Stallion P.R.I.D.E.
Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence
From the Principal
Family,
Great news: 2 South County students will be majoring in Japanese at schools in Japan. Grey Berndt has been accepted to a 4-year program at Osaka University. Arielle Yates as accepting to the Sakura Scholars program at American University. She will study in Japan for 2 years in this program.
The PTSO is STILL (hint hint) looking for volunteers for this years’ All Night Grad Party. This is a great safe experience for our students, and the last one that they will have with their class! So if you can, please reach out to our awesome PTSO president, Nannette Henderson to volunteer. It’s one of the very few times our kids will want us around to party with them. Take advantage of it!
I wanted to give big props to the Math and Science National Honor Societies for their efforts in expanding their own learning. On Thursday they deviated from the traditional method of earning their service hours and instead brought in a panel of speakers from the Washington Regional Transplant Community. The panel not only provided a wealth of information, but also shared powerful and courageous stories. This was information that brought real world experiences to our students; put together by our students. I would like to acknowledge these two groups of strong students and their teacher sponsors for recognizing that learning takes place outside of the classroom as well. Our future engineers and doctors have a head start today because of this experience.
I wanted to spotlight our Science Olympiad team that was not even a part of South County 4 years ago. To have made it to the state competition in 3 years and to have placed 12th out of 24 teams is a huge accomplishment! Excellence in All Endeavors is alive and well at SoCo!!!
As we continue through the year, we don’t want lessen our efforts to keep our school a safe place for our students and staff. From the beginning of the year, I have had a number of conversations with our parents about their concerns about students and vaping in school. We have picked up our policing efforts in school, and unfortunately we have had to appropriately assign discipline when we have discovered students involved with vaping of some sort. We are educating our staff on how they can spot use, and making them aware of the behaviors that are common among students that are trying to vape in school as well as what the devices look like and how they function. So since you are an extension of our school Family, I believe that I need to share information with you as well. So please take time to read this article on how you might speak with your child about vaping. The more concerned and trusted adults we have in our students’ ears, the better our chances will be to deter them from engaging in behaviors that could truly negatively impact their futures.
One more shout out. Thanks to all of the parents and music fans that came up to support the South County Drumline. What a fantastic group of dedicated students. The amount of hours they put into their performance over the many months has been incredible. And it showed. You don’t get the label of being “World Class” without laying it on the line the way this group has. Thanks to the families that I have seen in the building at all times of the evening working with this talented group, and a huge thanks to Mr. Kevin Engdahl and Mr. Grant Butters for their motivation. Good Luck to the Drumline as they compete this coming week in Dayton, Ohio at the WGI World Championships!
Finally, as the weather begins to change and we look to warmer weather, please impress upon your child that they need to dress appropriately for school. I am both concerned about them adhering to the dress code policy, but also to them being aware of how at this time the weather can change rapidly back to cooler temperatures, which could put them at risk for becoming sick. Those students that are spending long hours at school need to be prepared for much cooler temperatures in the late evenings, so please have them bring appropriate clothing so they can wrap up on the way home. I like the “kids”, and kind of want them to be here so we can “learn ‘em” right!
Thanks again for your continued support. I hope to see you soon at an event, or just passing through. Have a great weekend. #OneStallion
Gary
Attendance
We need your assistance as Spring Break approaches. If you know your student will not be in school or will need to check out early, please let us know as soon as possible. To do this you may:
-
(Preferable) Have your student drop a note from you by the Attendance Office when they arrive at school. They in turn will be given a pass for dismissal. This assists us so that instructional time is not interrupted delivering passes to classrooms and ensures that your student is dismissed when you have requested.
- Call the Attendance line at 703-446-1625 and leave a message as to the date and reason for absence. This can be done in advance.
We truly appreciate your assistance with this due to the volume of calls and early dismissals leading up to Spring Break. Friday is not an early release day.
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
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.
Library Closed For SOL Testing
The library will be closed for SOL testing from May 6th-May 24th. This includes being closed before and after school. Please encourage your student(s) to come to the library before May 6th for any books they may want to check out for that time period. Please also encourage your student(s) to identify an alternate place to print assignments if needed during that time.
Advance Sports Marketing
March is filled with Madness and South County High School decided to add to the excitement, with the first ever SOCO Madness tournament. Ten teams vied for the coveted trophy and to secure bragging rights as SOCO Madness Championship Team. The self-titled team of the ’96 ’97 Bulls won the two day competition established by the Advance Sports Marketing class, taught by Marketing Teacher Vera Woodson. With the support of the Activities office, Basketball Head Coach Mike Robinson, and the entire Boys Varsity Basketball team as referees, the students were well organized and created an exciting event for the student spectators.
To see photos taken of the exciting event from wonderful SOCO parent Mr. Razo:
https://aldorazo.smugmug.com/SOCO-Madness-2K19/n-jhq7sN/
Seniors and Senior Families
Seniors and Senior Families, don’t forget that Senior Dues went up to $150 on April 1. Senior Dues now need to be paid in the Finance 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.
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!
 South County Crew
In an unprecedented opening to the season, South County Crew entered its first race with seven boats in the Regional Park Regatta on the Occoquan last weekend and ALL BOATS PLACED FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD in their final or flight! This is by far the best start to a South County Rowing season in the school's history! Please join us in congratulating the team and Coaches for an outstanding performance in this season's first regatta. Row SoCo Row!
From the PTSO
PTSO meeting
There is a PTSO Board meeting on April 8 at 7:00pm in the library. All are welcome.
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/). You may nominate yourself or someone else; the Nominating Committee will contact each applicant to confirm their willingness to serve. For any questions, or to submit the nomination form, please email nomination@southcountyptso.org.
Baccalaureate
Senior families: Baccalaureate will be held on June 6 at 7pm. Invitations will be coming home soon. For students who would like to perform, information on auditions will also be forthcoming. For more information, contact bacc@southcountyptso.org.
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
On Friday, April 26, the PTSO is honoring all teachers and staff with a catered luncheon. We do need people to help serve and set up, as well as some food and drink donations to supplement what we provide. Please check the sign-up sheet at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050c44a4af22a64-south.
Theatre Sports Tournament
Come support the SCHS Theatre Department at the Theatre Sports tournament hosted at South County on Friday, April 12th! Five other schools will be competing in this tournament and it is all improvisation-based theatre with lots of humor! Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased at the door. We hope to see you there!
The SCHS Theatre Department is proud to present the spring musical, Chicago: High School Edition. We are so excited to bring the Roaring 20’s to the South County stage and hope you’ll join us on May 3, 4, 10, and 11 at 7 pm! Tickets can be purchased at southcountydrama.org or directly at this link: https://www.itickets.com/events/421912.html. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. Please note this show is rated PG-13 and may not be considered appropriate for younger audiences. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Molly Rumberger at mdrumberger@fcps.edu.
 |
|
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of our South County HS Staff. Just click FCPS CARES. |
Mark Your Calendars
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.
|
