Important Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
Nov 21-22- 5:30-8:45pm- Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Silverbox Theatre
Nov 22- Fairfax County Youth Survey for 10th & 12th grade students
Nov 23-25: Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)
Dec 6- Last Date Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits
Dec 9 - Deadline Senior Ads in Winter Sports Program
Dec 19- Jan 2: Winter Break
Jan 16: Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday- Student/Teacher Holiday
Jan 26: Staff Development Day- Student Holiday
Jan 27: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
I had an ultra-positive time with our leadership class students at the Illuminate conference in DC this past weekend (Nov. 12 and 13). All of these very talented young leaders were active contributors to setting goals for improvement our school’s culture. Their focus was on improving the inclusivity of activities for all students, as well as address the mental health status of students. More information will be coming soon, but I just want to give a special shout-out to Kathy, Sarya, Sharli, Melisa, and Billie.
For student drop-offs, we have significantly less traffic before 7:55. Our heaviest traffic is from 7:55-8:05. To avoid the congestion, please try to arrive before 7:55.
Congratulations to our Orchestra for having a great concert on Tuesday, followed by their VMEA performance on Thursday. We’re super proud of your talents!
FCPS is encouraging all schools to facilitate classroom lessons that align with the Portrait of a Graduate model. Many of our teachers are facilitating fantastic lessons in their classes that address this model, and I had the pleasure of seeing one conducted first-hand this week. Mr. Haynes’ students worked in groups to illustrate the many details of ancient civilizations. All of the presentations were professionally delivered, had a wealth of details, and used creativity with the graphs and pictures that were embedded. I’m very proud of their efforts and outcomes!
She Kills Monsters theater production was outstanding! I attended Thursday night and was most impressed with our Stallions' acting abilities, stage decor, and volunteerism of the families who assisted. Big Kudos go out to Mrs. Rumberger and her cast for one of the most timely and enjoyable productions I've seen in recent memory!
Thank you to Coach Anderson and the wrestling team for allowing me to join them for a practice on Thursday after school. We have a great team of athletes, and having the chance to lace up wrestling shoes again brings back great memories of my own matches and coaching career. I'm looking forward to joining the team in the coming weeks and months. I was especially impressed with how athletically talented our wrestlers are. While they have unique gifts, they equally worked hard, were respectful of their coaches, and were supportive of each other. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Finally, on Nov. 21 Hidden in Plain Sight we are pleased to host the Fairfax County Police Department to present Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) to our families. This event will take place in the Silverbox Theatre and will run approximately from 5:30pm - 8:45pm.
The purpose of the program is to educate parents on current trends and signs of risky behavior. The following behaviors will be included:
- Alcohol Use
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drugs
- Over the Counter Drugs
- Illicit Drugs
- Mental Health Concerns
- Sexual Behavior
- Other Risky Behaviors
An interactive exhibit will be set up for families to peruse, followed by a presentation and discussion. Please see the attached flyer for more information. This presentation is for adults only.
Have a great weekend.
Kambar
#OneStallion
SCHS Outstanding Employee Nominations
Nominations will be/are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a South County High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.) All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. Please submit your nominations by 12/2/22!
Tutor.com
For students who want extra help with their classes, please remember this resource:
Did you know? Students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback. Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet the needs of the student from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers. Learn more at FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.
We are mailing home a pre-printed copy of your student’s emergency care card with the information we currently have in SIS. It is of the utmost importance to the safety of your student that this information is as up to date as possible. Please carefully review the information as it appears on the pre-printed form to see if any corrections need to be made.
Corrections can be made through your SIS ParentVue account using the weCare@school link. You can visit https://www.fcps.edu/resources/parent-communication-overview/wecareschool for further information on how to update your student’s emergency care information electronically.
If you do not have a SIS ParentVue account, you can make changes directly on the pre-printed form and return it to the South County High School main office.
Please make any necessary corrections by December 1st, 2022.
If you would like to set up a SIS ParentVue account, please visit https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/parent/ and fill out the parent support request form. Once your request is received, someone from the school will reach out to you with the information you will need to set up your account.
The Fairfax County Youth Survey will be given to all 10th & 12th grade students during Advisory on November 22, 2022. See the attached letter for more information. Use the link to access the letter in another language. A paper copy is available upon request.
If you wish to opt your child(ren) out of the survey, please complete the form and return it to Ms. Turner at rturner@fcps.edu.
Post-Thanksgiving COVID Diagnostic Testing
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county November 28-30 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
FCPS Strategic Planning
Opportunities to Participate in the Strategic Planning Process FCPS is offering a number of opportunities for parents/caregivers to be involved in the Strategic Planning process! Check out two immediate options below:
Nominate Yourself or Someone Else for the Family Team
We are currently seeking nominations for parents/caregivers who are interested in contributing to Strategic Plan development as part of the Family Team. This team will represent the rich diversity of families that make up FCPS’ community, and will focus on identifying engagement and outreach practices that will improve our partnerships with families.
