Weekly News From South County HS

Stallion P.R.I.D.E.

Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence 

   


From the Principal

Family,

Thank you for another great week of school! As we come to the end of the quarter, I ask that you continue to talk with your students about finishing strong. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to their teachers. We want all students to be able to go out and play after report cards come home. So don’t allow them to spring any surprises on you!

As SOL season is approaching, we want to remind families that electronic personal devices of any kind (phones, watches, etc.) are prohibited inside the SOL testing environment.  Please be aware that any personal devices carried into the testing environment will be subject to the school’s established procedures for addressing this as a test security concern.  In past instances, a student’s access to a personal device in the testing environment has been identified as attempted cheating, please don’t let this happen to you! Let’s work together to create a positive and safe testing environment for everyone.

On April 4th the School Board will recognize our military students and their families at the School Board meeting beginning at 7 pm at Luther Jackson MS.  Military students and families are invited to attend, be recognized, and have their picture taken with Dr. Brabrand and our School Board. The internet site has information for families: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/military-families. Be on the lookout next week for news about South County’s celebration of our Military Connected Youth and our own Purple-Up Day!

The South County English department held its 4th annual Stallion Writing Days event. Students and staff members read their original works to a packed audience. Two things I wanted to point out about the event. Not only were the presentations outstanding, but the students in the audience were so supportive! I was so proud to watch them as they recognized through cheers their peers as they went up. They even gave old Mr. Morris a nice round of applause as I read my own poem. Thanks for sending us great students every day.

FCPS will hold its 14th Annual Special Education Conference from 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Lake Braddock Secondary School (LBSS). Parents and FCPS employees, please plan to register for the 2019 Special Education Conference now! Conference information for 60+ workshops and access to the registration process can be found on the conference website. Dr. Mary E. Morningstar, the co-director of Portland State University’s Think College Inclusion Oregon project and a professor in the Graduate School of Education’s Special Education Department, will be this year’s keynote speaker. Her keynote, “Moving from Compliance to Quality Transition Outcomes” will be a great start to this year’s Special Education Conference. This year’s conference will also feature a four-hour student strand led by “I’m Determined” youth leaders for students with disabilities. The student strand will emphasize learning and understanding of what self-determination is and why it is important to possess and implement these skills on a daily basis. More information and the start of registration for the student stand can be found on the student strand link.

Finally, I imagine that you have been watching the news and students have too. Sometimes our students get caught up in what is out there on social media and want to reply or express their points of view. I ask that you talk to your students about being careful on social media and sharing their views. The concern is that with so much access to information, there is always a possibility that they can be identified. We want our students to be safe inside our building, and inside that digital space.

Thank you again for saying yes, and allowing me to serve. It continues to be an honor. Enjoy the new weather, and enjoy your weekend! #OneStallion

 

Gary

  


AP and WorkKeys Testing Info

AP Exam Fees and Billing Information

In early April, AP exam invoices will be sent via MySchoolBucks to the parents/guardians of students who are testing beyond the first six AP exams paid by FCPS.  Parents and guardians can pay the fees using a debit or credit card through www.myschoolsbucks.com.  Please see the FAQs below for questions regarding AP exam billing.  https://www.fcps.edu/testfees-questions.

WorkKeys

Students who have been registered to take the WorkKeys Reading for Workplace Documents or WorkKeys Business Writing tests will receive a paper schedule as well as an email to their school Google accounts. This test serves as a potential substitute test for verified credits for graduation. If you have any questions about why your student has been registered to take this test, please contact your student’s counselor or English teacher.

Parent Volunteer Sign Up: AP Proctor

SCHS wants your help proctoring AP Exams in May so our teachers can remain in the classroom with your children! No experience necessary - you will be paired with a staff member.

Any responsible adult can proctor exams as long as:

  • You are not related to a student taking that specific exam. (e.g. If your son is taking AP Biology, you are still able to proctor AP Calculus.)
  • You have never taught that specific AP course.

More information:

  • Proctoring shifts will be approximately 3-4 hours.
  • Volunteers will be paired with SCHS Counselors to help with room setup, distributing materials, monitoring students during testing, and collecting materials after testing. 
  • Brief online training will be available to provide details.
  • You will be contacted to confirm your days/times after signing up.

Please click on the SignUp Genius Link to volunteer!

Thank you for supporting the students and teachers at SCHS! Contact Cameron Mathison, Assessment Coach, with any questions at ccmathison@fcps.edu or 703-446-1643

  


Partners for Safe Teen Driving Program

Presented by SC High School Driver’s ED Program

SCHS Auditorium

April 9th (Tuesday)

As a part of classroom driver education instruction, students and their parent/guardian are required to attend a 90-minute traffic safety program. This requirement must be met before a student will receive a Classroom Driver Education Certificate of Completion (DEC-District 8).

These programs will be held at South County High School four (4) times during this school year. Parents and students should attend the program during the quarter in which they are enrolled in driver’s education, but may attend other programs. Please be aware that you and your student only need to attend this program one time.

The last program of this school year will take place on April 9th. The doors will open at 6:45PM with the programs beginning promptly at 7:00PM in the Auditorium. No registration is required for SCHS students currently enrolled in 10th grade Health & Physical Education (H&PE).

