From The Principal
Family,
Well with the news from the district leadership, we are one step closer to having our first group of students beck in the building. Our teachers are due to return on the 23rd and will at that time be putting the final touches on their concurrent instruction plans before our students arrive. In the meantime, we continue to carry on with the successes of our students on many levels.
Just this week, I have been able to continue celebrating students who have applied for governor’s school in different areas. I have been able to participate in Senior Night activities, watch our student athletes win district championships, and the awesome production, “The Masked Singer”. I am looking forward to the next iteration of celebrating our Honor Roll students and also the first celebration of many of our Senior Class as a whole this coming Friday afternoon. (See more about this event below.)
I have had to ask our staff to consider dropping by the school to “remember where they work”, but more importantly, to begin the psychological process of returning to a place where they may perceive is an uncomfortable space. This does and will take time to adjust to and find a groove. Those of you who have elected to have your students remain at home understand this. Those of you who have elected to have your students return to school, will likely have a student who will go through some of this. What I am encouraging each of you to take into account is that every one of our staff members wants to be in a mental space where they are comfortable in the school environment again. Every one of our staff members wants to reengage with their students and to dive right back in to the “normal” way of school and instruction. Every one of our staff members misses your students. The transition is going to be just that; a transition and everyone; students and staff are going to need not only time, but opportunities to share what they are experiencing daily until they are comfortable. Take the time to talk with your children about the return. And this includes both students in school and students at home because even the students at home can experience some discomfort because they are not among those in the building. If you have questions or concerns about how your child is reacting to the Return To School, please reach out sooner than later so that we may provide supports in whatever way we can.
FCPS has launched a new campaign, titled “Stop the Spread,” to reiterate the 5 CDC mitigation measures in the school community The campaign focuses on teaching and reinforcing the what, why, and how of implementation of each of the mitigation strategies. A community video has been created and all staff will participate in a required professional development that highlights their role and responsibility as an employee to ensure the mitigation measures are being used across the division with fidelity.
Seniors, get ready for our first socially distanced senior event this year! Please join us on Friday February 12th from 3:15-4:15 in the senior parking lot at school. This will be our first of many events to honor our seniors this year! All senior students and families are invited to come by to socialize in a safe way and even see some teachers and staff members who will be joining. Please be sure to bring a mask and maintain social distance guidelines. Water and snacks will be provided.
Make up date in case of weather will be the following Friday, February19th. For any questions please contact the senior sponsors Mehreen Naghmi (mnaghmi@fcps.edu) and Rachel Hurlburt (rlhurlburt@fcps.edu).
Parents or guardians who chose in-person learning for their child are required to complete a Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment form as students are phased back into in-person learning. This document indicates the parent or guardian’s agreement and commitment to completing a daily health screening prior to sending the student to school and also to keep ill students at home. The commitment form is available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Additional information is available at https://www.fcps.edu/return-school/student-health-and-safety-guidance-document.
I am going to keep harping on this because the more you know how dedicated I am to achieving 100% completion of this task, the more you know how dedicated to keeping all of our students and staff safe every day we are together.
We will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting with the community prior to the return of our students. I will have that date for you by the time I send my next weekend message, if not before.
The FCPS Online Campus will be available this summer to eligible high and middle school students who meet prerequisites and technical requirements. Middle and high school students who meet the course prerequisites can take one online course. Courses are offered for both first-time and repeat credit. Courses are rigorous, cover a year’s worth of curriculum, and move at a rapid pace. Therefore, students should consult their school counselor prior to registering.
Students who have completed a high school math course may take an online campus math class. Middle school students who expunged a high school math or Spanish course or those wanting to recover a course credit may take the course again. Visit the Online Campus Summer Learning page for additional information.
Well that is all that I have for you this week. I hope that each of you has been safe in the weather, and you continue to take care of yourselves during this pandemic. I do look forward to having your students back in the building. Get them ready because we will be ready for them. Have a great rest of the weekend. #OneStallion
Gary
English Department Book Pick Up
Do you need to pick up a book for your English class? The following date and time is the remaining book pick up:
Monday 2/8 from 12pm-6pm.
