL physical form (revised 1/21) on file in the Activities Office
• The physical must be completed after May 1st of the school year the athlete wants to participate. (Example: for the school year 2024-2025 the physical must be after May 1, 2024).
• Only one VHSL form is required for the school year (no need to resubmit form for each season)
• Athletes must register online at https://langley-ar.rschooltoday.com/
• Additional eligibility requirements are listed on the VHSL physical form which can be found at https://langleyathletics.org/ .  

What about winter and spring sports?

Winter sports tryouts:  November 11, 2024

Spring sports tryouts: February 24, 2025

Each coach sets the team’s practice schedule depending on the facilities available, games schedule, and the needs of the team. Generally, teams practice two or three hours daily, Monday through Friday, and some teams practice and have competition on Saturday.

Teams may also have practice on holidays, and other days when school is not in session.

Off Season

Off season, teams may hold green and yellow days.  These are days that are open to all athletes.  Green days are days that the coaches are permitted to instruct student athletes.  Yellow Days are days the coaches are permitted to conduct weight training or conditioning sessions.   These days are not connected to the tryout process for team selection. 

Green and Yellow Days are advertised on the school announcements, twitter and https://langleyathletics.org/.  

Where is the weight room and when is it open to students? The weight room is located on the 1^st floor across from the girls’ locker room near the main gym. Teams reserve weight room hours both in season and out of season.  Athletes must be supervised by a coach in the weight room. 

How much does it cost to attend athletic events? Will event schedules be distributed? Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season, district tournament and region tournament entry fees for general admission. Adults (18 and over) will be $7. FCPS students will be $5. Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions. Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is a funding source for those items. 

The Langley Athletic Boosters offer several levels of membership which include season passes. By purchasing a membership, you receive a pass for every family member to all regular- season home games, in addition to other membership benefits. For sports schedules visit the activities website at https://langleyathletics.org/

Transportation

Does Langley have late buses? Yes, late buses are provided on Wednesday between 4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Bus passes are required. Questions about late buses should be directed to the Safety and Security office.

Can a student ride a different bus home with another student? Yes, but each student needs a note from his/her parent attached to a bus permission slip from Main Office.

Who may park in the student parking lot? All seniors for the 2024-2025 school year who have purchased a parking permit are eligible to park in the lot. The cost of a parking permit is $200.  All applicants must meet the deadlines for submitting the appropriate forms; have acceptable academic performance and attendance records; no disciplinary infractions and no outstanding obligations.  Parking on school grounds is a privilege.  Parking passes and campus-driving privileges may be revoked at the discretion of the administration. Under special circumstances, students who require temporary parking passes should contact the Safety and Security office at 703-287-2708.

Media Resources

When can I go to the library? How can I get a library card? Are there fines for overdue books? The library is open from 7:40 to 3:45, Monday through Friday.   A pass from a teacher is required to enter the library during class time. Students do not need a library card to check out library materials; they may approach either librarian to check out books and need only provide their name. A student photocopy machine for small jobs is located in the library. Students may also print in the library from their FCPS-issued laptops if needed to access learning. For more information, the library maintains a site on Schoology which appears in every student’s list of courses. All students can access online subscription databases from home or from school, check the library catalog, and consult handouts that help with research and citations through the library's Schoology page.

Can students use their own technology devices during the school day? Students are able to checkout a Chromebook or use a personal laptop. If a student brings their own device, it must adhere to the guidelines outlined on the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) page on the FCPS website. 

Communications and Publications

What is the best way for a parent to stay informed about what is going on at Langley?  

How do I register to receive the messages sent home from school?  Every Sunday, a News You Choose message is sent entitled “This Week at Langley” which informs parents of events occurring during the upcoming week.  Another email entitled “This Week in Athletics” is also sent home on Sundays, informing parents of the upcoming sporting events at Langley for the week. In addition, periodically, messages will be sent to families from the principal, Kim Greer.  To register click here. 

What is Schoology?  Schoology is homework website maintained by Fairfax County Public School.  All Langley students receive a Schoology account that lists their classes and homework assignments and other important school information.  Teachers regularly update their pages. Students are strongly encouraged to use Schoology daily. Parents may wish to have their own Schoology accounts and may register through the school for such an account.  A parent account will allow access to the teacher homework pages only.  The address for the FCPS Schoology site is http://fcps.Schoology.com/.  For parents wishing to register for an account, visit the school website at www.fcps.edu/LangleyHS/ and click on the Resources tab, FCPS.edu link.

What is Naviance Student (Family Connection)? Naviance Student is a web-based service found on Schoology that designed especially for high school students and their parents. Naviance Student is a comprehensive website that helps students as they make decisions about academic plans, colleges, and careers. Naviance Student is linked with Counselor's Office, a service used in FCPS school counseling offices to track and analyze data about college and career plans, so it provides up-to-date information that is specific to each student's school.

How do I register to receive the messages sent home from school?  Every Sunday, a News You Choose message is sent entitled “This Week at Langley” which informs parents of events occurring during the upcoming week.  Another email entitled “This Week in Athletics” is also sent home on Sundays, informing parents of the upcoming sporting events at Langley for the week. In addition, periodically, messages will be sent to families from the principal, Kim Greer.  To register click here. 

What are the student publications? The Saxon Scope is the school newspaper published monthly by journalism students.  A subscription for delivery of a hard copy is available, as well as an online version of the publication at www.saxonscope.com. The school literary magazine, Shropshire, is published in the spring of each year. The Shire yearbook is produced annually.

