In this issue:
- From The Principal
- Senior News
- Testing Corner
- SEL Testing
- Math In Action
- From the Yearbook Staff
- SOCO Chorus
- From the PTSO
-
Stallion Spirit Store
- Senior Spring Sports Ads
- Important Upcoming Dates
From The Principal
Family,
I hope this message finds you all safe and well. Another week of learning and another week of getting ourselves closer to that much needed Spring Break. I know that each of you understands what I mean when I say that. I will begin this week’s message with a couple of items I meant to share last week.
The four scariest words a principal could hear are, “You made the news!” This time it was for all the right reasons! Fox 5 was in the building last Friday to do a short piece on a wonderful student-run club in our building called the Elder Outreach Club. The club was started last year by John Claude Shaffer, who is the club president. The goal of the club is to strengthen connections between the youth and the elderly that live in our community. Because the club started during Covid, the focus has been on letter writing instead of in person visits. The group has continued that focus this year. Each month they have a letter writing campaign and they are focused around holidays/seasons (Halloween/Fall, Winter/Christmas, Valentine’s day, St. Patrick’s Day/Spring etc.). Students can write a letter or they can draw a picture. All submissions are personal. Students earn service hours for participating in the letter campaigns. Now that things are beginning to open up, our officers have been able to go into the care facilities to deliver the letters and start having conversations with the seniors. They hope to do more in-person visits next year and explore ways we can do fundraisers in order to donate needed items to these facilities as well. I sat with John Claude to discuss the work he and his peers are doing with this club and the passion he displayed just talking about it was infectious. Phenomenal is what comes to mind.
Each year FCPS recognizes students across the district for their efforts to make this world a better place with the FCPS Peace Awards. This year, South County’s recipient was Niyat Asefaw. I have included here a link to the press release about Niyat’s contributions to our community. I am sure you will agree that the work this young lady is doing is without question worthy of this recognition. We are truly honored to have someone of this caliber among our learning environment. I want to thank Niyat and her Family for making South County a better place just by being among us.
This past week we received our building inspection report which identifies areas of the building that may need addressing and what areas of the building may need additional attention related to the cleaning of it. I am proud to say that we received very high marks across the board. I want to thank our outstanding custodial staff for the work they put in every day to ensure that our building is welcoming and safe. The marks are a testament to how dedicated this group is to ensuring all staff and students see and feel that this place is more than a school; it is a second home. If you happen to come across one of our custodians while on campus, let them know you appreciate all they do for us!
I want to reiterate a message I shared with you last week. Please be sure to be aligned with your child in your knowledge of where they are academically prior to leaving for Spring Break. Make contact if you have questions with your child's teachers so they can provide you with accurate information. As a reminder, students will be dismissed two hours early on Thursday, March 31, the last day of the third quarter. Friday, April 1, is a teacher workday and a holiday for students. April 4-8 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed.
This week I attended the PTSO Board meeting to discuss the business of the board and how we can continue to support the work of our teachers and students who do so much to make learning a wonderful practice at South County High School. One of the things that we walked away with is that we need more of you to be a part of this work. While I fully understand the time constraints that everyone finds themselves under, we still need your assistance. Volunteers are always welcome and committee members are without a doubt being searched for. The commitment is not always something that is so large, and believe me when I say, any assistance is valued. Please, please, please, consider becoming a member of the PTSO and then volunteering to help out with the various activities and initiatives they are invested in. Remember, everything we do with the PTSO goes to benefit your children. You can find membership toolkit information in the "From The PTSO" section of this week’s message.
I have received a couple of concerns related to traffic safety around the school building. I understand that we all have places to go, but please know that if anyone finds themselves in a fender bender or having struck a child, the time you wished to save is gone due to the time you have to deal with the police report. Please have the conversation with your driving students and your significant others (because it could never be you) so that we can ensure a safe environment for our fellow drivers and pedestrians.
