From The Principal
Family,
Well we have reached the end of the first quarter and even though there have been some ups and downs, I believe that we are on the up side of things. Throughout the first quarter I have seen both students and teachers make adjustments to the instructional process. Whether it has been how teachers open their classes, or whether students were engaging with cameras on, there has been significant growth as we all are continually learning how to make learning meant to be face to face, work in the virtual environment.
I have dropped into classes before they have begun and have listened in on casual conversations between students and teachers which have brought back feelings of togetherness (insert some sort of misty image of Utopia and the sound of harps in the background). I have also heard the sounds of music before classes have begun and the chat messages showing emojis of fire and hand claps because students are enjoying what they are hearing. Students remain back after class to ask for additional help, and teachers are ensuring they are available for that assistance. There has been more participation in the breakout rooms between students and the outcomes of group work has improved. We continue to find ways to bring students together outside of the classroom through clubs and activities.
Not everything has been “peachy” however. We know that the stress levels have risen across all learning groups at the student and the teacher levels. As a staff we are continually having conversations about how we can reduce that stress across the board. But we are also dealing with concerns about ensuring the work is worth the time we are spending in class because we don’t get this year back. And students will be expected to have walked away with skills that will be the platform for learning in the next academic year. Teachers are doing their best to strip the learning down to the bare essentials to ensure they are maximizing the time spent with students, while still having to be creative so that the learning is engaging. A tough line to tow on both sides of this process for sure. But as I stated before, we have seen many more wins than losses, and we are working to repair our losses daily.
I have sent you opportunities to share with us your selection for in-person or virtual instruction for when we bring students into the building for concurrent instruction. If you have not taken the opportunity to make your selection, please do so by accessing the link above. For those of you who may not be clear on what concurrent instruction is, it is instruction occurring between students in the classroom with students working virtually at home. This is an attempt to provide students with 4 days of instruction (two days at face to face, and two days virtual). Of course students who choose the all-virtual selection, will be all 4 days virtual. This method of teaching does sound complicated, but I have had the opportunity to see this type of learning in person and while different, it is quite doable. When I went to see a school piloting this teaching method, I had the added benefit of being able to bounce my questions off of our very own Nathan Onibudo. Nathan was there with me and he agreed that this method is doable. We will all have to do some mindset shifting. It will also require some training, but I am confident that with that training and some hand holding (all of us need this from time to time) our teachers will quickly find their comfort level and learning in a more traditional environment and sense will take place.
Speaking of Nathan, I stated that I would share his letter to the district leadership. Here is that letter. As a result of that letter, Dr. Brabrand shared with you some changes he is expecting schools to make to address the concerns expressed in the letter. I will say to you that I am not 100% sure of what that will look like. We will be working as a staff to schedule in the “catch-up days”, and to structure how lesson delivery will change to allow for more time for students to get work done during the class period while still being able to prepare them for subsequent instruction tomorrow and next year. These changes will not be easy, but we will figure them out. I ask that you be patient, ask questions and encourage your child to do the same.
We are beginning to experiment with setting up classrooms to ensure we can give every student the optimal experience from home which will be “comparable” to the in-class experience. Once teachers find the optimal setup for their individual classrooms, teachers will be off and running.
On Monday of last week, we had our first groups of students in the building. Our upper-level Auto Technology students got to come into the classroom and lab and they didn’t wait long before putting their hands on vehicles. It was so refreshing to see them with their safety gear on and working on what is their passion. We also had two newcomer ESOL students in the building as well. They were excited to be in the building as well. The next group to come into the building was out CAT B students. We greeted them as they arrived off the busses and cars. They had the biggest smiles on their faces as they were able to interact with their teachers for the first time face to face. Even though our first experiences were with very limited numbers of students, it was still a great experience and we are looking forward to welcoming them back on Wednesday.
On Friday, I was honored to have been invited by the South County Choral Department to view the first ever Virtual Concert. We were able to see some of the incredible talent that is coming through the pyramid from our feeder elementary schools through the middle school. It was such a great evening just to see the support that the students had for one another. I am really looking forward to the next opportunity to see and hear what these outstanding performers will come up with next! If you want to see a few images from the evening, see the tweets I shared at @soco_principal. I don’t tweet a lot, but when I do….. LOL!