If you are interested in being part of the Family Team or would like to nominate someone else, please fill out this form by Tuesday, November 22.
Be a Key Communicator!
If you are a member of a community organization or group, consider signing up to be a key communicator during the strategic planning process. FCPS key communicators are active members of the community who people turn to for information, and have an interest in sharing information about the school division and encouraging involvement. If this describes you or someone you know, please get the details and complete this form by Monday, November 28.
Students in Need of Coats?
Mrs. Kanamori, our Family Liaison, has winter coats in all sizes from S- XL for our students. If you know of a student in need, please send them to Student Services or contact Mrs. Kanamori at 703-446-1640.
|
Calling all SOCO Junior & Sophomore Parents!
For: Help with the 2023 All Night Grad Party (ANGP)
When: Monthly meeting - next meeting is November 28th (virtual meeting) and December 7th (in-person at SCHS library)
Why: Come to the meeting to learn about the ANGP, help our senior class, and get a head start for your senior year!
Let’s do this for our kids!
Senior Ads in Winter Sports Program
Celebrate your Senior participating in Basketball, Dance, Gymnastics, Indoor Track, Swim & Dive, and Wrestling with a Senior Ad in the Winter Sports Program! The deadline is December 9, 2022! Please contact Elena Jordon at elenajordon@gmail.com or 703-302-0197 for more information.
Senior Ad Form Winter 2022
Tickets for All Night Grad Party (ANGP)
are on sale!
The night is meant to celebrate your student and their fellow classmates in a fun and positive environment. We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2023 at the All Night Grad Party!
Theme: Final Stampede
Date: Friday, 9 June
Location: St. James Sports Complex (Springfield)
$50 per child – prices go up next month
Follow the link to purchase a ticket, sign the waiver, and emergency contact form: https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/24432443
The following registration information MUST be completed and agreed to by a parent/guardian. This waiver and the purchase of a ticket allows entrance into the South County All Night Grad Party.
The ANGP is needs volunteers to make this a successful event for the students. Please use the link to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0545aea723a3f58-2023
Dear Parents and Rising Seniors Class of 2023:
Victor O’Neill Studios is our official school photographer, they are excited to see you on December 6th, 2022 for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits.
**This is the final date for senior portraits at the school**
The attire for the school’s yearbook pose will be in the traditional Tuxedos and Drapes. We will provide the Tuxedo and Drapes. In addition to the yearbook session we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits. Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time.
https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/SouthCounty2023
If you have any questions please email : seniors@vosphoto.com
(please reference school name)
Thank you!
Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is an IN-PERSON interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, mental health concerns, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors and more.
This is a hands-on learning adventure for
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ONLY! We guide you through a presentation that opens your eyes to what is right in front of you. This program begins with a setup of a teenager’s bedroom which includes close to 100 “red flags” that indicate risky behavior. Parents are encouraged to touch everything and identify our red flags. Times have changed since we were teenagers… do you think you can find them?
Presented by: PFC Meg Hawkins
Nov 21 & 22
5:30 PM Review Teenage Bedroom
6:30 PM Presentation
South County HS- Silverbox Theatre
Please Register for Free using these links:
Link for November 21 -
https://bit.ly/hipsoco1121
Link for November 22 - https://bit.ly/hipsoco1122
|
See Attached Flyer
See Attached Flyer
Hello! We hope you are all enjoying the sunny weather this week!
As a Parent Teacher (Staff) Student Organization (PTSO), one of the questions we are asked is, “what do my membership dues pay for?” Membership dues, one of our biggest sources of financial support, are used to support a wide variety of South County High School programs to include the Welcome Back Breakfast and Staff Appreciation lunch for teachers and staff, the Honor Roll program, Classroom and Club Support, Scholarships, Science Fair and so much more! Would you please consider joining and being part of a team that supports our Stallion family?
We are also looking for committee chairs. Please click on the links below. We appreciate your support.
PTSO Membership:
Committee Chair Sign Up:
National Family Engagement Month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. More than 35 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in the education of their child. Strong parental and family support is vital to the well-being and success of students. FCPS has many resources for families designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
The national standards for family-school partnerships include welcoming all families, communicating effectively, supporting student success, speaking up for every child, sharing power, and collaborating with the community.
The following resources are available to all FCPS families. Visit the links below to learn more about workshops and classes for families, digital and printable resources for early childhood, mental health, military families, special education, multilingual and wellness topics.
Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
|
Family Liaisons
Did you know that every school has a family liaison? Family liaisons will welcome and orient families who are new to the school and community, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can also help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit the Family Liaison webpage for a list of region representatives.
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
|
Graduation Date!
Class of 2023, please save the date for graduation! We are excited to celebrate our senior class on Friday, June 9, 9:30am at Eagle Bank Arena. At various times throughout the year, we will send out senior newsletters with a great deal of information. The first one will come out in October.
|
Athletic All-Access Pass
Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
Quick Links
|