Please remind your students that you have entrusted us with the care of your children from the moment they arrive to us, until they arrive back home. This is not something we can accomplish when they elect to leave campus unauthorized during the school day. South County HS is a closed campus and therefore, students must remain on campus unless they check out of school through approved means. The job is difficult enough trying to control matters of safety and education inside our building. We are most definitely not equipped to handle issues that happen off campus due to students leaving without permission. I thank you in advance for having that conversation.
Well I will stop talking your heads off here and once again thank each of you for your continued support of me and the work I do. I have truly appreciated our conversations over the past many weeks and look forward to chatting with more of you as we bring the year to a close. South County is a special place and I am honored to have this opportunity to serve your children. Enjoy the remainder of your weekend, and please take care and continue to be safe. #OneStallion
Gary
Attention Class of 2022
Parents/Guardians!
Link to the Senior Information section
https://sites.google.com/view/schs-class-of-2022/home
PROM:
Prom Ticket Information:
- Prom is Sat. April 23 from 8-11pm at Westwood Country Club
- Starting on Monday March 21st, tickets will be available for purchase through MySchoolBucks (in the School Store).
- The cost is $60 a ticket.
- Students will not receive their physical ticket (which they need to enter the event) until it is verified that they have paid their Senior Dues and have taken care of all previous financial obligations. If they are purchasing for a guest, that guest must also have their financial obligations cleared before they can receive their ticket.
- We will be selling tickets in person in April after Spring Break. More details on that will be released soon.
- Any student who would like to bring a guest from another high school or a graduate (20 years or younger) needs to have a guest form filled out prior to receiving their tickets. Forms can be found in the Subschools. They require multiple signatures, so students are encouraged to complete these forms ASAP.
If you have questions, reach out to Mrs. Price (kaprice1@fcps.edu) or Kelley Peck (kapeck@fcps.edu).
FINANCE INFORMATION:
All Seniors will need to clear all financial obligations to the school before graduation in June. Different types of obligations have different payment methods available. Students and families may check debts in MySchoolBucks, and ask about debts and lost books in the Main Office.
- Senior dues ($75) should be paid using MySchoolBucks, through the School Store, by May 1.
- Fees for this year’s courses should be paid using MySchoolBucks, in the Invoice section, by May 1.
- Lost chargers or laptops can be paid using MySchoolBucks, through the School Store, by May 1 OR by bringing cash or a check* to Finance. If you return the item, you do not have to pay for it.
- Fees for courses you took in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade must be paid in the Finance Office, using cash or check.*
- FCPS-On Technology Support Fee for 2019-20 must be paid in the Finance Office, using cash or a check.*
- Books from past years, both textbooks and novels from English class, must be returned to the Finance Office, OR paid for using cash or a check.* If you return the book, you do not have to pay for it.
- Books from this year should be returned to the teacher who checked them out to you, or paid for in the Finance Office if they are lost, using cash or a check.*
- Athletic uniforms returned late must be returned to the coach, who must email the Finance Office to have Finance clear the obligation.
- Other fees or charges must be paid in the Finance Office, using cash or a check.*
*Prior to May 1, students and parents can pay obligations with cash or a check (payable to South County High School).
After May 1, obligations can only be paid using cash. No checks will be accepted for senior obligations after May 1.
GRADUATION ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION:
Thank you for inquiring about handicapped seating at Eagle Bank Arena for graduation. Below is the information we have been provided by the arena. There is no reserved seating that we can provide. Everything is first come, first served.
There is handicapped seating in the arena at each of the entrances built in. They are clearly marked on the concourse and are located at each section entrance. The entrance to the seating is on the concourse level so there are no stairs or challenges to reaching the seating. There will be ushers who work for the arena who are able to direct you to the seating when you enter the arena. There is typically one seat marked for each seat that is available for a companion to the wheelchair seating. This seating is first come, first served.
Anyone in need of sign language interpretation at graduation for guests/family members of graduates, please email Kaitlyn Price at kaprice1@fcps.edu.
