Weekly News From South County High School

In this issue:

  • From The Principal
  • Month of the Military Child
  • Testing Corner
  • South County Theatre Arts
  • Senior News
  • From the Yearbook Staff
  • From the PTSO
  • DECA Fundraising
  • Stallion Spirit Store 
  • Important Upcoming Dates

From The Principal

Family,

I hope that everyone has enjoyed a wonderful weekend so far.  We had a couple of pretty nice weather days recently.  The rain held off on Thursday evening and we had a great turnout in the sports complex for the sporting events that were held here, and our teams were pretty successful.  Softball and soccer had some competitive and exciting games, while baseball woke the bats up pretty soundly against Lake Braddock!  It was truly nice to see so many of you out and about. 

Friday evening I was invited out by the Muslim Student Association to participate in their Potluck Iftar celebration which is the meal eaten at sunset during Ramadan.  It was so nice to see this group assembled and to be able to witness and partake in this tradition.  I felt so welcomed and I truly appreciated being able to learn and be a part of this experience.  #Family

We have so many outstanding folks who work at South County HS and I would like to take a moment to acknowledge a group of people who have done so much to stand the school up over the course of the last week.  As you know we have had to work through the fact that our Spring Break did not align with many other surrouonding school districts where a number of our staff reside.  As a result, due to child care concerns, our staff have had to take a number of days off in order to take care of home (understandably).  In the midst of sub shortages, we are required to find coverage inside our building to ensure that every classroom has a responsible adult in front of the students for every class.  Our front office staff took on that task and did everything we needed to make that work.  I would like to begin with our Subschool Admininstrative Assistants who do the bulk of the coordination.  Ms. Kathleen Winston and Ms. Natalie Barnes coordinated with every department to ensure coverage.  Ms. Katy Whittemore and Diana Lauria took care of the tons of attendance calls, Ms. Andrea Aguerriberry, Ms. Judy Toy, and Ms. Loraine Goodenough supported the attendnace office by fielding calls when the attendnace lines were locked up, and Ms Mary DeKanter and Ms. Susanna Carrasco spelled the teams for lunch while still dealing with their own resposnsibilities.  And let's not forget Mrs. Deb Boullianne who monitors all of this work while also keeping me in line (no easy task at all).  This group is the face of South County HS operations and I just wanted to ensure everyone  knows who the folks are behind the scenes making this machine churn on every day.  Thank you ladies for your awesome efforts! #Family 

Flipping to a couple of management issues, I am struggling with having to make a decision about our students being able to eat outside.  On one hand we have opened our campus up to allow our students to be able to be in a more spacious environment.  This was truly needed in the beginning of the year with the pandemic in full swing.  On the other hand, as a result of this decision and accommodation, we have been seeing a ton of trash in the areas where students are eating even though we have supplied a number of trash cans for students to use.  Not to mention that our neighbors in the Spring Hill community are complaining abut some of that trash finding its way over to their property.  I am asking that you have a conversation with your children about this because if I don’t see a change this coming week, I am going to have to close off access to eating outside and limit it to the tent we provided.  It has just created a huge burden for our custodial staff members and I have to protect that group considering all the other responsibilities they have in our building.

You may have heard the horrible rumor that was going around last week about our choral department not allowing a certain group of students to participate in the singing of a particular song based on race.  First let me reiterate that it was completely a horrible rumor.  While I was confident from the beginning that this wasn’t true, I did have to run this down to ensure that the information I was sharing back to you was accurate.  I just wanted to make sure that you all knew that while I can’t control some things, your children are in a safe space and our teachers work diligently to provide an inclusive environment every day.  And even in the event we had a problem with someone not working in that vein, I will work tirelessly to correct that issue. 

Looking toward next year, our awesome library staff continues to ensure that our resources and wealth of knowledge around research for projects and such are used to the highest levels and as a result, they find themselves a little stretched at times.  This being the case, they have asked me to share that if you would like to volunteer your time to help out in the library to please feel free to reach out to either Ms. Emily Strong (erstrong@fcps.edu) or Ms. Ronielle Romney (rromney@fcps.edu) for more information.  We truly welcome volunteer support if it can lead to an expansion of the services we can provide to our students.  I thank you in advance for any assistance you are willing to provide. 

