Important Upcoming Dates
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Dec 13 (6:00pm): Tiny Tots concert (Auditorium)
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Dec 19 - Jan 2: Winter Break
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Jan 16: Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday- Student/Teacher Holiday
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Jan 26: Staff Development Day- Student Holiday
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Jan 27: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings SoCo family,
On behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. There are times when we get so busy preparing for the holidays that we forget to actually ENJOY the holiday itself, so I hope all of you are able to stop, take a breath, and enjoy the gifts in your life.
Speaking of gifts, we have a TON of celebrations to recognize. Last Saturday I enjoyed attending the largest Craft Show that I've ever seen! Our PTSO put on a Show like none other! The gym, cafeteria, and hallways were packed with great crafts and gift ideas for the holiday season. Way to go, Stallions! It was a blast!
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of traveling to George Mason University to watch our Stallions from the Guitar program play on center stage. Not only did they perform beautifully, but they also had the opportunity to play alongside the GMU students as well! What an honor!
I want to give a big shout out to our Marketing students, who did a wonderful job with marketing and selling holiday items. Gifts like hot cocoa, mini winter trees, and fuzzy socks were on full display. Our Marketing program is second to none, so if your student has a chance to sign up for classes in that program next year, you won't be disappointed!
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The National Honor Society, under the leadership of Mrs. Ohlmeyer and Mrs. Smith, had an incredible induction ceremony Tuesday night. More than 200 students joined our chapter that evening, which was as impressive as these students' transcripts! What I most enjoyed was reading the "interesting facts" that students wanted to share about themselves, which were displayed on the screen as each student entered the stage to receive their certificate and pin. What a great way to personalize this ceremony! After the event, I was honored when students asked me to take pictures with them. I couldn't be any prouder of our Stallions!
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I'm hoping that everyone in our community has a chance to celebrate the holidays in whatever way you enjoy. For me, music always gets me in the right mood. With that in mind, I was looking forward to this past Thursday's Orchestra concert. What I wasn't prepared for was how entertaining the concert would be! Not only were our orchestra students phenomenal with their musical talent, but Mrs. Swift was able to coordinate songs being played with the current 8th grade Orchestra students, as well as featuring songs with our Chorus and Band programs. It was truly a special night, and my hat goes off to all of the students, parents, and staff who worked together to make this night happen. Bravo!
Lastly, from our Family Liaison, Mrs. Kanamori, if you need any holiday assistance, please reach out to her at 703-446-1640 or by email at eekanamori@fcps.edu by December 12th 2022.
Si Usted necesita algún tipo de asistencia en estas Navidades. Por favor contáctese con nuestro Enlace de Familias la Sra. Erika Kanamori al 703-446-1640 o por email al eekanamori@fcps.edu hasta el 12 de Diciembre del 2022.
Have a great weekend.
Kambar
#OneStallion
Attendance
Due to our high volume of absences during the holiday season, we would like to encourage our families to submit any absence, early dismissal, and/or late arrival no later than Wednesday Dec 21, 2022 by 2:00pm.
Requests submitted after Wednesday Dec 21, 2022 may delay early dismissal.
We highly encourage our families to submit these requests as soon as possible.
You may report attendance by:
Calling our attendance line: 703-446-1625
Option 1- All Day Absence
Option 2- Late Arrival
Option 3- Early Release
or Email: SouthCountyHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu
Note: Messages are checked constantly throughout the day. Please know that our phone lines/emails will be extremely backed up and you may get the automatic robo call since we will not be able to get everything put in before 9am when that call goes out. However, be assured, we will get them put in the system as fast as we possibly can. Please DO NOT call/email again if you know you have already done so.
As a reminder, winter break will be held December 19 to January 2. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.
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Come watch band, orchestra, theatre, and guitar perform in the annual Tiny Tots concert! This concert features several holiday and Disney classics that both children and adults will enjoy! The concert is on Tuesday, December 13th at 6 pm in the auditorium and doors will open at 5:50 pm. Tickets are $5 and will only be available for purchase at the door. If you have any questions, please reach out to Marci Swift, the Performing Arts Chair; MLswift@fcps.edu.
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
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).
FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.
COVID Diagnostic Testing in January
Mark your calendars! COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county January 3-5 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.
Tutor.com
FCPS students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback:
- “This tutor was very helpful! She didn't tell me the answers. When needed, she helped me solve them! She was very kind and she really helped me!” –Elementary Math Student
- “This was an awesome tutor! She explained why I needed to do specific steps, and she gave me practice problems! Best tutor I have had!” –IB Chemistry Student
Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet students’ needs from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.
Learn more on FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
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A Community Conversation on ESSER will be hosted on Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be hybrid, offered both on Zoom or in-person at the Gatehouse Administration Building in the café. All are welcome. Please register to attend.
Watch the video above to see how Poe Middle School used funds to support positive behavior interventions, and how fun and games support values of respect, accountability, and positivity.
Learn more about the ESSER III grant.
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffers from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary respite from reality and everyday life. They can enhance pleasure and decrease inhibitions and anxiety. Drug use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage situations or stress levels. Not all coping mechanisms are maladaptive or destructive; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
For Additional Information & Support:
Catric Marshall, MS., LRIC., CCC
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Email: cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu
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.
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Athletic All-Access Pass
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.
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Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
Quick Links
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