Testing Corner
The current Advanced Placement (AP) exams - Chemistry, Spanish Literature, Japanese Language, and U.S. Government - set for May 2 will continue as scheduled as these dates are set by the College Board. If any student has any concern about this exam schedule due to the change in the observance of Eid al Fitr, please encourage them to speak with Chris Bird, AP Test Coordinator at cwbird@fcps.edu.
Spring SEL Universal Testing
The Spring Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Universal Screener testing window will open on April 12th for all students. For more information about the SEL Universal Screener Administration please visit https://www.fcps.edu/node/43892. Any Opt-Out Request Forms should be signed and delivered to the Student Services Office.
South County High School Math in Action is inviting all Algebra 1 Students to the “Algebra 1 After School Skill Builders”. This is a great opportunity for students to revisit, practice, and expand their Algebra 1 skill set. These sessions will take place every Wednesday and Thursday in March and April from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at South County High School.
Registration
Registration is ongoing
TO REGISTER PLEASE CLICK HERE
(https://forms.gle/b1wihVcxxzcZ6wtD7)
Questions
Please contact Tracy Birrell at tabirrell@fcps.edu.
From The Yearbook Staff
DON’T FORGET TO BUY YOUR YEARBOOK
Pre-sales for the yearbook end on May 1 or when they sell out, whichever comes first.
Yearbooks presales take place online and cost $80. To buy a book, go to www.yearbookforever.com
Books that don’t sell during pre-sale, can be bought during distribution for $90.
Support SOCO Chorus
With a $25 or More Donation!
Thank you so much for all your support for South County High School Chorus. As with many music programs in Virginia, the bulk of the budget to support student programming and initiatives is self-funded by each individual school.
Every year chorus participates in Tag Day, solicits patrons, sponsorships, and participates in numerous fundraising activities all through the school year to collectively raise funds to advance the program.
This funding pays for the audition fees and music that are required to participate in distinguished events like the Virginia Music Educator Conference program, District Chorus, Assessments, and provides meals for students during concert rehearsals, performances, the printing of concert programs, guest clinicians to work with students, student scholarships and awards, and many other initiatives to make SOCO Chorus one of the best programs in Fairfax County!
We are asking the Chorus community including former students and alumni parents to help us broaden our donor base by reaching out to a friend or family member – grandparent, uncle, aunt, cousin and ask them to make a $25 donation to the SOCO Chorus program.
If every family brings in $25 that will raise $4,000 for Chorus! You can make your donation right through the Chorus website www.southcountychorus.org and view some of our amazing concert performances and the incredible work of our students.
AJ and our talented and dedicated students have accomplished so much at this mid-point in the school year. Some of the amazing highlights achieved include:
- Virginia Music Educators Association Conference Selected Performing Choir
- AJ Rodriguez has been nominated as an outstanding teacher at SCHS
- Fifty-Two SCHS students selected for District Chorus with five alternates
- Six SCHS students selected for All Virginia State Chorus with three alternates
Your financial support also helps us reach beyond our concerts and into the local Lorton/Fairfax Station/ Springfield community.
We can bring the message of diversity, tolerance and acceptance to as many as possible, and encourage all individuals to learn, grow, and change through the power of music!
Thank you for your support of SOCO Chorus
.
From the PTSO
Achievement Based 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. Award amounts will be $500 each.
All applications are reviewed anonymously by an impartial selection committee and are evaluated on the following criteria: academic and other achievement, extra-curricular activities, letter of recommendation, essay submission, community involvement, leadership, and overall quality of application.
To apply and see eligibility requirements:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jmS7fgGy3C2z0kxJeTWxuEzfRHSbWwgq/view?usp=sharing
Any questions, please reach out to Jeanne Ludwig at JaLudy2@gmail.com.
Lorton Spring Fling!
