From the Principal
Family,
Let’s start with the end in mind... end of the week that is. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend and be apart of the 2019-20 Academic Letters Award Ceremony Friday morning. We celebrated a large group of students; all sophomores and juniors who achieved a grade point average of 3.8 or higher in the previous year. Not only was it awesome to celebrate them for their academic achievements, but also to see how they supported each other in the ceremony with applause. It warmed my heart to see this and I know that this Family feeling is spreading in the building. Thank you to all of you who were able to take time out of your busy day to attend and celebrate with us.
If your student comes home and says that he is seeing other teachers in his classrooms “where they don’t belong”, it is because we are engaging in Learning Walks with our staff. Staff members have been asked to visit other classrooms so that they can not only see what other teachers in the building are doing, but also so that that they can provide feedback to those teachers about what they observed. They are encouraged to ask questions about how and why certain instructional strategies are being used in classrooms so that each teacher is learning from one another. This information is kept in a database and teachers can refer back to it at some point to see change over time, as well as to be able to pull strategies from later in the year. Finally, teachers are encouraged to see their students in different environments and see how they respond to instruction from another teacher. All of these efforts are designed to build the capacity of instructional expertise in the building, and to again strengthen the Family. They say, "Iron sharpens iron."
We are also asking teachers to engage in the use of Learning Targets this year. “What is a Learning Target Mr. Morris? And why is it important?”, you ask (yes, I heard you). Students must understand what they are to know, understand, and be able to do BEFORE learning takes place! It is part of setting the purpose for learning and helps students focus on what is important in the reading/or lesson. The Learning Target helps the student to understand what they will be accomplishing that day, and what they will be able to do with that learning after they have learned it. Learning Targets are more concrete that the Objectives we were presented with when we were in school (a long, long time ago), and they can help a student refocus on the learning at any time during the class period because they are displayed throughout the lesson, and teachers should be referencing them throughout the class period. We are in the beginning stages of using them, but we have many teachers who are already experts in using them across all curriculum. So ask your child sometime, “What was your Learning Target in X class today?”
It has been fun over the past couple of weeks to see the support from you for all students at the Senior Nights. I have been very proud to represent the our school as I have shaken the hands of you and your children, but also proud of the pride that has been displayed reflected in their Senior Shrines. And beyond that, it has been heartwarming to see the excitement that has been generated by the underclassmen who have been a part of these teams, as well as of those who have been in the stands as spectators. Thank you for ALL THAT!
Finally, we have been featuring two staff members each week randomly and awarding them with some preferred parking in the staff parking lot. We do a short interview with them to learn some personal things about them, and try to provide them with some sort of treat to really make it worth their while. This is another way for us to get to know one another a little better as we build this Family up. Because the featured staff member is randomly selected, I don’t know if a certain particular person will be selected at all this year. So I am going to do a mini-feature of my partner in crime and Administrative Assistant Mrs. Deb Boullianne. If you haven’t noticed, we have had to deal with some irregular staffing issues in the attendance and front office over the past few weeks due to one of our awesome front office staff members having to handle some personal issues. Deb has had to juggle all that she does to keep me in line, as well as manage the rotation of front office staff to ensure that all areas of the attendance and front office are effectively covered. Again, if you haven’t noticed, then that means she has done an exceptional job! If you have noticed, then please bear with us as we work through this time. But give Deb a complimentary hug or nod for the professionalism and work that she is so committed to every day! (Note: If you are reading this, know that I have had to twist her arm to allow me to put this in here, because she is the last set of eyes to see this before the message goes out!)
Thank you once again for allowing me to do the job I love and to work with your children every day. It continues to be a pleasure and an honor! #OneStallion
Gary
Attendance Office
Early Dismissals
Please send a note with your student in the morning to give to the Attendance Office, first thing upon arrival, so that they can receive a pass for an early dismissal. Phones calls should be reserved for sickness, late arrivals, and unscheduled events. Not only does this ensure your student will dismissed on time but it also does not interrupt instructional time for other students as the pass is delivered. Please be considerate of all students.
Federal Impact Aid Forms
This is a reminder to all parents who have not yet signed and returned the Federal Impact Aid Student-Parent Survey form. If you have not yet done so, please complete the form, sign it, and have your child return it to their Advisory teacher as soon as possible. We are nearing the deadline to have all forms submitted to the county. Due to this strict deadline, those who do not turn in this form by Thursday, October 31st will be called and a request will be made for them to come by the school that day to drop off or come by to sign and complete the form. If you need another form, or if you have any questions or concerns about the survey, please contact Jeremiah Caven, Assistant Principal, at 703-446-1802 or by email at jmcaven@fcps.edu.
South County Pyramid Orchestras
The SoCo Pyramid Orchestras will perform in their annual Masquerade Concert on Wednesday, October 30th at 7pm at South County HS. Students from South County HS, South County MS as well as Halley, Laurel Hill, Lorton Station and Silverbrook Elementary Schools will perform. Come out for a night of spooky music and fun costumes!
Help feed our neighbors!
Calling all Stallions! Help to feed our neighbors served by the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) by bringing in food this coming week. Most needed items are: Breakfast cereal, canned soup, kids snack items, and canned tuna or chicken. LCAC’s truck will in the Homecoming Parade Thursday and onsite for Friday night’s football game. Donations can also be dropped off outside the office (freshman); at sub school ¾ (sophomores); in B227 (juniors) and A238 (seniors). Thanks for helping others!
