From The Principal
Family,
I hope this message finds each of you safe and well. This is the third time this week I have had the opportunity to touch base with you to some degree and I have to say that my fingers are tired! I did have a great time putting together the Honor Roll Ceremony presentation. In looking over the names that went into the presentation, I was able to say, “AWWW” quite a few times. I know, a bit mushy, but hey this is the virtual world I am living in and I have to share it this way! I truly enjoyed the time I had with those families who were able to make it to the Parent Coffee Friday morning. And I will reiterate what I shared there, that I am truly grateful for each of you allowing me to be me in this role. I really would have a problem not telling a joke or two when we were together, and that would likely make me a crabby guy at home. So the wife and kids thank you!
Now I will be the first to say that I do enjoy sending these messages to you all because again, I get to be me and I have heard that the messages are appreciated. But this week, I had a bunch of help. One of our students, Warisha Hussain submitted information. Not only is it valuable information, but it also shows the level of buy-in that our students have in this learning process, as well as how much they believe in our Family! The only downside to this incredible work that she has done is that one, she does not write with nearly the humor I do, and two, I am being forced to share my limelight! But for this, I am surely willing to do so. So without further ado, here are the messages from Warisha!
SAT Course:
The Math Honor Society and National Honor Society are pairing up to implement a 13-week free SAT Math Preparation program through the club! The first several weeks are devoted to reviewing different topics on the SAT Math Section, with notes followed by practice problems that will be conducted by both teachers and stellar student tutors. The last few weeks will consist of practice SAT Math Tests; this is a great way for students to experience a proctored environment even in a virtual setting so they may prepare for test day! All practice and testing materials are extracted from College Board and verified SAT Prep books. We will begin in January. Join our Google Classroom for more information!: 5hcltm5.
Choir Concert:
This past year has been a challenge for our performing arts department, but distance cannot stop them from making music together in the comfort of their own homes! Our South County High School Choral Department enjoyed a live Fall Concert -- House of SOCO -- via Google Meets on October 30th! If you missed it, please enjoy this video that’s been compiled of the night’s performers. https://youtu.be/_a6Qx6mU2po
Thanksgiving Video
Happy Thanksgiving from the South County Choral Department! We are so amazed and grateful for our South County teachers. Despite virtual roadblocks, they have worked diligently to ensure that our students feel educated, understood, and most importantly, cared for. The choral students performed Good Job by Alicia Keys, contributing to a virtual choir video to honor their teachers' hard work and guidance. https://youtu.be/SPs5gr3YyCA
I want to again thank Warisha as well as the other students involved in both the honor societies and the choral department for their efforts to sustain our Family culture at South County. I want to further thank the teachers and students who have also done outstanding work with school spirit, club involvement, and community service. South County is definitely blessed with some serious and generous talent!
In academic news, we will be moving away from doing grade changes that are reflected in SIS. With the rolling gradebook, families are able to see submissions of work from previous grading periods in the gradebook. These changes do not translate automatically to the SIS report, or a transcript/report card. Quarter grades are not reported to post-secondary institutions with exception to instances where a senior elects to send 1st quarter grades forward. The other time when we will commit to doing grade changes are when it may impact the honor roll (within a week of the closing of the quarter) or if a student is changing schools so that the receiving school will have the correct grades since the gradebook does not follow the student. In any instance, all grade changes will need to be initiated by the student/family.
Finally, as a heads up, students and families may be seeing some additional changes in grading policies/practices that could positively impact student grades coming from the district leadership. I am mentioning this to you hesitantly because I do not have any real details at this time. But I did want you to know that the district is continuing to try to find ways to look out for the academic and social emotional well being of our students.