I am continuing to push the services of both the Math and Writing Labs. If your child needs some assistance in either of these areas, they should ask for more information from their respective Math or English teacher and they will guide them to these great resources.
Well I think that is about enough of hearing from me. I wish each of you a safe and relaxing rest of the weekend. If I have done nothing else, maybe I help you get to sleep with this message. Until next time, please take care. #OneStallion
Gary
From the Activities Office
Beginning Monday, November 2, FCPS activities and athletic programs will transition to a new online student registration system. This new system offers a host of benefits for schools and community members including:
- One stop shop for registering your student for athletic programs and many common activities occurring throughout the school year
- Electronic submission of the emergency care card and weight room waiver- only have to fill these out once!
- A new home for the state-mandated concussion education program
Each family will create an account, and from this account, can register their student(s) for various activity and athletic opportunities. While registering does not guarantee a spot on the team, this information will help to ensure your student is ready to go on the first day of tryouts. Students can be registered for one or more activities throughout the year and families can sign in as needed to update information.
Please note the following:
- You will still need to submit a valid VHSL Pre-participation Exam Form (physical) directly to the school prior to your student’s participation; all other requirements will be completed through this registration process.
- Families who have already submitted their concussion education verification form will be asked to verify completion again as part of the registration process. We do apologize for any inconvenience- please bear with us as we make this change
The new registration site is available here:
https://southcounty-ar.rschooltoday.com/
The Activities Office
"Paperless" Report Cards
Help save trees and FCPS $$ on postage by opting in to receive “Paperless” Report Cards (that can be printed through ParentVUE)
Parents/Guardians may opt into “Go Paperless” for report cards by following the below instructions:
- Parents/Guardians can take advantage of the paperless option, by logging into ParentVUE, then going to “My Account” and selecting "Go Paperless!". This is the only way to keep a paper report card from being generated for students at the secondary level. All parents who share the same address as the student must have a SIS ParentVUE account and must select the paperless option.
Reminder:
Governor’s School Interest Forms Due 11/9
Any 10th or 11th grade student interested in applying for one of the VA Governor’s School enrichment programs for the summer of 2021 should fill out one of the Governor’s School Interest forms below by November 9th:
Academic Programs (Humanities; Math, Science & Tech; Agriculture; Medical & Health Sciences; Engineering and Marine Science Mentorships)
Academic Interest Form
Visual & Performing Arts Programs (Dance, Visual Art, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre):
Visual & Performing Arts Interest Form
Additional information about the Governor’s School summer programs can be found here: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/student-services/governors-school
Notice: Food and Nutrition Services will not be providing meal service on Election Day
As many schools will be used as polling places on November 3rd, Food and Nutrition Services will not be providing meal service on Election Day. We will provide two days-worth of meals on November 2nd. This is very similar to how we distribute weekend meals on Fridays.
Yearbook Info and Links for Seniors
Senior Quotes
The yearbook is now collecting senior quotes. These quotes are run
under seniors’ pictures in the yearbook as a way to share one’s
personality. They are due on December 1. No late quotes will be
accepted.
A few things to consider:
- Students can only submit ONE TIME, so please be thoughtful of
what you submit. You can not change it once it is in.
- If there is a quote that the editorial board deems inappropriate,
if it uses bad language, or if it is questionable, the editors will
pull it.
- Lastly, the yearbook does not print websites or time stamps in
videos- so students who choose that, will not have a quote
printed.
- If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Delinski at
jldelinski@fcps.edu
All quotes should be submitted through the link below, which is
attached to your student ID
https://forms.gle/wmGZcHp8xYBS1XNy7
Senior Photos
Seniors who have not had portraits taken can do so at the
make-up sessions in late November/early December. Specific
details and notifications for those dates will be communicated
in mid-November. Further questions? Contact Lifetouch
Customer Service team at 800-445-1189.
Purchasing Yearbooks
and Senior Ads
Yearbooks and Senior Ads can be purchased online:
Yearbook
Sharing Photos
The yearbook is looking for photos! If you would like to share
photos of your activities use the link for purchasing yearbooks
(above), Click on Community Upload, and then enter the Code
SOCO2021
If you have any questions regarding yearbook or school pictures, please contact Jennifer Delinski at jldelinski@fcps.edu
Yearbook Info and Links for
Freshman-Juniors
Picture Days
Lifetouch will be at South County to take school pictures for 9-11 graders for the yearbook/individual purchase on the following dates:
- Saturday, November 7 (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) during the weekend time.
