THE MUSTANG WEEKLY
June 8th, 2020
During the FCPS closure, some of our communications will continue to be sent to our community via the eNotify system. However, we want to also send out our Mustang Weekly with information specific to the SCMS community.
Dear South County Middle School Community,
The events of the past few weeks have been deeply troubling, and I am hurting for our students, staff and community, especially in a time when we are separated by a pandemic and cannot be together in person. I have experienced a range of emotions including anger, despair, and now hope for the future. However, I recognize that hope without action is NOT a plan.
Racism and hate have no place at South County MS. Our school is a place that strives for inclusiveness and compassion for all while providing hope for the future. To our Black and African American families and community members, I echo the words of our Superintendent, Dr. Brabrand as he shared with FCPS staff, “we see you, we believe in you, and we stand with you.”
I am committed to the belief that we must take care of each other and every member of our school community. Every individual member must be seen, heard, and championed. The events of this last week remind us that we each have a responsibility to our community to speak up when we see an injustice. I look forward to the many learning opportunities ahead of us and to working alongside each of you to develop the actions we will take.
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me (pakownacki@fcps.edu) and I will respond to you as soon as I am able. I am grateful for your ongoing support and encouragement during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Peter Kownacki
Principal South County Middle School
@PAKownacki
STUDENT ITEM PICK UP:
Students who were unable to pick up their bagged items should email their grade-level administrator to make other arrangements.
- 7th grade administrator: Jon Mitchell – jshaltermanm@fcps.edu
- 8th grade administrator: Miranda Hendershot – mehendershot@fcps.edu
SOME GOOD NEWS FROM OUR MUSTANG COMMUNITY:
If you watched last week’s link showcasing our students performing High School Musical, Jr. then you already know how much talent our Mustangs have. Here are more examples of our students’ artistic talents – the SCMS Virtual Art Show:
https://southcountyms.fcps.edu/announcements/scms-virtual-art-show
REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS:
- Students should be checking their FCPS Gmail account (that ends in @fcpsschools.net).
- Staff email addresses and other information is posted on the SCMS web page
IMPORTANT DATES:
- June 12th – THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for students for 2019-2020.
- Virtual VIP registration – signups begin in early June. More info soon. See below.8TH GRADE NAVIANCE REMINDER:
Academic and Career Plan—Parent Signature required! 8th Grade Students Only
The development of the Academic and Career Plan (ACP) starts in middle school and is updated regularly throughout high school as each student’s academic, personal, and career goals evolve. This year students began their work on the Academic and Career Plan and completed two of the four required tasks before school closure. Two important components, the resume builder and the draft course plan for high school, are usually completed in June of 8th grade.
Please have your child log into his or her ACP in Naviance Student, and, with your child, explore the required tasks. Parents are required to verify that their students have completed their ACP by July 10th. An e-Notify message was sent to all 8th grade families this evening with links to step-by-step instructions for completing all the tasks as well as the information for parents to verify completion of the Academic and Career Plan. Students may reach out to their counselors for assistance with completion of any of the tasks. Thank You!!
VIRTUAL VIP SUMMER CAMP SPONSORED BY THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM:
During this time of social distancing and virtual learning, we want to offer your child a summer experience that is safe and full of fitness, friends, fun and enrichment. FCPS and Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (DNCS) have teamed up to offer a 5- week virtual program for rising 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th graders in Fairfax County. The virtual program is FREE.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in virtual activities:
- Arts
- Music
- STEM
- Physical Fitness
- Cooking
- Games and Puzzles
- Literature and more things students can do at home.
The program is led by FCPS After-School Specialists and DNCS Teen/Community Center Staff.
Dates: June 29th through July 30th - Mondays through Thursdays
A mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities
YEARBOOK UPDATE:
As the world adjusts to change, one thing that remains constant is the yearbook tradition. The 2020 yearbook will capture the story of our unique school year. Copies are limited! Please order your yearbook online. Now, more than ever, is a great time to buy a yearbook at Jostens.com! The price is still $40. Please contact Ms. Bolton at jrbolton@fcps.edu with questions.
All yearbooks will be mailed directly to students from Jostens.
ARE YOU MOVING SOON?
Parents, if you know that your student will be moving before the end of the school year, please contact the registrar, Ms. Perper, to complete the withdrawal process. Students must be officially withdrawn in order to send records to their new school. You may contact Ms. Perper at slperper@fcps.edu.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Students may continue to reach out to their counselors via email for support. Please check the SCMS website for counselors’ email addresses.
Numerous resources have been developed to support families, including the Healthy Minds Blog, Student Voice videos, and a Learning from Home webpage for families. Please click on this link to review resources for families regarding school-based social emotional learning and wellness resources during distance learning: Social-Emotional and Wellness Resources for Families.
CRISIS HOTLINE:
Students and families may use the PRS CrisisLink Phone Line: 800-273-TALK (8255), text “CONNECT” to 855-11, or use Lifeline Chat: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org/chat for after-hours assistance with mental health issues. The lines are safe, confidential and manned 24/7.
We encourage you to visit our school website frequently for updates and announcements. For more detailed information on all school matters, please visit our website at http://www.fcps.edu/southcountyms/
To update or modify your News You Choose preferences, please visit https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/subscriber/new?qsp=VAEDUFCPS_1
Parents of FCPS students may update contact information online through weCare@School http://www.fcps.edu/news/wecare.shtml a feature of FCPS Learning (Blackboard) or by contacting the Student Information Office at SCMS to have the contact information updated in the student information system.Academic and Career Plan Instruc to go with 6-8-20 Must Weekly.pdf
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