Parents can attend the Principal/PTSA Coffees, quarterly class forums and the class dinner which are all valuable ways to stay informed and up to date on the happenings affecting your student and Langley High School.  In addition, the Langley Calendar lists events during the school year. 

Attendance

School begins promptly at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 2:55 p.m. Students are expected to attend every class or activity for which they are scheduled each school day. Specifically, this means that students must attend all classes. 

What to do when...

Student has an all-day absence from school:

The parent can email [email protected] with their student’s first and last name and include their student’s ID number with a reason for their absence or call 703-287-2727 (Attendance Message Line), on the morning of the absence and clearly and slowly spell their student’s first and last name and include their student’s ID number with a reason for their absence.  New this year, parents can report full-day absences using ParentVUE.

Please be specific about the reason why your child will not be attending school. 

Be sure to include symptoms if they are ill, especially if they have a fever, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and or a cough.  If your student has a diagnosis form a Health Care Provider, please include that information.

If the parent does not call the Attendance Line or email, the absence is marked as “unexcused” after 72 hours.

Pre-Arranged Absences:

Please complete the Pre-Arranged Absence Request Form prior to any Pre-Arranged Absences. The Pre-Arranged Absence Form must be signed by each of the student's teachers and approved by their assigned Administrator prior to the absence, in order for the absence to be excused. A copy will be given to the student. Please note that extended absences are discouraged, and Pre-Arranged Absences will be reviewed carefully before approval. An excused absence or a Pre-Arranged Absence permits you to make up missed work. You must assume complete responsibility for making up any work missed.

Quick Reference Dos and Don’ts for Students

• DO come to freshman/new student orientation.
• DO pay your class activity fee so you can get your class t-shirt during spirit week and wear it proudly on Spirit Day.
• DO your best - grades count - even your freshman year.
• DO keep all class notes and returned tests to review for midterm exams and finals.
• DO buy a heavy-duty lock for your gym locker and use it.
• DO go to your teachers and/or guidance counselor if you are having trouble with schoolwork.
• DO label your valuables and secure them in your locker. Engrave your calculator.
• DO bring a lunch from home until you figure out the lunch line.
• DO join activities, clubs, and sports.
• DO read the Saxon Scope.
• DO be organized - use a student planner/assignment book.
• Parents: DO attend all Principal/PTSA Coffees, quarterly class coffees, and your class dinner.
• DO attend games, concerts and drama productions to show your Saxon pride!
• DO deposit trash in trash bins and place bottles and cans in appropriate recycle boxes.
• DON’T bring valuables to school such as watches, jewelry, iPods, etc.
• DON’T bring food or beverages into school hallways or classes.
• DON’T leave school grounds during the school day without permission.
• DON’T be afraid to try out for sports, plays, chorus, etc. Go for it!

Bell schedule 

https://langleyhs.fcps.edu/about/bell-schedule 

Student Device Responsible Use Guidelines

• FCPS borrowed Student Device should be used only in conjunction with projects relating to the educational programs of FCPS. It may not be used as a personal or social device for the student.

• The Student Rights and Responsibilities Booklet has additional guidelines on appropriate use.

• The device is valuable and should be treated appropriately. It should not be thrown or dropped. It should never be placed on the roof or hood of a car, on the sidewalk or street, or treated in any way that may cause it to be crushed, dropped, or damaged.

• The Student Device is for your use only. Friends, other students, siblings, cousins, or other people should not use it. Keep away from pets at all times.

• The Student Device should never be left unattended in the classroom, on the bus, in the hallway, in the lunchroom, in the gym, or any other public place.

• The device should not be used near water, household chemicals, food or drink, or other liquids that could damage its electronic components.

• When carried outside, the device must be protected in such a way that rain, snow, ice, excessive heat and or cold will not damage it.

• The device should be kept in a secure location at all times when not in use.

• The device should be fully charged when brought to school for use during the day.

• Tech support is provided at your school, for your laptop, during school hours only. DO NOT TAKE THE LAPTOP TO A RETAIL STORE FOR REPAIR. 

• Tech Support Resources are found here: https://www.fcps.edu/return-school/technology-support-families

• For tech support, please submit a tech support request ticket or call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). This will be answered by staff members from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• School staff should be informed of a lost/stolen device as soon as possible. If you believe your device was stolen, report it immediately to the police.

Listed below are the items that I received and the cost to replace items if they are not returned at the end of the school year during collection.

• HP Fortis Chromebook ($444.00)
• Dell 3300 ($481.00) – Legacy device
• Dell 65W AC power adapter & HP Fortis USB-C 45W adapter ($23.00)

Crisis Information and Support

Please Contact your Counselor or Clinical Staff

If you are concerned about a student and do not have ready access to a mental health professional, the mental health resource numbers listed here are reputable choices for assistance.  Taking prompt action can help ensure that our teens remain safe, while getting the care needed.

Common Symptoms of Depression:

1.  Sadness and irritability

2.  Defiance, sulleness, agitation

3.  Loss of pleasure

4.  Withdrawl and/or crying

5.  Poor concentration

6.  Inability to make decisions

7.  Increasing use of alcohol or drugs

8.  Sleeping too much or too little

24 Hour Support:

CrisisLink Regional Hotline

703.527.4077

National Hopeline Network

1.800.SUICIDE

National Suicide Prevention

1.800.273-TALK

Dominion Hospital Emergency

703.536.2000

Woodburn Center Emergency

703.573.5679

INOVA Emergecy

703.289.7560

Life threatening emergencies-

Call 911