Please come to the front of the building, wear a mask, and plan to socially distance. Bring student name, ID # and the title of the book they are picking up.
If you have questions, contact Kaitlyn Price at kaprice1@Fcps.edu.
From the Testing Office
From: South County High School High School
Sent to: Parents/Guardians of All Tenth Grade Students
Subject: PSAT Accommodations and EL Supports in Grade 10
In April, South County High School tenth graders will have the opportunity to take the Preliminary SAT 10 (PSAT 10). General information about the test is available on the PSAT 10 testing update webpage, and we will share more specifics about PSAT 10 testing in the coming weeks. Final testing decisions will be based on health department guidance.
Students with disabilities who have testing accommodations documented in a 504 Plan or an individualized education program (IEP) may be eligible for testing accommodations on the PSAT 10; however, the College Board must approve a formal request for each student. If the student already has College Board accommodations approved from a previous PSAT 10, SAT, or AP test, then no further action is needed. The PSAT Accommodations Process webpage provides additional information, including accommodations input and consent forms.
English learners (ELs), as defined by state or federal policy, are eligible for testing supports on the PSAT 10. Unlike accommodations for students with disabilities, EL supports are temporary and can only be used on the test date for which they have been requested. The PSAT EL Supports Process webpage provides additional information, including accommodations input and consent forms.
To request new College Board accommodations and/or temporary EL supports, parents and guardians should return the corresponding input and consent forms to the school by February 12, 2021.
If you have questions about PSAT accommodations or testing supports, please contact Telia Johnson, SSD Coordinator, at tmjohnson2@fcps.edu or Chris Bird, School Test Coordinator, at cwbird@fcps.edu. When returning input and consent forms for accommodations or EL supports, please email to Telia Johnson at the email above.
Testing Corner
Parents of Students in
English 11 and English 11 Honors
The March Writing SOL test is scheduled to take place at South County High School on Monday, March 1 and Monday March 15. Parents and students should have received an email notice regarding the test this week, as well as a Google form to submit regarding your student’s testing preferences. The email and the link to the Google form can also be found here on the SCHS Testing Information web page.
Parents of 11th Grade Students in
AP English Language and Composition
South County High School has received approval from Fairfax County Public Schools to allow students enrolled in AP English Language to substitute a passing score on the AP exam in place of the Writing SOL test if it is still needed for graduation. A score of 2 or above on the AP English Language exam will qualify for a passing score on the Writing SOL test. Parents and students should have received an email notice regarding this option this week, as well as a Google form to opt your student in to take the Writing SOL in March. The email and link can be found here on the SCHS Testing Information page.
Please contact Chris Bird, Assessment Coach, at cwbird@fcps.edu or at 703-446-1643 if you have any further questions.
Yearbook News and Make-Up Pictures
Underclassmen (9-11) Make-up and Retake Photos
This is the final day for students in grades 9-11 to retake or make-up their photos and be in the yearbook People section.
Underclass Portraits – Make-Ups and Retakes
Monday, February 22
Start - 8:00 am
End - 3:00 pm
Location – Theater
All students must sign up for an appointment time in order to have their pictures taken. Use the form below to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4AA8AC2CA1F94-underclassmen1
Visit mylifetouch.com to order pictures.
Enter your Picture Day ID EVTQSM9FD
Order your perfect pakage and don't worry about returning anything on Picture Day!
Senior Picture Sessions- FINAL
All seniors should have been scheduled for a photo session time (see attached list). These were communicated on the Senior page, on the student news, as well as in English classes. Students who were not included can schedule a time by following the directions below:
Call 410-644-7700 as soon as possible (like today) and Press 1. Then, tell them you want to schedule a photography session on February 16 between 2-8 p.m. They will ask you what kind of session you want (just a yearbook sitting, or do you want other photos taken as well?) These sessions are at Lifetouch's Annandale location, which is Fire Station 8, 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Va 22003. All students will have the option to use Lifetouch clothing, or their own clothing, or both for photo sessions.
