Important Upcoming Dates
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Dec 19 - Jan 2: Winter Break (School and Offices will be closed)
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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,
As the holiday season is upon us, I hope all of you have the chance to spend time with your loved ones. It's been a true pleasure meeting and getting to know so many of you, and I look forward to continuing to do so in 2023.
On behalf of our school family, we wish you a very safe and enjoyable Winter Break.
Have a great weekend.
Kambar
#OneStallion
Outstanding Employee award winners 2022-2023
It's a great pleasure to announce South County High School's Outstanding Employees award winners for 2022-2023.
Each of these marvelous staff members were recognized for positive impact as collaborative team members and ensuring students progress, among other great things they do here every day.
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Outstanding Teacher: Susan Baker
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Outstanding New Teacher: Lucy Blesi
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Outstanding School Leader: Claudia Pirouzan-Jones
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Outstanding Professional Employee: Michelle Gunderman
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Outstanding Operational Staff: Brandon Cameron
We are so grateful for each and every staff member here at South County! Thanks to everyone who summitted nomination in support of the outstanding work taking place this year.
Yearbook discount
Don't wait! Order your copy of 2022-2023 Yearbook here!
We have the following discounts starting 12/16/2022 through 12/31.
WINTER22 - $10 off the yearbook
SENIOR22 - 10% off any size ad
YEARBOOK DISCOUNT
As a reminder, winter break will be held December 19 to January 2. The school and offices will be closed during this break.
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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🕎 Happy Chanukah to all in our community who celebrate! This Festival of Lights is an 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple, and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple's menorah for 8 days. #OurFCPS
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🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus, and is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world. #OurFCPS
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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
High School Academy Open Houses
FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January.
A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.
Learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses
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 Testimonials
Are you wondering what experience other FCPS families have had with Tutor.com? Read some comments below:
- “As a parent, I logged in for the first time to see what my student could expect here. The tutor I chatted with was very helpful with my questions and gave me some great tips to try with my child. Next time, I will log in with my child and hopefully match with a tutor that will help him realize learning can be done in different ways.” -Elementary school parent
- “My child used tutor.com last night and said her math tutor was EXCELLENT. She was happy and so now I'm happy, too, as she's been grinding it out solo in the hardest math.” -High school parent
Unless they have 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.
Give Your Student the Gift of Education
We recognize that holidays are an important time to reconnect with family and expose children to their heritage and culture, whether they grew up in another part of the United States or a different country. If your family’s holiday plans include extended travel, please remember the impact to your children’s education if they miss too much school. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
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Speed Cameras Target School Zone Safety
On December 6, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to launch a pilot program that will have 10 speed monitoring devices (speed cameras) installed throughout the county. These cameras will be in nine school zones and one construction zone. Thanks to our county partners for helping to improve the safety of our students and staff.
Studies show that speed camera enforcement is effective in improving safety by reducing speeding, accidents, and injuries. Read more about the school zone speed camera pilot program.
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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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