Thank you once again for providing me with and supporting me in this opportunity to serve in this role. I know that I say this often, but I don’t take for granted of what the gravity of being a leader can have; especially during these times with your most valuable assets. So, take a moment to think about something good your child has done and tell them about it. Hug them for me, grin, and don’t tell them why (my favorite). And lastly, make sure they are taking care of themselves and one another during this pandemic by masking up, and staying socially distanced. I look forward to seeing you all in the other side. #OneStallion
Gary
Winter Sports Tryout Information
December 7, 2020
Boys Basketball:
Varsity/JV: 3:30pm – 5:30pm (Check-in at SCHS, 3:15pm outside Door 12)
Freshman: 6:00pm – 8:00pm (Check-in at SCHS, 5:45pm outside Door 12)
Girls Basketball (**CHANGE in location**):
Junior Varsity: 4:00pm – 5:15pm (Check-in at Laurel Hill Elementary, 3:45pm outside Door 4)
Varsity: 5:30pm – 6:45pm (Check-in at Laurael Hill Elementary, 5:15pm outside Door 4)
Freshman: 7:00pm – 8:15pm (Check-in at Laurel Hill Elementary, 6:45pm outside Door 4)
Directions for Laurel Hill Elementary: Park on the left side of the school
- Walkthrough the playground gate
- Check-in outside of Door 4
To tryout, your student:
Resources:
The Activities Office
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Virtual Tag Day
South County HS Performing Arts VIRTUAL Tag Day : Nov. 2-Dec. 6. We can’t knock on your door this year, but we still need your support! To donate via PayPal or Credit Card, visit: www.schsbands.org . To Mail donations, make checks payable to SCHS BAND BOOSTERS and mail to SCHS – Attn. Kevin Engdahl, 8501 Silverbrook Rd. Lorton, VA 22079. All donations directly support the SCHS Performing Arts Department. Thank you for your support. SCHS Band Boosters is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
Yearbook Info and Links for Seniors
Senior Portrait Information
When will my portrait session be?
Senior photo sessions for next Monday and Tuesday have been rescheduled for January and will take place at the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, Va.
We apologize for the change and the frustration it may cause; however, this change will allow all students to choose whether or not to use Lifetouch’s drapes, tux, caps, and gowns for their senior pictures.
Information will be sent out soon and families should watch their mail over the next week for their new appointment time.
Thank you for your patience as we try to navigate this unique time.
How do I choose which picture goes into the yearbook?
Once students take their pictures, they will receive information about how to order pictures and how to choose a yearbook pose. Students can also choose a yearbook pose to submit, by filling out the google form here: https://forms.gle/B5SWmmrqGwMi75Gh8
What if I want to submit my own picture? DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU HAD YOUR PICTURE TAKEN BY LIFETOUCH
Students who do not want to have their picture taken by Lifetouch but would like to be in the yearbook need to submit a portrait in either a drape or tux, or a neutral black or white top. The picture should be on a solid color background. Submit the photos by following the directions below:
- Go to https://yearbookforever.com/
- Type in South County High School
- Click ‘Shop the Store”
- Click “Community Upload” at the top of the page.
- Use the Code “SOCO2021”
- Upload your portrait.
- Click “This is a portrait”
- In the comments box, type in the full name of the individual in the picture. No nicknames please.
- Submit your photo.
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
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.
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
From the PTSO
PTSO Membership
Consider becoming a PTSO member! Our biggest source of financial support is membership dues. This year dues are down almost 70%. These dues are important to help fund Academic Awards, Spirit class shirts, club support and much more.
Login to https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/home to find out more.
This same site has a calendar of PTSO/school events to which you can subscribe, lists volunteer opportunities, and lets you buy stallion walk of fame brick and car magnets.
Finally, we use several methods to keep in touch. Please follow us or sign up with at least one of the following:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoCoPTSO
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthCountyHighSchoolPTSO
Support the SCHS Class of 2021 by making a purchase at the Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Online MarketPlace!
Please support these local businesses as you do your holiday shopping! We need ALL Stallion families to share the online MarketPlace with friends and neighbors. Please retweet and share our social media posts. We will be adding new items every day! The shop is open now through Nov 30! Go to Lorton Holiday Extravaganza and Craft Show on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/LortonHolidayExtravaganza/
All proceeds benefit the South County PTSO and Class of 2021.
2020 White House Ornaments have arrived!
SCPTSO is continuing its tradition of selling the Annual White House Ornament to benefit the All Night Grad Party. 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.
Lorton Community Action Center
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/
HBCF
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