Weekly News From South County High School

In this issue:

  • From The Principal
  • Testing Corner
  • SEL Testing
  • Senior News
  • From the Yearbook Staff
  • From the PTSO
  • DECA Fundraising
  • Stallion Spirit Store 
  • Important Upcoming Dates

From The Principal

Family,

I hope this message finds each of you safe and well.  I cannot believe that we are already here at spring break!  It was just a few weeks ago that I was sharing with you that we were ending the first quarter.  Time is flying and that means we are getting older!  😊 Seriously speaking, before you know it, I will be shaking hands, distributing diplomas, and saying goodbye to our Seniors.  I am not ready!  So if your child comes home to you the week after spring break telling you that the 6’3” black principal guy was walking around teary eyed hugging on students, don’t be alarmed.  I am just not ready!

This week, I promise to keep it short.  I will be focusing this message around the work our students have done in the realm of Science.  A couple of weeks ago our students participated in the Regional Science Fair and I am proud to announce that our school teams did a bang up job!  Below is a list of our winners and here you can see the corporate sponsors associated with the various categories.  Our fine students are recognized in the following places on the website: 1, 9, 12, 22, 35, and 37.  Our Environmental Engineering competition team will be advancing on to the state level competition!  All of these students are absolutely amazing! 

1st Place  Environmental Engineering  Ryan Dang,  Joseph Thibodeau,  Siya Patel 
1st Place Chemistry Sophie MacLean,  Caelan F. Wommack
2nd Place Microbiology Taylor Kurz
2nd Place  Plant Sciences Hannah Diep
3rd Place  Biochemistry Doan Nguyen,  Danilah Zhuravel
3rd Place Chemistry Drea Barmonde,  Leyat Samson
3rd Place  Earth & Environmental Sciences Nimah Rahman
3rd Place Physics & Astronomy Arman Bajwa,  Ayaan Shaikh

 

In more Science news, On Saturday, 3/26, our Science Olympiad team competed at the State Tournament at the University of Virginia. We earned 9th place overall out of 24 teams, and medaled in 6 events!

·        Bridges – 5th place – Lily Lai, Tiffany Ling

·        Codebusters – 5th place – Diya Amat, Bethel Daniel, Siya Patel

·        Gravity Vehicle – 5th place – Niya Gupta, Rishika Deshmukh

·        Trajectory – 1st place – Matthew McCollum, Ayaan Shaikh

·        Wright Stuff – 5th place – Matthew McCollum, Pouya Amini

·        Write It, Do It – 5th place – Bethel Daniel, Niya Gupta

 

If you see these students or anyone from our state team, please congratulate them! Here is the list of the entire roster of participants.  Each of these outstanding future scientists deserves recognition!

Jai Agarwal Siya Patel Asmita Karandikar
Diya Amat Vista Sedghi Lily Lai
Pouya Amini Ayaan Shaikh Tiffany Ling
Bethel Daniel Mackenzie Williams Matthew McCollum
Rishika Deshmukh Niya Gupta Pavi Gupta

 

I want to thank our CAT B staff who work with a very special portion of our Exceptional Education population for creating the opportunity for our students to enjoy the experience of the Washington Zoo this week.  The students had a blast visiting the various animals and other attractions.  This is a huge win anytime we can provide these types of outings.  

I need to reiterate one more time the need for everyone to ensure we are creating the safest environments for our students.  Please only drop off and pick up your students in areas designated for doing so.  Dropping students off at the entrance of our bus loop or at the Spring Hill community entrance on Laurel Crest Road is not a safe practice.  Not only can it impede the travels of our busses, it can also create unsafe issues for our students loading or unloading with you.  You may begin to see a staff member directing cars to appropriate areas in the mornings and afternoons.  Please follow their guidance.  I thank you in advance. 

Okay, so this is it for the next two weeks.  I will not be publishing a message next Sunday so unfortunately, you will have to go elsewhere for your entertainment.  But in the meantime, take the opportunity to enjoy your awesome children for the week.  They will be missed in the building, but I am sure I will find a way to occupy my time!  As always, thank you so very much for this opportunity to lead our children.  It is an honor to do so.  Have a very happy, safe, and enjoyable spring break and we will see your children again on the 11th.  #OneStsllion

Gary


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.

  


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
  • The cost is $60 a ticket.
  • Tickets are currently available for purchase through MySchoolBucks (in the School Store). You can buy tickets in MSB between now and April 20th. 
        • 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 tickets
        • 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.
  • We will be starting to sell tickets in person during green day lunches only starting April 11th through April 22nd.
          • If buying in person, students will need a guest form completed in order to buy a ticket for anyone who does not attend SCHS.
  • Students can pay with exact change cash or a check made out to SCHS Class of 2023.
  • 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.

   


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.

   


From the PTSO 

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!

 

Men’s Wearhouse Fundraiser

Men’s Wearhouse in Springfield is offering South County students rental deals for this year’s Prom on April 23, 2022. Please stop by the Men’s Wearhouse located at Springfield Mall and mention you're a SoCo student to receive special pricing for your prom rental needs. This is also a fundraiser for the All Night Grad Party! Men’s Wearhouse will donate $5.00 to ANGP for every rental!

 

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.

  1. Go to the registry tab in your Amazon account (top ticker line)
  2. Registrant name: South County High School; Gift list type: Custom gift list
  3. Select South County High School All night Grad Party prizes
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

  


DECA Fundraising

DECA is bringing 27 marketing students to the International Career Development Conference and Competition in Atlanta, Georgia at the end of April! Please consider supporting their trip by purchasing FUN PASTA!! Whether you love pasta yourself, or want to gift to it to a friend, everyone loves to play with the fun little shapes that Fun Pasta Fundraising offers! Check out the Horsin’ Around pasta for a good Kentucky Derby or SOCO theme!! Orders will be shipped directly to you! As always, thanks in advance for supporting our students!! 😊 https://funpastafundraising.com/shop/south-county-deca_1647353163903

   


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.

   


Important Upcoming Dates

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

  


HBLF