The Lorton Holiday Extravaganza is such a great success; we just couldn’t wait until next December to do it again! Join us next month on April 23 for the 1st Annual Lorton Spring Fling featuring 80+ handcrafted vendors, kid’s activities and games, face painting, food trucks and a special kids’ shopping area! We are still seeking gift card donations and volunteers! Contact Renee Flynn at SCHScraftshow@gmail.com. Signup genius link coming soon!
ANGP Amazon Wishlist:
Happy Spring South County Family and Friends. With Spring finally here, we are gearing up for our Seniors to graduate in June. Part of their celebration includes an All Night Graduation Party that will be taking place at The St. James on 6 Jun 2022. As we celebrate their achievements and the adventures to come, we will be having a "store" where the students can "purchase" prizes with tickets earned during the night's activities. We are in need of donations and have created a gift registry on Amazon. We would greatly appreciate it if you would help support the last exciting event these students have as part of their Senior year.
In order to make a purchase, please follow these steps.
- Go to the registry tab in your Amazon account (top ticker line)
- Registrant name: South County High School; Gift list type: Custom gift list
- Select South County High School All night Grad Party prizes
- Choose the prizes you want to purchase and add them to your cart. We are asking for multiple duplicates with a class size of over 500 students.
- When you get to the checkout page, please choose the shipping address of "South County ANGP Prizes - ATTN: Kidada Bivens" This will ensure all prizes go to the same location.
Thank you for your support of the South County Class of 2022. They will all do amazing things and we are so excited to celebrate their accomplishments!
SENIOR PARENTS: All Night Grad Party Tickets
All Night Grad Party Tickets (ANGP) may be purchased at: https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/angp
The cost is $50/person. Buy your tickets today! Price increases on May 1st! Please email angp@southcountyptso.org with questions.
Please see your counselor if financial assistance is needed.
Our All Night Grad Party (ANGP) will be at The ST. James Entertainment Complex on June 6, 2022 from 11:00pm - 5:00 am.
Come join the fun! There will be a casino, ice skating, virtual reality, golf simulator, rock climbing, BINGO and so much more!
Graduation Lawn Sign
Parents can pre-order a Graduation Lawn Sign to celebrate their Senior. Deadline is May 6th!
Grad Seat Raffle
Buy a chance to win 10 reserved special seating for graduation! Tickets are $10 each or $25 for 3! Purchase tickets here! Drawing will take place at Graduation Rehearsal!
Flock a Friend
Celebrate a special occasion by delivering a flock of flamingos or herd of stallions. We will deliver the evening before the special occasion to be celebrated and will pick it up at the end of the special day. Suggested minimum donation $25. Flock a friend here.
Car Magnets
Please click here to purchase Car Magnets (2022-2027 class magnets and student driver magnets).
If you are interested in learning more about the PTSO, please visit our website here. If you would like to make a donation to help us continue our programs that serve your children and/or become a member, please create an account (if you don’t already have one) and log in. Thank you!
SoCo Merchandise Available at the
Stallion Spirit Store
Website, Kiosk and Vending Machine!
South County’s Stallion Spirit Store has a variety or ways you can purchase items for the school year. We have a website where you can browse our spirit wear and find a PDF Order Form for download; invoicing for payment on MySchoolBucks will be sent after your order is fulfilled. You can also find our kiosk in the cafeteria during lunches on odd days (5th period) as well as in the gym lobby by way of a retail vending machine!
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, review financial records and create promotional plans. These work-based learning opportunities allow students to connect classroom lessons to actual scenarios.
Senior Ads in Spring Sports Program
Celebrate your Senior or a group of Seniors participating in Baseball, Crew, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field with a Senior ad in the Spring Sports Program! The deadline is March 30, 2022! Please contact Elena Jordon at elenajordon@gmail.com or 703-302-0197 for more information.
Important Upcoming Dates
March 31 End of Quarter/Two Hour EarlyDismissal
April 1 Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
April 4-8 Spring Break/School and Offices Closed
April 23 Prom
May 30 Memorial Day
June 6 Graduation 2pm Eagle Bank Arena/Early Release
June 10 Last Day of School/Early Release
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