These sessions keep going fast because so many people are trying to coordinate this. If you cannot get a February 16th time, ask for the next available time, and please let Ms. Delinski (jldelinski@fcps.edu) know when you are scheduled so we can ensure your photo is in the yearbook.
Due to the large number of people trying to schedule photos and the constraints due to COVID, these time slots are incredibly difficult to schedule. Please try to attend at your scheduled time.
Ordering Yearbooks and Senior Ads
Yearbooks and Senior Ads are on sale at www.yearbookforever.com . The only way to guarantee you have a book is to pre-order it online. We may have extra books on sale at the end of the year, but can not guarantee it. Last year we sold out, so if you want a book, buy now.
Senior ads will continue to be sold until space runs out. We currently have filled about half the senior ad space. They can also be bought at www.yearbookforever.com
Sharing Pictures
The yearbook is relying heavily on pictures from the community this year, and we really want to represent as many people as possible. If you would like to share photos with the book (especially if you haven’t done so yet), you can email them to Ms. Delinski directly at jldelinski@fcps.edu. Or you can upload them at www.yearbookforever.com, go to South County’s page, and click “Community Upload.” Our access code is SOCO2021
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Moment for February
Stallion Family,
My name is Catric Marshall and I am the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the South County Pyramid. If you need support for a student or have concerns you’d like to discuss, please feel free to reach out to me via email at cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu or call 703-446-1773.
After a challenging 2020, we made it to 2021! Creating general new year’s resolutions is a good idea, however teenagers have a need that are unique and may require different goals. Creating good resolutions and goals is a process. Setting goals can be challenging. Goals are achievable by making SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. This means:
- You can reach the goal without the actions of another person,
- You can clearly determine if you did them or not,
- You can obtain it reasonably in the timeframe you have set
Resolution Ideas for Teenagers
*Improve your Social Skills: make eye contact more often, become more assertive by standing up for yourself, or focus on being funnier by watching comedians on YouTube.
*Improve your Life: watch some TED (Technology, Education & Design) talks. Ted talks are brief presentations on a variety of subjects. Here are a few to get you started:
After Watching This Your Brain Will Never Be The Same
Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
Do YOUR How
*Get Fit: Obesity is a concern for many and is rising among young people. Did you gain the COVID 10, 20, or 30 pounds? Resolve this new year to get fit and increase your physical and mental health. Find a workout routine on YouTube or try one of these apps:
JEFIT
Spring Moves
PopSugar Fitness
Nike Training Club
*Learn Something New: If there’s something you’ve wanted to learn or try, why wait? Make sure you pick a goal that aligns with your values, and one that you can achieve and come up with steps to make sure you follow through.
Mindfulness Moment
According to the latest research from the American Psychological Association, teens report higher levels of stress than adults do (at least during the school year). And almost half of teens say they’re not doing enough to manage their stress. In fact, the two most common “strategies” teens use to cope with stress are playing video games and surfing the Internet.
Mindfulness (present-moment, nonjudgmental awareness) is a powerful tool that teens can use to manage their stress. Research indicates that when teens consistently practice mindfulness, it lowers rates of anxiety and depression, and leads to better sleep, stronger relationships, and increased self-awareness, all of which can go a long way toward ameliorating the impact of stress.
Expect Stress
I always tell the teens and adults that I work with that stress is a given but being stressed-out is optional.
We all face stress-inducing moments throughout our day, whether it’s a presentation at work or a test in Biology. Stress is a normal reaction in the body that creates the necessary nervous system activation to handle a challenging task. It becomes a problem when we never allow that stress to be discharged (either through exercise, or some of the practices listed below).
What’s the Story?
A big part of what stresses us out is the story we tell ourselves about what’s happening. Encourage your teen to stop when stressed, and ask, “What’s the story?” Is the teen thinking I’ll fail the test, or that no one likes me? Ask the teen to drop the story, and just notice what is actually happening.
Notice the Good
When we’re stressed, it puts the brain in a fearful state, and therefore we start to pay more attention to threats, which only makes the stress worse! Encourage your teen to notice the things that are good, or even just okay, right now. Challenge your teen to notice ten things that are beautiful, helpful, kind, or pleasant in each day.