*More dates may be added if needed*
Per FCPS guidelines:
All photos are to be taken by appointment only. Use the Sign-Up Genius here
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4AA8AC2CA1F94-underclassmen
- All safety precautions must be followed - social distancing, masks,
contactless photo sessions
- Students should dress their yearbook photo best for the time.
- Student IDs will be given out after photos are taken.
Purchasing School pictures
To order pictures, students should use this link:
https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/
Event Code: EVTJPVW3C
Purchasing Yearbooks
Yearbooks can be purchased online at the link below:
Yearbook
Sharing Photos
The yearbook is looking for photos! If you would
like to share photos of your activities use the link
for purchasing yearbooks (above), Click on
Community Upload, and then enter the Code
SOCO2021
If you have any questions regarding yearbook or school pictures, please contact Jennifer Delinski at jldelinski@fcps.edu
Stallion Spirit Store (Kiosk) goes Virtual!
South County’s Stallion Spirit Store is back and now open virtually! Items are available to order online through a Google Form with invoicing to follow after order is fulfilled. All items can be shipped directly to your home for a fee or pick up can be arranged at the school. To order items, please use this link - Stallion Spirit Store.
Visit our website and please consider giving us feedback on new merchandise options!
Thank you in advance for supporting the Entrepreneurship & Marketing program as well as the Work and Transition program here at South County. The students from these programs typically work the Spirit Kiosk at lunches to build customer service skills as well as count inventory and review financial records. These work-based learning opportunities allow students to connect classroom lessons to actual scenarios. This year, the students will still review the financial records and inventory while virtual as well as create promotions and research new merchandise options.
From the Library
Curbside Pickup
Does your student need a print book for class or personal reading? South County HS Library is beginning curbside and contactless pickup of library books on Mondays 8am-4pm beginning September 28th. Please see the 24/7 Blackboard South County HS Library Course for details on how to request and pick up books. Masks must be worn when picking up books.
Virtual Librarian Support
Does your student need book recommendations, homework support, research help on assignments, or help proofreading their assignments? They can schedule a virtual meeting with one of the librarians for support. Please see the 24/7 Blackboard South County HS Library Course for details about how to schedule a time.
Please contact Emily Strong erstrong@fcps.edu or Lisa Muir lkmuir@fcps.edu with any questions.
From the PTSO
2020 White House Ornaments have arrived! Get them before they are gone.
SCPTSO is continuing its tradition of selling the Annual White House Ornament to
benefit the All Night Grad Party. Please consider supporting the Class of 2021 as they make the most of their rather different Senior Year with your ornament purchases.
Visit https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com for online ordering. Inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Megan at JMegan2560@aol.com or Dawn Martinos
at DAMartinos@fcps.edu.
Freshman Parents/New Parents
If you have not already set up an account with the PTSO, please go to
https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com and set yours up today. You can also set up an account through the “Membership Toolkit” app available in Google Play or the Apple store.
Please follow these PTSO pages on Facebook and Twitter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoCoPTSO
PTSO general page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthCountyHighSchoolPTSO/
PTSO craft fair on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LortonHolidayExtravaganza/
PTSO Military Connections: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2103122980014708/
South County Athletic Booster Club
The South County Athletic Booster Club (SCABC) has created some great ways for the community to show your STALLION PRIDE. Order now STALLION STRONG yard signs, car magnets, and HOLIDAY spirit wear clothing. You can access ordering these items via the athletics website: https://southcountyhs.rschoolteams.com/
Go Stallions!
South County Athletic Booster Club
Class Rings
Herff Jones will be on campus
November 18
3-6pm, Door #1
for you to order your class rings!
You may schedule an appt. at
https://book.appointment-plus.com/ck2jngpv/?&e_id=5313#/
Walk-ins are welcome also!
Lorton Community Action Center
Help feed our families this Thanksgiving
Visit LortonAction.org to learn more about volunteering, helping a child/teen
this holiday, and our Thanksgiving and Christmas outreaches!
In Need of Help During These Difficult Times?
Do you know of someone in the area that may need help? Fairfax County has non-profits throughout the county that work in specific zip codes to help folks in need. In South County’s area, the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) provides food, emergency financial assistance and educational programs to help families and seniors in the community. You can learn more here: https://lortonaction.org/need-help/
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