Fairfax Connector Bus Passes
Our new Connector Bus Passes have arrived!
Please come by the front office to get your new card.
- You MUST bring in your old card before you will be issued a new one.
- If you have had a card before and have lost it, PLEASE just let us know. A new form may not be needed.
- If you bring in your old card first thing in the morning, we will try to have the new card ready by the end of the day.
- The above also applies to those that are receiving bus passes for the first time. Please drop off the form in the front office first thing in the morning.
Thank-you for your patience as we distribute the new cards.
From The PTSO
Teacher of the Year
Every year the PTSO participates in a process to recognize outstanding school employees, and especially the teacher of the year. The nomination process is now open, and it is easier than ever this year. You can nominate someone here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hblQWfSLb78r7T6JwD7sO-OM4BC0ycjI_-gAjVrowXc/viewform?edit_requested=true All that is required is a couple of sentences explaining why you believe this teacher should be recognized. Please help us honor our hardworking teachers!
Volunteer hours for students (and adults)
Get an early start on your service hours by volunteering to help publicize the Holiday Extravaganza. We are distributing flyers beginning this weekend! Parents, we can use your help to put up road signs. Please consider chipping in to help with this community event.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0949acaf2baafd0-publicity
Candy Cane Fun Run
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun Run! This is open to kids 12 and under; please pass the word to your neighbors! Register before November 15 to receive a Stallion Santa hat!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/candy-cane-kids-fun-run-2019-tickets-75843192029
Call for Gently Used Books for Santa’s Book Emporium at the Craft Show!
We are starting to collect gently used books of all genres, ribbons, tissue paper, and baskets for this year's Santa's Book Emporium—see the attached flier for more details. A collection box has been placed at the Main office door. To arrange for an alternate pickup or drop-off contact Terry Dover at sococrewbookemporium@gmail.com
Have you installed the PTSO app yet?
Look for “Membership Toolkit” in the Apple Store or Google Play and download it today! This is the best way to keep on top of all PTSO activities and buy things from us.
PTSO Board Meeting
There is a PTSO Board meeting on Monday, October 28 at 7:00pm in the library. This is a working meeting where we review all the PTSO activities/work plans. All are welcome; it’s a good opportunity to see all the services the PTSO provides.
Homecoming Information
Homecoming Parade:
- The Homecoming Parade will be held on Thursday, October 31st at 4:30pm.
- It will go from South County High School through the Laurel Hill neighborhood.
- We are in need of convertibles or other open topped cars (ie: Jeeps etc). If you are able to help out by driving in the parade, please send Kaitlyn Price an email at kaprice1@fcps.edu.
Homecoming Dance:
- The Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, November 2nd from 8-11pm.
- Homecoming Tickets are currently being sold through Friday, November 1st.
- The week of Homecoming they will be sold every day during lunches and the cost will be $20 a ticket, 2 tickets for $30.
- Tickets can be purchased using cash or check (made out to SCHS)
- We are in need of parent volunteers to help with the shoe check at the dance. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4eaba62aa2f94-homecoming1
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards kicks off its search for America's top youth volunteers of the year. This unique youth recognition program, founded 25 years ago by Prudential Financial in partnership with National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honors middle level and high school students for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. The program gives schools an opportunity to reward and shine a spotlight on students who have distinguished themselves through volunteer activities - and an opportunity to call attention to the role that schools play in promoting community service.
Applications for 2020 awards are now open to students in grades 5-12 who have volunteered in the past year.
If you would like more information about the 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, visit http://spirit.prudential.com or email spirit@nassp.org.
KEY DATES
November 5, 2019: The deadline for students to submit applications (available at spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit)
South County Crew News
SoCo Crew Fall Kick Off Meeting This Wednesday!
Come out and row with South County! Our Fall Kick off meeting will be at 6:30pm on Wednesday Oct. 30 in the South County Library. This is an important meeting for returning/new rowers and their families to attend. For more information email southcountycrew@gmail.com.
Holiday Wreath Fundraiser
Who couldn't use a jump start on holiday shopping and gift giving? South County Crew Club is making it easy for you this year! All you have to do is go to: https://ThreeRiversFundraising.com/fund/sccrew-wreath2019
Support your crew team & have wreaths, garland, swags and more delivered to your door! These also make beautiful gifts to send to your friends, neighbors, and family too! It really doesn't get any easier than this!
Santa's Book Emporium
South County Crew is collecting all genre of new and like new books for Santa's Book Emporium at the Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show at South County High School. It's so easy to donate! Simply bring it to the Santa's Emporium drop off boxes located outside the main office at the high school. We are also accepting donations of baskets and ribbon to use as packaging as well as coffee mugs, hot cocoa, coffee, tea, bookmarks etc. If you need to arrange for an alternate donation pick up, or have any other questions, please send an email to: sococrewbookemporium@gmail.com.
Follow South County Crew on social media! @rowsocorow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Thank you for your support!
SoCo Choral Boosters
Important Upcoming Dates:
October 28 Homecoming Week
October 28 PTSO Meeting 7:00pm
October 31 Homecoming Parade 4:30pm
November 1 1st Qtr. Ends
November 2 Homecoming Dance 8pm-11pm
November 4 Student Holiday No School
November 5 Student Holiday No School
November 27-December 1 Thanksgiving Holiday
December 23-January 5 Winter Break
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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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