Source: https://leftbrainbuddha.com/mindfulness-for-teens/
Permanent Safe Drug Disposal Locations
- Health Department Link for Safe Drug Disposal (with map of permanent drop-off locations, including pharmacies, police stations, fire stations, clinics, etc.):
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/drug-disposal
- Link with Location Search field where one can enter their zip code to find closest drop-off locations for unused meds:
https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1
Vaping Initiative
The Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and Fairfax County Public Schools have partnered to implement the Truth Initiative’s This is Quitting program. This is Quitting is a teen and young adult-focused vaping cessation text messaging program based on the best scientific evidence from the tobacco cessation literature. For more information about the program, click here.
The Community Services Board (CSB) is still providing general mental health and substance abuse services. Their information can be found by clicking HERE.
Please contact me for additional vaping, substance abuse and mental health support. For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness: (571) 423-4270 or by visiting our website by clicking HERE.
Best Regards,
Catric Marshall, MSMHC., LRIC
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu
From the PTSO
PTSO Scholarships
The South County High School PTSO is pleased to offer achievement-based scholarships to well-rounded graduating seniors pursuing full-time higher education at a two or four-year college or university or technical/vocational institute. These scholarships are available to PTSO members or children of PTSO members, and award amounts will be $500 each. Student and/or student’s parent/guardian must be a paid member of the South County High School PTSO by April 23, 2021. To verify membership status, log in to your account using the “Membership Toolkit” app or go to https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/home. Any questions can be directed to Melinda Fortunato at melindafortunato@gmail.com.
Senior Yard Signs
Yard signs are for sale. Log into https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/home to buy your yard sign today! Orders will be accepted until the end of March.
Upcoming Events- All Are Welcome!
PTSO Membership Meeting: February 22nd at 7pm. Click on the here to join the meeting via Zoom.
ANGP meeting: February 24th at 7pm. Click here to join.
Principal Coffee: March 12th at 9am. Click here to join.
New Merchandise Available at the Stallion Spirit Store Website!
South County’s Stallion Spirit Store has a new look in a couple ways! NEW sweatshirts and PJ pants are available on our NEW website! You’ll also find the PDF Order Form for download; invoicing for payment on MySchoolBucks will be sent after your order is fulfilled.
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.
Fall Sports Season 2021
Below are important dates for try-outs and practices for the upcoming Fall Season. Please contact the head coach directly for any sport-specific questions. Student athletes must be registered in the athletic registration system and have a VHSL physical on file dated after May 2020 in order to participate.
Register your child here:
https://southcounty-ar.rschooltoday.com/
VHSL Physical Form:
Click for form
Beginning Feb 4:
Cheer:
Tryouts – Feb 4-5 – 5-7pm, Feb 6 – 9am-12pm (Bubble)
Practices – Mon-Wed – 5-7pm, Sat 8-11am (Bubble)
Football:
Tryouts – Feb 4-7 – 4-6pm (Stadium)
Practices – M-W – 4-6pm (Stadium), Thurs 6-7:30am (Gym), Sat Feb 6 – 7am-1pm; Feb 13 & 20 – 7am-5pm; Sat Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 – 7am-12pm
Beginning Feb 15:
Cross Country:
M-F – 4-5:30 (Track)
Dance:
Tryouts – Feb 15-18 – 6-7am (MPR)
Practices – Tues-Fri – 6-7am (MPR)
Field Hockey:
Tryouts – Feb 15-17 – 4-5:45pm (Track Turf)
Practices – M-F – 3:45-5:45, Sat – Feb 27, Mar 13, Mar 27 - 8-9:30am (Track Turf)
Golf:
Tryouts – Feb 15 – 1pm (Laurel Hill CG); Feb 16-17 – 3:30 (Laurel Hill GC)
Practices – Mon – 1pm; Wed 3:30 if needed
Volleyball:
Tryouts – Feb 15-17 – 3-6:30pm (Gym)
Practices – M-F – Fr/JV – 3:15-5:30; Var 3:30-6pm (Gym); Sat 9:30-12pm – Var Only (Gym)
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