From the Principal
Family,
This has been another week we can log as a success. I along with the teachers and staff have been able to observe some pretty cool “stuff” this week. Classroom visits have been fruitful. We are still making some adjustments here and there, but the truth of the matter is that we could be doing that all year long. We are in full swing and always looking to get better at what we do. That pertains to policies and procedures, instruction, relationship building, etc. I have appreciated that you all have been “active” (yes there is an eye roll that went along with that) in letting us know where we can improve from your perspective. It is what I asked for, so I am thankful for your participation.
We had our annual Meet The Candidates Day sponsored by the Government classes this week. It was a great event where students had the opportunity to dialogue with politicians about issues that are important to our young adults. Students did a great job with researching and coming up with excellent questions to present to the candidates. The experience was powerful for our students, and I am looking forward to the next one.
We had a great Gold Out at this week’s volleyball match against Fairfax HS. It was awesome to see students and families from both schools to participate in support of finding a cure for childhood cancer. The SoCo volleyball team raised in excess of $4,000.00 for the Journey 4 A Cure Foundation. I could not have been more proud to watch them turn over the check before the varsity game! This was #OneStallion in full form!
If you happen to misplace your child, and can’t happen to find them in the school, they likely can be found in the school library. The library has become a true magnet for student learning and engagement on many levels. If the librarians aren’t teaching classes about book selection, research strategies, or free reading choices, they are entertaining them in our Maker Space or the with community service opportunities. The library stays packed and is a high-energy space in our building. If you happen to drop by the building, peek your head into the library and thank Emily Strong or Lisa Muir for all they have done to make our library the place where all the “cool kids” go.
We are beginning our anti-vaping campaign. Students will begin seeing educational tidbits on the announcements and literature/images in the bathrooms. We will continue to ask you to have conversations at home about the dangers of nicotine products and other illegal substances. Finally on this note, I had a student come and share “time and place” where he witnessed another student engaging in vaping. We were able to identify and deal with the student involved without a student having to give a name. We are finding ways for our students to take a stance and empower their voices in their school.
If you didn’t get a chance to come out Friday night to watch the South County MS and HS staff battle it out on the basketball court, you truly missed out on a great event. You also missed an opportunity to see your principal, yours truly, work his magic with the round ball! You then would have missed me sucking oxygen when I came off the court. The high school squad was victorious in the game… of course! But it was a spirited effort by both teams, and just another opportunity to build relationships within the SoCo Family.
Thank you once again for your continued support of our work in school. Your efforts are truly appreciated. Have a great rest of the weekend. #OneStallion
Gary
Library News
The South County Library has Community Service opportunities for YOUR student. Does your student need hours towards their Government class? Church or Youth group? The Librarians at South County HS can help you!
Your student can earn Community Service hours by making a Hat for a homeless person, a blanket for a dog or cat at an animal shelter or sewing a pillow case for a child in need. The Librarians have partnered with Local shelters and hospitals to accept the student’s hats, animal blankets or pillowcases.
The Librarians at SCHS instruct students on how to loom, measure, and sew to complete these activities. Students can earn hours towards their Community Service credit during the school day. Students pick up passes for Advisory and knock out their hours. If students cannot get to advisory, they can schedule time with the librarian during lunch or after school. More information can be found on South County Library Blackboard page or the South County Library Google site. Students will need to login into their FCPS Google account. Look under MORE for Community Service.
The Librarians need donations of the following:
- RED HEART YARN, weight 4 in burgundy, gold, blue, green and brown. Please NO WHITE.
- Any Fleece fabric for pet blankets that is at least two feet.
- Woven fabric for pillow cases at least 40 inches wide.
If you would like to see the students in action or learn more about these opportunities, please email Lisa Muir at lkmuir@fcps.edu or Emily Strong at erstrong@fcps.edu
Congratulations to the Marching Stallions!
Congratulations to the Marching Stallions who took First Place in their category and brought home All the Caption Awards at the VMBC NOVA Regional Competition at Herndon HS today.
Caption Awards included:
- Best Color Guard
- Best Percussion
- Best Music
- Best Visual
- Best Overall Effect
Partners for Safe Teen Driving Program
Presented by SC High School Driver’s ED Program
Auditorium
October 16th (Wednesday)
November 11th (Monday)
February 13th (Thursday)
April 21st (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.
Programs will take place on the following dates: October 16th, November 11th, February 13th, and April 21st. 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.
From the PTSO
Parent Coffee with the Principal
Join us on Friday morning, October 4, at 9:00am in the cafeteria for an informal discussion with Mr. Morris over coffee and refreshments. All parents are welcome.
Car magnets
Do you have a new driver? The PTSO is now selling “Student Driver” magnets for cars. The magnets are bright yellow, 3” x 12” rectangles, and are only $6 each (delivered). Order now at https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/dashboard/form_edit/92900. Class magnets are available at the same website.
Club Day
On Monday, September 30th, PTSO will be sponsoring the 5th annual club day during student lunches! Please encourage your Stallions to sign up or check out SoCo Clubs during their lunch on Monday.
South County Minority Achievement Committee
Accelerate your academic success this year by becoming a MAC Scholar. Join fellow SoCo MS and HS students for free one-on-one and group tutoring on select Saturdays in the South County High School library from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. MAC Scholars promotes academic enrichment by offering workshops on study habits, time management, learning styles, self-advocacy, college application prep, financial aid awareness, and other life skills to help your student succeed.
Yearbook information
Senior Quotes
All senior quotes must be submitted by October 1 to be included in the yearbook. Editors will make final decisions on quotes and will not include anything that is not school appropriate.
To submit your quote, use the following form: https://forms.gle/grmnNEQDyKLWK6h18
XC Team Fundraiser
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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. |
News You Choose Submission Deadline this next week will be Thursday at noon. Please send all submissions to DBoullianne@fcps.edu.
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