Weekly News From South County High School



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Important Upcoming Dates

 

  • Feb 20: Presidents' Day/Student /Teacher Holiday-Schools closed
  • Feb 22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
  • Feb 27- Mar 3: Public Schools Week
  • Mar 2: 2-Hour Early Release
  • Mar 3: Student Holiday/School Planning Day
  • Mar 3- 4-8pm: Panera Fundraiser- Class of 2024
  • Mar 15-4-8pm: Panera Fundraiser support All Night Grad Party (ANGP) 
  • April 3-April 7: Spring Break
  • April 13: End of 3rd Quarter-2 Hour Early Release 
  • April 14: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday/Orthodox Good Friday
  • April 21: Eid al Fitr/Student/Teacher Holiday-Schools closed


Message from Dr. Khoshaba


Greetings, SoCo Nation!

 

It certainly didn't feel like Winter this week, as we enjoyed 50 and 60 degree whether many days. As the weather heated up outside, we had several events that left us feeling "warm and fuzzy!"

Valentine's Day started our week, and love and appreciation were certainly in the air! Thank you to our SGA for sponsoring the flower sale, with personal deliveries made to classes on Monday. I saw so many happy faces as Stallions were carrying their flowers out of school during dismissal. 

We also celebrated our School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on Wednesday. Everyone agrees that we are fortunate to have such a friendly and caring SRO in Officer Cottom. If you haven't already done so, please thank him for his service to our school community.

Lastly, this week is School Board Appreciation Week. This body of individuals has a dedication to serving all students in FCPS, and we appreciate their positive attitudes and support. Our Board members for the SoCo pyramid are Laura Jane Cohen and Karen Corbett Sanders, so please be sure to thank them for their service when you have the opportunity. 

school board

Have a restful weekend, and enjoy President's Day this Monday (Feb. 20).

 

Kambar

#OneStallion



As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

president day


er

EARLY RELEASE PROCEDURES


  • Report early dismissal by contacting our attendance line at 703-446-1625 OPTION 3 or email us at southcountyhigh.attendance@fcps.edu. By doing this allows our attendance personnel to ensure your child is ready for pickup when you pull up to the curb. Your student will meet you outside.
  • Prior to 8:10 AM, the student must present a note from the parent or guardian to the Attendance Office to obtain a check-out pass. The note must include the reason for leaving school and a contact number for the person writing the note.  This procedure allows your child to be ready and waiting for you at the designated time and minimizes interruptions during instructional time.

  • If the student does not have a note, then the parent or guardian must call the attendance office prior to 8:10 AM. Please give as much notice as possible. Unscheduled early releases may take up to 15 minutes to have the student dismissed. 
  • Students must check out at the Attendance Office when leaving school and must check back in at the Attendance Office upon their return.  
  • Students who leave school without checking out properly will be marked unexcused and may face disciplinary action.  
  • Students must contact all teachers for any classes to be missed.


seniors

Please return any textbooks or books from English class from prior years to the Finance Office, not this year’s teachers. Please check in MySchoolBucks for any unpaid course fees from this or the prior year. If there is a chance you owe the library a book, check with the library.

Senior Dues should be paid directly to the Senior Sponsors, before or after school. If the notice says you have a lost laptop, check with the Tech Office. If your senior does not receive a notice, they can ask their advisory teacher, but they need to check MSB and the library on their own.  All debts need to be cleared prior to Spring Break.  

On March, 9th Finance will be in attendance at the mandatory Senior Meeting, if students want to bring cash or check. 

All debts will need to be resolved prior to purchasing a prom ticket and receiving their cap and gown for graduation.

Please note: Library books are in a separate system than other school finance obligations. Print notices for overdue library books and fines for library books that haven’t been returned by Seniors will be distributed in May. Please have your student(s) continue to check their FCPS Gmail on Monday mornings for overdue library reminder emails.”



yearbook

 

Don't wait!

 

Order your copy of 2022-2023 Yearbook here



Fundraiser Class of 2024


20 % of sales will benefit South County High School. 

When: March 3, 2023 from 4:00-8:00pm.

Where: 9402 Lorton Market Street.

In Cafe - Drive-Thru - Pick-up - Delivery

Enter promo code: FUND4U at online checkout. 

 

panera


99 Pledges Fundraiser


South County High School Band Program is hosting a fundraiser 100% online-there are no products to buy, so every dollar you give is put right back into our program. Please consider donating and sharing this to support your favorite band!