Please continue to have your children mine their spaces for items that will need to be turned in at the end of the year.  While we are only in April, the end of the year will be here before we know it and we want to be able to close out efficiently.  For our seniors, we want to ensure that your students don’t have any outstanding fines to take care of that could impact participation in graduation.  I want our day at Eagle Bank Arena to include every student who is supposed to be there.  Students may stop by the finance office in the main office to check on balances or items owed at any time. 

Well I am going to cut things off here and wish you a safe and restful remainder to the weekend.  While it isn’t as warm as it was yesterday, it is a beautiful day.  Get out and get some of that much needed Vitamin D if you are able to!  Happy Easter to everyone and thank you once again for affording me this awesome opportunity to serve you and your children!  Until next week, take care and continue to be safe!  #OneStallion

Gary


April is Month of the Military Child

Purple Up!

Since 1986, April has be designated as the Month of the Military Child; a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experiences of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas. The South County family has a large population of students who are the children of active duty, retired and guard or reserve members.  We will be celebrating and recognizing these students during the next two weeks.  Wednesday, April 20th and Wednesday, April 27th will both be “PURPLE UP” Days.  We encourage all students and staff to dress in purple, a color that represents resiliency as well as a combination of the colors of all our military service branches, to show your support of our military community.  Military connected students will also be recognized with some tasty treats at events sponsored by our wonderful PTSO on Friday, April 22nd and Wednesday, April 27th


Military Child


Testing Corner

The Testing Office is in need of parent volunteers to help support Advanced Placement (AP) Testing from May 2 through May 17.  Volunteers would support the Student Services staff in checking in students, distributing tests, and supporting test security during the exams.  To avoid conflicts of interest, we ask that parents do not volunteer during their own student’s exam.  Please go to the Sign-Up Genius linked below to volunteer:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4FABA82FA0FE3-advanced

 

If you have any additional questions, please contact Chris Bird, AP Test Coordinator, and cwbird@fcps.edu or at 703-446-1643.

 

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.

   


Mama Mia

The SCHS Theatre Arts Department

is proud to present their spring musical,

Mamma Mia!

On a small Greek island, Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding — one which includes her father giving her away. The problem? Sophie doesn’t know who he is! Her mother, Donna, the former lead singer of the 1970s pop group Donna and the Dynamos, refuses to talk about the past, so Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands. Sneaking a peek in her mother’s old diaries, she discovers three possible fathers: Sam, Bill, and Harry. She secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced that she’ll know her father when she sees him. But when all three turn up, it may not be as clear as she thought! Told through the legendary music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! such as Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, and the classic Mamma Mia!, this musical has become a worldwide sensation that has audiences everywhere dancing. Please be aware this show contains mature themes. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Performances are on May 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 7 pm and tickets are $15.

Tickets can be purchased at schstheatre.com or directly at this link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15597/.

If you have any questions, please reach out to

Molly Rumberger, SCHS Theatre Arts Director,

at mdrumberger@fcps.edu. 

  


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

 

Applications are due April 22nd!

 

Any questions, please reach out to Jeanne Ludwig at JaLudy2@gmail.com.

 

 

Lorton Spring Fling!

 

Need to get your Mother’s Day shopping done? Come out next Saturday for the 1st Annual Lorton Spring Fling presented by the South County PTSO. More than 80 vendors will have their handcrafted wares for sale. We’ve got gifts for Mom, gifts for Dad and gifts for your graduate! Join us from 9a-2p in the bus parking lot (Rain date is Sunday April 24). Face painting by the SCHS Theatre Boosters and games for the kids. Food Trucks, Silent Auction and More! Proceeds benefit the PTSO.

Help is needed with vendor setup, parking, concessions, Silent Auction and the Kids’ Zone.

Service hours are available for high school students.

Please click here to volunteer.

 

We are still seeking gift card donations for this event! Would you please consider donating gift cards of any denomination between $5 - $25 to support our fundraising efforts at the craft show? Gift cards may be dropped off at the front office in an envelope labeled "PTSO." To donate gift cards, please click here.

 

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 Bivins". 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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

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 23                      Prom

May 30                       Memorial Day

June 6                        Graduation  2pm  Eagle Bank Arena/Early Release 

June 10                      Last Day of School/Early Release