The legislative requirement is for a 90-minute program; therefore, doors will be shut at 7:00PM. No one will be admitted after the doors have been closed. If you are unable to attend any of these programs, additional program dates and locations can be found on the Fairfax County Public Schools website at www.fcps.edu.

If you have any questions, please contact Erich Gunderman, H&PE Department Chair, via email at Erich.Gunderman@fcps.edu. Thank you for your attention to this important requirement.

   


Important Message from the Finance Office Grades 9-11th

On Friday, March 29th debt notices were distributed in 1st period for students Grades 9-11 who have outstanding fines and/or textbooks.  Seniors debt notices will follow shortly.  Please ask your student if they received an orange debt notice.  All debts need to be handled NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, April 12th (before Spring Break). 

The Finance Office is open every day before and after school. 

 


Seniors and Senior Families

Seniors and Senior Families, don’t forget that Senior Dues go up from $125 to $150 on April 1.  You can pay dues online until then at MySchoolBucks.com, or bring cash or a check payable to South County High School to Mr. Long in C228.  After April 1 they will need to be paid in the main office before or after school.  Also, check out the latest on All Night Grad Party on the South County PTSO web site at http://southcountyptso.org/.  The PTSO is offering a number of incentives to students who purchase tickets prior to the end of the month.  Finally, make sure to keep up with the latest news on Senior events and graduation information on the Senior Class page of the South County website.  It can be found at https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/announcements/class-2019 and will be updated regularly between now and graduation.

   


South County MAC

South County MAC provides FREE tutoring for all core subjects. Our next session is April 6th from 10 am- 1 pm. We will have a special Paying for College program presented by College Access Fairfax at 11 am.  The Paying for College program is designed to give a 30,000 foot view of the financial aid process. Topics to be covered include the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), types of financial aid, scholarships, loans, definitions of frequently used terms, and timelines. Material is provided for additional resources. This program is designed for underclassmen.

South County MAC events are open to all SCHS and SCMS students and parents! We invite parents and students of all backgrounds and demographics to join and attend MAC events. If you are interested or need additional information regarding MAC please contact us at SouthCountyMAC@gmail.com.

  


Spring Fundraiser/Mulch Sale

South County High School will be sponsoring a mulch sale. Delivery scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, 2019

The cost is $4.50 per 3 cu. Ft. bag of Premium double shredded hardwood bark mulch.

South County’s Baseball, Boys’ Soccer, and Wrestling Teams will deliver mulch to your home for a $10 fee (Within a 10 mile radius of SCHS) or orders may be picked up at South County High School between 8am and 10am on April 6th.

Order Forms with payment are due no later than Thursday, March 28th.

**We will only have 4,500 bags available.**

Click Mulch Sale for order form.

To volunteer to help or if you have any questions please contact Erich Gunderman 703-446-1580 or cgunderman@fcps.edu

   


From the Student Activities Office

College Signing Ceremony – May 1, 2019 @ 3:30pm in the Gymnasium

All students and families are welcome to join the Activities Office and Athletic Coaching Staff as we recognize and celebrate those student- athletes who are committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Spring Physical Night -- May 21, 2019 @ 5:30 – 7:30pm in the Cafeteria

Come have your physical completed and filed for all activities in the ‘19-20 school year!! This includes summer conditioning, Green Days, tryouts and sports participation. Please use the link provided to schedule your appointment: https://wwgw.fcps.edu/athletic.preparticipation.screenings.

Fall Meet the Coach Night – May 30, 2019 @ 7pm in the Gymnasium

Interested in participating in Fall Sports? If so, it is highly encouraged that your family attend our annual Fall Meet the Coach Night. This event will start in the gym were you will hear from the Principal, DSA and ATC, followed by individual breakout sessions for each sport.

Varsity Letterman Night – June 3, 2019 @ 7pm in the Gymnasium

All South County students and families are welcome to join us as we remember and recognize the 2018 - 2019 individual and team athletic accomplishments!

  


Chorus

From the PTSO

PTSO Officers for Next Year

The PTSO is seeking nominations for all officer positions for next year (President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary). The nomination form is available on the PTSO website (http://southcountyptso.org/sample-page/forms-documents/). For any questions, or to submit the nomination form, please email nomination@southcountyptso.org.

PTSO meeting

There is a PTSO Board meeting on April 8 at 7:00pm in the library. All are welcome.

All Night Grad Party (ANGP) Ticket Deadline

For all ANGP ticket purchases made by March 31, parents will be entered in a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. Most of the class goes to ANGP; buy your tickets now to protect yourself from the price increase going into effect in May. Purchases can be made at https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com   While at that site, you can also buy graduate lawn signs, memorial bricks, chances to win reserved seating at graduation, and class magnets.

PTSO

Drama

Job Fair

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, April 5th - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

April 15th -19th -  SPRING BREAK

Monday, May 27th - Holiday/Memorial Day

Friday, June 7th - Graduation

Thursday, June 13th - Last day of School/3 hr. Early Release

   


News You Choose Submission Deadline this next week will be Thursday at noon. Please send all submissions to DBoullianne@fcps.edu.

  


HBJCDB