To donate, click this link https://app.99pledges.com/fund/southcount8

Donors can either search for an individual band student in the search box or click on the “donate to main fundraiser page” link just under it.  

nad fundraising


FAFSA Help


2023-24 College Financial Aid Forms Are Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help

It’s time for high school seniors and their families to complete college financial aid forms. Most colleges require that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be completed by Wednesday, March 1, to receive the maximum financial aid possible in fall 2023. Some schools have even earlier priority deadlines, so check the individual college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and specific forms to complete. To begin the FAFSA, you will need to create a FSA ID

A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA; the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website for help in determining which aid option is right for you.

There are several College Access Fairfax recordings, virtual workshops, and resources available for viewing College Access Fairfax website. College Access Fairfax’s Financial Aid Champions also provide help completing the financial aid forms. To request a one-on-one appointment, please email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org.

Families can also contact their high school's college and career specialist or school counselor if they need additional help.  



love

Healthy Relationships With People and Substances



Relationships are important components in the development of living a fulfilling life. Valentine’s Day occurs in the month of February, causing a frenzy of purchases planning between loved ones to show appreciation and love. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is difficult but vital for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Healthy relationships are a factor in helping people maintain sobriety (Addiction Center). Bonds and companionship provide emotional support and are effective in increasing health and wellbeing. Emotional support decreases fears and helps people to thrive. There is value in healthy relationships. Healthy relationships help decrease the chances of people struggling with addictions from engaging in toxic attachments that create feelings of frustration, stress, and conflict. Negative attachments can bring out the worst in people and create feelings that can lead to increased use of alcohol and substance misuse and abuse. Positive relationships encourage growth, comfort, and the creation of emotional bonds that provide feelings of joy and support. Open communication and commitment are two of the best ways to foster the ideal type of relationships most people strive for.


Common values to develop in healthy relationships include:
● honesty
● reciprocity
● eff ort
● respect
● safety & security
● laughter
● acceptance
● healthy boundaries
● unconditional love
● friendship
● non-judgmental
As the world celebrates love, it is important to do our part in the creation of positive partnerships, social circles, and healthy connections. Encourage the support and inspiration of those that may be silently vulnerable and struggling to feel safe.
Resources:
Healthy Relationships
Substance Abuse &
Intimate Relationships
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.

For Further Information & Support
Catric W. Marshall, MSMHC., LRIC., CCC
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu

lv


difficult conversations


SAVE THE DATE


The Junior/Senior Prom will be held on May 20 from 8-11 pm at Westwood Country Club.  

There will be more information coming shortly!    

prom


 PTSO 


Achievement Based Scholarships

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://docs.google.com/document/d/13PXBilYuk-_fmKHSLgu5rcRi-c3D5TQ0/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=114760438917808724109&rtpof=true&sd=true 

 

Any questions, please reach out to Simmy Yau at scholarship@southcountyptso.org.

 



  Tickets for All Night Grad Party (ANGP) increase March 1st!  


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 to $60.  Get your ticket now!

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.



Panera Fundraiser 3/15   4-8pm – Help support All Night Grad Party (ANGP)   



Congratulate your South County Class of 2023 Grad with a LAWN SIGN!!! 



All proceeds benefit the Class of 2023 All Night Grad Party AKA The Final Stampede.

Order must be placed (ONLINE ONLY) by May 1, 2023.

Signs will be available for pickup at South County High School the week of May 15, 2023 (info will be sent out to those who purchased in May)

 

class 2023

2023

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.     



ATHLETICS


 

spring tryouts

 

Online Registration (click here)

Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.


Spring Tryout Information Dates/Times/Location:

 

tryout

The spring track team will include both a JV (Freshmen and Sophomores only) and Varsity roster consisting of around 40 athletes overall for distance, sprint, and field events. 

The Varsity roster will include athletes whose performance comes close to or exceeds the district standards.

Cuts: The team will make cuts based on the performance of the student during tryouts.



VSBA School Board Appreciation Month


Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year: hiring and evaluating the superintendent; reviewing and approving the FCPS budget, calendar, policies, and more! Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.



CTE

 

February Is Career and Technical Education Month


By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the CTE website

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!



connector bus

 

Did you know we have a Free Student Bus Pass program for all Middle and High school aged students in collaboration with Fairfax Connector and Cue? 



black history month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.  Learn more about Black History month.



Athletic All-Access Pass



If you are interested in purchasing a South County Athletics All-Access Pass please click on the link below.

SoCo Athletics All-Access Pass

If you have questions, reach out to our Marvin Wooten at mlwooten@fcps.edu

Pass


Important SoCo and FCPS Resources



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